"Are you from New York?"

I hear a soft voice speak.

I turn my head, startled.

"Yeah." I reply.

"How can you tell?"

I ask, as if there is no distinguishing factor from a New Yorker to a Texan to someone from Tennessee.

"You have an accent."

"Really?"

"Yeah."

See, before attending the University of Miami, before being exposed to all different cultures, all different people with all different accents, I didn't know I even had an accent. I had no idea people pronounced the name "Harry" like Hairy, or the word "Water" like Water, while I pronounce it like Warter. We become so immune to our own way of being that we neglect the potential to have aspects of ourselves pointed out. But this is just one aspect of being an out-of-state student at UM; there are so many more I'd like to share with you all (no I will not say y'all).

Here's a few more:

1.I've heard "y'all" way too much. One of my biggest fears is giving in and saying it one day- letting myself lose what distinguishes me from others. In New York, everyone said "you guys" and I bet if I ever got back home and said "y'all" my parents would disown me or look at me funny.

2.I've been struggling to find a good bagel. I miss my local deli and its everything bagels with cream cheese, its bagels that aren't stale and chewy that actually smell and taste like they were freshly made. Let's just say bagels from Publix do not satisfy my stomach nor my tastebuds.

3. Just because I am a New Yorker does not mean I know everything about New York City. Even though I live 40 minutes from the city, I don't go there every day. I don't live in upstate New York or Long Island, there is more to New York than those places.

4.Adjusting to the humidity. In New York, I wear a lot of layers upon layers upon layers of clothing. But in Florida, the less layers the better. This is just something I have to get used to.

5. No leaves to rake in the fall. Of course once fall begins you gotta get your boots, sweaters and rakes ready. But here in Florida there's none of that. Although, I wouldn't mind sipping a Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino outside next to our campus's lake with sunglasses and sandals on. Not too bad of a life.

6. I have yet to experience a hurricane. Coming to UM, it's expected for me to experience at least one. But not sure whether I'm ready for it or not.

7.I know once winter hits I'll still be wearing shorts. Florida winters are not even winters. I could wear shorts and a sweatshirt and be fine. But for those who aren't from areas with cold weather, I wouldn't be surprised if they broke out in long sleeves, long pants, and a winter coat.

The best part, though, about being a New Yorker at UM is that everyone else is a New Yorker too. I meet so many people from all over New York. If just ask anyone how he or she pronounces "water," I'm sure you'll spot a New Yorker immediately.