If you met me, you probably wouldn’t know that I grew up in New Jersey. Although it is usually quite easy to pick out someone who grew up in Jersey, I haven’t lived there since I was eighteen, and I have made a conscious effort to minimize my accent as much as possible. I’m not at all ashamed that I’m from New Jersey, but I simply don’t feel it’s necessary to keep a distinct accent that could hinder my communication or relationships with others.

Even though I haven’t actually lived in New Jersey since I was eighteen, I go back there quite frequently to visit my parents. Although I think I would prefer if my parents lived closer to me, I’m glad that they have made the decision to stay in New Jersey. Not only is it good for them (because New Jersey has always been the city that they love), but I would be lying if I said that I didn’t enjoy having a reason to go back to New Jersey on a fairly regular basis.

I don’t think I will ever move back to New Jersey, but even though I don’t currently live there, it will always be the place that I call home.