I’m from the OC. No really, I’m from Orange County in California. And let me tell you, the television show may have some truths, but it comes nowhere close to an insider’s perspective. Trust me, I’ve spent 18 years of my life waking up every day to 60-degree weather and smoggy gray skies.

I’ve always known I wouldn’t be an Orange County resident all my life. Spending my college years on the East Coast was almost expected by my family and my friends. And after my first year at Syracuse University, I feel I have come a long way in my East Coast culture knowledge. So here is a list of my most notable thoughts on this side of the country.

1. The boys: Before coming to college, I always imagined myself in a splendid East Coast romance where my beau and I would walk hand-in-hand through the snow in lavish coats. I actually got my romance, but I also noticed some things about the boys from the East. In Orange County, there is a strong presence of the punk and hardcore music scene, which influences many boys to wear girls’ pants, makeup or take a long time to do their hair. From what I’ve seen, that music scene is basically non-existent in Syracuse, and virtually no boys in girls’ pants. The other Orange County boys who don’t care about the music scene usually dress in casual skater/surfer brands. Overall, boys dress significantly better on the East Coast.

‘I’m used to the surfer boys.’ said Dana Green, a freshman communications design major from Agoura Hills, Calif. ‘There are no surfer boys here. All the boys back in California throw on a T-shirt and shorts … at least here boys wear polos, jeans and dress nicer.’

2. Fashion: Weather is an obvious factor, which causes differences in apparel, but I’ve noted differences other than the lack of halter-tops and flip-flop sandals. I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but I think East Coast girls are more laid-back when it comes to apparel. When my New Jersey boyfriend first met me, he said the first thing he noticed was my love for wearing dresses. Needless to say, I was in shock. Brands like North Face, Vera Bradley handbags and Triple Five Soul were all new fashion trends to me, and I’ve found myself terribly missing MAC makeup and slip-on canvas Vans.

‘There are so many more different styles of dressing in California,’ said Jacqueline Checho, an undecided freshman in The College of Arts and Sciences from Laguna Beach, Calif. ‘The solos, spandex style is something I’ve never seen before … back home … it seems people are more accepting of different fashion.’

3. Food: The lack of reachable 24-hour restaurants in Syracuse killed me for the first two months. I couldn’t believe the Denny’s, which is not in walking distance, was one of the only places open all night. I felt like I was spoiled, because I know many different towns and cities in California that have always-open places to eat. I also found my stomach longing for Del Taco, In-n-Out and Jamba Juice.

4. Music: I’ve learned that Ben Folds (Five) and Dave Matthews Band rule all at SU. I found that very interesting because nobody my age back home even talks about DMB. However, I was happy to find people who appreciated Weezer’s ‘Pinkerton’ album.

Even though I miss some things from back home, I’m happy about my decision to live on the East Coast. But now that I’ll be home in a couple of weeks, I’m officially thrilled to go back to Orange County. There are so many things to be excited about. I’m excited to hear Spanish spoken on the street. I’m excited to never have to worry about snow or rain. I’m excited to have a multitude of dance clubs, concerts and fashion shows within reach. Clich as the saying is, but California, here I come.

Published on April 26, 2006 at 12:00 pm