2008 Woodie Awards
Small town teaches student to appreciate big city life
Heather Collins
Issue date: 3/23/06 Section: Opinion
The Midwest was not at all that I thought it would be. Of course, because I'm your typical Northeast Jersey girl, and I had a huge stereotype about the Midwest.
Honestly, I was expecting flat grasslands and tumble weeds to blow by. If you have not been to the Northeast, I am sure you have the stereotype that it is dirty, small, busy and Tony Soprano is your typical neighbor (some of this is true).
In comparison, the two places are totally different. In New Jersey I was surrounded by huge cities, an ocean, high taxes, high tuition, lots of traffic and tons of people.
However, growing up in New Jersey has some great advantages. My fieldtrips in school were to the Statue of Liberty, Betsy Ross's house, Radio City Music Hall and so much more.
I became so culturally and artistically aware at a young age. To this day, I feel very fortunate and proud of where I came from.
Even as an adult when I go home it is great to go shopping and experience the nightlife of New York. Having the option to visit friends in Philly or go to the beach and boardwalk in the summer are other things I have learned to really appreicate.
It is a totally different world there then here in the Midwest.
Northeast is more of the hub for culture and art. Don't get me wrong, there are some pitfalls about living in the tri-state area.
Rent in New Jersey is $1,100+ for a 2-bedroom apartment. Not only is the cost of living higher, but so are the taxes and daily expenses and the traffic is terrible.
Missouri is larger and more spacious, less expensive with cheaper tuition and has a lot less traffic. My rent here in Missouri is $400 per month plus the cost of utilities.
The Midwest is a hub for agriculture and conservation.
The Northest has the Pilgrims and George Washington. The Midwest has Lewis and Clark and Harry Truman.
No matter how different each place is, I respecitvely call both my home.
My life in the Midwest is wonderful, and my experiences here at Central have made it great.
I frequently fly back to New Jersey on break to see my family and friends. When my trip is over, I look forward to returning to my home in Kansas City.
It is spectacular to have the best of both worlds, and I would not change a thing.
Honestly, I was expecting flat grasslands and tumble weeds to blow by. If you have not been to the Northeast, I am sure you have the stereotype that it is dirty, small, busy and Tony Soprano is your typical neighbor (some of this is true).
In comparison, the two places are totally different. In New Jersey I was surrounded by huge cities, an ocean, high taxes, high tuition, lots of traffic and tons of people.
However, growing up in New Jersey has some great advantages. My fieldtrips in school were to the Statue of Liberty, Betsy Ross's house, Radio City Music Hall and so much more.
I became so culturally and artistically aware at a young age. To this day, I feel very fortunate and proud of where I came from.
Even as an adult when I go home it is great to go shopping and experience the nightlife of New York. Having the option to visit friends in Philly or go to the beach and boardwalk in the summer are other things I have learned to really appreicate.
It is a totally different world there then here in the Midwest.
Northeast is more of the hub for culture and art. Don't get me wrong, there are some pitfalls about living in the tri-state area.
Rent in New Jersey is $1,100+ for a 2-bedroom apartment. Not only is the cost of living higher, but so are the taxes and daily expenses and the traffic is terrible.
Missouri is larger and more spacious, less expensive with cheaper tuition and has a lot less traffic. My rent here in Missouri is $400 per month plus the cost of utilities.
The Midwest is a hub for agriculture and conservation.
The Northest has the Pilgrims and George Washington. The Midwest has Lewis and Clark and Harry Truman.
No matter how different each place is, I respecitvely call both my home.
My life in the Midwest is wonderful, and my experiences here at Central have made it great.
I frequently fly back to New Jersey on break to see my family and friends. When my trip is over, I look forward to returning to my home in Kansas City.
It is spectacular to have the best of both worlds, and I would not change a thing.