Although I started going to the beach recently, I wanted to thank you for showing me how pretty you can be. After seeing beaches in other states growing up, I needed to check out the competition in my own state. I'm glad that I did because the shore in New Jersey is beautiful. So here is a letter to the shore for the amazing memories I have made and will make this summer.

Dear Jersey Shore,

Thank you for the memories that I made on your shore with my friends.

Thank you for the late night car rides home after a beach day, bonding over sunburned skin and sharing aloe vera once we see how burnt we are in the mirror. Thank you for the long walks on the beach and shells as they wash up onto the sand. Thank you for the power naps we had on blankets before we rushed back into the freezing ocean.

Thank you for the food.

The boardwalk hosts amazing foods, like fried Oreos which are a blessing. The boardwalk is also a great place to grab coffee, shout out to Asbury Park Roastery which I think of as a hidden gem.

Thank you for fighting back after Hurricane Sandy attacked.

I know it wasn't easy and you're still recovering but one day the damage will be gone. The beautiful beach houses will return, the boardwalk will be reconstructed and everything will be back to normal.

Thank you for being the go to for prom.

Everyone knew exactly where they were going to go after prom. Beach houses were searched online for months in advance and many planned a day trip to the each. Whatever the plan was, we all knew we were headed toward the beach afterward.

So thank you, New Jersey shoreline. The memories that I and many others created will never be forgotten.

Here's to another summer filled with sun and sand!