In May 2013, I decided to pursue the opportunity to go to college in South Carolina. Now, being born and raised in California, I thought everyone did the same stuff we did, liked what we liked and acted how we acted. Well, that August I was sure caught by surprise. Here are eight major differences I have encountered during my three and a half years in the South.
1. You learn that "y’all" is used almost every other word.
Y’all is literally used for everything! When first hearing it used so much it can almost be extremely distracting since it is not what you are used to.
2. Fried food is LIFE!
I have never seen or consumed so much fried food in my life. California is all about their avocados and salads and eating whatever is the healthiest. Lets just say dieting in the South is EXTREMELY difficult.
3. There is no In-n-Out.
Yes, you read it correctly. People born and raised in the South that have never traveled to the West Coast have never experienced the amazing sensation of eating Animal Style Fries or a Double- Double. Being from California is even harder now that you can only get it when you go home for holidays.
4. There is no traffic and construction combination like the 91 freeway.
Your 15 minute trip down the highway is literally 15 minutes out here. Unlike the 91 where your 15-minute trip turns into a two-hour trip. There is also such thing as construction actually being finished. When it comes to the 91, that freeway will forever be under construction.
5. There are so many trees!!
This was one thing I was amazed about when I came to South Carolina. Now I am not talking about little small trees that are only 6 feet tall, I am talking about trees that can be bigger than some 4 story buildings! So much more green to look at!
6. “Yes Ma'am/Sir” and “No Ma’am/ Sir”
If you are from California, these phrases are considered disrespectful, but in the South, it’s disrespectful not to use them. Yea I know, really confusing when going back and forth. One time I went home for break and had to go to Albertsons (this is a grocery store for those that have never heard of it). I went to check out and the cashier asked me if I wanted plastic bags for my stuff and I said, “Yes Ma'am.” Oh man, I did not realize I was going to get yelled at for it. She told me that she was not an old woman and that she took offense to that. Lesson learned.
7. Camo is life.
When I say camo I mean hunting camo. The stuff with the branches and leaves on it? Yep, that’s the one! Camo in the South is a way of life and you live by it. Now I personally am not a fan but you will see some people decked out in camo every single day. This is definitely not your everyday sight in California. I honestly did not even know what it was till I came to South Carolina.
8. Rain. Rain everywhere.
One of the biggest things I had to adjust to was the excessive amount of rain that the South gets. It is completely different from living in a place where there is constantly a drought and people freak out when it starts to sprinkle.
By choosing to come to South Carolina, I have had the opportunity to create relationships with some amazing people and I have learned a whole new way of life. I am so blessed and thank God every day for allowing me to experience this journey!
