Shout out to all the Northerners that somehow found themselves in the South. I'm proudly guilty of this. Coming from New York, I knew life in the South would not exactly be the same as the environment I grew up in on Long Island. Little did I know, this was quite the understatement.
I quickly came to realize politely greeting strangers, drinking sweet tea with every meal, and slow driving were Southern staples. I was not prepared for the very friendly demeanors and fried-everything-foods that came along with South Carolina. But it only made me love the South more.
I definitely stand out more than I thought I would. I am constantly reminded of my distinct accent, fast talking, and inevitable road rage. Applying to college, all I wanted to do was go south; I only applied to southern schools. The draw of cowboy boots, country music, pickup trucks, warm weather and Furman's beautiful campus were the only things I needed to be sold on South Carolina. The South surprised me with more than just these few initial things. First things first, the people. You can find the most friendly, genuine, caring and down to earth human beings. Not to mention, the true southern gentlemen, us Northerners, know nothing about and only lived vicariously in knowing through novels. Along with this, it is always socially acceptable to wear a sundress with cowboy boots and for guys, some of the most vibrant, colorful pants and shirts you could ever imagine. I was definitely taken aback when strangers acted like good acquaintances (definitely not a thing up North). The stereotypically New Yorker I was generally exposed to -- rude, loud and always in rush, I witnessed people believing there just was no time for small talk.
A pretty sociable person, myself, I was overjoyed by the idea of small conversations and daily chats on the way to class, in the dining hall or a quick catch up in the hall of the dorms. I love the fact that you can always find a friend among the few hundreds on Furman's campus. That is a rare thing to find in a college setting. The positive relationships open to a Furman student are endless. Aside from this, Furman, being in South Carolina also calls for a beautiful setting and appealing weather. I can't forget about, southern football games and tailgates. Who wouldn't love that? Also, without a doubt, you can always find grits, sweet tea and some fried chicken on a menu anywhere you go. Can't complain right? Before coming to Furman, all Northerners can attest to never seeing, trying or even knowing what a grit could be or contain. But you without a doubt grow to learn and love them.
Cookout? What's that? We don't have them up North; we have what we thought were them all: McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King. Nope. Cookout is the life-changer. One word: Milkshakes. Looking to gain the Freshman 15... well there it is -- CookOut. Everything is so cheap and so good. You honestly can't go wrong... except when your clothes don't fit.
Sororities. Fraternities. Two words and concepts that stand out and do not exist in the North. All my friends that go to school in the North see these organizations as foreign and nonexistent. So few of the students at Northern universities participate in greek life. It's just not a thing and no one has an explanation for it. Talking to my friends from home about greek life is so hard and strenuous; they just do not understand it. Being a Northerner, I am not your typical sorority girl; cheesy or not, I do not know what I would do without sorority life and all that it represents now that I am apart of it.
Don't get me wrong, I love New York; it's where I grew up and it will always be my home and very special to me, but I would not mind staying South for as long as I can. It's a different world down here. Not to be stereotypically cliche and over the top, but it actually just has a feel to it; a happy, upbeat, down to earth, take it easy type of vibe, rather than the hustle and bustle of Northern life. People are authentic and real, the foods are comforting and everything that surrounds you is alluring to your eyes. You Northerners better watch out: the South will sell itself and have your soul sold for good in no time. But never forget and always remember, you unfailingly will end up home again.
