Deep in the Heart of Texas

While in college, you are bound to be friends with at least one person who is not from Texas. Now Texas is a culture of its own, and it is up to you to help introduce them to some good ole Texas traditions during their time here. Show your friends that famous Southern hospitality!

• First and foremost, take your friends to Whataburger. It should be illegal to go more than a week in Texas without ever having had a honey butter chicken biscuit.
• Persuade them to invest in a good pair of cowboy boots. They'll thank you later.
• Show them real BBQ. Not burgers or hot dogs, but brisket and ribs.
• While we are on the subject of food, make sure they try some texmex. "The Mexican food sucks north of here anyways" isn't just a line in a song.
• Take them to a rodeo. What's more American than bull riding and cattle roping?
• Clarify what it means to be a Texan. Not every Texan lives on a ranch or rides a horse. Texan is more than a way of living, its a state of being.
• Help your friend get accustomed to the heat. We know it gets hot in other places, but Texas heat (a blood-boiling combination of high temperatures and high humidity) is something else.
• Convince your friend to switch from Coke to Dr Pepper. They'll be better off for it.
• Hit up Buc-ee's. You'll be surprised how much a gas station can impress your friend.
• Take your friend to get some Blue Bell. Listeria aside, it's the only brand we trust.
• Attend a music festival. SXSW, ACL, and FPSF provide good music, good food, and a good time.
• Take pictures in the bluebonnets. Every Texan has at least one.
• Grow a love of football in them if they don't already have one because they'll need it.
• Teach them that Texas should not be about bigotry or close-mindedness, but kindness and acceptance. Everything is sweeter in Texas, including the people.

Now these aren't all of the things that it takes to be a Texan, but it is a good start. Help your friend learn about the culture they'll be living in during college and remind them of the saying, "Don't mess with Texas!"