Many moons ago, I was born and raised in New Rochelle, New York (New Ro represent!). I went to a great school, I lived on a safe street, and I was surrounded by amazing friends. I have officially lived in Florida longer than I have in New York, but that still doesn't change my love for New York.

I experienced the changes of the seasons and after moving to Florida, I realized not many of my friends have had that same experience. I survived cold Winters being bundled up in layers on layers of clothing; so bundled that when my friend threw a snowball at me I fell so easily into the snow. During the fall, I got to rake the leaves into a huge pile and jump into them. I went apple and pumpkin picking with my parents and drank hot apple cider. I think it's so amazing to experience seasonal changes because it makes the arrival of the holidays that much more exciting and it toughens you up for the cases of extreme weather conditions.

I went to school with people of different backgrounds and cultures, which was pretty significant because I learned what their traditions were in their household and we all just got along. We would have shows ever year during the holidays and would perform songs for Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanza and it really brought everyone together to celebrate one another. We went on really fun and educational field trips to the John Jay House in Connecticut and to a science museums in Queens. It was amazing to explore our surroundings.

My hometown of New Rochelle had so much to offer. I spent my time hanging out at the playgrounds of George M. Davis Elementary with my best buddies, even when we didn't have school. The original Carvel used to be close by and I would go there frequently. I went to art camp at Iona college and had my first taste of a college campus. Movies and arcade days were spent at New Roc City and I would never want to leave. I don't think I was ever bored.

I lived about 35 minutes from New York City so my family would take me there pretty often. Though I didn't grow up in the city, it still felt like home because I became so familiar with certain areas like Rockefeller Plaza and Times Square. We tried different restaurants and chocolate stores and my eyes were open to the city life and all it had to offer.

I am thankful and very fortunate to have been brought up in New York. It will always be my home and it's a place I will never get tired of because of the endless amount of activities offered. Every trip I make, I always come back with stories and tips of new places to eat in. Florida is also my home, but New York will always be my heart.