rebel out of water

I’ve headed home for the summer now, but I’ve got a few observations that I’d like to share after my first full year of living in Mississippi…

• In Mississippi, you don’t take a picture, you MAKE a picture
• You don’t turn up the TV, you CUT it up
• The only thing warmer than the weather is the people
• You have to add a few pounds to the freshman fifteen to account for Southern cooking
• Cowboy boots are the acceptable, if not preferred, footwear to go with sundresses
• If you let a lady touch a door, your momma didn’t raise you right
• Whiskey is the drink of choice
• Bowties are the true method of letting everyone know you have class
• Mosquitoes are the state bird
• The only thing worse than the heat is the humidity
• There are two seasons- spring and football
• Above all, people are loyal to these: their school, their family, and their friends

Stay classy, Mississippi. See you in a few months!

Beautiful spring day at Ole Miss :)

It’s that time of year again- college application time. Hordes of anxious almost-high school graduates are sending off application after application to various universities, and I feel it is my duty as college freshman (technically, sophomore) to throw my two cents into the discussion. For everyone who is considering applying to the University of Mississippi, I’d like to analyze the school a little.

Cons: (the cons appear longer because I felt the need to elaborate more)

I guess that statistically, if you’re thinking about applying to Ole Miss, you’re interested in Greek life. Greeks have an insanely strong presence at Ole Miss, and their constant shouting and running around and meeting in places in large groups wearing the same t-shirt and throwing up all over your dorm hallways after formals can be super annoying. If Greek life is your thing, good for you. If it’s not, you’d better be prepared to be inundated with it anyway.

Our football team blows chunks. Games are still fun and I’m still proud of my school, but sometimes it’s like work to cheer for our Rebs.

The exclusionary/fake attitude (skip this section if you’re petite, blonde, and from the South)I found my place, sure, but being a 6’0 tall, size 18 brunette from Maryland who likes video games and indie music made life a little difficult in the beginning. Sometimes if you don’t fit the pageant queen mold, people don’t give you the time of day, and there’s an air of fakeness. Many times I’ve had an encounter with someone in my dorm, only to walk away and realize “Wait. She was just totally being a bitch to me.” THAT BEING SAID, there are many genuinely nice people- you just aren’t sure who’s nice and who’s fake at first glance.

Dealing with other douchebag schools in the SEC. I’ve got special insight into this topic, being a member of the marching band. On the offending list for super-douchey schools are Bama, Arkansas, State, and most of all freaking LSU. Their fans are the WORST. It was the first time an old lady got in my face and yelled at me.

Pros:

The campus is absolutely breathtaking. Walking around campus on a crisp fall afternoon while the sun streams through the trees is stunning. Pretty sure Newsweek says we’re #1 most beautiful, too.

The gameday experience is incomparable. We’ve got the best tailgating in the country and the Grove is one of a kind.

The academics are really solid, despite the reputation as a party school.

The town, the food (even the campus food ain’t so bad), and the shopping.

The cost, even as an out-of-stater, is a great deal.

It’s not Mississippi State.

Hotty toddy.

I got my first hint of missing Oxford the other day! It started because I was like “dang, I need a biscuit,” and then I just got to thinking about Ole Miss and how I had a good semester, even though it was super stressful. I miss sitting on the Starbucks patio by the Champion tree on a really beautiful day and lingering while drinking coffee with my friends for hours. But only a few weeks until I’m back! I’m torn on whether or not that’s a good thing, but… I did have my first sign of Oxford-sickness

(although, I’ve reverted back to saying “you guys” instead of “y’all.” Without “y’all” all around me I go back to my Yankee tendencies I guess?)

• 1.) When kids say they’re going to DC, they mean DeSoto County.

• 2.) Lafayette County is pronounced Luh-FAY-it, not Lah-fee-ETTE.

• 3.) Rain boots are absolutely necessary for life in Oxford, MS.