For all of my friends back east, there is actually a name for us here. We are called “Coasties.” You may ask yourself, what’s the problem with living in the east or the west? But according to the rest of the country, there’s something about us that makes us different. We are outsiders.
It is scary for any 18-year old to leave their nest of comfort and travel to an out-of-state school as it is. So what separates us from the others? We share the same classrooms, walk the same streets, and root for the same mascot. It’s our obligation to help each other feel at home. Each of us yearn for acceptance, so we must embrace our differences and each other. This is not to disparage my Sconnie friends, but I think it is time for someone to defend us coasties and correct untrue stereotypes.
We came here for the same reason you did.
Each time I’m asked where I’m from, a puzzled face looks right back at me. Immediately, that question is followed by “What are you doing all the way out here?” I then recite off a too familiar script. Well folks, here’s the answer you’ve been looking for (drumroll please…) I came for the same reason as you! I’m just an 18-year old who wanted a Big 10, Ra Ra school. However, my top school just happened to be a little further from home. Is that so earth-shattering?
We're not all the same.
While us coasties may have many similarities, we aren’t clones of one another. Yes, our cultural upbringings overlap because of where we live. But we are individuals. We are not all from the same town or even the same state. We tend to be grouped together and stereotyped by where we live on campus, what Greek organizations we’re in, and even our majors. This assumption occurs because people have the tendency to do what’s comfortable, which is not a bad thing. However, by grouping us together, it just encourages us coasties to conform to the stereotypes given to us.
We don't only wear black leggings and Uggs.
Maybe this stereotype was more accurate in the early 2000’s, but people associate this look with the coastie. Most college age females simply follow current trends. Are you really saying you can pick a coastie out on the street? Until I came to college, I had no idea that was even possible.
We eat at the same places as everyone else.
Apparently ,people think coasties eat at the Capitol or Sunroom for every meal. This assumption is just false. Coasties enjoy the same foods as everyone else. You can find us in line at the food carts, filling out a slip at Tags, or even in a booth next to you at Gordon’s.
We also like to have fun.
We’re all just looking to have a good time. We don’t want to go to “special” bars and frats just for coasties. Instead, we just want to fit in and meet new people. College isn’t about sticking to the same old, but rather it’s an opportunity for new experiences.
The divide between Coasties and Sconnies has grown too large and it is time for us to mend the gap. Why do we discriminate based on geography? I’ve never been ashamed of where I am from and I am not going to start now. If you get to the basics, we are all college students looking to earn a degree, make some friends, and have a good time throughout it all. So to both groups, drop the stereotypes. It’s offensive and unnecessary. We’re all badgers and that’s the only label I choose to embrace.
