To the Editor:

I am writing in response to Thursday’s article in which Laura McElroy touches on the hardships presented to a small-town Iowa native when coming to lowa State.

Iowa State’s 25,000 students can seem like a bustling city to those who come from towns with populations under a thousand or so. In these small towns, locals are taught to fit in so an openness and friendliness can be observed daily, hence the small town community. This openness and friendliness in small towns is lacking here at Iowa State by mutual consensus by many of my local friends as well.

The sense of connection and wondering if such feelings of closeness can ever be achieved to create that “back home” feeling surely cross the minds of many residents here. It’s no wonder large greek institutions exist in small town settings, Iowa State, Penn State, etc. … And it’s no doubt in my mind that they do the job of getting folks involved where they weren’t previously.

I’ll admit that I think the greek system is for some people, and just as equally is not for others. I also see many students who lock themselves away after class and will never really have the experience of this region and college even after they graduate.

What blows my mind though is when a student looking for acceptance gets into the greek system, “acquires” knowledge in regards to etiquette, fashion and social contexts, and hence a seclusion from the overall community arises. Invitations to fraternity parties and “greek only” ski trips are just a few examples of which I’m sure you all know about and accept.

I’m from a large metropolis and am currently living by myself. I’ve also been fortunate to travel in and outside the United States as much as I have. Seeing people of the world and their cultures has broadened my mind in ways I can’t even begin to explain.

Whether you find your experiences through yourself or at the side of others, keep in mind that the world is a very big place and central Iowa is not. And at the risk of offending Laura McElroy or any others who might be listening, try not to take your experiences here all too seriously.

Gary Johnston

Sophomore

Landscape Architecture