I’m as New England as they come: born in Vermont, raised in Massachusetts and have lived in New Hampshire for over ten years. I am a crazy Patriots and Red Sox fan, and #BostonStrong will always be my mantra, and no matter how far I go from home, I will always be a girl who loves the 802, 978 and most of all: the 603.
However, I currently find myself outside of New England for the first time in my life, almost 3,000 miles away from home in a cheery little town in Eastern Washington called Walla Walla. Sometimes I question why I left the beautiful autumns in New England for the 509. Though I have grown to love the Pacific Northwest, nowhere will feel like home quite like New England does, and nothing will ever make me happier than the wonderful feeling I get every time I go home.
1. The happiness you feel when you are going home, and people at the departure gate are wearing New England sports gear.
Instant friendship, even 2300 miles away from Fenway Park. #BostonStrong
2. The plane rides are EXCRUCIATING.
“Fly over states” is a more exciting prospect when Jason Aldean is singing about it, rather than when you’re stuck on a six to eleven-hour flight from Seattle to Boston, in the middle seat, on a red-eye flight in between two people who snore.
3. Landing at home gives you feeling of giddiness and joy.
Home and seeing the lighthouses and distinct New England houses, as well as the Atlantic Ocean? There’s nothing like it.
4. Seeing Dunkin' Donuts in the terminal when you land is the best feeling in the world.
Medium regular iced caramel swirl with a shot of blueberry, please. Oh, and a Boston Crème donut too. Seeing any Starbucks stores when at home illicit uncontrollable anger and disgust.
5. Driving home is strange.
It’s like driving in a tunnel because you’re constantly surrounded by trees when you’ve gotten used to driving in the flat desert that is Eastern Washington.
6. You enjoy your visit immensely, but miss the freedom that college brings.
Curfew…? Wait what?
7. Despite this, saying goodbye and leaving to go back to school is the hardest thing to do.
I sob like a small child every time.
8. You’ll be sad leaving, but will be sustained with the knowledge that you’ll be back soon.
Because no matter how far I travel or how much I love college, New England will always be the place I call home.

















