City or Country?

Lauren Keenan ‘11
- Chicago, Ill.

How long have you lived in Chicago?
I have lived in the city my whole life.
Do you enjoy living in the city?
I love living in the city!  There’s something to do at all times.  There are amazing restaurants and shopping, and there are different events all year long.  I plan on always living in the city!
What’s the biggest difference between your hometown and Cleveland?
The biggest difference between Chicago and Cleveland would be population size (Chicago is much bigger) and the options for entertainment are far greater in Chicago.
Do you plan on returning home after graduation?
Yes, I want to attend law school in Chicago because I want to practice law there.
What’s the best part about living in your hometown?
The best part of living in Chicago is the energy of the city, the people and the multitude of options for dining, shopping, entertainment, etc. right outside your front door.
Are there any common stereotypes associated with where you live?
I’m not sure if this would be considered a stereotype, but everyone thinks Chicago is called “The Windy City” because it’s windy.  It actually got this name because of the politicians at the time of the World’s Fair in Chicago in 1893.

Erin Flaherty ‘11
- New York, N.Y.

What part of New York City are you from?
Manhattan, N.Y.
Do you enjoy living in the city?
I miss the city so much . . . it’s just such a different lifestyle. But the suburbs definitely are more of a family environment; I feel like I missed something by not having a backyard!
What’s the biggest difference between your hometown and Cleveland?
Mobility . . . I still don’t have my driver’s license! I’ve always been able to hop on the train, hail a cab or walk. I also miss the variety that the city offers; I feel like we always end up going to the same places around Carroll.
Do you plan on returning home after graduation?
No, my next permanent stop is going to be some place a little warmer, but I’m sure I’ll visit.
What’s the best part about living in your hometown?
I can literally get anything I want at any hour of the day.  I still forget (and hate) that hardly anything in Cleveland is open 24 hours a day!
Are there any common stereotypes associated with where you live?
The accent– I don’t really have one at all!

Lauren Baldarelli  ‘10
- Hermitage, Pa.

Where is Hermitage located?
Hermitage is about an hour north of Pittsburgh and an hour east of Cleveland.
Do you enjoy living in the country?
I do enjoy living in Hermitage because I’m not much of a city kind of girl.
What’s the biggest difference between your hometown and Cleveland?
The biggest difference between Hermitage and Cleveland is that there’s a lot more to do here.
Do you plan on returning home after graduation?
After graduation I plan to live out West, however, I plan to be in Hermitage often to visit my family.
What’s the best part about living in your hometown?
Hermitage is tiny, but it’s super cute and I wouldn’t change it if I could.
Are there any common stereotypes associated with where you live?
Everyone always says I’m from this crazy wild farm town that no one has ever heard of.  Like most small towns, it has its farms but they aren’t all there is to Hermitage.

Nick Habursky ‘09
- St. Clairsville, Ohio

Where in Ohio is St. Clairsville?
 It is in eastern Ohio, about a half-hour from Steubenville.
Do you enjoy living in the Greater Cleveland area?
Yes, I enjoy it very much. There is much more to do in the city whether it be a concert, museum, sports event or just a unique place to hang out. At home, we lack a variety of places like that.
What’s the biggest difference between your hometown and Cleveland?
The biggest difference would have to be the amount of people.  I live in a small town with a small population. Cleveland has a much larger population.
Do you plan on returning home after graduation?
I don’t plan on returning. While it was a great place to grow up and a really nice town to live in, I feel like there are greater opportunities and more to do in larger cities.
What’s the best part about living in your hometown?
It has a nice small town feel to it. Because the population is smaller, you feel like you know a lot of people. You can form a friendship with your banker, owner of the local grocery store or manager of the restaurant.  Also, we are the county seat for Belmont County so we have a beautiful courthouse.
Are there any common stereotypes associated with where you live?
A lot of people seem to think I live on a farm or near farm land. I don’t live on or near a farm.