In Fall 2013, I moved to South Carolina. Those who aren't from South Carolina may think of it as a racist, backwoods state with too much pride. Those preconceived notions are very extremely wrong. South Carolina has taught me so many things and a few stick out to me that everyone needs to know.

1. State Pride.

South Carolina has incredible state pride. Being from the midwest I never really had that sense of pride in the state I lived in. South Carolina is proud of who they are and what they stand for and will tell you every time.

2. Shrimp, Grits, and Sweet Tea.

There are many people who have never had the pleasure of trying fresh shrimp and grits. You will never have the same quality of shrimp and grits until you've eaten at any of the local seafood places in Charleston, S.C. But about the sweet tea, whoa momma. Talk about sugar heaven. It was interesting to me to come here and find that they don't ask you if you want sweet or unsweet tea. Most places don't even make unsweet tea!

3. If it snows, it's an emergency.

I'm use to having a few feet of snow each winter, icy roads, and driving through dangerous roads. I'm use to having salt trucks, snow plows, and winterizing my life. Here if it snows its a big ordeal! South Carolina doesn't get snow often, so they are not prepared to help out their citizens with salt trucks or snow plows. If it calls for snow in the forecast you better get your milk, eggs, and bread before they are all gone.

4. The beach is only a car-ride away.

Before moving here the beach was too far to imagine. It's amazing to me that now if I want to feel the sand between my toes and smell the ocean air, I can get in my car and drive a few hours to it. If you have never experienced the sunrise over the open ocean before I highly suggest you get around to it.

5. Yes ma'am and Yes sir are normal and expected.

For some reason in the Midwest most people find "sir" and "ma'am" offensive which never made sense to me. I've always thought of both of the terms as signs of respect, but I can't tell you how many women have told not to call them ma'am because it made them feel old. I enjoy being called ma'am because I feel respected. The difference in those two words only changes with miles.

These five things are definitely not the only things I've learned in my first few years here, but they are so important. I hope to spend many more years exploring and loving this state like its locals.