I grew up in Lawrence, Kansas, one of the best college towns in America. KU's campus is beautiful with history and pride around every corner. Downtown Lawrence is stocked with food, shopping, and enough bars to make any college student beam with joy. If that's not enough to satisfy you, Lawrence's constant flow of talent through The Granada, The Bottleneck, and Liberty Hall keep things new and fresh at an affordable price. Lawrence quickly becomes home for everyone who waves the wheat covered in KU crimson and blue. To most people, this sounds like living the dream! However, if you grew up in a college town like Lawrence, you know the truth. It's not always as great as it seems. To shed light on the subject, here are 10 things all college town babies know to be true.
1. You have no choice. You will love the Jayhawks.
I think this is pretty self explanatory. Whether you're from Lawrence or not, your town's college pride is on display everywhere. You probably had a onesie with your mascot on it.
2. Any time something big happens on campus, the whole town shuts down.
In Lawrence, you might as well consider the NCAA Basketball Tournament a holiday.
3. Not only does the town shut down, it also gets trashed.
No one knows how to celebrate like the Jayhawks. Yes, I'm talking to you 1988.
4. Your town's celebrities are the top athletes from your school.
I could flawlessly list off the best players and coaches ever to go through the KU basketball program. Famous politicians, entrepreneurs, or scientists? Nope.
5. Everything exciting or fun is geared toward college students.
There is a period of time from middle school through high school that you are constantly dying of boredom. I like to call this the fun drought.
6. You either want to get out or join up.
After spending years of wishing you could do what the college kids do, it's finally time. By now you know the pros and cons of your home college, which will either draw you in or push you away.
7. Your town has two speeds: chaotic or comatose.
During the school year, traffic is relentless, restaurant wait lists are infinite, and the town never sleeps. During the summer, construction attacks the city in a race against time while all the natives come out of hiding.
8. When people ask you where you're from, the college's name sets off the light bulb.
Caution: This will probably begin a conversation about said school.
9. You naturally get offended when someone criticizes the school.
You probably have killer comebacks to shred their argument as well.
10. No matter how far away you go, you will always have a soft spot for the school.
You may not be a die-hard fan, but you will always take pride in the school. After all, you grew up with it. Somewhere along the way, it helped shape you into who you are today. Give 'em some love.
