My name is Dominique Pouncy and I’m from Houston, Texas.
Moving from Texas to Michigan has been a huge transition. This is my first time living outside of Texas, so this is all new to me. Every time I meet someone new in Michigan there are typically three questions I get every time they figure out where I’m from. One, What made you choose MSU? Two, How are you liking it here? Three, Are you ready for the winter?
To answer those questions: One, the animal science program. Two, I’m liking it a lot, it’s all new experiences. Three, by what everyone is telling me… not one bit.
Here are some things I’ve noticed that are different in East Lansing, MI compared to in Houston, TX.
- Walking
One of the biggest changes I’ve made would be all the walking to get around campus and my legs can definitely attest to that. After two weeks of being here, I had shin splints in both of my legs even though I have been active my whole life. Back home the farthest we would have to walk was around the corner. The last time I walked this much was during my summer hiking trips.
- People
I really love most of the people here. I don’t know if it’s just because it’s been less than three months of school, but the people I’ve met through clubs, in class, and on the streets have all been cool people. Especially people in the clubs like the Michigan State lacrosse club team and of course HCMSU.
- How big the city is.
Another huge change is the size difference. Houston is one of the top four largest cities. There is always something to do and something different to eat. Coming here has been a shift. Especially because I don’t have a car on campus right now and East Lansing it only so big, there’s only a limited amount of places I can go. However, this is also my fault because I planned to explore the entire campus (since it is huge), but I haven’t got the chance. As of right now, I would say I’ve covered 60%. I do appreciate how big the school is student population wise though because there is always someone new to get to know. Almost every day or at each event I go to I have a great conversation and get someone’s Instagram.
- Weather
Lastly the weather, now this is only a slight change right now since we haven’t gotten to the colder months yet, but so far I love it. I don’t want to jinx it, but like I said right now I’m loving the weather. To me this is perfect. It hasn’t been too hot since the first three days of moving in. Whenever I left Houston to make the drive here it was in triple digit weather. Not fun at all. Since then, I haven’t sweated bullets outside other than working out.
It has been pretty scary going to college already, but then being 1,269.3 miles away on top of that is very intimidating. I’m incredibly lucky I have such a great support system, or I know this would be near impossible. The best advice I give to any out of state students (I know it’s very basic and corny) is to get out of your comfort zone and make friends. When I first got here, I probably heard that 20 million times, but I didn’t realize how much it was true until just this past week. After joining just two clubs, I’m in love with the people in them and cherish them for letting me in.