Corn. That’s a popular thought that comes to mind to most people when they hear the word “Indiana.” While it’s true that there are corn fields scattered everywhere, there’s much more to Indiana than that. In fact, downtown Indy has made Forbes’ top 10 list for best places for college graduates. We have a ton of great things here that are often unappreciated.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that Indiana is the best place in the world, but it doesn’t deserve all the negativity associated with it. I’m tired of seeing Indiana ranked in the top ten states in America that suck by outsiders who have never even experienced the community Indiana has.

I used to dream of getting a one-way ticket out of Indiana and never coming back. But a few months ago, I was downtown with a couple of my friends, and as I was walking around the circle at night surrounded by love birds in carriages and drunken people cycling on the pedal pub, I realized the beauty around me. I became happier in that moment and I no longer thought about running away to a prettier state, I knew I was right where I was supposed to be.

People in Indiana often complain about the unpredictable weather we have, but I look at it as a blessing. We have white Christmases, beautifully breezy Spring days, warm and bright summers and gorgeous, cool falls. So what if it’s snowing one week and sunny the next? That calls for a variety of outfits in that week.

Despite popular belief, there is a lot to do in Indiana, from the Color Run to Fright Night Campout to the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, which is considered the best children’s museum to many, including parents.com. We host one of the most widely renown races, the Indy 500. This annual extravaganza brings fans, celebrities and international racers from all over to witness some of the fastest racers on Earth. And, afterwards, you can witness the slowest racers on Earth. The Indianapolis Zoo holds its own race to coincide with the Indy 500, but with turtles. It’s called the Zoopolis 500, and it’s one of many great events held by the Indianapolis Zoo, which has an aquarium and a botanical garden too.

Indiana is full of gorgeous parks and forests, all offering their own unique attractions and sights whether it be for the star gazers or athletes. However, there’s a park not many know of called Eagle Creek Park, which offers a treetop adventure course, bark park, a beach and much more. I don’t know about you, but this would keep me entertained for days.

Even in the Southport area, there is a unique culture. We can all recognize the man on the corner of Madison and Stop 11 that’s always riding his bike. We can all scream the Southport’s School Song while cheering for our football team. I’ve come to love our community and that therefore has brought positivity to my life.

You thought Indiana was nothing but cornfields and flat plains? You thought wrong, my friend. Look again.