If there is one thing I noticed as a Massachusetts native in Washington, DC, it is that Boston has quite a notorious reputation in this city. It’s known for its cold personalities, entitled sports fans, and branded as the city of blue-blooded liberals. But as a Boston insider, I see things quite differently.

I believe Boston is the city of the die hards, sports fanatics, and impassioned political junkies. Its character is built upon the attitude of its people—tough, boastful, and competitive. The people who built the Boston that stands today were the same ones that grew from nothing in the Southie projects and on the streets of Dorchester. They learned to fight quick and fight hard. Never be afraid to play with the big boys in order to win. Make things work or they never will, regardless of background or political belief. This work ethic may seem over the top, but it’s what makes Bostonians the hardest workers with the toughest skin.

This attitude is what kept me driven and proud to represent Boston in the nation’s capital. I went to Washington, DC with a mission to create an impact for the people I truly care about. I went to work each day with this goal in mind. To me, the size of the task does not matter. No matter how menial or tedious it may be, I recognize that I still had the power to influence the big picture. I will go to ends to create a positive change for the community that fostered my fervent passion for politics and the city I love to call home.

You may or may not agree with how Bostonians choose to get things done, but there is an important lesson to be learned from my experience—always be proud of your roots. There needs to be a method to the madness, or rather, a reason that drives you to keep fighting for what you believe in. Work toward a goal you are passionate about, no matter how big or small. Working without purpose will not make a difference. Make it your place to create the change YOU want in the world.