Travis Weiss
Growing up within the mesmerizing charm and friendly atmosphere of the Garden State has not only been an experience but a blessing. Whether I was playing determined goal keeper for my little league soccer team or venturing to Mountain Creek to ski pristine, snow-capped mountains, I was extremely fortunate to enjoy my childhood in New Jersey. Playing soccer with children from town helped me make lasting, valuable friendships while those skiing trips to Vernon were anticipated with the same amount of excitement as if I was going to Disneyland. I never enjoyed anything quite as much as speeding through pure white powder down a rocky mountain.
With all this beautiful, majestic state has to offer, it is definitely the best place to live in the United States. Migrating NJ Transit buses soar through the bustling cities of Fort Lee and Weehawken and past the green, manicured lawns that grace suburbia. As I cruise down the beckoning Garden State Parkway to the classic tunes of Bruce Springsteen, I pass the sculpted PNC Bank Arts Center. Cherished memories of summertime concerts—Chicago, Meatloaf, and Styx—inundate my mind as the sun’s bright rays glint off my windshield and return me to the present. Passing emerald forests and sparkling inlets on my way to Seaside Heights, I can’t wait to play exciting arcade games at the sprawling boardwalk. The rides are also extremely fun as is the water park. My younger brother and I usually spend one long, enjoyable day barreling down an especially large, bumpy slide. Plummeting downward and staring out at seaside, the crowded boardwalk seems alive as a balloon pops and another prize is won. On the beach, jade waves noisily crash against the innocent sand, transforming into seething masses of foam that recede back into the ocean. Just beyond this chaotic surf beach goers’ swim contently in the sun-warmed Atlantic.
Driving, I stare in awe at the vast, golden fields of the Meadowlands on the way to cheer on my beloved Devils and Nets. The nearby Meadowlands Fair is also a year-long anticipated blast as my family and I chow down on delicious hot dogs and pink cotton candy amidst the warm summer breeze. I also enjoy the antique car show held in Englishtown—a spectacle found nowhere else in Jersey. Gleaming rows of chrome-clad, brightly colored automobiles dazzle the eye in a display of the supreme workmanship and style celebrated decades ago. Mingling and meeting with fellow citizens of wonderful New Jersey, I can’t help but feel the utmost pride in the place I so gratefully call home.
Now that I am torn away from my beloved state, attending college beyond the reach of the loving arms of New Jersey, I miss it more than ever. I realize now just how much of New Jersey has become a part of me as I have grown. New Jersey for me is not just a place where I ‘grew up’ but a place where I will spend the rest of my life.
Interesting site, always a new topic .. good luck in the new 2011. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Rental | January 19, 2011 at 02:53 PM
Hi Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Posted by: Rental | January 14, 2011 at 05:37 PM
Happy New Year! Happiness and success in 2011.
Posted by: Realestate | January 10, 2011 at 02:26 PM
Hi Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Posted by: school_dubl | December 28, 2010 at 11:58 PM
The new year is already knocking at the door, let it will bring only happiness and joy.
Posted by: JOBS_frend | December 25, 2010 at 07:06 PM
Hi, I congratulate you on Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Antivirus_man | December 05, 2010 at 06:56 PM
I think you are not quite right and you should still studying the matter.
Posted by: Music_master | September 24, 2010 at 02:48 PM
Do you desire a house but you lack enough cash to acquire it?
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Do you desire a house but you lack enough cash to acquire it?
Posted by: RamonGustav | August 24, 2010 at 07:39 AM
Travis, whats up my man...hey great essay, but what are you gonna do when the scholarship people find out you commented on it under countless aliases? Wont they disqualify you? Idk...anyways, good luck dude
Posted by: Jack Thomasclock | March 25, 2008 at 12:05 AM
Travis, good essay but you need work on your transitions. Also the descriptions are slightly exaggerated, and comparing Jersey slopes to Disneyland is like comparing your writing to Shakespeare. Let's be pragmatic here bud. Keep writing though, I look forward to reading your work as a gossip columnist..You have a real future in tabloids.
Posted by: Anuj Sathe | March 25, 2008 at 12:02 AM
good and nice, just really good
Posted by: Salmon | February 15, 2008 at 08:16 PM
for real this was nice, i liked it
Posted by: Mike | February 15, 2008 at 08:15 PM
go travis and keep writing like this because i like it. you have talent i think so and you should keep writing
Posted by: JoAnn | February 15, 2008 at 08:12 PM
nice, i liked this
Posted by: Donnie | February 15, 2008 at 08:11 PM
U Da man and dont say nothin back cause you have good work here bbout jersy in this essay
Posted by: Jr. | February 14, 2008 at 10:05 PM
U kno def what ur saying specially wen u speak bout the place u lovvve
Posted by: Desh | February 14, 2008 at 10:03 PM
jammin to the beats of the oldies that sounds like you and you even discussed them in this essay hahaha
Posted by: Smith | February 14, 2008 at 10:02 PM
keeeep it up TRAVO!!!!
Posted by: Ronnie | February 14, 2008 at 10:01 PM
dude youknow whats goinnng on
Posted by: Chaz | February 14, 2008 at 09:56 PM
this writing work was extremely illustrative i think
-your friend
Posted by: mel | February 14, 2008 at 09:55 PM
you write about you home place like no other
Posted by: H.l | February 14, 2008 at 09:54 PM
moving
Posted by: lilly frank | February 14, 2008 at 09:53 PM
impressive. this essay is impressive "what i love about New Jersey" really, truly does some up totally all you thought, had, and wanted to say about the place you call your state
Posted by: Regina | February 14, 2008 at 09:43 PM
Cant wait to haul over to NJ
Posted by: Jackson R. | February 14, 2008 at 09:42 PM