I’ve learned two things thus far about New Zealanders: 1. Do not confuse them with Austrailians. And 2. Their accent will always be cooler than ours. This year I live with an exchange student, Grace, from New Zealand and she has a few interesting things to note about our BC culture.
Nike Workout Shorts
The classic clothing item that always has people guessing, “Did you go to the plex? Or did you just not have time to get dressed?” Grace noticed that most BC girls own a pair of Nike workout shorts, with an assortment of colors. She had never seen them before, and does like we all do to fit in somewhere: bought herself a pair. Blending in with us Americans basically just means looking (questionably) sporty.
Leggings
Some of us will proudly detest, but in NZ, leggings are never ok as pants. Ever. Also, Grace had a few questions about why some of us are willing to spend our whole bank accounts on one pair of Lulu Lemon leggings. I didn’t have an answer besides, “They make your butt look good.” Maybe that’s all the justification needed?
We’re not preppy, are we?
Monograms, Jack Rodgers, Sperrys, Vineyard Vines. I don’t have to state the obvious. Looking at our “BC Uniform,” Grace thought some people “walked out of a catalogue” with the prep. Their dress in NZ is deemed more as “hipster.” Such a rare description for this campus.
BBQs, Tailgating, and Being an Eagle
“Isn’t a BBQ putting BBQ sauce in everything?” Tailgating has been a whole new world for Grace, to say the least. She’s also still shocked how much pride we have for BC. With our Super Fan shirts and our chants, we really come together to get behind BC come game time.
As Grace is finding out, being an Eagle is definitely something to be proud of.
Having Grace as a roommate has been a great way to step outside the picture and see the BC culture. Some of Grace’s views made me question my own ways, particularly how often I wear my Nike shorts. But all in all, Grace’s views of BC make me proud to be a student here, and I wouldn’t give up wearing leggings as pants for anybody.
Photo Credit:
http://www.altrec.com/nike/womens-tempo-shorts/
http://wanelo.com/p/4875315/run-inspire-crop-ii-women-s-crops-lululemon-athletica
http://danavaughncook.wordpress.com/2013/04/03/wish-list-wednesday-the-sandal-edition/