Where do you call home? As I get settled into my third week at school, here are some things that I’ve noticed I am beginning to miss very much about my home state of New Jersey. Although the location of my dorm room is only 168 miles away from my home, it feels like I am in a whole new world. I never really thought of being from New Jersey as a personality trait, but every day it seems more and more like one at the University of Rhode Island. Here’s a list of things that I miss the most!
- New York City
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The city is one of my favorite places, and although it’s not in Jersey, it sure feels like it! For most of us in North Jersey, going into the city is a quicker ride than going to the Jersey Shore. It’s like the best of both worlds when you get to live in Jersey, but can be in the city in no time. Also, the views are amazing, to say the least. I’ve grown up with a view of New York City in my kitchen window my entire life, and I cannot wait to go when I visit home.
- Jersey Shore
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Ah yes, the Jersey Shore. No, not like that Jersey Shore, but the literal Jersey Shore. No matter what beach you go to, you’re bound to see someone you know. And yes, Rhode Island beaches are beautiful, but the Jersey Shore is like home. For almost all New Jersians, The Jersey Shore is a second home during the summertime. I’ve definitely spent way too much of my time there!
- Diners
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New Jersey is considered the diner capital of the world! Diners are a staple in New Jersey towns. The options are endless, and the disco fries always seem to be the best at whichever diner you’re in. My town has its own diner, The Nutley Diner, and basically all of the best and worst nights end up at the Nutley Diner. The Nutley Diner is like a tourist attraction for high school students.
- The Garden State Parkway
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“Parkway South” can sometimes be the best words ever spoken. Getting up super early on a summer morning to beat the early rush hour traffic to the beach is the most exhausting, yet also most exhilarating time. Counting down the exits until you get to whatever beach you’re going to is repetitive as much as it is exciting. Parkway South is most frequently traveled to get to the shore, but Parkway North does have its attractions too, such as a personal favorite, The Garden State Plaza Mall. No matter where you’re off to in Jersey, there’s most likely some time spent on the Garden State Parkway!
- Taylor Ham
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I don’t just miss physical Taylor Ham, but the general knowledge of what Taylor Ham is. I didn’t realize how much of a Jersey thing Taylor Ham really is. But seriously, Taylor Ham, egg, and cheese, salt, pepper, ketchup on a bagel. Life-changing. I miss it.
- Bagels
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Related to Taylor Ham in the best way, another thing I miss is bagels. I’ve had one bagel since I’ve been here and it wasn’t up to par, but it could’ve just been a bad bagel experience. Nevertheless, I do miss the New Jersey bagels. They’re soft, yet not rubbery, and just a real pleasure.
- Pizza
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Pizza is really hit or miss here I’ve noticed, but there’s nothing like North Jersey pizza. Growing up in a super small Italian populated town of Nutley, New Jersey, I could name right now about eight pizzerias off of the top of my head in the three and a half miles of my town. All of them with some really great pizza. Can you tell I miss Jersey food?
- My Friends
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I didn’t want to get sappy and mention that I obviously miss my family, pets, boyfriends, and friends, because those are obvious, but considering Rutgers University stole two of my best friends, I thought it was appropriate to include. Being a New Jersey state school, many of my friends go there, and it is a part of New Jersey culture, and guess what, you can take Parkway South to get there!
New Jersey has been my home for my entire life, but it was definitely time for me to get out and explore a new home. It really is impressive to see how much our home states do impact us on a daily basis. So, think about it. If you’re living in a state other than the one you grew up in right now, how has your home state impacted you? Mine has definitely shown me what good eating is!