The first day of any class when the typical "What's your name, where are you from, what's your major" that gets thrown around is actually sort of nerve-wrecking for me. I get one of either reactions: "Lol, you chose the right state" or "Oh, wow you betrayed them haha." Obviously, people are just kidding. But, there are a few things I want to clear up.
First of all, I do not hate OSU. Being raised as a Michigan fan in Ohio means the tradition of college football is part of my second nature. I have learned to appreciate college football and that Saturday morning tradition. So, I actually respect Urban Meyer, respect the success of the OSU team, and have eaten buckeyes before.
But, I don't think this makes me a traitor. I still love Jim Harbaugh and almost everything about the University of Michigan, but I do not understand the silly comments people make about OSU. I have heard some people say things like, "What do you do with an OSU degree?" or "Does OSU even have exams?" or "OSU just parties" (I mean, c'mon guys, we have a pretty active party scene here, guys). That's not to say that everyone is like this at Michigan; most people are reasonable, but some (very few) people take the rivalry so far.
Anyone could easily tell me that I am being far too sensitive about this, and I would agree. I have no idea why I become uneasy with such comments. Maybe I see Ohio and OSU as part of my identity. At the end of the day, home was a safe place where I could say I was proud of being from Ohio and also being a Michigan fan. Here, I feel like I have to choose one side.
At the end of the day, I feel this dissonance is something that I created myself for myself. Most people I have met at U of M could not care less where I am from and do not make silly comments about OSU. They keep the rivalry to the sports.
I love Jim Harbaugh, I respect Urban Meyer, I love U of M, I think OSU is a good school, etc. At the end of the day, it's home no matter what. However, I still do not understand the obsession over the "Michigan Hand" geography tool. Unless the person you're talking to is from Michigan, no one knows what you're pointing too, FYI.
Still, I hope we absolutely crush the Buckeyes next month.
