After growing up between the West coast and the East, moving

to the South for college came with a large amount of culture shock and new experiences. This included different kinds of food, clothing, music, and even a way of life.   

I remember when someone asked me, for the first time at UNC-CH, which type of barbecue I preferred. My California-born-New-Jersey-raised self replied with a confident, “A cheeseburger and fries…” only to receive a confused and slightly mocking (but well deserved) look on their face. They smiled and said, “You’re not from here are ya?” 

It didn’t take me long to understand that my answer had taken a very wrong and embarrassing turn. 

Luckily, this questioner, like most people I have met in the South, was very kind and filled me in on the little secret that when someone asks you what kind of barbeque you prefer, it doubles as a way of asking where you are from. And it doesn’t include cheeseburgers. Vinegar based? Eastern North Carolina. Ketchup based? Western North Carolina.   

This was slightly estranged from the traditional, “Are you from the Valley or the beach?” I had received growing up in Los Angeles.  

Dorothy, we’re not in California anymore.   

From this first instance forward, there were a plethora of things in North Carolina that shook my world up down and sideways culturally. Only the smallest of which would be the introduction of pulled pork into my diet (changing my life for the better). 

Here are a few things that I adapted to after moving to the South:

Cowboy Boots: After my first tailgate I realized that cowboy boots are a much-needed game day accessory.   

 Over-sized T-Shirts: You know your style has changed when you start ordering a size larger than you really need. 

Sweet Tea: (That's made in lots of delicious flavors)

Country Music: The first time I went to a frat party at UNC and heard country music in the background, I knew it would be much different than what I was used to.

Slow-Paced Culture: The way of life has a much more laid-back atmosphere than the fast-pace of Los Angeles, especially in the small town of Chapel Hill. People and strangers are all generally very friendly and welcoming. 

After a couple of months here, I have begun to embrace the
culture of the South as one of my own. Even though it's very different from where I am from, it’s become a part of me, just like Carolina has. 

(I’ve even started saying y’all).