Growing up, I moved around a lot, but never over 3,000 miles until college. Deciding what college to attend was easy, at least the location was. I was dead set on going across the country. My mind has always been on East Coast living. I mean, growing up in the sand and beaches, who doesn't want to see the snow and the different seasons?! And with such a drastic cultural change, I have learned a lot such as:
1. Layering!!!!!
Just wearing a shirt and sweatshirt with pants is not considered layering. Proper layering consists of a long sleeve, a sweatshirt, a good-thick jacket, leggings, and jeans just to be slightly warm in the winter months
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2. Driving.
Every state drives differently. Carpool lanes don’t exist everywhere. And every road seems like a back road with only two lanes.
4. Diverse food.
Because of the lack of the diversity there is no ethnic food. There is zero authenticity in any of food. Especially the Asian food (Orange chicken is not actually a thing people).
5. Beaches.
Nothing beats the California beaches. And nothing beats the twenty-minute drive to sun, sand, and hot beach boys swarms in the summer.
6. Pace.
Everyone lives life at a different pace. There’s nothing like a 30-minute wait in a 4-person line at Subway, just because.
7. Friendliness.
In many of the smaller towns, everyone ACTUALLY says hello and waves to you. They hold doors and are just very friendly. People can leave their cars unlocked without having to cover/hide any belongings for fear of being robbed. Trust in other humans, what a concept!
8. Environment.
The importance of the environment depends really depends on where one lives. If you live in San Francisco, public transportation and recycling are probably an integral part of your life. You actually work you life in consideration of the effect it may have on the environment. Whereas, people not from areas like SF, may not be as big on recycling and not leaving a carbon footprint. I feel like growing up recycling was drilled into my head and out here it is just not a big thing.
9. Clothing.
Trends seem to go from the outside of the states to the inside. I’d say every two states is like going back two years in trends. Unless you’re a hipster, then it’s actually super trendy to be “behind in the times.”
10. In-N-Out!
Okay, I know this almost defeats my values for diverse food, but In-N-Out is in a whole other ball park. These heavenly burgers and ANIMAL fries are only available in a select number of states. Here’s the list. Start planning your trip, like NOW.
11. Hometown.
Lastly, and possibly, most importantly, you somehow begin to grasp the awesomeness of your hometown. Whether you’re from the fast-paced city of LA or the backroads of West Virginia, home truly is where your heart is and the end of the semester will be oh so bittersweet returning home.
