Throughout high school all I could think about was leaving for college and going somewhere far, far away from Long Island. Well, after spending a year in the middle of Pennsylvania, I have come to realize how much I love living on Long Island. There is nothing more comforting than finding people in college who are from Long Island because you can instantly connect (insert a super long game of Jewish geography here). Nothing beats the view of crossing the George Washington Bridge and seeing the view of New York City... that’s when you know you’re home.

The number one thing that I miss about Long Island is driving everywhere and knowing exactly how long the drive will take me. For all the Nassau County locals out there, you know that it takes 15 minutes to Massapequa, 20 minutes to Plainview, 25 minutes to Long Beach, and 40 minutes to Dix Hills. You also can name each road, highway, and parkway that it takes to get to your destination. It often sounds like we’re from California since we map out each drive. For example, you can take Merrick Road to the Seaford Oyster Bay (North 135) and get off at Exit 10 on Old Country Road and take that down to I-495 and continue until Exit 51 in Dix Hills. Sound confusing? No, to Long Islanders this drive is just a typical day.

You can’t forget about the food on Long Island! Known for the best bagels and pizza, I spend the majority of my money, time, and eating at La Piazza, Umberto’s, Stella’s, Town Bagel, or Bagel Café. If you’re in desperate need of coffee and a bacon, egg, and cheese, you can go to John Moore’s Deli. I have the biggest sweet tooth, so you can catch me at Ralph’s Italian Ices, The Cup, or Marvel. The most recommended place for dessert is probably Marvel because it has the most delicious ice cream and it’s right by the Long Beach Boardwalk so you can take the ice cream to go. Or you can pop open your trunk and enjoy your ice cream in the parking lot with friends and family.

There are also many fun things to do throughout the year. You can walk the boardwalk at the beach at any time during the year, which I love. There are plenty of places to shop and you’re never too far from the Roosevelt Field Mall or the Walt Whitman Mall. During the summer there are not only awesome concerts at the Jones Beach Nikon Theater, but there is also tailgating in the parking lot, which is a lot of fun, too. From Nassau County, it’s about an hour drive to the Hamptons, and another hour to Montauk for a weekend getaway. Did I also mention that it’s a 50 minute train ride into New York City? Long Islanders get the best of both worlds with the beach and the city. It’s the perfect living situation.

The best part about coming home is seeing my friends and family. I love coming back home to a place that is familiar and comforting. It’s tough being far away from home, but I know that I’m lucky for getting to meet so many students from other states and countries. I love being a "LawnGuyLander" and my heart will forever remain in the 516.