Here's something about myself that may not be common knowledge, I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Though I was born on the West Coast, I've spent an extensive amount of my life in the south. Aside from living in Mississippi, I've also lived in Atlanta for a few years. When my family initially moved away from California, I obviously wasn't happy but I've come to love a lot about the south. Though I want to move on and do other things after I graduate, Mississippi truly has become my home. So, in honor of this great state, here are five things I adore about the south.
1. Southern Pride
There is something every southerner has in common and it's the overwhelming pride for who they are and where they're from. I find it sad sometimes that people from other parts of the country have such a strong misconception about the south. I challenge anyone who feels that way to come take a visit to Hattiesburg and Southern Miss, because they will be sorely mistaken. There aren't dirt roads everywhere, or people without shoes or without intellect. If anything, I've learned to take pride in myself and where I come from because of the people around me.
2. Southern Hospitality
Southern Hospitality is real, I promise you! I have met some of the most kind and genuine people here. I must admit though, it took me traveling to Boston and New York to realize just how real the hospitality is. It's not that I think Yankees are more brash or rude, but they aren't openly as nice as people below the Mason-Dixon Line. I also find it funny that some Southerners that I've talked to don't believe there is such a thing as Southern Hospitality, but I think that only furthers my point. They don't realize it exists because it's just a way of life for them.
3. Southern Food
Can I just get an AMEN for the food?! There is just something about the food here that you just can't get anywhere else. I'm sorry, if you go to a southern style restaurant anywhere but the south, I can almost 100% guarantee you it won't be the same. The fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, and pies. You can't beat that! A few extra pounds around your waist is only a small price to pay for all the amazing food you will consume.
4. College Football
SEC and NCAA rules in this neck of the woods! I must admit that I've never been really invested in sports but growing up for me, besides basketball was life. Growing up in LA and having a great team like The Lakers, it's only right that you try your hand in basketball. I also find it amazing that different parts of the country are so invested in different sports. I feel like Major League Baseball for Northerners is the equivalent to college football for Southerners. I was the mascot for Meridian High School for two years, so being at every game finally sparked my interest in the sport. Then, to finish my high school career being a mascot only to head to Southern Miss, I truly understood the utter and complete obsession. Game day is such a huge event - tailgating as far as the eye can see! I've come to love the whole experience, and I can proudly say that I've never missed a home game in my 3 years at Southern Miss.
5. Music and Culture
If you ever visit the Delta or Memphis or New Orleans, you will be filled with the music of who these people are. It's said that Mississippi is the birthplace of America's music, and I do believe that. There is something to be said for visiting the French Quarter in New Orleans; the music, the Cajun food, and the people. There's really no other place like it. There is so much culture in the music, clothes and specific lifestyle that people in these places experience and I think that only speaks the pride that The South has for itself.
I thought that when I graduated high school I was for sure going to the University of Colorado- Boulder and I was on the first plane away from Mississippi. I know the only reason why I felt like that is because I hadn't taken the time to travel and see how much beauty the south had to offer. As I head into my senior year of college, I can't imagine spending these years anywhere else. So here's to all of you, who helped this Caifornia-boy fall in love with all the amazing things that this part of the country has to offer.
