“Well, you’re not in Kansas anymore!”
No, I certainly am not, and I have discovered that clicking your heels doesn’t always land you in the comfort of your home. Going from Wichita to San Diego has been just about as much of an adventure as "The Wizard of Oz," and a lot more realistic. See, my story isn’t as exciting as Dorothy’s. I wasn’t taken here by a tornado, I don’t have a cute dog named Toto (which is possibly the saddest part), and I didn’t meet a talking lion, but I did, however, discover that Wichita and San Diego might as well be two different worlds.
When I decided to attend school at San Diego State, I never knew exactly how much of a culture shock it would be. Coming from a Midwestern city in the middle of the country did not prepare me for the magical land that is San Diego. There are many new things that I have been exposed to (I wish I didn’t mean this literally). Unfortunately, I have encountered two instances of indecent exposure from strangers. I do not believe this is what San Diego is about, I think I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, but it’s still pretty comical.
I also have learned that freeways are a free-for-all. My first experience driving on the freeways was almost equivalent to "The Hunger Games" and it was every man for himself. But I have learned to love it, and I also have learned to be a little more assertive than my usual timid Kansas way of driving. Everywhere you go, there is a view (to me at least). On countless occasions, I have been amazed by the views you get to enjoy just driving on the freeways. Though I learned that most of the time I am just seeing hills, they are mountains to me. Oh, and did I mention there’s the ocean too?! I am going to quote Hannah Montana and say “put it all together and you know you got the best of both worlds." There is a reason San Diego is called one of the most beautiful cities in the country.
Though San Diego is stunning, I do miss the Kansas sunsets and the waves of grain. I miss long drives with my best friends on two-lane roads, and the fact that it only took me about 10 minutes to get wherever I needed to go. However, driving in SoCal serves as a good source of entertainment. I also miss gas being about $2 a gallon, and yes, that was fantastic. Kansas gave me an irreplaceable childhood and unforgettable experiences that I will cherish forever. Though, people usually ask me why in the world I would ever want to live in Kansas, they don’t know it's beautiful corners and skies. Kansas is unique, and I was lucky enough to get to live there for 18 years. Everyone always wants out, and I was one of them, but once you leave, you truly realize how much of a blessing it all was.
Kansas is nothing like San Diego, and that is okay. Neither one is bad, both vividly different and unique. I have learned a lot in my short time living in San Diego and I am anxious to learn even more. There are times when I want to go back home, but in the end, I am so glad I made the decision to come so far away from home. San Diego bares endless opportunities and I am grateful I am able to take advantage of them. Kansas will always be my home, but you know what they say, you never will know if you never try.
But, if anyone knows where Dorothy bought those ruby slippers, let me know, they could come in handy at times.
