The dilemma: the official pros and cons list.

[this_gypsy]

So, uh, sorry internet. I didn't make some parts of you aware that I've been accepted into Hollins University. And I sent a non-refundable check to New School. So I'm in a world of trouble right now

Comments

Some thoughts

[anonymous]

Ok Bri, I am uniquelly qualified to give some advice on this as I have lived in both places. You are right to assume that life in New York can be isolating...that isn't always a con..especially for a writer. You learn to love being on your own..exploring and so forht. Great fodder for your writing. But also full of distraction.

I LOVE Virginia.. Roanoak does have a small town feel but only in the best sence of it. Its rather like Pittsburgh in that it is neighborhoods rather than one big messy, crazy lump like New york. You are only a couple of hours from Richmond which is the COOLEST city I have ever been to. Lots of culture, amazing parks right out of the civil war that you can't get anywhere else. Both Roanoak and Richmond have great little theatres where they have indy bands just on the cusp of making it, and they have poetry readings and writers studios where its like open mike night for writers. Both places have thier own little Greenich Village type area where there are great overpriced restaraunts and galleries and bohemia abounds. A million vintage clothing stores and used book stores that are thrilled if you sit there all day reading and drinking all of their free coffee. Only they are Greenwich Village when it was still charming. Winter in Virginia is a non event and the city totally shuts down if it does snow which is actually cool because only the most cool places are open. The weather is totally mild here. You are only about 90 minutes from Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, Yorktown and this great college town called Lexington is not far either. Virginia Military Institute is there aand a couple of other colleges and the town is like going back in time..but there are BOYS everywhere..in uniform!! A little known thing about both Richmond and Roanoak that might take the place of the lit mag is that they have all of these little independent magazines..newspapers...that are geared toward very specific groups..Like the one in Richmond that I love is called Skirt..they have great articles about local artisans and just a bunch of really cool chicks..by women for women and because of women. If you go out to any restaurant or book store in town in Virginia and smile and speak to others..you will have more friends than you can handle...southern hospitalizty baby.. GREAT! public transportation!! Roanoak is expensive compared to Ohio but not anywhere near what it is in New York. Its a college town and there are hundreds of old buildings, huge mansions and so forth that industrious people have bought and broken into great little apartments so you have the mistique of a bygone day in a neat little place that is modern ont he inside. best of both worlds. New York is probably two and a half times to three times the cost of living in Ohio...Roanoak is about 1 1/2 times..gas is cheaper here. I LOVE LOVE LOVE New York but frankly if experiences that take you outside of your safety zone are what you are looking for...and you are willing to put yourself out there a bit...you will love Virginia and a whole lot less impersonal than Virginia.

In Richmond I have seen some of the greatest authors of our time just hanging out at the coffee house and talkig to anyone who wants to listen. So you won't lack that experience either.
You will do great either place and have the time of your life and gain experience. Glamour isn't always everything its cracked up to be. Just my two cents worth. If I have lots of typos its because this print in this little box is SO small and Im old.

Cant wait to see what you decide!! Either one will be great.

Lisa Millslagle (Steph's mom)

Re: Some thoughts

[anonymous]

I would say go to the school with the most credentials. It will always look better on a resume. As for being worries about being behind academically....you have always done great in school and who cares if there are smarter people than you there....you are there to learn. That is what school is for. I cannot give you to much advice on location. I have never been there, but I here it is nice. It has tons of places to go....Broadway is there....all fun stuff. Its nice in the summer and spring...it has very cold winters....snow makes it impossible to do anything. Now for Virginia....Its BEAUTIFUL all year. In the Spring, Summer and Fall you have amazing weather. Usually anywhere from High 60's to Mid 80's. The Blue Ridge is amazing, I can see them from my house. They are pretty and you can do lots of cool things at the Mountains. As for Roanoke itself, I don't know way to much about it. Its about 180 miles south of where I live. But Virginia is nice....Really not bad in the winter time either....It gets really cold and all, but not to much snow. I think it only snowed in my area about three times all winter. As for the accents.....I have not really met anyone with an accent yet...but like I said....100 miles north...it might change.

I would suggest visiting both schools and the surrounding area before you choose. Then you have a first hand experience of both places. Good Luck.
-Charlie