It’s been three months since I made the journey from Alabama to Minnesota. Here are the top seven things I learned moving 1,300 miles.
1. Hockey is the New Football
They are all in: face paint, jerseys, signs, special cheers. It’s the closest you will ever get to an SEC game.
2. You DO Have an Accent
Even if you think you don’t, you do. People will know as soon as you open your mouth that you’re from the South. Own it.
3. You Will Miss the Food
Grits. Potato salad. Real mac and cheese. Casseroles. Fried green tomatoes. Everything fried and smothered in butter. These are a few of the foods that are taken for granted in the South.
4. The Language is Different
It’s pop, not coke. It’s a hot dish, not a casserole. It’s stuffing, not dressing. It’s a shopping cart, not a buggy. It’s you guys, not y’all. People don’t know what the Mason-Dixon line is or what hushpuppies are.
5. Not Everyone is a Republican
You mean people have differing political views?!? And they don’t hate each other?!? Crazy. Not only is there a wider variety of views, but the people are not afraid to tell you what they believe.
6. Cold Has a New Meaning
50º is a good day. Layering is an art. Learning to drive on ice is scary. You will get so cold that you actually run to class, and that’s in the fall. And it snows before Thanksgiving.
7. People Will Accept You for Who You Are
“Minnesota nice” is a thing. People don’t care if you root for the rival football team or don’t dress up on Sundays. Not only will you find fast friends, but you will not feel judged because you grew up in the South. In fact, people will love you more for it!