What I've Learned By Going To School In The South

Going back home for a break, I remember the many reasons of why I chose to go to school in the South. Getting away from snow and any type of cold weather at all was a requirement for me. Now that I live in the South, I don't ever want to go back.

The South is where strangers smile at you on the streets, everyone rocks their Chacos and someone's heart is constantly being blessed.

1. Sweet tea. That's all.

Being from the North, I would always drink unsweetened tea with a little bit of Splenda. Now, that’s not even an option: sweet tea or no tea.

2. Monograms are essential on everything you own.

I don’t know if it’s because girls think their belongings will get stolen or if it’s just a huge fashion trend, but they put their monogram on everything. Boots, hats, bags, walls, umbrellas -- literally everything.

3. Who cares about the NFL, it's all about college football.

Who cares about the NFL when there’s the SEC and ACC? Professional football is by far the most popular sport in America, but not in the South. College football all day every day (well, only when it’s football season).

4. Southern accents are a real thing, but I'm not complaining.

Listening to people talk in class isn’t too exciting, but when there’s that one Southern guy who starts speaking, he’s got my full attention. There’s just something about listening to a sweet Southern accent that makes my day a little brighter.

5. Y'all takes the place of "you guys."

Going home for breaks can be a little tricky. I have to make sure never to say that infamous y-word or else everyone will stare blankly at me like I’m crazy. I can openly say y’all in the South without giving it a second thought.

6. Humidity might actually be your cause of death.

Just think about this. You spend a solid hour doing your hair, you walk outside and boom, it’s gone. Those curls are gone forever girlfriend, better luck next time (not really). But seriously, it's bad.

7. Southern hospitality is more than just a friendly "hello."

I’m not even going to lie; I thought Southern hospitality was a joke until I experienced it. All the “yes ma’ams” and “no sirs,” doors being held open, and everyone just being so generous and welcoming all the time; the South has such a different atmosphere than the North.

8. Despite the humidity, being outside is the best place to be.

The warm weather and palm trees make the South a perfect place to be, accompanied by sun of course. It’s guaranteed that on a sunny day in the South everyone will be out doing Lord knows what. But being out and about is part of being a true Southerner.