Naturally, when I came to school in California, a stark contrast from Texas in many ways, I was approached with a number of assumptions. Like a lot of other people from the state (shocker!), I do not fill a lot of the stereotypes and misconceptions that Texas currently holds. I'm not a redneck, I'm not a big fan of country music, and I don't hunt or eat meat. To clear a few things up...

1. I don't like barbecue.

I have never really been a fan of barbecue, and there is nothing barbecue-related that I would eat anyway, being a vegetarian, much to some people's surprise.

Disclaimer: I once tried slathering my hipster tofu with barbecue sauce (see pic above) in order to incorporate my vegetarianism into the Texas lifestyle. Think outside the box?

2. I don't drive a truck.

However, I will admit that this is a common form of transportation.

3. I actually think George Bush is really stupid.

But isn't this common knowledge?

4. I like to think I don't have a Southern accent.

Sometimes people are genuinely surprised (in Texas and in other states) when I do not open my mouth and have a strong Southern accent. Maybe it's the Italian roots?

5. Football isn't that great. Sorry.

I really don't know what most people are talking about a majority of the time when they bring up football with me. I don't have anything against football in general and like a good tailgate every once in a while, but I am no football fanatic like other Texans.

6. I didn't live on a farm.

While I love the rural lifestyle (actually I don't), my parents reside in Houston, the fourth largest city in the United States.

7. I don't own plaid shirts and a cowboy hat.

Although I have nothing against flannels and would be down to invest in some.

8. I don't hunt or see the point in recreational hunting.

I can think of about 178 other things I would rather do than go out and shoot a deer.

9. I've never been to a rodeo.

I can also think of about 178 other things I would rather do than go to a rodeo.

10. I don't own horses.

While that would be actually be super awesome, I unfortunately do not own any horses.

11. I am not pro-gun.

Feel free to take away my gun rights, I won't be offended!

12. I don't like Tex Mex.

Okay, just kidding. Tex Mex is great and whoever says otherwise is lying.