Born and raised in a small farming community, the struggles of my college transition where not as much academic stress or self-awareness as they were the frustrations of big city living. Granted, many of you may not think Omaha, NE (pop. 500,000) qualifies as a big city, however for those of us who are used to no more than a few thousand (or even a few hundred) people, this is major!
Here are 24 things your small town friends likely wondered/asked/struggled with when they moved to the city.
1. "What the heck is traffic?!"
I still haven't quite grasped the concept that simply because a lot of people want to go somewhere, it will take everyone at least twice as long to get there. Currently accepting any and all tips to avoid this phenomenon.
2. "Why do we have to use the crosswalk?"
My first city lesson was learning to go all the way to the corner and wait for the white man to light up, then you hoped it was safe to cross. Freshmen, take note of this now, you're friends might not be aware of this rule, so keep an eye out for them until they've learned!
3. "Look at those skyscrapers!"
My next lesson was learning that anything under 50 stories did not qualify as a "skyscraper" and was therefore simply a "high-rise." They all look like they're scraping the sky to me!
4. "You mean I can just go to the mall?"
Going to the mall has always been a treat for me. We pick a day weeks in advance, make a list, go to the bank, take off work, fill up the gas tank, and maybe even invite some friends while we're at it, and then, overflowing with excitement, we drive far away to the mall only to return late that night (maybe even the next day) with bags of new things and soon after begin planning for the next trip in a few months.
5. "What is *Insert any restaurant name here*?"
My friends will tell you that going to "The Village Inn" for free pie during finals week was the highlight of my year (though not true). The point is, if you name a restaurant other than McDonalds or DQ, I've probably never heard of it and will therefore place a T-H-E in front of it's name from then on.
6. "But it's only 3 miles away..."
3 miles means approx. 5 minutes back home and you're saying we have to leave a whole 20 minutes early? How absurd! Must be because of all that "traffic."
7. "You don't know everyone in your school?"
Another shocker. I can proudly name every person in my graduating class and give you a quick synopses of their life in less than 15 minutes and you mean to tell me you don't know the girl you sat next to at commencement?
8. "Why doesn't the waiter/barista know my name and order?"
Having been a barista myself, I was expected to know my customers the moment they walked in the door (sometimes I'd even be expecting them to arrive at a certain time) and start making their drink before they even step up to the cash register. Imagine my disappointment when I have to remind every server/waiter/barista of my name and order each time I come in!
9. "You mean the cops don't smile back at you?"
It's not just that they don't smile, but that you don't personally know any of them! No more getting off with just a warning and a "say hi to the folks" I guess...
10. "Why don't we just take the alleyway?"
Dark and scary alleys were never a thing to avoid back home (they were actually quite useful)...I guess they are when you don't really know what/who is around every corner.
11. "I actually have to lock my door/car?"
What a pain it is to have to lock your vehicle or door, especially when you leave your keys inside due to force of habit. I still haven't adjusted to this one quite yet, just ask my roommate!
12. "Why doesn't anyone wave back at me?"
Apparently most humans don't like to interact with other humans in big cities. Who knew?
13. "I'm so glad my teachers didn't also have my siblings/parents!"
Nothing is more refreshing than teachers never calling you by your sisters name or threatening to call your mom. It's actually kind of nice not knowing anyone and knowing that no one knows me either..that is until something happens.
14. "You mean I won't make the cover of the newspaper for this?"
Odds are you won't be anywhere in the newspaper from now on unless you do something truly amazing. And no, beating your rival in a sport doesn't qualify.
15. "I can't believe I'm not related to anyone in this town!"
You would think with all the people here I'd be related to at least one of them. Oh wait, all of my relatives are back home supporting the family business!
16. "So I can't be in 4 sports, 5 clubs, and have 2 jobs?"
Growing up in a small town, everyone tends to be involved in everything, otherwise teams, clubs, businesses, etc. would fall through. It was quite the wake up call when my email began to flood with messages from groups I'd signed up for at the activity fair and I could only commit to a couple.
17. "I haven't seen a tractor/combine in months!"
It's almost sad even. It wasn't until I went home for the first time that I realized how much I missed all the farmers in my community hogging the road with their tractors as they work diligently to provide us with sweet corn and other important foods.
18. "What is a parking garage/meter?"
The idea the you have to pay for parking is still settling with me. I've never had to do this in my life and will do everything I can to avoid it from now on! How ridiculous!
19. "Your Prom wasn't in your high school gym?"
How strange! Some people actually pay for a venue for a school dance!? Sorry, but that seems so unnecessary to me! Our gym looked quite nice covered in black tarp and glitter, thank you!
20. "Why are there stoplights at every intersection?"
I always thought my town was so developed because we had a whole 7 stoplights! Turns out that's only a fraction of the stoplights surrounding my school! I'm thinking this may also be why it takes so long to go a mere 3 miles in the city!
21. "Why don't you just ask someone for directions?"
I didn't realize until I moved that ''stranger danger" is actually a concern for some people. By the way, the names of all those streets you just listed mean nothing to me. Just point out some landmarks and I'll find my way.
22. "There are how many different schools here?"
Nothing was a bigger surprise than this, especially considering my school was a compilation of students from multiple towns. Instead, one city has not only multiple schools, but multiple school districts! This is just beyond me.
23. "You mean if I miss church no one will know?"
If you don't show up for Sunday morning mass and sit in your seat (left side, 8th row back, mid pew), you are bound to hear about it from at least a few people. Not to mention you'll be expected to have a darn good excuse! (Don't worry Mom, I go to mass every Sunday)
24. Someone: "Where are you from?"
You: *Mumbles distance from biggest city in state*
Sometimes I don't even bother telling people the name of my hometown believing that they will have never heard of it and/or feel guilty pretending they have. I'm usually just better off saying "90 miles Northwest of Des Moines", and leaving it at that.
"The best way to appreciate small town life is to move to a big city."
- Susan Gale
