I love California. I'm proud of being a Californian. I've spent the last 18 years surrounded by mountains, beaches, In n Out, Disneyland, and using the word "hella". But it's time for a change of scenery.
In a few days, I'll be moving 2,850 miles away across the entire continental United States. I have a lot of things to look forward to in my new state of Pennsylvania, one, in particular, is very exciting-- FOUR SEASONS(no not the hotel chain, the weather type). Five-hour plane flights, a change in time zone, and the beginning of four years of adventures and new beginnings at Villanova University await me. However, I'm a California girl at heart, so here are a few things I'm going to miss from the wonderful Golden State.
1. Rolling Hills
I know this isn't California's star quality, but wow does California have some beautiful hills. Seeing them change form bright green to golden brown is a welcomed sight in Northern California. Come to Clayton, you'll know you're home when you see the hills.
2. In n Out
Double Double. Crispy Fries. Chocolate Shake. Need I say more.
3. NorCal
As a NorCal native who lives only 45 minutes driving distance from San Francisco, I'm going to miss being located in the center of it. From beaches in Santa Cruz to ski slopes in Lake Tahoe, I'll miss the variety of the great (and better) Northern California.
4. Hella
It's a popular word here and it has become a recurring word in my vocabulary. I am a little scared that its use hasn't spread to states on the East.
5. The People
I've been blessed to grow up in such a diverse state. I'm proud to be a blue state, but I'm more proud to live in an area with political, racial, ethnic, and religious diversity. In my eyes, California epitomizes the American Dream. I'm proud to have grown up living that Dream.
I'm ready to leave, ready to find out what makes Pennsylvania and quite frankly everywhere else, special. Thank you to California for being my very first beginning.
xoxo bay area proud