"Where do you go school?"

"You've probably never heard of it. Hobart and William Smith Colleges"

"William Bart Smith what...?"

"No, Hobart AND William Smith."

"Where even is that? Is that the school in Virginia?"

"It's upstate on the Finger Lakes. Seneca Lake in Geneva."

Followed by one of the following:

"Yeah don't know it," "It must be so cold up there," or "I can't imagine being at a small school."

This conversation happens almost everyday, sometimes with the same people that can't seem to remember the name of this small liberal arts school. Sometimes, I am genuinely surprised by the number of people that do not know this school. Sure, if my cousin did not go to HWS, I probably wouldn't have know it existed either, but personally, I find this school to be amazing, that's including all the people in it. These are some common reasons to love HWS.

Yes, it is cold in upstate New York, but I wouldn't have it any other way. In the moment, I am admittedly cursing the weather and wishing this school was built else where. But snow and windburn only makes the school what it is.

Besides, theres nothing like the quad in the spring! That anticipation for a quad day only makes trekking through the snow worth it.

I appreciate the small amount of people. 2,500 undergrads seems too tiny to many people, but it's actually perfect. There is such a sense of community on this campus. You can't walk anywhere without seeing someone you know, or going onto the first floor of the library without finding someone to talk to. It's so easy to make friends because you see them all over the place.

Seneca Lake. Need I say more?? Walking to a bench to read or down to the dock brings everyone on campus joy.

You will encounter a dog probably every day. Whether it's a professor, another student, or the president out with their dog, you will see one (hint to find a dog when in need: You can also always find Lucy in the English Department).

What's a night without Marks? A majority of the school seems to surround the small pizza place that has no physical seating on every weekend night, without hesitation. Their cheesy bread is also a life saver.

We are a big support system. Whether by standing in solidarity or hosting a good pasta night at the Chaplin's, we are able to help each other during hard times.

Saga hacks are a life saver. Saga may be repetitive in selection, but I don't know where I would be if someone didn't tell me how to make mac and cheese when they don't serve it.

The small but great downtown. From Beef & Brew to Water Street, this small but great downtown has some perfect spots.

Of course, my friends. I would not have the close friends I've made any other way.

This list is only a few simple things, as a full list would be never-ending in length and depth.