What newcomers need to know about Texas culture
The heat, the barbecues and coke — here’s a primer on how to understand Texas, y’all.
COMMENTARY
Steffanie Strawbridge

Each school year at TCU brings the same things: new classes and new students. Each year a new batch of students from outside of Texas descend upon the campus. As a native Texan, I am highly amused at the beginning of every school year with what new students have to say about Texas. So for all of those who did not grow up here, in the wonderful state of Texas I would like to offer some advice. To all others feel free to read to see if you agree or not.

First of all, we have a language all our own. The “g” at the end of the suffixing is optional. It is perfectly acceptable to say goin’. Words like y’all and ain’t are part of our everyday speech (please take note of where to put the apostrophe in each word ). Also, “fixin’ to” is an acceptable phrase to let someone know your plans for the immediate future, as in, “I’m fixin’ to go to class.”

Another word to take note of is coke. Here the word “coke” refers to any soft drink. The use of soda, pop or soda pop will be understood, but will be talked about after you leave. It may take some practice, but when you start to use them on a daily basis they will become natural in no time.

Secondly, we do not have an accent. You may have an accent, but that will be overlooked. Please do not ask us to say phrases so you can hear our accent.

Third, everything in Texas is bigger: our hats, our trucks and our egos. So while you are here, Texas is the greatest place to ever exist. This is not an opinion between the state residents; it is a fact. We also feel that everything that comes from Texas is the best.

Fourth, we have no control over the weather. We know it is hot, please do not feel that you need to point this out everyday. Enjoy the fact that you can swim into October (and in some years into November) and can sunbathe during Spring Break.

By the way we have five seasons:
• spring (March 1 to April 30),
• summer (May 1 to July 1),
• super summer (July 1 to Sept. 30),
• fall (Oct. 1 to Dec. 14) and
• winter (Dec. 15 to Feb. 28).

Lastly, in Texas there are six food groups. They are grains, fruits, vegetables, protein, dairy and barbecue. Barbecue consists of meat (mainly beef, but not necessarily), potato salad and baked beans. You should have two to five servings a week.

Take a deep breath and enjoy the semester. Texas can be a great place when given a chance, but it does take some getting used to.

Over time, you will feel like a native and may even one day catch yourself using the quote or at least having the bumper sticker, “I may not have been born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could.”

Steffanie Strawbridge is a senior social work major from Fort Worth.