“What do you mean you’re from Florida? What are you doing HERE??” … In the time span of about a week, I’ve heard this phrase countless times, and it hasn’t taken long for me to realize just how different college up north is from down south. Who woulda known that something so little as a sandwich has me thinking how this isn’t how it’s done back home.

NO. I DON’T have a southern accent.

I grew up in Florida, and although it’s in the southern part of the country, its not THE south… (Unfortunately) there is a difference. I don’t ‘reckon’ things and I’m not ‘fixin’ to do things either. C’mon y’all.

No Publix? No problem.

Actually this is a problem. A serious SERIOUS problem. That means no Publix chocolate chip cookies, no Publix pumpkin pie ice cream, no Publix chicken, and *dramatic pause* no pub subs. I’ll go cry in a corner now.

Where’s the brunch?

Another problem. Yes I’m all about that waffle house breakfast every now and again, but where are the diners or the little ma and pa restaurants where I can get pancakes and eggs and bacon and toast and grits and muffins all together? One egg and wheat toast isn’t going to cut it.

“Hello to you, too.”

Maybe I’m just too friendly, but southern hospitality and charm is a real thing. It’s completely normal to say hello to strangers, and smile when you walk in the door. Except when you’re here, because when you’re here and say hello to the bus driver, the entire bus looks at you like you’re a crazy person.

I can, and I will, wear my cowboy boots.

Self explanatory..

Bring on the sorority sports and philanthropy events!

Yeah, down south the sports are serious, and you don’t play unless you’re willing to get trampled on to win. And you’ve trained in every sport the YMCA offered since you were 3. Add in the Greek? Oh honey, get ready cause this gal is bringing the eye paint.

What do you mean Game Day isn’t a holiday?

Game day was a holiday in high school for me and it was religiously attended by everyone in the nearby vicinity. It wasn’t an option, and if you didn’t go you better have a valid reason like swine flu.

I didn’t go to school in Florida in my bathing suit, and I didn’t live on the beach every single day (well, maybe). Of course I think I’m crazy for trading in the sun in the winter for snow, and I miss my beautiful palm trees, but you can only get the best bagels up here, and I guess that’s a reason to stick around.