Picture a place where you feel that the sun is hugging you gently as the breeze blows threw your hair, and small waves caress your feet as your toes dig in to powder like sand. Not only is the weather perfect but it’s just like you walked in to a Hollister commercial full of beautiful people. Imagine a shopaholic’s dream come true where there is nothing but fabulous shops that cater to your every need. There is fine dining in every corner where you sit in suspense till you see your next famous person walk in. It is Sunny California picture perfect for any foreigner not aware of the high maintenance life style.
In California you don’t live to please yourself but to please others and fit in. Most residents in the process of trying to be individuals get sucked in to the current trend, and become just another clone. The stereotype is that California is a very liberal state but you don’t really have the liberty to express yourself without being judged. This really crippled me emotionally and physically. Until, I had the courage to leave my picture perfect life to Ohio where I found my perfect escape that went beyond just scenery.
Here the scenery goes beyond picture perfect. There is no fine dining the closest to fine dining is McDonalds and Wendy’s. There are no shopping malls less than 30 minutes away. There are huge mountains that seem to cradle the sun as it sets. It has a simple country smell every time rain drops fall and touch the dirt that seem to cleanse not only your nose but your soul, and makes you feel at peace .Portsmouth always looks like it’s ready for Christmas with random pine trees just waiting to be decorated with holiday ornaments. Unlike California it is not always sunny; we actually have cold days that bring wind, which blows away your sorrows and doubts. The air is refreshing here the scent of peace lingers in the air in every corner.
Shawnee is a place where everyone I see offers a helping hand without judging. For example, I was devastated after my friend and I got separated for a weekend and Chelsea and her sister Heather hugged me and welcomed me into their home and kept me company so I wouldn’t feel alone, without caring that it was the first time they had met me. Shawnee is a wonderful place that I call my escape. It is a place where I am greeted with a wave or a smile by strangers. Here I am acknowledged and recognized by the work and effort I put in, not for my new shoes or my new designer hand bag. Not only are people here welcoming they also encourage you to become your best. Students and teachers help with your school work or are there whenever you need guidance there is no need to feel like you are alone.
That’s why Portsmouth, Ohio is not just another one river city like everyone perceives it to be. For me it’s much more, it is where my hopes and dreams are coming to life. It is where I no longer feel like a clone in an unending circle, here I am a person. Portsmouth is where people help each other and don’t base their friendship on what they can do for you material wise. Here the grass is truly greener even if we have ice storms. Nothing will ever compare because here the people stand strong and nothing will change that. Here the people are rays of sun that brighten your day even when it is cold. I am part of something greater Delta Phi Epsilon, Gamma Nu Chapter at Shawnee State is now my home away from home and I am happy to call all the lovely ladies in this honorable organization my sisters.
