While the holidays kick into gear, it’s important to appreciate where you come from. As an out of state student, my appreciation grows each and every day. However, wearing the out of state title isn’t always easy. Aside from the long commute and extra tuition costs, the most difficult task is dealing with the vicious cycle of small talk. At this point, I could benefit from carrying around answer cards to pass out at social events. Here’s an idea of the questions and comments that out of state students hear pretty much every day.
“What made you choose Virginia Tech?”
At first, I became excited when asked this question. Now, I can spit out my answer faster than the person finishes asking. I chose my school to get an amazing education and to have the best four years of my life. Why wouldn’t I choose Virginia Tech? That’s the real question.
“Why did you transfer?”
This one happens to be a personal favorite. PSA: when I say I’m from Alabama, I mean the state. Not the university.
“I don’t know how they do things where you’re from but…”
I understand that people do things differently in different parts of the country, but sometimes this phrase gets a little out of hand. To be fair, Alabama and Virginia aren’t that far away from each other. We do and say things pretty similarly. Out of state doesn’t mean out of the loop!
“But you don’t have an accent!”
Not everyone picks up the dominant accent of their hometown. In my case, I have not lived in Alabama my whole life. Most people just assume everyone in SEC territory has a thick southern twang. To be fair, it’s pretty easy to make these assumptions when you have little knowledge on that area.
“You didn’t go home for fall break?”
The first time I went back home was for thanksgiving. Because our fall break was one day long, I have no idea why anyone would drive seven hours for a three day weekend. Then again, most of my friends only had to drive two or three hours. Either way, no I did not go home for fall break.
“Is it sad being so far away from home?”
I made my college decision fully aware of the consequences. My goal for after high school was to attend school outside of my home state. Sure, I do get homesick sometimes, but I wouldn’t trade my decision for the world.
Going to school out of state never seemed like an easy task. I face trials and tribulations every day of the week. Stereotypes and misattribution exist all over the country, not just on college campuses. Despite being known as “the girl from Alabama”, I don’t let my hometown define me. Small talk aside, as a proud out of state girl, the pros definitely outweigh the cons.
Images from giphy.com and NICCP.com