Missouri is a state so rich in both history and culture. Growing up in a very urban city, I couldn’t imagine I’d find home in the Midwest. Some of the most incredible people, my very dearest friends, I’ve ever met in my life I’ve met here in this wonderful state. They fill my heart with love and continue to amaze me everyday, but what I will never get over is how much they take their beautiful state for granted.

Here are the five things Missourians take for granted in their home state of Missouri:

1) Sunsets

When the sun sets every evening, I grab whoever I’m with, stop them, and make them look at the sunset. While they seem unbothered, my eyes widen and my heart is filled. The fluorescent pinks melting into the soft blues never cease to amaze me, even after almost a year of seeing it every night. In some way, the Missouri sunset is my daily sanctuary, my break from reality, a slice of heaven everyday. It's not everywhere that people get to enjoy that painted sky.

2) Chivalry

Something about that Midwestern charm takes me back to tradition and respect. Though the term chivalry can be misconstrued for inequality, at it's core it can be seen as just a descent respect for one another. I find that walking through campus, walking through doors, going out at night, I am treated with an incredible amount of respect and chivalry by those around me. Holding the door and having it held for me, waving as I pass people in my car in the neighborhoods in town, smiles from strangers, positive vibes in the atmosphere, are all the things I get to enjoy on a daily basis in Missouri.

3) Clean air

Coming from a city that is stricken with pollution, it is so refreshing to breathe in the fresh unpolluted air Missouri. Coming out on a crisp morning and breathing in that cold air wakes me up in the best of ways.

4) Stars

This might be the thing that Missourians take for granted the absolute most. My friends laugh at me when I count the stars in the sky, but the spotted sky has never failed to take my breath away.

5) Open fields for miles

While people may find the wide open fields an indication of a boring lack of activity, to be able to see for miles in one direction with absolutely no cease, no skyscraper or new establishment blocking the path, is incredible.

Missourians, love your roots, love them and recognize them. And thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us. I have found in your home one of my own.