I am a sophomore here at Kenyon. By now, I’ve spent over a year living in Ohio. However, there are still so many things about this state that confuse me, and despite all of the time I have spent here, I still experience culture shock. Here are just a few things about Ohio that still surprise me:
1. Wildlife on Campus
There are so many deer! I still get excited whenever I see deer roaming around campus or hanging out by the side of the road. Coming from a fairly suburban/urban environment, I’m not used to ever seeing deer so close. Deer may not be the most exotic animal, but they’re definitely more exciting than squirrels. And it’s just still crazy to me that they will come so close to our buildings! My friends from Ohio may make fun of my excitement, but I will forever think it’s cool to see deer hanging out on the grass next to the road on which I’m running.
2. The Narrow Country Roads
The roads are terrifying. I decided to bring my car to campus this year, and it has been a struggle adjusting to driving on Ohio roads. I’m from the D.C. area; I can handle heavy traffic, city driving, and packed interstates without a problem. But there’s something about these windy, country roads that terrifies me. The speed limit is so high on the roads, but you’re also right next to the cars going in the opposite direction. Don’t tell me it’s not scary to feel a car rushing by less than 10 feet away from you at 60 miles per hour in the opposite direction.
3. Tractors on the Road
Traffic jams are caused by tractors. On that same note, one thing that’s nice about driving in Ohio is the lack of insane D.C. traffic. However, there are still times when the traffic goes much slower than the posted speed limit, and instead of being due to congestion, it is because of slow moving farm equipment! Most of the roads out here are only one lane, so if there’s a tractor on the road going 20 miles per hour, every car behind it has to go that slow until they are in an area where they can pass it. (And passing is also scary since it involves driving in the opposite lane!)
4. The Sub-Zero Temperatures
It gets so cold. I’m still not over that Ohio winter. Or that Ohio fall. I’m the type of person who would be totally happy if it was 80 degrees every day. I never enjoyed the 20 or 30 degree winter days in Northern Virginia, but the regular 0-degree mornings throughout December, January, and February still blow my mind. I just don’t understand how it can get so cold. I don’t understand how weather can make my skin hurt so much. This is one aspect of Ohio that I don’t think I will ever be able to get used to.
5. THE Ohio State University
Ohio State football is everywhere. Despite the fact that the D.C. area is not at all into college sports (though they are very much into the Redskins), I’ve grown up with an appreciation for them from my family, since we’re huge college basketball fans. However, it still shocks me how the entire state of Ohio seems to be fans of Ohio State football. Red and white flags decorate countless houses, and Ohio state apparel is sold in every Wal-Mart I’ve been in in this state. Even the vendors on Middle Path sell Ohio State colored items! As strange as this is, though, I do think it’s cool that the whole state comes together to celebrate the same thing.
In any new place you live, you’re going to experience some sort of culture shock. I’m definitely still adjusting to living in rural Ohio, but I love that Kenyon gives me the chance to explore a different part of the country!
Image Credit: Rebecca Frank, Travel Blat, Forever Twenty Somethings, Top Bet