This may seem odd coming from a student at a school in Montana, but we all come from somewhere and sometimes it's not where we are. I have lived in Montana for a total of seven years, but I've only been there for two summers. Every break from school, I go home. When my family first moved up north, I absolutely hated it. I made myself miserable with hatred over the fact that I was no longer in my home state.

Now that I am in college and have grown up a bit, I am able to see the best of both worlds. There will never be a place with better barbecue and as much sweet tea as Texas, but there are some other comparisons. People always ask me which place I like more. Seven years ago I would have told you Texas and immediately rambled off every reason in the book why Montana sucks. Today I'm here to tell you that while I love Texas with all my heart, there's always room for more.

1. People: Friendly hospitality

In Montana, I'm not a native. I didn't grow up with everyone in the town. I probably can't go anywhere in the state and know someone like some people are able to. And in Texas, it's impossible to do so because there are so many people.

What I love about both places is that for the majority of cases, it doesn't matter if you know a lot of people. If you're on the side of the road, someone will stop. If you're a few coins short at the grocery store, someone behind you might pitch in. And of course, when you pass an old man driving a truck he's guaranteed to wave.

2. Sports: A big deal

Almost everyone knows that Texas football is basically a religion all in its own. I'm sure you've seen or at least heard of the Allen, Texas's high school football stadium. Its capacity is higher that the Bobcat's at MSU. So with that being said, we take our football seriously.

But while football takes over in Texas, Montana is definitely crazy about sports. Almost every kid that plays one sport probably also plays two others, and they're usually pretty decent at all of them. Not to mention the cut-throat culture associated with college rivalries and professional level sports in Texas; I can't say I've ever seen anyone in Texas get more angry over anything than I have in Montana over a Cat vs. Griz game.

3. Outdoor activities

Last but not least, let's talk about what there is to do. Skiing at Lost Trail or Bridger Bowl, hiking year round right outside your backdoor, and fishing or hunting when allowed, Montana is any outdoorsy persons dream. While Texas lacks the snow, if you go to the right places it doesn't fall far behind in the others. Just to name a few for those that don't believe me: Enchanted Rock, Big Bend, Lost Maples, Palo Duro Canyon, Texas has some great hiking adventures waiting to be experienced.

These few points are just barely scraping the surface of the great things you can find in both states. Food, friends, and fun things to do: What more do you need? If you're from one I definitely recommend visiting the other. Personally, they're two of my favorite places and I'm glad to call them both home.