What I Love About New Jersey

by Bethany Lipman

Growing up in New Jersey is truly an experience all its own… It’s the feel of the wind rushing past your face as you ride the fastest (and tallest) roller coaster in the world at Six Flags. It’s that unforgettable taste of a taylor ham egg and cheese sandwich served at any of the hundreds of 24-hour diners close to home.

It’s the incredible family vacation “down the shore” that you’ll never forget. It’s cheering for the Nets, Devils, Giants, Jets, Yankees, or Mets, and considering any of them your team. It’s the taste of your first ice cream or cotton candy on the boardwalk, and it’s the adventures you have with friends exploring places described in the endless pages of folklore in Weird New Jersey. It’s knowing whose property the Statue of Liberty is really on. It’s the intense rivalry your town has with the next one over that you are a part of. It’s having the ability to ski at Mountain Creek in the morning and eat Surf Taco two hours later for lunch. It’s that innate pride you have in Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Taking Back Sunday, and of course, The Sopranos. It’s waiting and planning all year for Memorial Day Weekend when you finally get to go down the shore with friends or family, and it’s having the accessibility of the lights of both New York City and Atlantic City at your fingertips. It’s the convenience of living in a state where you don’t have to get on the highway to go from one town to the next, nor do you need detailed directions anywhere as long as you first know, “What exit?”. Growing up in New Jersey guarantees you an endless supply of real pizza and incredible bagels. It also ensures that you will never have to get out of your car during the winter to pump gas. It’s a love and admiration for the people you grew up knowing and the opportunities you’ve had that doesn’t recede in the slightest after leaving the state.

There is an inestimable number of things that make a New Jersey childhood what it is. This state is a place etched in your heart for the rest of your life. While frequently put down by out-of-staters, any real New Jerseyan will jump to its defense in an instant with deeper conviction than can be perceived anywhere else.
However, living here means more to Jersey residents than any list of characteristics can explain. A Jersey childhood means being exposed to an incredibly diverse group of people you may never get a chance to meet in other states. It means learning more in a year of public school than many kids from other states learn throughout high school. Being from this state means developing the fast-paced, aggressive spirit we are known for combined with a passionate desire to better the situation around us. Growing up in New Jersey is a feeling you get when you think about the incredible friends you’ve made, the unforgettable experiences you’ve had, and the vast possibilities of a future yet to come.

Comments

[David Best]

You write beautifully!!

[Kristen Davenport]

Awesome essay!

[carmen cerreto]

Great job!

[carmen cerreto]

Great job!

[cousin Liz]

Great essay, I miss the taylor ham and shore.

[Michael McCall]

Word

[Wendy F]

Beautiful, Beth! Your state needs to hire you before someone else does. I haven't read a better--or more heartfelt--description.

[muoio]

hope to see you soon

[muoio]

hope to see you soon

[muoio]

you better win...by far the best one in capturing the divine qualities of jersey

[muoio]

we miss you and this is awesome

[muoio]

beth im at school

[amanda]

good job bethie

[amanda]

good job bethie

[Tony]

"It's that innate pride you have in Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Taking Back Sunday, and of course, The Sopranos."
"The Sopranos" You're joking. Right?
Bethany, surely you don't think that The Sopranos is something New Jerseyeans are really proud of!
In fact, in the real world, The Sopranos are another blight on New Jersey's already tarnished image.

[MIss Gerard]

Oh Bethy! Couldn't be prouder of the beautiful little girl that I taught to read in first grade! Loved the references to the shore!

[Raja Mariantony]

Excellent article about New Jersey. Congratulations Beth.

[cousin jim]

Always right on! The best!!!!!!

[Peg Moscato]

You have captured the essence of the state, and dispelled all the negatives! Well done!
Peg Moscato

[Peg Moscato]

You have captured the essence of the state, and dispelled all the negatives! Well done!
Peg Moscato

[Ralph Sandola]

Bethany,
My goodness Bethany...what an awesome article ! A perfect description of NJ and all its glory ! You hit it right on the head. Thank you for letting people know about our great state.

[Michelle]

Excellent review, Bethany! I am not from New Jersey, but basedon your essay - I could see myself coming there to visit and staying for a long while!

[Margie Wilmoth/Schingle]

Bethy-really great essay, brought back memories of visitng the family and going "down the shore" over many summers. You have a gift, take advantage of it! Good Luck, you da girl!!

[chris L.]

Bethany,
So nice to be able to read your article. Your love of NJ shines on! I'm still a Steeler and Penguin fan through and through! So whose property does the Statue of Liberty stand on? Best to you!

[T Newman]

I've visited NJ many times on business, but never got to truely experience what people love about this state. This sums it up for me in just a few paragraphs! Now I would really like to experience all that NJ has to offer as described by Bethany. Good Job!