For two-and-a-half years, I’ve lived in Texas, but I am originally from the North. By the time you read this I’ll be within two weeks of graduation, after which I’ll be moving back to my home state.
During my time here I’ve heard some less than flattering things about Yankees — which I’ve discovered to many Texans means anyone from Oklahoma or further north. I’ve heard Yankees are prissy, nerdy, snobby and one of my friends who went to Texas A&M occasionally even dusts off the term “carpetbagger.”
Fine, then. Want to know what I think of the precious “Republic?” Of the home of oversized belt buckles and unnecessary cowboy boots everyone seems so proud of?
Are you good and upset? Are you ready to hear it?
Texas actually is great. In fact my wife and I have nothing but warm feelings for the Lone Star State and the great people we’ve met here.
Sorry for the head fake. I had to try to get your Texas pride up so hopefully the reflections that follow won’t seem so sweet that readers get diabetes. You see, I’ve had a good couple years here. I got married while living here, picked up a couple degrees and made a lot of good friends.
For the sake of full disclosure, my Yankee credentials are questionable.
Between Arizona and West Texas, I’ve lived in the Southwest for four years. Also, I actually hail from Indiana, which culturally is a lot more like West Texas than New England.
In fact, genuine northeastern “Yankees” — the sort who can’t pronounce the letter “R,” get psyched for sailboat races and look forward to an annual maple syrup festival — wouldn’t likely consider me one of their own.
But, I do have a different perspective from most Red Raiders. So what will I take from my years here?
Like most people not from here, I didn’t appreciate the enormity of Texas when I first arrived. Shortly after moving in I saw a headline about “Flooding in Texas.” I excitedly read the story to see if it was something I should worry about. The flooding was over 600 miles away.
Another thing I learned early is there isn’t just one Texas. There are three or four several different ones, each with distinct cultural twists. (There are as many accents; after a few drinks one of my friends sounds surprisingly like Boomhauer from “King of the Hill.”)
Economics is one of Texas’s most important strengths. According to a report by Forbes earlier this year, with its reasonable regulations and low taxes, Texas boasts the best economic climate in the country. Compare that to California where, according to The Economist, the top 1 percent of earners pay 48 percent of income tax. In Texas at least, the American Dream is alive and kicking.
Being a huge fan of steak and football, I feel like I’ve enjoyed some of the best of each in Texas. In fact, a part time job I had here caused me to see a lot of high school football. It’s not hype; there’s a noticeable difference between how the game’s played here than in Arizona or Indiana.
I knew about the Alamo when I moved here but have learned much more since. My wife I visited it earlier this year. As corny as it sounds, you get a humbling feeling standing there, knowing the odds the defenders faced. The River Walk and the rest of San Antonio are beautiful.
I only spent a couple days there, but the Metroplex is great as well. I had a great time at Six Flags Over Texas; meanwhile the amazing Cowboys Stadium looks like what you’d get if luxury and intimidation had a baby.
Speaking of cities, I regret not making it to Austin and Houston. Then again I bet I haven’t seen the last of Texas. There are always vacations and friends to visit. Plus if things go well financially I have a feeling the Texas Tech Alumni Association will keep me posted on developments here in Lubbock.
Sometimes when you’re used to a great thing, it’s easy to lose your appreciation for it. Texans (fellow Texans for a couple more weeks), thank you for your hospitality and remember to enjoy this great state.
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