Coming from a state that's not as "University of Arizona relevant" as California or local Arizona, I have gotten the wildest reactions when I tell people I am from the beautiful city of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Here is a list of other reactions one would get coming from a so-called "random state."
1. "So like... where is that on a map?"
Are you kidding me? I'm pretty sure it's a middle school pre-requisite to know and have memorized all 50 states. Being from the midwest, we were even deeply informed on Canadian provinces and cities. Even my close friend has difficulty realizing that Minnesota is in between North Dakota and Wisconsin.
2. "You don't look like you're from Minnesota..."
What do Minnesotans look like? Do you really expect that we all look like Eskimos and our only wardrobe consists of heavy parka coats and winter boots?
3. "I mean.. what do people even do there?"
Besides the 10 month winters and the 3.5 days you can spend on the lakes doing "summer things," yes it sounds like there's nothing much to do. Just kidding. We have just as much fun things to do as you West Coast kids. Not everyone has boats, and yes the ones who do are typically the most popular kids in high school. Everyone loves the lake when we can in the summer time, and some friendships are definitely formed off expensive leisure possessions, such as boats and other water sporting vehicles.
4. "Wait....you're kidding me, that's how many people actually live there?"
Let me put some numbers in reference. According to last year's census, there are 527,972 citizens of Tucson, Arizona. That may sound large for those who only leave campus to eat In-N-Out and Sauce, but it's a decent sized town. The population of Minneapolis is 407,207 people, still pretty close to the population of Tucson. Still, these numbers are very small compared to the 1.3 million living in San Diego, but very similar to the 1.5 million population in Phoenix. So yes, people live in Minnesota.
5. "I've been there once! On a connection airplane flight! That revolving sushi bar is sweet."
You've basically lived there! Thank you so much for your insight on my home state. You are now awarded with a medal and been given the MVP visitor donated by our state government. Thank you again.
6. "Who important is from Minnesota?"
You'd be surprised that celebrities such as Vince Vaughn, Jessica Biel, Bob Dylan, Chris Pratt and many more are all from Minnesota. Try watching your favorite movies and TV shows without them. Michelle Obama, Cindy Crawford, Niykee Heaton and other celebs came from one of our nearby cities in Chicago, Illinois. So next time you think only unattractive people come from the Midwest, think again.
7. "Do you play hockey?"
No. Just because my state is 85 percent ice does not reflect anything on my athletic ability to lace skates and toss a puck on a slippery surface. There are a lake and a pond in my backyard but it's unfortunately not surfaced properly to skate on, despite what all the movies perceive it to be.
8. "How close are you to Canada?"
We are neighbors. I suggest you reference a map if you have any further questions.
9. "It doesn't sound like you have an accent."
That's why they kicked me out and I ended up at U of A. Not everyone from the Midwest has an accent, and it's not as strong as one would think. Sure, sometimes my O's sound a little stronger than they need to be but Minnesotan accents are definitely not as strong as they are known to be.
10. Minnesota "nice" is a thing.
Leaving the Midwest made me miss the things I always took for granted. Back home, people are always courteous, reserved and mild-mannered. This makes an ambiance of politeness and friendliness, something that is indescribable and incomparable to the actions of the West Coast.
If you have a desire for nice people, great cost of living and fun winter sports, I definitely recommend looking for a place in the Midwest.
