I’m originally from Los Angeles, California, which is famously known for the lively, glamorous Hollywood, and moving from an urban area to a suburban area has surely been an interesting experience to say the least.
Because I spent my entire life in Los Angeles, I felt like I had to get out somehow, and college was the perfect way to do it. Living in the same area since you were a kid can give you the feeling of being stuck which is exactly how I felt. I felt like it was time to branch out and get to know new people and experience new things in an entirely new environment. So, that’s just what I did!
When I got accepted into Winthrop University, I was very excited because it was the start of a new chapter. It was the beginning of my adventure. HOW COULD I NOT BE EXCITED?! COLLEGE? NEW HOME? NEW FRIENDS?! No matter if you’re from far away like me, or are from South Carolina, I’m sure you felt exactly the same way!
However, moving to the East Coast was NOT what I expected. Here are some of the things I did not expect.
1. Less traffic
As congested as some of the highways here can get, it’s nothing compared to Los Angeles highways!
2. To be greeted by almost everyone everywhere I go
It is no joke when people say that there is such thing as “southern hospitality”, and that southern hospitality is what has helped me adjust and feel welcome. It has helped me ease into being in a new atmosphere, and has made me feel so much calmer about my new home.
3. Seeing wildlife randomly roaming around
Winthrop squirrels are ruthless!
4. To be somewhere where when it rains…it POURS!
It barely ever rains in California, and so far my experience has been a collection of rainy walks to class.
5. Not only does it pour, but it’s HUMID out too!
I mean come ON, as if heavy rain isn’t bad enough, now my hair has to frizz up.
6. Completely different lingo
Y’all, y’hear, Chick-fil-A, sweet tea. It took me a while to get accustomed to this new vocabulary and even to this day, some of it still manages to throw me off!
Although I still love the East coast, my heart will always be in the West coast at home!