I scream, you scream, we all scream....for mexican food

The majority of cities in the U.S. have their fair share of mexican restaurants. St.Louis has many that have become staples with in the community. However, I have sensitive taste buds so I steer clear from anything too spicy (which is a important aspect of mexican food that I seem to lack). Once I came to Texas people were insisting that I eat at mexican restaurants in the Fort Worth area so I could experience "real mexican food". I'm still trying to figure out what that means. To me, a chicken fajita is a chicken fajita, there's nothing fake about it.

After living in Fort Worth for 4 years I realized how the words "Texas" and "mexican food" go hand in hand. Whenever my friends and I are debating as to where to get dinner, the majority always suggests Mi Cocina, Joe Ts or Blue Mesa. After first arriving at TCU I quickly got tired of going to mexican restaurants, but I can honestly say that I have definitely warmed up to food type.

Now, I love going to mexican restaurants. There is always something I can find on the menu to satisfy my cravings and I feel that I am able to handle spicy foods more so then before. I also don't mind that when there's mexican restaurants, then there are margaritas! 

Many people might not think of this as something drastically different, but it truly is.Mexican restaurants are part of the culture in Texas and that was something I person defiantly had never thought of until I realized how people are obsessed with mexican food. I believe that I have engrossed myself into this aspect of culture with in the Texas and I wouldn't have it any other way. 

There are other things outside of Texas. I promise!

I was 10 the first time a I flied by myself. I was visiting family in Indiana and ever sense then I have never had a problem traveling by myself. Personally, I love going to new places whether it be in the U.S. or abroad. I have visited the majority of major cities in America, from LA to New York. I think its interesting, taking part in things that I am unfamiliar with or is different then St.Louis.  Once I got to Texas, I noticed that many students had either never traveled by themselves (even at the age of 20) or visited many other cities (let alone countries). I'm not trying to make it seem that I am more fortunate or cultured then other Texans, but I have started questioning the level of  interest many Texans have concerning the world outside of the lonesome state. 

I first noticed this when many of my fellow TCU students only applied to schools within Texas. It came across to me as being scared to leave the " Texas world" and emerge themselves in a different culture (whether it be big or small differences from Texas). Every one of my high school friends went to a different school and they are all located across the country. From California to Ohio, all my friends (including myself) were ready to see what other states/environments had to offer. I'm not saying this was because we hated living in St.Louis, but because we were ready to take this next chapter in our lives and create new experiences without relying on a familiar place.

I feel that the Texas pride is so strong that many find it hard to leave it behind when  choosing a college or even a place to live. Many of my college friends from Texas have traveled to several cities with in the U.S. such as New York, Colorado, and/or Florida, but that seems to be the extent of it. Several of my friends have had many opportunities to go abroad with family, but have declined stating they would rather stay in Fort Worth and hang out with friends. To me, you have to be crazy to decline an experience such as traveling abroad!

I know that study abroad programs are popular at the majority of universities, but only a couple of my friends here at TCU have studied abroad (this includes myself). Not only that, but they all chose to study during the summer instead of the longer semester options. My high school friends have all studied abroad during a semester (or more) during their college career. From China to Australia to even Kenya, my high school friends have covered many countries with in their 4 years in college. Unfortunately, like many of my TCU friends, I only studied abroad for a summer and I regret not studying abroad for a full semester.

From what I can tell, this topic is yet another difference between Texans and midwesterners.  

"You're Jewish?"

My dad & I

I have grown up in a household of both Jewish and Christian faiths. My dad is Jewish and my mom is christian. Because of this, my parents believed that it was in my best interest to figure out my religious views on my own. Because of this I would have to say that I'm probably a little more confused regarding my religious beliefs than the typical TCU student. Some people might disagree with the way I was raised religiously, but I wouldn't change it one bit. I believe that I have been exposed to many different aspects of religion and because of this I have chosen to live with an open mind and respect all religions. 

I knew that by coming to Texas Christian University there wouldn't be many students from other religious backgrounds besides Christianity. After spending a semester at TCU, I quickly became the first Jewish/half Jewish person many of my friends had ever met. I'm not saying I viewed this as a bad thing, but I was truly surprised that out of their 19 years of existence, my new friends had never met anyone of a different faith (whether it being of the Jewish faith or Muslim, etc.). I'm not a very religious person whether it's concerning Christianity or Judaism, but unfortunately there have been a few times where I have felt uncomfortable when others have made ignorant remarks about Judaism. I don't take anything personally because I have learned that many Texans live/have been raised in an area where it seems everyone shares the same faith/religious ideals, which becomes the only thing they are used to. I guess I give them the benefit of the doubt because how are they supposed to know any better.

A friend (she will remain nameless) of mine didn't know what the swastika symbol was or what it represented. Frankly my first reaction was, "You must have had a really bad school system in your town!"- considering most people have some knowledge of the history of WW2 and the holocaust. In any event, I decided to have a mini history/Judaism lesson with her. She was very interested and it felt good helping someone understand something that was totally unfamiliar to her. 

I believe that because I have a mixing a faiths and ideals, I'm in a sense, a little more worldly then other TCU students. I also feel that I have a much broader aspect on life and understand that other religious faiths should be respected whether you believe in their ideals or not.

"Friday Night Lights"

My very first experience/participation (that's a school oriented) football was during the '05 TCU vs. OU game. I went to a very small private school made up of roughly 400 students; 6th grade-12th grade. Because of this, we did not have a football team. Now this was even rare in St. Louis so when I came to TCU and mentioned that to people they immediately looked at me like I came from some crazy place.

Click here to visit my "Crazy" high school.

Football is a huge sport all across America, but Texas football, specifically high school football, seems to be like its own cult. Don't get me wrong, I was very active in sports/activities in high school, but I wouldn't consider revolving my entire high school existence around it. Many of my TCU friends, now juniors and seniors, still drive home for their high school football games. They all grew up going to football games and still talk about their high school rival as if they were still a spirited, little, high school freshman. A possible answer to this over enthusiasm towards high school football might come from pure boredom. Maybe many small towns might not have many entertainment options and watching high school football is the best thing to do on a Friday evening. 

Either way, I think it's a cute characteristic Texans hold: their pride in their own little  "Friday Night Lights" (a long with their slightly obnoxious pride for Texas).

Since I have lived in Texas, I have gotten to know my "atheltec side". Football is now one of my favor sports to watch, especially college football. I specifically love watching college football with my dad because he is a big fan of college sports. This new found love for football (which I give 100% credit to Texas for )has created a great bond my dad and I can share together. Thanks Texas!