“Where are you from?”

“Vermont.”

“What state is that in?”

The number of times I have been asked this very question would blow your mind.

Although Vermont seems very small and secluded, I am not sure there is any other place that would better suit me. Our state may not be culturally very diverse. We may be stereotyped as hicks, hippies, and rednecks. And there may be more cows than there are people in our population. But Vermont is the place that I call home.

I complain often about growing up in Vermont because it is cold and does not offer me all the opportunities that other state might be able to. Nevertheless is is where I grew up. Nineteen years I spent my every days going to school, going to work, and spending time with family and friends. College was the first time that I lived anywhere but Vermont. My entire world has always been Vermont which is why I am constantly advocating for it’s greatness even when I grumble about it.

When you ask Vermonter’s about their views on the state they live in, you will get very mixed opinions. Those who love Vermont will boast about the skiing opportunities, Ben and Jerry’s, Cabot Creamery, Vermont Maple Syrup, the many beer breweries, and Burton. On the other hand those who do not harvest the same optimistic views about Vermont, complain about the frigid weather, the lack of mega stores and restaurants, and having nothing to do for fun. Vermont definitely has its highlights and its downfalls but there is something that makes it special.

When I say there is something special about Vermont, I should say there are people who make Vermont special. I would be wrong to make the claim that Vermonters are all amazing people because we have a huge heroin epidemic going on right now, however you will find that many Vermonters exemplify valuable qualities. People are constantly traveling to Vermont from all around the world to ski and snowboard or to tour the Ben and Jerry’s factory. When they are describing Vermonters many would be surprised to hear the views they have. We stereotypically have a reputation for being hippies or dumps hicks, which may be true for some. But you will also learn that many individuals are hard-working, selfless, compassionate, dependable, generous, and responsible. When we are described as rednecks and hicks, there are normally negative connotations associated with their stereotype. However, those same people who are described as dumb and reckless are also hardworking and generous.

Defending my home should be taken as me saying we are perfect because all states have their flaws, but each state exemplifies beauty as well. I am proud to say that I am a Vermonter because I strongly believe it is a beautiful state both figuratively and literally. Vermont has some of the nicest scenery during both the fall and the winter, but also produces some of the greatest people as well.

Home is where the heart is, and my heart lies in the good ole 802.