"I go to UMass."
"Oh, UMass Amherst. I have a friend of a friend who had a cousin that went there and said it was the best school."
Yada, yada, yada. Hey, don't get me wrong. I have visited UMass Amherst, applied there, and I even got accepted. It's a great school and it certainly lives up to all of its promises. However, it isn't the only UMass school that should have people talking.
The University of Massachusetts Lowell is putting up one hell of a fight in the race for first place among the UMasses (hello, Boston and Dartmouth). With its stellar math and science programs and amazing hockey team, UMass Lowell has a lot to offer. Even with all of the good things that come out of this school, people still view it as that random school in the gross city of Lowell, Massachusetts, and you might be one of them. I'm sure growing up people have tried to introduce you to new things, food, sports, etc., that you were hesitant to give a chance to, but once you did you ended up falling in love with whatever it may have been.
People are quick to jump to conclusions about this astounding university.
Lowell is gross.
It's not as good as UMass Amherst.
It's too dangerous.
And hey, I get it. But I could also say this about a lot of places and a lot of other colleges out there. Let's not forget that Boston, isn't one of the safest places in this world, either. Yet people are so set on "going to college in the city" and "living the city life." Living in Lowell, Massachusetts, and going to school here has taught me that it is not about the city that you're in, it's about the person you are. Street smarts, people.
Anyway, UMass Lowell has been perceived in many different ways. Some of the common misconceptions have made me realize that it's time for them to be corrected.
It's a school in a dangerous city. You might get shot or stabbed.
Well, yikes. How did you know that's how I like to pick my schools? UMass Lowell's campus is one of the safest I've ever been to. There's plenty of blue lights around. And again, street smarts. Don't go hanging downtown by yourself at 2 a.m.
It's not UMass Amherst.
Wonderful observation. This comment gets the everyday UML go-er kind of angry. Of course it's not UMass Amherst. That just might be the reason I decided to go to this school. UMass Lowell has so much to offer and there is endless opportunities.
There's nothing to do in Lowell, Massachusetts.
This is a huge lie. There is always something to do. Rent a car, take a bus, walk downtown with a group of friends and you're set.
UMass Lowell is the same school it was 20 years ago.
No way. This school is headed nowhere but up.
Lowell is a gross city filled with poverty and pollution.
OK, this I get. But isn't this just like every other city? Boston can be gross sometimes, too. How about the beautiful Prudential building? Or the Boston Marathon Finish Line? Or the sunrises and sunsets over the Prudential building? Lowell, does have its gross sections. But take a walk over the University Ave bridge right before sunset, take a look out the window in Fox Hall, or even enjoy beautiful views of the river. There is beauty in all of the madness.
So, whether you're applying to schools, you're a parent sending their child off to college, or you're just anybody who has some idea of UMass Lowell, give it a chance. I bet you were a little skeptical to try that food for the first time that you now call your favorite. Don't knock this school until you try it.
Go River Hawks.
