You are correct, of course, but as a Northerner who has lived in in the South for over 10 years, the best advice I could give any young person would be to try a

You are correct, of course, but as a Northerner who has lived in in the South for over 10 years, the best advice I could give any young person would be to try and lose your regional accent as soon as you are able. Few, other than a close circle of friends, will openly mock you but the silent majority will judge you as soon as you utter a word.