Thanks to our favorite show the “Jersey Shore,” the reputation of New Jersey has been utterly wounded and misrepresented. If you’re not from the Garden State, your knowledge of it likely goes something like this: it’s all Italians, everyone has that distinct “Jersey accent” that sounds something like a crossover between a Philly/Brooklyn accent, and it’s filled with the guidos and guidettes seen on the Jersey Shore. But I’d like to take this opportunity to set the standard straight and revive my beloved state’s reputation.

First off, the majority of the cast of the Jersey Shore are from New York, Staten Island, in particular. The typical Staten Island persona is what you see on the show. While you do get some of those personas in Jersey, the majority of the population is just not like that. I promise you. Most people don’t even have an accent. At least everyone I know.

Moreover, the Jersey Shore is more than just Seaside Heights which is where the show is based. There are so many different places as you move down the shore into Long Beach Island where you’ll find surfers, non-guido people (nothing against the guidos), and just down to earth and normal Jerseyians. If you limit yourself to believing that all of the Shore is like Seaside Heights, which is an overpopulated/touristy environment, you are seriously missing out.

I promise you if you visit places like Sea Girt, Cape May, and the like, you will get lost in the serenity and beauty of its sight. Our boardwalks are seriously killer and an absolute must when visiting the beaches of NJ. Along with the beautiful beaches, New Jersey is known for its tomatoes and blueberries, which I can say from countless experiences are worth every penny. Even more than that; our bagels, pizza, and Taylor Ham sandwiches are TO DIE FOR. There is nowhere else on this planet that I have yet to find a better one of any of these delicacies.

If that hasn’t made your mouth water yet, New Jersey was also ranked second nationally in education in 2017, which I just have to say is pretty darn impressive. And even better, we have remained at the top for years.

I also might add, that we are home to former Gov. Chris Christie, who has been the center of many popular memes seen all over the world. Yeah, those memes you love to mock so much? That all-star is from Jersey! Again, pretty darn impressive.

One last fact that needs no further explanation, we gave you Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Whitney Houston, Frank Sinatra and many more of the greats.

So, the next time someone tells you they’re from New Jersey, I hope that now you’ll feel a sense of envy rather than pity. I assure you, as much as they may deny it, all native New Jerseyians will always have a place in their hearts for their home state.