I’m guessing that if you happen to be reading this newspaper, that you are from Minnesota, particularly the southeastern portion of the state. I didn’t realize it until recently, but that is something to be really proud of.
Most other regions in the country have complained steadily over the last three months about how horrible this winter has been. Here in Minnesota, however, we have taken all the snow, ice and sub-zero temperatures in stride.
While most southern states cancel school when there is just a sprinkling of snow — Dallas had four days off in a row — I can proudly say that my school has yet to have a single snow day this year. Minnesotans are tough and have learned to endure all that Mother Nature throws at them, even if that means braving freezing temperatures and dangerous road conditions.
Minnesotans in this area can also be proud of the city of Rochester. Not many other cities of 100,000 residents are recognized by people throughout the world. Even better, however, is the fact that Rochester is almost always known for its positive aspects.
Whereas New Jersey is now famous because of its Jersey Shore residents, and California is recognized for the scandalous celebrities that live there, Rochester is known for being home to one of the greatest medical facilities in the world.
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I went on many college visits last summer, and whenever people asked me where I was from, I could proudly say that I lived near Rochester. It was obvious from the reactions of these people that they had high opinions of the city.
Although we often forget it, Minnesota and Rochester are good places to live. We might not always be exciting or make the national news, but that is much better than being a state plagued with violence and disputes.
People tend to envy other states and regions in the country, whether it be Florida, California or Hawaii. I highly doubt that Minnesota would ever make it onto a list of the most envied states, but in my opinion, it definitely should.
After graduating from high school this year, I may never again live in this region of the country, but whatever happens, I know that I will always be proud to say that Minnesota is where I come from.
