To my fellow New Jerseyans who chose not to stay in state,
We are all in this together. I'll start off by saying that it is most definitely true when people say, "No one understands Jersey like Jersey understands Jersey." This especially became clear when I arrived at WVU in August. I felt as though I was a lost puppy in a sea of dogs who just did not understand me, my lingo, or my love for "home" food. Over my first few months here at school, I've realized a few things that only New Jersey kids understand.
"Why WVU?" or my personal favorite, "You're six hours from home?!"
People think you're insane -- that is, until you tell them it's cheaper for you to be an out of state student than it is to stay in state. Then, they think New Jersey is insane. I can't blame them though, we are a rare bunch. You find yourself having this same exact conversation with every new person you introduce yourself to. Everyone wants to know why you are where you are.
"So, like, is the show actually how New Jersey is?"
No, no, no, no, no and no. If you are anywhere besides from Seaside Heights, New Jersey as a state it is nothing like "The Jersey Shore" makes it out to be. There are not little Snookis running around, there are not "Juice Heads" everywhere you look, and we most definitely do not use the acronym "GTL" to describe our daily routine. There is more to do in a day than just Gym, Tan, and Laundry.
"Pizza and bagels are the same everywhere, stop talking about them."
Let me tell you, pizza and bagels from New Jersey are most likely the best pizza and bagels you will ever eat. People at school wonder why I'm always talking about bagels but never eat the bagels that they have in the dining hall. Maybe because they taste like cardboard? You're bound to be asked what makes Jersey food so special. When it comes to answering that question, I struggle to find the words that encompass everything that's heavenly about our food. Just everything. Every single thing about Jersey food will make your mouth water and that's all there really is to it.
"Why are you walking so fast?" and "Wait, don't cross yet. We don't have the walk signal!"
Am I walking fast? Or are you just walking slow? I'm just walking my normal pace, which may be a little faster than you, but that's because I grew up fifteen minutes from New York City. We live a fast-paced life. We don't have time to be distracted by our phones or street signs. You just walk, because if you walk any slower than fast-paced, you can expect comments and shoves from passers-by. As for crossing the street, if there are no cars coming, you might as well cross. New Jersey drivers will not stop to let you cross the street, so you learn to just cross when you have the chance -- whether the sign is telling you to cross or not.
Overall, if you're not from New Jersey, you probably will never fully understand Jersey. But, with that said, if you haven't had the chance to befriend a New Jerseyan, I'd recommend doing so.
