When I decided to go to Baylor, it never dawned on me that most kids would be from Texas. I don’t why, because it most colleges have a high percentage of in-state students. I though Baylor might be different – I thought wrong. Only about 30% of Baylor students come from a state other than Texas. I have also had quite a few friends from other states mention that they are original from Texas. Comparatively, Baylor has a high percentage of out-of-state students, but the number is still less than I expected. I say all this so you can truly understand what it like to be an out-of-state student here at Baylor.
During class introductions, when you get asked where you’re from, people are surprised by any answer other than Texas. The second question you get asked is, “what town are you from?” Once you answer there are two options for responses. Either, “I have never heard of it” or,” Oh, I think I’ve driven through there.” Baylor has a population of kids from California so this doesn’t always apply to them because they often times strike up conversations about California that closely resemble those of in-state students.
People will tell you about places to go that you have never heard of before. While, a lot of restaurants can be found in every state, there a quite a few that are special to Texas, even more specifically Waco. People look at strange when say you have never heard of certain places, but I could name plenty of stores and restaurants in Oklahoma that Texas students have never heard of. Eventually when you go home, you become so accustomed to these new places that you are looking for them there. Unfortunately, I there is not an In-N-Out in Oklahoma, no matter how hard I look for it.
The opposite is true, as well. When I am in Waco, I plan on going to Braums all time, but there is not one here. I can four within 10 miles from my house in Oklahoma, but Waco does not even have one. I can’t run to Crest to grab a few things in Texas, and there is not a single H-E-B in Oklahoma.
The weather is completely different in Texas. I am not original from Oklahoma and have moved around quite a bit, but after six years I have gotten used to the unpredictable weather there. The weather in Texas is pretty unpredictable as well, but it’s definitely not as bad. Unpredictable or not, Texas is not nearly as cold as Oklahoma and the humidity here has to be the worst thing ever. I knew going to school in Texas would not be that bad because I hate cold weather, but I think I hate humidity just as much. I think both states should have an Oklahoma summer and Texas winter.
While going to school out-of-state can be different it is definitely worth it. You get a whole new experience when you start college with added bonus of being able to go home over breaks.
