We Are! Everywhere!

Bar in Rome, Italy known for its allegiance to Pennsylvania athletics on college and pro levels

I don't want to make this a strictly Penn State post . . .

. . . who am I kidding. This is going to be primarily Penn State; however, it can be applied to any college, I suppose.

Anyway, when you're out in the world, often times people with safety in mind will tell you not to wear anything that gives away that you are American. That includes those Old Navy 4th of July shirts, an American flag knit sweater from grandma, and all big name colleges that people may have heard of across the pond.

I am thinking these precautions are for "Liam Neeson purposes" :

No. Not that Liam Neeson! (though equally handsome)

This Liam Neeson.

Apparently, being American indicates that you have money?

All I have to say is, the joke's on whoever tries to rob me.

. . .

So for me, I have never shied away from wearing my trusty Penn State hat or shirt...

some examples of Penn State pride that I could easily access on my computer (there's more, best believe)

I don it in hopes that it will catch an alumni's eye and then we can sit and converse about how great Daryll Clark* is doing or how delish the Creamery ice cream is on campus. If the person is really great, I may even ask them about their feelings on all the construction going on around campus and how the deterioration of the HUB Lawn is a travesty....

But more times than not, I am just able to squeak out a simple, "WE ARE!" and pray to the high heavens that they respond accordingly.

Usually, the person gives me a blank stare and I am left to assume that the Penn-State-shirt-wearing human is a fraud. Any true Nittany Lion wouldn't leave a girl hanging and properly reply with a, "PENN STATE!". It's basic etiquette.

My Penn State run-ins have occurred at least once on every trip I have taken, except maybe two. As aforementioned, most people were not actual alum and therefore it was an awkward encounter where they looked around to see who I am yelling at. When they narrow it down to themselves, and I keep pointing at their shirt, they always look south like they've dripped ketchup down the front, show a look of relief that they haven't, and then continue to look at me like I have eight heads. It's a great feeling...

I can equate it to the opening coin toss at the Penn State v Maryland game, if you recall the audacity...

I am the Penn State side obviously, and the no-handshakers are the faux alum abroad

But there is a happy side, dear reader! The few fellow friendly faces who correctly respond with, "PENN STATE!", have filled me with such joy, I cannot explain in words. It's like winning the jackpot, probably. With less financial benefit.

I think the reason why I passively search for a stranger with similar matriculating habits that led them to the center of Pennsylvania is because it gives me that little taste of home and shows that although the world is massive... it is still small enough that you can find common ground and a friendly face. The world is not so scary when there is someone sitting next to you on a boat through the fjords who also knows what a Monkey Boy is and how to drink it. It is comforting.

Now, just to be safe - it is important to realize that I wore my PSU gear in places where America is an ally.

Even so, I had a fellow American tell me I shouldn't wear my gear abroad... and that was in one of the Top 10 Safest Countries in the World, no less.

Please wear your college / American gear with care and consideration. Not everywhere is as welcoming as we once were (especially now in this political climate)... so please, dress accordingly.

Ok that's enough "mom"ing for today!

Be safe!

Travel far!

Eat well!

And Go Penn State!

skål xx

* Daryll Clark was the QB at Penn State at one point in the past. But you knew that.