I have a confession to make: I am from Long Island. Before coming to Brandeis, I never really thought this to be a crucial factor in my identity, but I have since learned otherwise. Apparently, being a Long Islander makes me a very easy target for countless stereotypes. Not only have I been criticized for the way I "tawk," but I always receive these pitiful looks whenever I tell people where I am from. At first, I was truly offended by these responses, but I have come to realize -- like it or not -- that being a Long Islander is an inescapable part of who I am.I admit there are many aspects of Long Island I could do without, but it does have its advantages too. Situated right next to New York City (in my opinion, the most amazing city in the world), Long Island offers access to all the advantages of the city, and, at the same time, a quiet escape from city life. There is nothing like driving into the city and seeing the incredible skyline come into view. There is also nothing like seeing the first green field and trees as you drive back from the city. I live 45 minutes from New York City. While I wouldn't mind being a little closer, I can still go into the city often -- and I always know I can return home to clean air.

Also, the beaches on Long Island are some of the most gorgeous in the world. Spending hot summer days splashing in the Atlantic Ocean and my nights on a blanket on the sand are some of my fondest memories. And, being on an island gives us the advantage of having two shores -- the North Shore with its rocky beaches and Long Island Sound, and the South Shore with its smooth sand and Atlantic Ocean. Billy Joel (a native Long Islander) was so inspired by the scene of the Long Island Sound that he wrote many songs and named a whole album after it.

I must also address the negative aspects I find with Long Island, however. Starting out as a vast area of barren farm land, it is incredible to see the development that has swept over Long Island in the past 50 years. I know Joni Mitchell wasn't referring to it when she wrote her song, but the line "they paved paradise and put up a parking lot," could be seen as the perfect way to describe Long Island's transformation. It is suburbia at its most mediocre. If you've never been there, I suggest a visit. You will see an array of the same split level house block after block, and enough malls to put the country in worse debt than even President Bush could manage

But, scarier than the uniformity of all the houses and shopping is the uniformity of many Long Island residents. Suburbia creates a rather bland, homogeneous existence. Many of the values held by a lot of suburbanites are very contradictory. In my town, many parents do not hesitate to throw their children extravagant and incredibly expensive Bar and Bat Mitzvah or First Communion parties, yet a there is a strong emphasis put on the value of community service and giving back to those less fortunate. I have seen first-hand the failure of many Long Islanders to skew from "the norm." Their goal is to fit in, and they spend their lives trying to achieve this goal. As a result, in my town especially, there is little value put on developing a unique self, whether it be through original self-expression, ideas or goals. Perhaps it is no coincidence that my town is called PLAINview.

I realize I am making some gross generalizations here, and it is not my intent to characterize all Long Islanders in this way. Clearly, I cannot make such a rash judgment. But, I do think there are many improvements that can be made to make Long Island a better place. I believe children growing up on Long Island would be much better off with less sheltering, more integration of race and religion, and a keener sense of responsibility to humankind.

After careful thought, I have come to realize that despite the good and bad that exists in your hometown, what matters is what you take away from it. When packing for college, not only do you have to decide what clothes and knickknacks to physically pack, but also how much of your past and hometown values you want to bring. In my case, I think one of the most important things I have taken away with me to college, as a result of growing up on Long Island, is the value of individuality. Ironically, by growing up in a place with such a strong emphasis placed on fitting in, I have learned that I am an individual and do not have to be characterized by Long Island stereotypes. But, we can always "tawk" about this over "cawfee" if you disagree!

-- Samantha Slater '05 submits a column to the Justice