My entire life I never appreciated the state I grew up in. I looked at other states and thought, "Why can't I live in Florida where its warm all the time?" "Why can't I live in a state like Colorado with beautiful mountains?" "Why can't I live in California where there is so much to do?".. My lack of gratitude towards my home state was unmanageable.
I didn't begin to appreciate Michigan until I left my hometown for college. That's when I knew that there was so much beauty I hadn't discovered, right at the turn of a steering wheel. I saw the comfort and peace within the small cities along the lake such as Holland, Traverse City and Grand Haven. I saw the curiosity and movement within big cities such as Grand Rapids, Detroit and Ann Arbor. I drove the curvature and landscaped backroads in route to Port Austin, Caseville or Clare.
I can confidently say that I have seen more of Michigan in the past 2 years than ever before. I got a glimpse of the east side, west side, the thumb, mid-Michigan, "up north"... and hopefully I can make my way to Marquette in the upper peninsula by the summer. I will never take my home for granted, knowing how unique it is. What other state has four seasons that could not be more bipolar? Or is surrounded completely by great lakes?
This week was my midterm exam week. Instead of studying, we made the impulsive decision of driving thirty minutes to Lake Michigan to catch the most beautiful sunset. It was completely worth it. Thank you Michigan for being the place I call home.
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