The Expatriated Texan

Howdy, Folks! This is Scott Neumann. Welcome to "The Expatriated Texan"! (¡Hola Amigos! Este es Escott Nuevohombre. ¡Bienvenidos al "Tejano Expatriado"!). I am, of course, channeling Big Tex, your friend and mine and the mascot of the State Fair of Texas since 1952, both in my syntax and in my bilingualism. There are 82 days until the State Fair. 

I will never forget my first day in Dr. Trish Nunley's business law course in graduate school. When we discussed incorporation, Dr. Nunley explained that a corporation is considered "domestic" in the state in which it incorporates and "foreign" in states in which it operates but is not incorporated. She summed up the conversation by saying, "You're domestic in Texas; you're foreign in any other state." I could not agree more - both for corporations and for myself. 

An expatriate is a person who voluntarily lives outside of his or her home country or culture. In New York City, I am obviously living in a different culture. Without the intense availability of great Tex Mex and with the constant sensory overload that I experience from the sights and smells of the city, how could I forget it? But, I would also suggest that my life is (or will be) so amazingly different - that is, I am so far from Texas in every way - that I am indeed living in a different country. John Steinbeck would agree: “Texas is a state of mind. Texas is an obsession. Above all, Texas is a nation in every sense of the word. And there's an opening convey of generalities. A Texan outside of Texas is a foreigner.” Well said, Steinbeck. I expected nothing less. 

A good friend of mine once told me that I am one of two people he knows who should never live outside of the State of Texas. I used to think the same thing. But, the opportunity that I have been afforded here was too rich to pass - even if I have to expatriate myself for a little while. 

Ernst & Young, a global accounting firm, recruited me from Baylor to work in its Dallas office; however, through a series of nominations and interviews, I was selected to begin my career at E&Y in the New York City office as a research fellow in the department of professional practice. I am, in a way, on loan from the Dallas office for a limited period of time (approximately one year) after which I will return to Dallas and continue my career. E&Y is an active professional community and a prestigious firm. I am incredibly fortunate and blessed to be in this position. I am grateful for this opportunity and proud to be associated with E&Y. 

I intend to provide you with a look into my life in New York City as "The Expatriated Texan". Not only is this medium a perfect one through which to share with you, it is also a convenient way to chronicle my experience here for myself with more vigor and purpose than a personal journal. Thank you for allowing me to share it with you. 

Welcome to "The Expatriated Texan"!