Why Oklahoma?
When The Oklahoman’s internship coordinator, Joe Hight, called me for an interview in December, I was incredibly nervous. I don’t remember most of the things we talked about, but he asked me one question that I’ll never forget.
“So, why are you interested in coming to Oklahoma?”
Just to give you an idea of how far away I am from home.
I do remember having a moment of panic because it was the first question I didn’t know how to answer. I knew why I liked The Oklahoman and NewsOK, but not necessarily why I liked the area. Somehow I fumbled through it and he liked me enough anyway to give me the spot, and I gladly accepted within the hour.
After I accepted the internship, many of my friends and relatives asked me similar questions. ”So, you’re leaving the East Coast, huh? Why? What’s so great about Oklahoma?”
Ever since I got here I can’t stop hearing it, either. ”Why Oklahoma?” “What made you come here?”
Many people are just curious, but some of them say it like I’m crazy. What made me come here, like it was some terrible thing for me to leave Virginia and move out west.
So, why Oklahoma?
Why not?
I was initially drawn to The Oklahoman and NewsOK because of Adam Kemp, a two-time intern who now works on the Metro desk. We attended the Poynter College Fellowship together last summer and spent many, many hours together working on a big project. We kept in touch and he had such a good experience that I figured I might as well apply.
But I’m glad to say that Adam isn’t the only cool part about Oklahoma City. I’ve watched every Thunder game with my roommates/fellow interns, gone to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, explored the Oklahoma City Zoo, walked around Bricktown, saw the Paul Simon documentary “Under African Skies” at the deadCENTER Film Festival, and even met James Marsden. There is always something fun to do, and there is much more to explore.
From left: Andrea, Celia, Sarah, Bryce, me and Olivia at the deadCENTER Film Festival.
But more than that, this city is so welcoming and everyone feels so unified. Part of that might be because the Thunder is doing so well, but this feels like a place where you will always be accepted and welcomed with open arms. And since I came from almost 1,500 miles away, I really needed that.
As I’ve researched the city and gotten to know it a little bit better, I am so glad I came. I’ve only been here for a little over two weeks and I’m strangely attached to this city already. I can’t quite put it into words, but from day one it felt like home. I will always love Virginia, but I’m not homesick because there’s no need to be; I already feel at home.
Some of that might just be my optimism, because I came fully prepared to fall in love with this city. Before me and my roommate/fellow intern Olivia Ingle try anything new here, one of us always says, “No matter what happens, it’ll be an adventure.” But I think that most of it is just because Oklahoma City is a great place to live and explore, especially if you’re willing to try new things.
The thought of having to leave this place in August breaks my heart, but I’m not going to think about that for the time being. For now I’m just going to have fun, work hard and keep exploring this great city I now call home.
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Comments
Yes, it’s your optimism. When people ask you a question like “Why Oklahoma” repeatedly, there’s a reason. People here are NOT welcoming to outsiders; people here will antagonize others who are not like them; people here are extraordinarily poorly educated in some topics; some counties here have a median age of 55 because the young people go to college and then flee as quickly as their feet will carry them. It appears to me that all you know about Oklahoma are Thunder games and your job–you need to get out a bit more if you want to know the truth. Or, of course, you could try staining your skin dark and popping in some dark contact lenses and styling your hair African American. Or, of course, you could try wearing a shirt that is pro-choice or declares you to be an atheist or gay–you’ll find out pretty darned fast on your own virtually anywhere.
Welcome to Oklahoma, Arielle!
As a native Okie and life long resident, I am proud to call Oklahoma my home. This state offers hope, opportunity, and a bright future to those who are willing to work hard and perservere to reach their goals. We are a generous, friendly people who have weathered our share of heartache, but always manage to bounce back due to our tenacity and stick-togetherness.
Please don’t be discouraged by the posting of bean who has already decided to play the “race” card. I have many friends of all races, nationalities, religions, and alternate life style choices. They are what make Oklahoma great!
Hope you continue to enjoy yoour stay here. To do list: definitely go to Cattlemen’s Cafe in Stockyards,spend a night at the downtown Skirvin Hotel,go to a Lyric Theatre production, and make sure you visit the new OKC Botanical Garden Park.
Thanks, Randy! I’m always open to suggestions for places to check out. I hope I can see it all before I have to leave.
Bean, I moved here four years ago from California and couldn’t disagree with your assessment more. I’ve been welcomed with open arms, and when people ask me “Why Oklahoma?” I tell them that more than anything, it’s because of the people.
Bean, there are biggots and uneducated hillbillies everywhere.
Oklahoma isn’t terrible. The Oklahoma state government is awful and embarrassing, but it is slowly catching up to the people, who are more open-minded than people give them credit for.
In fact, Oklahoma’s senate minority leader is openly gay, and won his election for senate by 70 percent. 18 states have yet to even have an openly gay state senator. Oklahoma is more progressive than people give us credit for.
[...] I wrote this post for The Oklahoman’s intern blog, but I’m reposting it here. See the original post. [...]