Many of us who attend Assumption College live in Massachusetts or in the surrounding area and know of a place called "Western Massachusetts". It is a mystical place, and on a map it's labeled "Here be dragons?" Common thoughts easily come to mind when thinking about it, and I'm here to clear up some misconceptions for those who are still confused about this part of the state.

1. "Do you all live on a farm?"

Actually, no. Western Mass is not completely made up of farms. I do not own a tractor or ride my cow to high school. Yes, there are many farms, but not everyone who lives here owns a farm. We also do not go "cow tipping" for fun. (Alright maybe if we're really bored, but the cow had it coming).

2. "Do you have electricity?"

Wait, there is this force of energy that makes life so much easier that I haven't known about for 19 years?! Sign me up! OF COURSE WE HAVE ELECTRICITY. Just because we live in a less densely populated section of the state doesn't mean we do not receive common necessities.

3. "You must never get to Boston because it's so far away. How do you survive?"

Well not everyone is far away from Boston. I actually live about an hour and twenty minutes away from Boston, which is not really a far drive. Most people in Western Mass live close to the Mass Pike and have easy access to Boston, we just have to plan our trips more in advance. But regardless, we survive because we have cities as well. Springfield does exist. :)

4. "You don't even have an accent. How can you even say you're from Massachusetts?"

Not everyone in Eastern Massachusetts has an accent either. An accent doesn't make you a "valid" citizen of the state. My goodness.

5. "I heard Western Mass is small. Do you know 'Sally Smith?'"

First of all, Western Mass is the largest part of the state land wise, so don't consider it to be small. It is less populated. Even with the small population we do not know everyone. We probably know the same amount of people as you do.

6. "Western Mass is so irrelevant."

Oh you're totally right. Dr. Suess didn't live here or anything. Basketball and volleyball weren't created here either. Friendly's didn't start out here. The Big E which involves all of the New England states doesn't happen every Fall. Six Flags didn't choose this area at all. And those small pointless mountains, I think they are called the Berkshires, aren't that beautiful at any time of the year, especially the Fall and Winter. Wow, thanks for the correction!

7. Do you know where UMASS AmHerst is?

Yes. It's in Amherst. Which is pronounced "AMERST". The "H" is silent. We pronounce Quincy "QUINZY" and Billerica "BILLRICA" and Haverhill "HAVRILL" so just help us out and not pronounce Amherst "amHerst". Thanks.

8. "Wait, Worcester isn't Western Mass?"

Nope. Worcester is not in Western Mass. It is in Central Mass, Worcester is only forty minutes away from Boston. To get to Western Mass, you need to drive at least an hour west of Boston.

9. "Do you know anyone who married their cousin?"

Contrary to popular belief, we marry people who are not related to us in Western Mass. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

10. "Western Mass should be it's own state."

Why you gotta be so rude?