One of the things I have loved so far about college is all of the friends I am making who are from all different parts of the country. We love to compare "state things" and share the things that we know only our state has. My friends are all confused as to what exactly pork roll is and appalled by the fact that I don't pump my own gas. States are a hot topic in my friend group, and I love learning the different norms of each one. The state I've learned the most about, so far, is obviously Michigan. Here are some things about Michigan that I didn't know before I came here:

1. You use your hand to show where you're from

This is a classic move when someone from Michigan is asked where they're from. I'm already starting to learn some Michigan geography because of it!

2. The "Michigan lefts"

I thought New Jersey roads were strange with all of the jug-handles, but my Michigan friends have assured me that there is nothing worse than a Michigan Left.

3. Meijer

My friends first described this to me as "like a Walmart and Costco combined"
and that was when I knew I needed to go see this for myself. We had
University buses pick us up at our dorm and take us there one night, and
it definitely did not disappoint.

4. The UP

People from the UP will tell you that's where they're from and expect you to know what they're talking about. They also call themselves "Yoopers" and are proud of it.

5. Superman Ice Cream

My friends thought it was the end of the world when I told them I had no idea what they were referring to when they mentioned "Superman Ice Cream." Apparently, it's yellow, blue, and red, and very popular in Michigan.

6. Soda is called "pop"

This is something I knew people in other parts of the country said, but I didn't know Michigan was one of those places. I've had this battle many times with my fellow Michigander classmates.

7. Sneakers are called "tennis shoes"

This one makes no sense to me. If I'm going for a run, and NOT PLAYING TENNIS, then why are they still called tennis shoes? This is another battle I have with the people of Michigan.

8. Euchre is a way of life

I've heard of this card game before but never fully understood the rules. Here in Michigan, however, you are shunned if you don't know how to play.

9. Vernors

I made the mistake of asking someone what the heck "Vernors" was, and I received a look of utter shock in return. I've since learned that it is essentially just ginger ale, except Michiganders believe it is the cure for absolutely anything.

10. State pride

Anyone and everyone is a Michigan fan here. Game days are packed with people of all ages, genders, and races going crazy to support their team. Everyone from Michigan loves Michigan, and that makes it a pretty cool state to be living in.