ERICA NEE
Class: Junior
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Catonsville, MD
Why Erica Likes Her School So Much
"..the Mirons are infamous at CCBC"
My favorite classes are the ones having to do with Psychology. Abnormal psych was really interesting and so was Human Sexuality (but only with the Mirons, since they are infamous at CCBC)
"My favorite thing at CCBC was sitting in the quad and eating lunch on a nice day."
It's such a pretty view plus most of the time people are outside talking or playing football in the grassy area. I was also really involved in sports so I would spend most of my time in the gym building where the athletes hung around, did homework, and waited for their next class to start.
"Those were the most memorable experiences of my life"
I played soccer and lacrosse both years at CCBC, and my sophomore year we actually won Nationals for both soccer and lacrosse. Those were the most memorable experiences of my life; I wear my National rings all the time.
"When I don't have homework I try to go to sporting events."
College Park has a huge stadium and arena so football and basketball games are always fun. Plus UMBC is right down the road from my home so Lacrosse and Baseball games in the spring are a nice way to spend an afternoon.
Why Erica Likes Going to School in Baltimore So Much
"I grew up in Catonsville and so I was a local girl."
I didn't really know what I wanted to do or major in so I decided to go to CCBC to save money and take the basic classes. CCBC was really close to home and affordable so it was a good choice.
"The amount of activities and things to do."
Plus there are so many people, that everyone has a chance to fit in and find their place.
"It has a little bit of everything all compacted into a relatively small area and can be accessible everywhere."
The Beltway (695) goes all the way around the city in a loop, so you can take that to get literally anywhere, plus if you get lost you can jump on it and get to any part of the city. The attractions and dining are also amazing. With the Zoo, Aquarium, countless museums and sporting events, you can never get bored. Plus famous restaurants overlooking the city is always a romantic evening.
"It never hurts to know how to get places without having to look up directions on MapQuest."
I would honestly say to drive around 695 (all the way around) to get to know how it works and what direction to go in. It always changes directions (since it's a circle) and that can get beyond confusing.
"It literally has a school for everyone."
Baltimore has so many schools to offer, each with their own unique personalities and specializations. Plus many of the schools can be easily accessed through the college town buses. Plus the job opportunities both in Baltimore city and its suburbs are endlessly growing, so when college is done, a new job is not going to be that far away.
"There are a lot of misconceptions about Baltimore, but I've only had positive experiences."
It is a city, so there are some bad areas, but what city doesn't have that? The inner harbor, canton, and fells point are continually growing and can only get better. Plus, who doesn't love a city that houses Michael Phelps, Joe Flacco and Mr. Boh (National Bohemian beer was originally brewed here.)
"Baltimore has such a life to it that no matter where you go it'll be fun."
Pretty much anytime my friends and I are together, whether we're downtown or just hanging out, is a lot of fun.
Erica's Favorites of Baltimore:
Nightspot: Bourbon Street Baltimore just opened recently and is good for dancing and also has a bar. It has teen night, for the under 21 crowd, and it also has over 21 nights.
Live Music Venue: The Recher Theater in Towson has the best live bands and it's always a good time.
Movie Theater: Arundel Mills' Muvico and the Mall in Columbia have stadium seating which is always nice. The science center has a huge movie screen called the IMAX which shows select movies and documentaries.
Extracurricular or co-curricular activities: Definitely try to get involved in something besides classes. It looks good on resumes plus you get life experience and connections. I recommended playing a sport if you can, or join Greek life since it's a great way to meet people.
Museum or Cultural Attraction: The Aquarium is my favorite place in the city. If you go, definitely go to the live dolphin show, it's a lot of fun.
Place to see Live Theater: The Hippodrome (if you're feeling classy) or there's Toby's Dinner Theater which is dinner and show.
Restaurant: I would recommend going to McCormick & Schmick's or Tio Pepe's for a classy date or nice dinner.
**Place to get crabs: Nick's Fish House
**Place to get GOOD pizza: Squire's Italian Restaurant off of Holabird Ave. is the key place for pizza and pasta. It's the complete opposite of anything processed and commercial.
Coffee Shop: I'm partial to Panera Bread, since I work there. But the coffee is really good and they have free internet at most cafes.
Place to relax outdoors: I love the zoo in the spring time, it's so pretty and the animals are friendlier then.
Place to spend a Sunday afternoon: M&T Bank Stadium to see my Ravens play!
Mall or Shopping Venue: Towson town and White Marsh are my favorites. They are really big and have a lot to offer for both girls and guys.
Place to see Sports: Any college, especially College Park since it's so big and competitive. Also, Camden Yards for an Orioles game or the First Mariner Arena for the Blast indoor soccer team.
Place to spend Saturday afternoon: I love hiking in the state park. There are local entrances right off most exits on 695 near Catonsville and Ellicott City. Or any college sporting event, depending on the season.
CD Store: Down Town Locker Room. Yes it's a shoe store, but they have the latest and hottest CD's.
Way to spend a Friday Night/Day: Walking around the harbor and shopping in the afternoon, and then going to dinner in the evening is my favorite.
Way to Spend a Saturday night: Out a bar or club. There are different styles around town to fit everyone's taste.
