Look up the word Hoosier in the dictionary and you will find the following: The official demonym for a resident of the U.S. state of Indiana. However, we hoosiers know that this title means so much more than where we come from.

For instance, Hoosiers represent the best and brightest of what America has to offer. While other states shiver at the slightest breeze, we brave souls have developed a tolerance to the cold and can withstand the most torrential of storms. That being said, even the hottest days of the year can’t dissuade us from going about our day. In fact, one won’t find anyone more versatile to weather than the Indiana native. Another astonishing feat includes the Hoosier’s ability to express a seemingly abundant amount of patience when stuck behind a tractor. When stuck behind a vehicle moving at a generous pace of five miles per hour, many weak willed people would erupt into roadrage; however, the Hoosier, ever the picture of grace and patience, will calmly wait until the moment is right to pass expertly, and, while doing so, will give a friendly grin and wave to the man behind the wheel. Speaking of patience, one cannot forget the greatest endurance of all, the Hoosier’s capacity to withstand the endless barrage of outsiders who, when asked about their knowledge of Indiana, respond with “there sure is a lot of corn there.” Honestly, there is more than corn in Indiana.

One of these things just happens to be where that phrase hails from. No greater joy can be found than when your parents tell you that they are taking you to Indiana Beach. The rides, the fun, and the laughter all make for a wonderful and unforgettable time, and don’t even get me started on Holiday World. Located in Santa Claus, Indiana, the place lives up to its title by being a truly merry destination. Being a Hoosier means never running out of places to go or things to see. A trip to the Fort Wayne Zoo or the Indianapolis Children’s Museum never ceases to put a smile on a childs face. On the other hand, perhaps you, like many Hoosiers, appreciate the serene beauty of nature, and would much rather spend a quiet day taking in Indiana’s vibrant landscape while hoping to spot some deer. Maybe you’re like my grandmother who has told me stories of seeing elephants in barns preparing for the circus in Peru, the circus capital of the world.

Of course when speaking of events we Hoosiers take part in, one can not forget sports. Outsiders be warned. Hoosier Hysteria flows powerfully in every Hoosier’s veins. Now, when it comes to teams, you either associate with black and gold or cream and crimson, end of story. Also, one must note that when mentioning Bird, Hoosiers aren’t talking about a feathered animal but instead a beloved state treasure. Speaking of sports treasures, when it comes to football, Peyton Manning will always be one of the greatest things to ever happen to the Colts. Of course, Indiana’s main attraction must be mentioned. Any good Hoosier knows that  on Memorial Day weekend the greatest spectacle in racing and the world’s largest sporting event, the Indianapolis 500, takes place. The roaring of the engines and the sweeping zoom as the cars pass fuel every hoosiers heart with excitement.

  However, while all these things certainly factor into what makes the Hoosier lifestyle, they are still not what defines a Hoosier because, in the end, all the places and things that a Hoosier experiences are just that, experiences. They are only parts. Hoosier references an aspect of character, not one of region. Hoosier means having the mentality that anything can be achieved through hard work. Perhaps this explains why esteemed author Kurt Vonnegut said, “I don’t know what it is about Hoosiers, but wherever you go there is always a Hoosier doing something very important there.” Hoosier means being humble, honest, and kind. Hoosier means being the type of person who has no qualms about waving to a random stranger when passing down a country road. Hoosier means holding the door for others. Hoosier means being there for a neighbor in need. Being a Hoosier means leading a life surrounded by trust, compassion, and community, and it is honestly the only life worth living. Indiana does not define what it means to be a Hoosier. On the contrary. Hoosiers define Indiana. Because of the wonderful people named Hoosiers, Indiana has flourished for two hundred years. So on behalf of the bicentennial celebration, I say thank you. Thank you to all of the spectacular people that make up this great state. Sure, the dictionaries can define “Hoosier” all they want, but in the end, Hoosiers define themselves.