It was the first day of classes for college, and I was nervous but excited. As the TA for my class explained the ice breaker we would be playing, everybody around me rolled their eyes and slowly got out of their seats to form a circle. The ice breaker began by throwing around a beach ball, and the idea was that whatever color your thumb landed on corresponded to a question that you would have to answer in an attempt to let the class get to know you. So it came to my turn, which was close to last because I did not know a soul in the room, and I dreaded having to speak but I caught the ball anyway. My thumb landed on green, and my TA asked me the question

"If you could only drink water, coffee, tea, milk, or pop for the rest of your life, what would you choose?"

Everybody stared. I let out a nervous "ummm" before I clarified "pop is soda, right?" And the blank stares and giggles that followed were enough to let me know it should be obvious.

And thus began my struggle of being asked "what?" by all the people around me, because I am an east coast raised girl in a midwest world. Here's what I learned after living in the midwest for a semester and a half..

1. Pop means soda

Apparently, this should be evident but, ya know.

2. "Tennies" refers to sneakers

No matter what the shoe actually is. Vans, Nikes, Adidas, and other shoes of similar make, are tennies.

3. Hoagies are called subs

Why?? I have no idea. But if you say hoagie, you'll just get looks of confusion. Also, they are supposed to be the same thing but they really aren't.

4. Trying to explain Wawa to people who have never experienced it is impossible.

What is it? Uh well, a gas station that serves food.. but like really good food. Like hoagies.. not that you know what that is anyway.. so like, subs. Plus hoagie fest. And cue more stares.

5. The metros/trains actually run on time????

Sometimes they even leave early. It is definitely not septa

6. People are generally nicer

Strangers actually walk while looking up and smile and wave and say hello, when they don't know you. Wild.

7. Other people think that there is a Philadelphia accent

Apparently, its distinctive. Maybe its the slang?

8. Life is slower

Its amazing how much slower life can go. People take their time and don't rush and drive a little (keyword little) less crazy.

9. Finding someone who knows what you're talking about makes you wanna talk about it forever

Its like an "aha!" moment when somebody actually knows the reference you make to home, and it makes you wanna ask them about everything you miss.

10. The struggle of having to remind yourself its normal that people haven't been to your city

Constantly asking "you've never been there?!" and then remembering that its a twelve hour drive or two hour flight and changing the subject, or sounding like a tour guide and explaining everything you can.

Living in the midwest has definitely been an experience, but a good one.