Ryan, 17

Portraits of New Jersey is an ongoing Jersey Vindicator series by photojournalist Andres Kudacki, who speaks with residents about what they love — and what frustrates them — about life in the Garden State. He pairs each conversation with a photograph.

On sports: “I play basketball. I like the sports in New Jersey ’cause it’s competitive and hard.”

On getting around New Jersey: “New Jersey needs to improve some of the roads, but overall it’s very good…“I like the (public) transportation. It’s easy.”

On living in New Jersey: “I like living in New Jersey. I own an apartment — my parents.”

On going out: “The mall is good.”