I grew up in a small town at the very top of New York State. When I say small town, I mean small. I'm talking population size less then 550 people. 92% of these people are of white ethnicity. Brushton is where I call home.
Common activities in my area include hunting, fishing, camping, skiing, four wheeling, and other outdoor activities. It's normal to see Amish people riding in their buggies and get caught behind a tractor for miles while driving down the road. If you want to go to a mall it's a good 40 minute drive and when you get there you will find about 10 stores. If you want to go to a good mall it's about 1 1/2 hours away. Want to see a movie? It's a 35 minute drive.
My hometown was even featured in an article from roadsnacks.net called "10 Small Towns in New York Where You'd Never Want to Live." We made spot number 8 on the list.
My town had one school Pre-K-12th grade that was shared between three other neighboring towns. My graduating class was around 60. I knew every student in my class. This was nice, but it had it's draw backs as well. Everyone knew everyone's business, not just in the school, but in the whole town.
I went to a community college 15 minutes away from my house for my first year and a half of college. I then transferred to a State College in Cortland, NY. To me this seemed like a big town. When I got here I was so surprised by how many stores, restaurants, and business there were. It was so new to me. In my home town we have a gas station, bank, and hardware store. I was excited to experience what is was like to live in a big town.
Once classes started I was surprised to see how diverse it was on campus! It was awesome to see so many people of different ethnicity's around. As I started to meet people I heard it wasn't exactly the way I thought it was. I kept hearing from people that it wasn't a diverse campus at all, which surprised me. I guess when you are from somewhere like I am you don't truly understand what diversity really is.
Another big topic that people we're always talking about on campus was how there is nothing to do here in Cortland. What? Are you kidding me?! There is a movie theater, two bowling allies, two mini golf places, restaurants, stores, nature center, YMCA, YWCA, Sports Complex. There is also a huge Student Life Center on campus with basketball courts, a pool, gym, and more. How can these people say there is nothing to do in town? These people didn't know what it means to have nothing to do.
When so many people from all over the state get together at one place you don't realize how many different dialects there are from one state. It's common to hear arguments on how you are "supposed" to pronounce certain words or make fun of a certain person's accent. There are even words some people use that others haven't even heard of, even though we live in the same state! It's common to hear people argue and make fun over the words milk, Reese's, coffee, chocolate, and water. One of my favorites is how my best friend says the word bison. There is no "Z" in the word!
Going away to college has been a great experience and I am so glad I chose the college I did. I have met some awesome people here from all over the state. Whether you come from a small town like me or from a large place like Long Island (which is probably a good 80% of the students on campus) there are sure to be things that will surprise you when you go to a new place.
