It is so hard to believe it's been one year since I left Long Island, NY at 3:50 a.m. during a surprise snowstorm on my way to new beginnings in the Columbia, SC area. It has been an amazing ride, a bumpy ride and a year of learning and stretching. I have learned a whole lot about the culture here in the south, but I am also continuing to learn what makes people "tick" here! Let me review my 365 days as a South Carolina resident.
I started my job at Chick Fil-A on December 11th and the leaders there were impressed with how much I knew about the business. They were happy I did not need to be retrained. I got along and still get along with my fellow team members. My biggest adjustment was and still is trying to understand some of the southern accents when they order food, especially when I am on the headset. I was also surprised, but I should not have been how so many here have huge attitudes. It seems as though attitudes are everywhere, even in the "Bible Belt."
Speaking of the "Bible Belt," I have also noticed that Christianity is a culture here and not necessarily a way of life. What I mean by that is many people say they are Christians, but they only attend church when they feel like it. I am not saying this is every Christian but a good amount of people. It makes me sad that following Jesus is not a priority for some. But I do want to say that the many who I have met who love Jesus and have put him #1 are great people.
Before I moved, I had heard that many from the south were not fond of New Yorkers or as we are referred to as "Yankees." I have seen this especially working at Chick Fil-A. Don't get me wrong, I have met extremely nice people, but there are a select few who are not happy a New Yorker has relocated. It has been a challenge trying to make new friends here being that I am not a southern guy. I have made "work friends" and I do like to talk to my neighbor across the street. I have also found at some churches I have attended that people are not very friendly. One church I attended we had several people say "hello" to me but in the larger churches it seems as though they wanted to get out of the church parking lot and beat the traffic. I also realize it's only been one year, so things do take time.
The summer I spent here was hot and I mean hot. Thank God for air conditioning. You didn't see a lot of kids playing outside or riding their bikes because of the extreme heat. You will see people mowing their lawns either in the morning or in the evening. Even working outside at Chick Fil-A while taking orders the weather was brutal and many people who grew up here told me it's the norm in South Carolina. It is very necessary to have central air in your home. If you don't you are in big trouble!
My first six months here I have to admit were amazing to say the least. Everything was coming together nicely but just like in everyone's life, I hit a few snags, bumps, frustrations and head scratching circumstances that I still wonder why which began in the summer months. I do not want to get into details about these things, but I will say when you are feeling down there is only one place to look and that is UP! I have learned a lot about myself, and I know if it was not for my relationship with Jesus Christ, I would have probably checked myself into a psych ward somewhere. But I do praise God that He pulled me through like he always does!
So here is to one year as a New York Guy living in the South. It's been a wild ride, and I know the ride will continue in 2026 with bigger and better things!
THANKS FOR READING AND HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!
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