You never appreciate where you grow up until you have experienced somewhere new. As I wind down my school year and get excited to go home for the summer, I am feeling very nostalgic about going home. Growing up in Massachusetts I am obviously biased, but here are some real reasons why I believe it is the best state:

1. The history.

From the Pilgrims landing in Plymouth Rock and the first Thanksgiving to the Boston Tea Party and the start of the American Revolution, Massachusetts is full of rich history. Every history textbook I have ever read includes the historic state and makes me proud to live there whenever I see it.

2. The seasons.

MA has all four seasons. We have both a (very) cold winter with lots of snow and a warm summer that can be spent on the beach, and everything in between.

3. The sports.

Boston/New England sports are just the best, and Boston sports fans are the most fun. It's very hard not to be excited about winning teams, as we have championships from the Patriots (TB12!), Celtics, Bruins, and Red Sox!

4. The education.

Massachusetts is known for being one of the highest ranked states for elementary school academic performance. It doesn't stop there, however, with some of the most prestigious schools in the nation such as Harvard and MIT.

5. The firsts.

MA has been the leading state in a lot of categories. It was the first to open both a public school and private college. It has the first ever subway system. It was also the first state to legalize gay marriage. Most importantly, however, it is the home of the original Dunkin Donuts!

6. The people.

Everywhere you go, anyone from Massachusetts is excited to meet you. There is a strong pride that comes with living in the state which creates an amazing network. Although they get a bad rep with names like "Massholes", I have found that they are some of the kindest and proudest people.

7. The variety.

The state contains many different landscapes. In eastern Mass, there is Boston and the ocean. In western Mass, it is more rural and full of cow fields.

Overall, I would rank Massachusetts the best state in the nation. I am extremely proud to be a Masshole, and would not have wanted to grow up in any other place.