There are some of us that are used to hearing the words, “I’m going into town.” We make a day trip out of going to get groceries. Now we have graduated and we are heading to a slightly bigger city to pursue a higher level of education. We are excited to try “adulting”, expand our horizons, and are ready to grow as human beings. But, as we are bright eyed and bushy tailed to walk into that new class, we are also oblivious to the culture shock we are about to experience.
Here are a couple things that go through a mind that is from a small town:
1. How do parking meters really work?
2. People actually walk in the cross walk??
3. Why are there so many stoplights at every single block?
4. Is there just a plain old parking lot somewhere I can park?
5. Wait! THE CROSS WALK THING SAYS WE CAN’T CROSS! WHY ARE YOU WALKING?
6. Omg I almost got hit by a car.
7. I can get my food delivered to my door?
8. Is that another siren? I literally just heard one 5 minutes ago...
9. I think I need a car wash now.
10. Where is the best spot to see the sunset?
... I am desperate.
11. “Can I just get a plain hamburger and fries, none of the fancy stuff?"
12. Where do all of these people come from?
13. I hope no one asks me for directions around this place.
14. *Sees an alley* *Runs away briskly*
15. It’s so bright out at night.
16. So I don’t have to drive 30 minutes to get a gallon of milk?
17. I have never heard this many horns honking.
18. Do the college campus squirrels seem different to you?
19. I can’t just pick a flower from the landscaping?
20. So the restaurant staff doesn’t greet you by your first name?
21. Currently looking for a place for a nice nature walk...
22. You had how many people in your graduating class?
23. I waved when I drove by someone and they didn’t wave back…
24. I have noticed that I walk way faster now.
25. I hope I don't look like a tourist or something...
26. Coffee is how much????
27. Should I be scared or in awe that people dress like that?
28. I am so hipster studying at this coffee shop.
29. Are all bus drivers this reckless?
30. *Keeps telling myself* “I’m expanding my horizons.”
If you were wondering, yes all of these have gone through my mind. And some of them have gone through my mind on a daily basis. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, simply something to be proud of. No matter how long I live in a big city for college, I will still sweat and panic when I can’t find a parking spot and it is making me late.
I will still become obviously frustrated when I can’t get the parking meter to work. I will always feel at home when someone else has dirt on their back window of their car. I will still be deathly afraid of bus drivers’ questionable driving abilities.
But, props to us for stepping out of our comfort zones. Maybe we will never master some of the skills of a city goer but that's okay. Our struggles make for hilarious stories.
