The 'True' American Experience
After almost three months in the USA, I think I can finally say that I understand a small amount of what makes this country work.
First thing is first, college is CRAZY. It's like combining every aspect of an Aussie university students' life into one big, four year experience. Whether it's partying like there's no tomorrow six out of seven nights of the week, or cheering on your school at the weekly sports competition, there is certainly something for everyone.
So, after 12 weeks here, here's 12 things that I've learnt so far.
1. "Oh my god, I LOVE your accent!!"
"Have you ever seen a kangaroo before?" People, they aren't some magical creature. But you'd be surprised by the amount of times the stereotypical Australian questions come up, even 12 weeks in. Whether it's questions about Australia's wildlife or people's surprise when finding out that we live conveniently close to the beach, I'll never get over the questions. Not only that, needing a translator for my Aussie English and dialect (think 'tomato' and 'tom-aaaa-to').
2. Classes are different, but the same.
Right now, you're probably thinking 'of course Emily, you're in another country!' But yes, while I think the educational system is definitely a little backwards, much of what happens is exactly the same. What is different, having the same class multiple times a week. It's annoying, and painful, and makes me wonder how we get so much done in Australia with only one contact hour a week. But I'll take it, given its a 5 minute commute rather than an hour on the train.
3. Politics...
I wasn't one who enjoyed Australian politics and it hasn't really translated here either. Being at a liberal arts college in a conservative state is interesting, and something that we frequently talk about. It's at the heart of the nation, and everyone has a say on the BIG things (like Trump) to who should be the next county representative. Is it something that should happen back home, probably, but it'd be highly unlikely.
4. It's your First Amendment Right!
As Professor Packer (my media law instructor) says, you have a first amendment right to say just about anything. Literally. If you have something to say at the UNC campus, just protest it! In just 12 weeks, I've seen protests towards the Silent Sam statue on campus, anti-aborition protests by a regional Catholic organization and an ex-students attempt to destroy an approximately 300 year old tree! Put it this way, everything and anything can happen in the US!
5. God Bless the Medical System
I never thought that I'd get to comment first hand on the American medical system, but here we are. It's expensive and exhausting, they're really the only things that I have to say about the whole experience, which has really provided me with more of a funny story than anything else.
6. For the love of FOOD!
We always talk about how the food is different in America, and you weren't wrong. There's something special about eating food here, like its a novelty for the first few weeks, that slowly dies off when you're really craving vegetables that aren't covered in maple syrup. But southern food is good, deep fried, and all fat - perfect for a quick two week road trip not six months of living!
7. School Athletics.
They play just as hard and with the same expectations as the pros but varsity athletes are just like you and I, normal students on campus. Though, the weight of a loss is something that student athletes carry for a long time. Fortunately for UNC students, last year was the year of redemption and the NCAA men's basketball victory is still just as exciting and hyped as it was in April when they won.
(Franklin St after UNC won the NCAA championship in April!)
8. There are some CRAZY Traditions!
There is honestly nothing that could compare to the crazy, weird and wonderful traditions and superstitions that Chapel Hill has. On the first day of class, it's customary to drink from the Old Well in order to get a 4.0 GPA, or maybe its more your style to walk on Franklin Street during the Halloween festivities. UNC's most sacred tradition, rushing Franklin after beating Duke in one of its classic rivalry basketball games.
9. Wearing uni merchandise is acceptable
Prepare yourselves fellow UQ students, because I think that's all I'll be wearing when I come back! My wardrobe went from black, white and the occasional hint of colour, to now mostly Carolina blue. Everything from t-shirts, shorts and jumpers to decorations for your home, school supplies and even dog clothes and toys - the UNC student store has it all, and it's normal to own it!
10. Alumni are important and proud!
Game day is a pretty big thing and more often than not, alumni are ready hours before current students. It's a chance to catch up with people from your graduating class and put all of your Carolina blue clothes to use again (there are women who wear UNC merchandised shoes!). Financially, alumni donations are extremely important to the university systems, from new buildings to athletics programs, they help with it all.
11. Tailgating!
If there is one thing I could bring back to Australia, it'd likely be tailgating! Truly an experience like no other, past and present students gathering hours before kick off to drink, eat, play corn hole and discuss how good their team is (or in UNC's case, how much we'll loose by..). The single greatest excuse to day drink and makes long football games go significantly faster!
12. Come to Party.
21 or not, if you've got the will, then there's definitely a way! It's funny how being underage (again) makes you want to go out more than what you do when you can drink legally. Fake ID's aside, there's always a party happening across campus, where the music is blasting and the alcohol is terrible. And while the alcohol might not be the greatest, it's enough to make the ridiculously hot houses bearable for one night.
There you have it. 12 things that I've learnt, experienced and enjoyed for the 12 weeks that I've been here, but trust me it hasn't been limited to these 12 and it's only going to grow!