While it's true I've spent a majority of my life in South Carolina, I have my roots somewhere else. My hometown lies in the Heartland, surrounded by hills and corn. I loved it there simply because I was surrounded by my family, and even now I look forward to every visit. Even after thirteen years of living in the deep South, I still hold on to those Midwestern ties, but I've picked up my own version of a Southern twang along the way.

When my mom decided to remarry and move us to South Carolina, I didn't have any objections being the adventurous kid I was. I was excited to be in a new place, twelve hours away, but I quickly found out that I had a lot to learn.

The biggest shock for me was the use of "sir" and "ma'am." In my hometown in Illinois, everyone I knew was content to be called by their first name without any sort of title, so when my teachers in South Carolina raised their eyebrows and asked me "Yes, what?" I was taken aback at first. I gave in eventually and adopted the tradition when it was necessary, and over the years, it has become habit. Sometimes I even catch myself using it with my Midwestern relatives which lead to teasing about what a Southern Belle I have become.

This brings me to the next big change: I am Southern in the Midwest and Midwestern in the South. It still makes me laugh when I think about the first time I visited family after the big move. They all thought I had the biggest accent ever and made me say certain words over and over again because they got such a kick out of it. In contrast, even today, people in South Carolina almost always end up asking me, "You're not from around here, are you?" According to Southern ears, I am still very much a Midwestern girl with the accent (or lack of an accent) to match! My friends would always tease me whenever I pronounced something differently, but I've never minded. We should all take some pride in our roots and the way I speak is just those roots shining through.

Despite these differences, the two regions have more in common than they might think. That infamous Southern hospitality can be found even in the Heartland, because even though the use of honorifics is slim, Midwesterners are some of the friendliest and most respectful people I've ever met. Everyone waves when you drive by, and complete strangers will strike up friendly small talk with you while you're waiting in line at the grocery store. You're almost always greeted with a smile, and you will be thank you'ed and you're welcome'ed for even the smallest of things.

I feel so lucky and grateful to be able to call both regions my home, and I'm even luckier to have friends and family in both areas. Some might feel out of place, but I feel right at home being a Midwestern girl in a Southern world.