I am not a Volunteer, nor was a raised in the Volunteer state. The amazing state of Tennessee has been my home for the past two years, while I have been in college. I had grown up traveling, and visiting Tennessee, but to live in this beautiful state is a completely different experience. So this is my way of thanking the amazing state of Tennessee.

I would like to begin by thanking Tennessee for its hospitality. Everyone respects their elders with a "Yes ma'am" or a "no sir." I have never been greeted without a, "hey darlin'," or a "how can I help you?" Everyone is so kind and genuine, and is always willing to lend a helping hand. All of the efforts that were put into the Gatlinburg Wildfires this past fall, and all of the people who helped out the families that were effected by the disaster were incredible. I had never seen a community, let alone a state come together so quickly and without hesitating like Tennessee did. I guess that is the reason that Tennessee is called the Volunteer state.

Saturdays mean more than just a break from school, and work in Tennessee. Saturdays are for the University of Tennessee football. Even if you do not attend UT, the anticipation of game day is one of the most exciting ones. There are times those boys make you want to throw your TV out the window, and never watch a game again, however you gotta love those Vols. And even though I have become a Vol fan, I agree with Mrs. Sandra Bullock when her character states, in the film The Blindside, "I will not wear that gaudy orange, I will not. It is not in my color wheel, and I'm not gonna wear it."

Tennessee has some of the best food around. I would put my favorite BBQ restaurant, Hawg-n-Dawg up against any other BBQ restaurant in the United States. Some of the local restaurants here are full with hospitality, good atmosphere and good grub. Whatever you are in the mood for, pizza, Mexican, burgers, German, Tennessee has it all. And of course, who could forget the fast food chain Pals, that is only located in the state of Tennessee, and some parts of Virginia. My stomach is always satisfied, where ever I go.

Lastly, I would like to thank the state of Tennessee for the friends that I have made. I have been given the opportunity to make friends with people all over the world from my time here. If it was not for Milligan College drawing us all together, I would have not been able to make all of the bonds that I have made with so many people. People may say what they want about Tennessee, but some of my best memories have been here, and to think I still have two more years of college!