Being from the Midwest and going to college in South Florida, I am dubbed by the native South Floridians, strange beings who probably haven’t seen snow, as a general “Northerner”. They don’t even know where the Great Lakes are! Weird... After going to college in South Florida for almost an entire academic year, I now understand the wonders, woes and habits of Floridans that I once thought of as trivial and foreign. If you are a Northerner who has migrated down here for schooling, chances are you have experienced the following:
You have discovered the wonderful world of Publix, and love it.
Isn't it greedy of them to not share this gift of convenient and reasonably priced grocery shopping with the North? No grocery store back home has good groceries, an awesome bakery and sweet deli all for amazing prices under one roof. And for my frugal friends like myself, off brand items for just about every type of product.
Cold to you went from 30 degrees and below to 65 degrees and below.
Now when you first arrive, you can’t help but notice that even if it’s 87 degrees outside, the natives are dressed for fall by northern standards. Jeans, long sleeves, maybe even some combat boots. You deem them crazy and think, “How can they be wearing pants? I’m melting!” But it was only a matter of time before you slipped into the same habit. Once temperatures dip to 70, a sweater and jeans are a must. Wearing shorts calls for weather in the 80s or higher, but you’ll probably opt for jeans anyway since that’s what people do around here. It’s 65 outside? Gosh thats freezing! How did you ever endure below zero wind chills and blizzards back home?
Your phone is riddled with pictures of sunsets, palm trees and beach visits. (#basic)
You start to wonder how you ever dealt with the gloom of northern fall and winter when there’s so much color, life and warmth year round here (except the spurts of rain). Everyday scenery is Instagram worthy. You thought these kinds of posts were basic, but now they are your new standard. These photos most likely litter all your social media accounts, accompanied by some witty or funny caption functioning as a big middle finger to your bundled friends back up north.
(Don't worry, I have many more like this.)
You’ve bragged to friends and family about how you’re wearing shorts in December as they scrape ice off their windshields.
Yes, it’s evil, but you know they would do it to you too. Chances are you have sent an obnoxious amount of temperature snapchats just to grind their gears. It can’t be helped. They hate it. You don't care. Go ahead, send another beach picture. Especially if it's winter.
Seeing unique birds and lizards running around doesn’t phase you.
At first, seeing these creatures was fascinating, hailing from a land populated with what seems like nothing but squirrels, robins, deer and maybe coyote. Now, walking to class requires being on the lookout for lizards in your path so they don't end up under your shoe. No biggie.
You actually miss dressing for cold weather.
RIP to the fluffy knit scarves, boot socks and stylish winter coats that are now neglected. Farewell to thee. Farewell to all of the different outfits that could be made by your hoard of warm layers. Styling you was always my favorite. Until we meet again for winter break.
Hurricane? Bring it.
You probably had an intense fear of hurricanes before coming here, as if they happen every other week out of nowhere. But alas, hurricanes and tropical storms are spotted with plenty of time, and you sadly hope they head your way to have class cancelled since snow days aren’t a thing down here.The natives have probably shared their tales of the little hurricane parties whilst making fun of your irrational fear of these storms. Party = lazy day at home. Maybe even with friends?
