Disclaimer: The “Hoots N’ Hollers” section of The Equinox is entirely satirical and not at all based in fact. Every story, photo and name used here is fictitious solely for the purpose of comedy and does not represent The Equinox’s or the College’s beliefs as a whole.

This past week, the L.P. Young Student Center celebrated its 21st year in existence and Keene State College senior Tim Simpleton couldn’t wait to be part of the action.

“We have to take the Student Center to the bar, man,” Simpleton said, “You can’t just NOT drink on your 21st birthday!”

Simpleton, who seems to be unaware that the L.P. Young Student Center is a building and not a human, said he’s “even down to buy all the drinks.”

With a few local bars already in mind, Simpleton said he is “way too psyched” for the Student Center’s 21st birthday.

“We have to go crazy! We can take him around to all the bars and show him what turning 21 is really supposed to be like,” Simpleton said.

Unbeknownst to Simpleton, the L.P. Young Student Center opened in 1995 and includes a marketplace, bookstore, computer store, café, offices for student organizations, and the Mabel Brown Room. It’s definitely a building and not a human.

“Wow, all of those places turned 21 too?” Simpleton said, “It’s going to be a huge night at the bar!”

Stephanie McCann can be contacted at smccann@kscequinox.com

The graphic design majors of Keene State College have worked tirelessly for the past four years in order to showcase their work for friends, family, professors and future employers. Graphic design seniors put their portfolios on display Friday, April 15, in the Media Arts Center, giving everyone a chance to see their hard work as part of the 2016 Portfolio Graphic Design Exhibition.

Senior graphic design major Bella Robinson said she was “so excited” to be showcasing her work.

“We’ve been working on our portfolios for so long,” Robinson said. “It’s all about trial and errors, but, in the end, it’s finally time to let go and show off what we’ve been doing for so long.”

Colton McCracken / Equinox Staff

As graphic design majors, Robinson said that everyone in her portfolio course didn’t sleep for nearly four days in order to complete their work.

“We’re all exhausted, but the work is worth it. None of us would be here if that weren’t the case. I’m just really proud of myself and the entire program right now,” Robinson said.

Elaborating on the student’s hard work, Robinson said, “We all have a different process, but it all leads us to a final product.”

Senior graphic design major Kendall Vocca agreed. She said, “The process is part of being an artist.”

She continued, “When I’m working on a piece, I just start with a concept and just keep going from there. You’ve got to be consistent, which is probably the hardest thing to do. For the portfolio, it was all about making everything I’ve done over the past four years look like it all goes together. That’s part of branding yourself and allowing the brand to be recognized by other people, and I think we all did a really great job of that today,” Vocca said.

Proud parent Maria Cerbone, mother of graphic design senior Julie Cerbone, said that she was “too excited” about the showcase.

“I’m so proud. I’ve seen bits and pieces of Julie’s work over the years, but to see it all come together like this is just beautiful,” Cerbone said. “This is very rewarding as a parent to see the final product.”

Robinson, however, said this portfolio showcase is not the end for KSC’s graphic designers.

“I think today is really just about knowing where we’re at and knowing how to make steps toward our futures as designers,” Robinson said. “It’s so visual and [the portfolio showcase] gives everyone a chance to see what we’ve really worked hard on, but there’s always room to grow and I think we’re all really excited about what the future will bring.”

Stephanie McCann can be contacted at smccann@kscequinox.com

Disclaimer: The “Hoots N’ Hollers” section of The Equinox is entirely satirical and not at all based in fact. Every story, photo and name used here is fictitious solely for the purpose of comedy and does not represent The Equinox’s or the College’s beliefs as a whole.

After posting about feminism on Twitter this past week, local woman Rosie Rivier received a stream of alarmingly ignorant comments from men who attempted to shut her opinion down by telling things like “stop making everything about sexism and get back in the kitchen!” However, after Rivier refuted the men’s arguments online, one of the responders claimed, “It was just a joke.”

Relieved, Rivier said, “Wow, I am so happy to hear that his negative comment aimed to attack my personal opinions and individual beliefs in a public forum was a joke.”

Hardly able to contain her laughter for long enough to speak, she added, “A really funny one at that! ‘Get back at the kitchen.’ So funny. How could anyone come up with that on their own?”

Rivier said that the man who tweeted back at her is named Isaac Gnorant and he is “literally so funny. I’ve never heard a funnier joke before in my life.”

Hinting at centuries of oppressed women who are subjected to a life without opportunities or the ability to make their own decisions, Gnorant’s joke was “just hilarious,” Rivier said.

Gnorant said that he is known for making jokes whenever women speak up online.

“Whenever I see a woman assert her opinions on the Internet, I make sure to tell a quick joke so that everyone knows I’m hilarious but also dominant,” Gnorant said.

According to Gnorant, everyone thinks his jokes are humorous and “not a cry for help at all.”

With a confident smile, Gnorant continued, “No, I swear. Literally everyone thinks this stuff is funny. Go back to the kitchen, ladies! See, everyone is laughing.”

Stephanie McCann can be contacted at smccann@kscequinox.com

Disclaimer: The “Hoots N’ Hollers” section of The Equinox is entirely satirical and not at all based in fact. Every story, photo and name used here is fictitious solely for the purpose of comedy and does not represent The Equinox’s or the College’s beliefs as a whole.

Spring break is just around the corner for the Keene State College community and some students are flocking to tropical destinations to escape the frigid New England winter. However, some people are still making plans for the college’s ever-awaited week off. For students who do not have a sunny spring break planned, what could be better than freeloading at a new friend’s house all week? Follow these tips to find yourself sizzling in paradise in no time!

1. Find out who has a vacation home in Florida.

You first need to figure out who is your prime target. Is it that girl who always falls asleep two minutes into class? The guy who sweats too much on the elliptical? Maybe it’s one of your professors. You never know who is going to hold the keys to your relaxation destination. Start casually mentioning the words “beach,” “vacation” and “Florida” every chance you get and see who responds.

2. Flattery will get you everywhere.

Once you figure out who has a vacation home in Florida for you to spring break at, try complimenting them as much as possible. There is nothing people love more than a good old fashioned suck up. Tell them things like, “Wow, your hair looks exactly like I want my hair to look on vacation in Florida” and “You’re so tan. Just in time for vacation in Florida, right?”

3. Keep it topical.

Remember to always steer your conversations toward your eventual trip to Florida. Next time you’re around your new bestie (who has a vacation home in Florida, obviously), make sure to bond by scattering some simple beachy words into the discussion like “sun,” “waves,” “bathing suits,” “please,” “take me” and even “Florida.” Be coy about it, though. You don’t want them to think you’re just using them for a spring break trip.

4. Everyone likes cookies.

When in doubt, everyone knows that the way to a new friend’s heart is through their stomach. Bake them some cookies and they’ll feel obligated to return the favor. Maybe with a week-long stay in their vacation home in Florida? You can only hope.

Stephanie McCann can be contacted at smccann@kscequinox.com.

Keene State College’s first-ever graphic design exhibition, NEXT SHOW, opened at the Carroll House Gallery last Thursday, Feb. 25. This exhibition gave KSC’s graphic design students the opportunity to showcase some of their best work.

Senior and graphic design major Cassidy Hunkins said that NEXT SHOW was the product of “many all nighters, many edits and many prints,” but that it was all worth it in the end.

“I think the show really [helps] people understand exactly what we do as designers,” Hunkins said.

Hunkins explained how NEXT SHOW is purposefully set up in the gallery to demonstrate the process of a designer.

“The exhibit is separated into three different rooms. The first is the foundation’s room, the second is the advanced room and the third consist of some raging animation videos,” Hunkins said, “Throughout the exhibit you get to see the process we go through to learn about design.”

Senior graphic design major Bella Robinson said there was a lot of pressure preparing for the exhibit since it was “the first graphic design show to ever be organized on campus.”

“[NEXT SHOW] became my first priority academically, knowing that it was going to represent my major and surrounding classmates, as well as all of my professors,” Robinson said, “It was all very exciting.”

Hunkins said that representing the graphic design department in their first show was crucial to her because “[it] is a very underrepresented major.”

“It looks a lot of fun, but graphic design is actually very time consuming, which I think nobody truly understands,” Hunkins said.

However, Robinson explained that showing the campus how hard her fellow designers work was never the priority.

“Just showing everyone what we’ve got has always been the desire,” Robinson said, “We have taken huge strides and worked hard within the last five years to become more involved on campus and our presence at KSC is more prominent than ever.”

Stephanie McCann / Arts & Entertainment Editor

It seems the hard work paid off with the NEXT SHOW exhibit, because sophomore Chelsea Birchmore called it “really nice and different from other shows [she has] seen.”

Dean of Arts and Humanities Andrew Harris appreciated the show as well.

“What I liked about the NEXT SHOW was the sense of design process that emerged from the students’ work,” Harris said, “It was as if the Portfolio Review had been focused on the practice of graphic design itself, and I found that fascinating.  It provoked the tension between graphic design as art and as trade.”

Birchmore, who is employed at the Carroll House Gallery, explained why she thinks it’s important to focus on art.

“Art is something that a lot of people stray away from sometimes because it’s deemed less important academically, but it’s so important to express your creative side,” Birchmore said, “Even if you’re not an artist yourself, you should at least give yourself the chance to look at art and expand your horizons.”

Hunkins agreed with Birchmore. She said that, although it is an underrepresented major, graphic design is crucial to everyday life.

“It’s so important for students to focus on art and design because it’s everywhere,” Hunkins said, “Take a step back and realize where the majority of your posters mobile apps, websites, album covers, stickers and t-shirts come from. It’s all graphic design and there’s someone working to make them look aesthetically pleasing.”

According to Hunkins, NEXT SHOW was entirely produced by a design center team, which “is an independent study consisting of seven graphic design students.”

The NEXT SHOW exhibit will be displayed in the Carroll House Gallery until March 26.

Stephanie McCann can be contacted at smccann@kscequinox.com.

This year marks the four hundredth anniversary of prominent writer William Shakespeare’s death and Keene State College has planned a semester-long series of events celebrating the works of the literary genius. Last Wednesday, Feb. 10, the School of Arts & Humanities, the English Department, the Redfern Arts Center and the department of Theatre and Dance kicked off the commemoration with poetry readings, music and snacks in the Mason Library’s Marion Wood reading area.

English professor Kirsti Sandy began the event by saying, “In four hundred years, think about what will last…probably nothing that is said here today, but Shakespeare will still be celebrated.”

Current faculty, professors emeritus, actors and students performed various Shakespeare readings from his large collection of work.

English professor Brinda Charry was part of the team that planned this semester-long celebration. She explained that it was a group effort to plan the Shakespeare-themed events.

“A group of us from across campus in different departments got together and decided to celebrate Shakespeare using different approaches, different artistic traditions and different intellectual traditions. He is an iconic figure in many aspects. That was the whole idea behind [the events],” Charry said.

According to the event’s program, KSC will be holding a plethora of Shakespeare themed events including film screenings, art exhibits, a live stage performance of Romeo + Juliet, a Medieval & Renaissance Forum, readings, lectures and seminars this semester.

The next homage to Shakespeare, an exhibit called “‘I lov’d my books …’: Shakespeare in Print,” can be viewed in the Mason Library from Feb. 29, through March 25.

Assistant Director of the Redfern Arts Center Sharon Fantl said she also had a role in planning the events. Fantl said she believed the success of the Shakespeare readings last Wednesday was a good start to the semester’s commemoration and allowed the audience to begin to understand Shakespeare.

“You can really see and understand the variety of work Shakespeare created and how the stories really come to life when read aloud. The language itself comes to life too,” Fantl said, “It doesn’t have to be so daunting, you can fall into it and understand it. His words are so beautiful to listen to and they come off the page.”

To allow for Shakespeare’s work to “come off the page,” some of the passages performed were accompanied by live music.

A flute, clarinet, harp and vocals complimented Shakespeare’s plethora of writing.

Sophomore music major Matthew McGinnis recited a reading from Cymbeline and followed it by singing “Ouvre tes yeux bleus” by French composer Jules Massenet.

McGinnis, who got the opportunity to perform at this event because of his Opera Workshop course, said there are “so many reasons” to be celebrating Shakespeare 400 years after his death.

George Amaru / Art Director

“He was so ahead of his time. He had such wisdom and power in his writing that I’m sure he’ll be celebrated forever. It’s not dead,” McGinnis said, “Even in 400 years from now, I think he’ll still be relatable. His themes and tropes in his writing are so dynamic.”

McGinnis explained why he thinks it’s important for students to celebrate Shakespeare.

McGinnis said, “A lot of people read ‘Romeo & Juliet’ in school or have read  other assigned work by him, but there is so much more meat and feeling to his writing that extends further than a grade for a class. It’s so beautiful. So many people can appreciate it if they give it a chance, even if they don’t know a thing about theatre or poetry.”

Senior Mylynda Gill said she agreed that it’s important for KSC to “bring Shakespeare into a new light” in order for students to appreciate his works outside of class.

“It’s so important just to show how revered Shakespeare is and how well-known he still is today. I don’t think people realize how much time has passed since he lived, but by showing and celebrating his works in a transformative and lively way it shows how powerful his writing still is today,” Gill said.

Charry elaborated on the legacy of Shakespeare’s work. She said that Shakespeare is an important figure in writing for a “number of reasons.”

“Four hundred years is a long time for anyone to be remembered. I don’t believe any writers or artists of any kind can claim the kind of legacy that Shakespeare still holds,” Charry said.

Charry continued, “We wanted to celebrate that. We also want to acknowledge that we are not just talking about some man, we are talking about an institution here. It’s a cultural institution. We are not just talking about one Englishman who lived. His legacy is a cultural institution that spans on a global scale so that’s what we wanted to draw attention to here at Keene State.”

The event on Wednesday highlighted the global attention that Shakespeare’s work has received over the years.

Associate Professor of Women & Gender Studies and American Studies Patricia Pedroza recited a Spanish translation of Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 18” and Charry read “Sonnet 65” in both English and a “hybrid language of Hindu and Urdu.”

In the end, Gill said she believes KSC is helping to continue to celebration of Shakespeare.

“I think that keeping the tradition alive, reciting his poetry, reading his plays and keeping any and all manuscripts or work of his in the public eye is essential to keeping Shakespeare alive,” Gill said, “He is such a notorious writer and an inspiration to many other famous works and Keene State is part of keeping that tradition alive.”

Stephanie McCann can be contacted at smccann@kscequinox.com.

Tired of a plain chocolate chip cookie? The oreo, chocolate chip, peanut butter craze is the perfect combination of Oreo cookies,

Photo contributed by Stephanie McCann / Arts and entertainment Editor

chocolate chip cookie dough, and peanut butter to make an ordinary cookie extraordinary.

Ingredients:

• 2 logs of chocolate chip cookie dough
• 18 Double Stuffed Oreos
• 1 cup of peanut butter
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
• Grease an 8×10 cookie sheet
• Roll out the cookie dough

Create medium cookie dough balls

Pound cookie dough into flattened circles

Place 1 Oreo on top of each flattened circle

A dollop of peanut butter (to taste) on top of Oreo

Take a separate flattened circle and place on top of peanut butter and Oreo

Flatten out the edges to create a sphere

Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes

The cookies are delicate once they come out of the oven, so be sure to let them cool for at least ten minutes before moving off of the pan.

The life of any college student can quickly become overwhelmed with homework, tests, social obligations and the various other expectations that sometimes make it difficult to factor a job into the mix.

However, a group of Keene State College students are working on a website and mobile application called QaZING that will allow students to browse a variety of local jobs with flexible hours.

KSC senior Jake Lopilato said he has been interning for QaZING this entire semester.

“QaZING is a customer orientated website and application that will provide adjustability to people looking to create their own work hours. If someone in the area needs a service as simple as laundry or mowing the lawn, they can type that into the website and basically other users, typically students, can respond and say they would like to do the job,” LoPilato said.

According to QaZING’s website, the company is a new startup that provides “a one-stop app solution for a locally based marketplace of service providers to consumers.”

Senior Michael Dunham is also an intern for QaZING.

He said the application will revolutionize the way students find work while they’re busy at school.

“This is important for students because it’s a quick way to make extra cash,” Dunham said, “It’s also unique because everyone has their own special skill that they can bring to the table. Everyone has the opportunity to use their talents on this app.”

Dunham explained that QaZING offers a number of job opportunities for people to pick from.

“There are at least a hundred jobs on the site right now,” Dunham said, “There is home care, so raking leaves, shoveling driveways, stacking or cutting wood, laundry and other home-based jobs. It even goes as far as tutoring, though. There’s also babysitting, personal assistance, shopping, maybe picking up someone’s groceries. The rates change for every job so you can get paid more for some jobs compared to others.”

Another intern for the company, KSC senior Remi Chiovaro, explained how the website and mobile application work.

“Every user who signs up gets a share code that they can pass along to other users to enter when they need jobs done. [These share codes] will be the way people find jobs or find people to do their jobs. When people sign up they can also use an intern’s code and we get credit for it,” Chiovaro said.

Dunham clarified how important the share codes are for the interns.

“As interns, we get share codes that are actually logged into the system. Every time someone uses our share code, or referral code, we get fifteen dollars out of it,” Dunham said.

QaZING is looking for more KSC interns who are interested in marketing, according to Chiovaro.

“We’re looking for five more interns to expand the business,” Chiovaro said, “Not only will this look good on a student’s resume, but you can also learn interpersonal skills and meet new people.”

According to LoPilato, the QaZING website is already up and running, but the mobile application won’t be accessible until this winter.

“We’re hoping by January to release the app, but we’ll see,” LoPilato said, “However, we think it’s important for students to start learning about this opportunity and going on the website so they can plan to use it in the future.”

The website, QaZING.com, already offers the opportunity for people to create an account and get started with their flexible work environment.

Using an intern’s share code, Chiovaro said students can login whenever they want.

“My share code is 100145. Mike’s [Dunham] is 70138 and Jake’s [LoPilato] is 70141,” Chiovaro said, “We want students to get out there and start using the website and application as soon as possible. It will make working so much easier for everyone.”

Stephanie McCann can be contacted at smccann@kscequinox.com

One of the best parts of college is the myriad of romantic possibilities that can pop up almost anywhere for students in class, on the weekends or simply on Appian Way.

However, dating while managing schoolwork, a social life, extracurricular activities, clubs and everything else the college lifestyle entails can be difficult.

Though, after almost four years at Keene State College, seniors feel they have enough experience on the college dating scene to finally understand it.

Senior Alexandra Oliveri has been dating her boyfriend since the beginning of spring semester last year.

“As a senior now, I think [my boyfriend and I] found each other at the perfect time. We had our fun being single in high school and part of college and then we found each other and we just knew,” Oliveri said.

According to Oliveri, what makes their relationship work is how committed they are to each other.

“I love how much he loves me. It sounds cliché, but Mike would drop anything in the world to do something for me. It’s comforting to know that. It’s amazing, actually. When I hurt, he’s hurting more. When I laugh, he smiles because I’m happy. It’s that back and forth of commitment and love,” Oliveri said.

Oliveri’s boyfriend, senior Mike Dunham, said he believes their relationship has changed him for the better.

“There is always something to look forward to when I get out of bed and having the support I get out of this relationship is indescribable,” Dunham said.

However, seniors in healthy relationships said they do not believe dating has changed the way they interact with friends or family. Senior Nicole Guerrera said, if anything, her relationship has made her happier and closer to her friends.

“I don’t let my relationship define me, but it has made me a happier, more open, and definitely a more loving person. My friends always poke fun at me for having a boyfriend now, but I still go out and have fun with them. Nothing is different about me, I just have an extra person in my life,” Guerrera said.

Dunham said he does not believe his relationship has changed him too much either.

“The only difference now is I have this beautiful girl to show off to my family and friends,” Dunham said, “Family is a huge part of my life and there is no better feeling than hearing the people I love say these amazing things about my girlfriend. I’m proud to be with her.”

Oliveri added, “I don’t think anything between my friends and me has changed. I would say that being in a relationship has taught me to care more about myself. I take better care of myself mentally and physically because he makes me feel like I matter one hundred percent of the time.”

Relationships actually do prove to make people happier.

Cassie Baron/ Art Director

According to a Harvard study by George Vaillant that analyzed data over the course of 75 years, love is the key to living a fulfilling and happy life.

“I’ve always been happy and comfortable with myself, but instead of just being happy on my own I wake up every day excited about the next time I’ll see him,” Oliveri said.

However, many seniors have also gone through the imperative ups and downs of college relationships. Senior Cara Zembsch said she feels she has learned a lot from her recent breakup.

“We had been together for almost five years and it was a great relationship. We both really cared for each other but toward the end we lost all respect, communication, and trust,” Zembsch said, “It all definitely changed me for the better and I know I’m the kind of person I want to be now. I learned so many things about myself. It gave me confidence in areas I didn’t necessarily have confidence in and it also allowed me to pursue my goals.”                 

Senior Kelsey Marscher said she went through a rough breakup last March that made her realize what she really wants from a relationship.

“We had a rocky relationship, lots of arguing and sometimes cheating. It finally ended because he went on this crazy spring break cruise and I found out from Facebook that he cheated on me with some girl there. I was really upset and I didn’t know how to continue, but in the long-run it made me so much stronger and now I’m in a new relationship where I’m happy and I feel respected,” Marscher said.

After a rocky breakup herself, Zembsch is optimistic about future relationships.

“I think a good relationship means communication, compromise, respect, and trust. Those are the main fundamentals,” Zembsch said.

Oliveri believes healthy arguments are key to respecting your significant other.

“Love isn’t perfect and trying not to fight or argue is impossible. Celebrate your differences and move past them because the happiness is so worth it,” Oliveri said.

Seniors agree that every relationship has its challenge.

“We’re doing long distance right now and honestly we’re making it work. I never thought long distance is something I’d be open to and I miss him when we’re not together, but I’m just so happy. Just knowing we’re together makes me happy and that’s all that matters,” Guerrera said.

Overall, seniors emphasize the importance of finding a healthy relationship either in college or after.

“I had my fun at college and I’m so happy I did, but I knew there would come a point where I felt like settling down,” Guerrera said.

Dunham added, “She’s what I’ve been looking for. I don’t even have a favorite thing about her – everything is. Her hard work, motivation, intelligence, success, sweetness, loyalty, she’s caring, beautiful, and she keeps me motivated. Life in general is just better with her.”

Stephanie McCann be cotacted at smccann@kscequinox.com

Graduation marks a time in every Keene State College student’s life when they are forced to pack up their belongings, say goodbye to friends, and move on from the blissful debauchery that is the college experience.

However, some students choose to stay within the Keene area post-graduation.

Whether it’s affordable housing, well-paying jobs, outdoor activities or just plain fun, students are finding themselves staying in town for many different reasons.

KSC alumni Brian Rogers, who graduated last spring, said he was in between staying in Keene or moving to New York.

Sarah Morrison/ Equinox Staff

“I got two jobs, one in New York and one in Keene for NextGen [Climate] that I just couldn’t turn down. It was more or less a choice between paying cheap rent in Keene or going back home and living with my parents, or paying insanely high rent in an apartment outside of New York City,” Rogers said.

Rogers said he feels Keene was the right choice for him because he doesn’t need to worry about student loans as much as his friends.

“Because I opted to live in Keene, I feel far less trapped by student loans. My rent is fairly inexpensive, I’m making good money and I still have spare money for entertainment. Compared to living in New York, I wouldn’t have been able to eat or clothe myself because the cost of living is so much higher [there],” Rogers said.

Alumni Kenzie Travers, who also graduated last spring, said money was a large influence over her choice to stay in Keene as well.

“I live alone and it’s a little more expensive than living with a roommate, but with the money I make in Keene and my low cost of living, it all evens out,” Travers said.

However, students say separating themselves from the college lifestyle while remaining in the KSC environment is sometimes a challenge.

“At first, I felt like I never graduated because I was still here. I was partying with all my friends who still go to Keene and I still felt like a student, but I’ve definitely fallen back from [that]. You get to this point where you start to feel like the weird older guy at parties and you just get tired of that experience. I have a job and I have interns and volunteers. I have responsibilities now and the last thing people need to see is me partying,” Rogers said.

He continued, “I feel like I’ve grown up a lot staying in Keene.”

Olivia DiLeo, who is graduating in December and has plans to stay in Keene afterward, said she is already thinking about how to separate herself from the college lifestyle.

“I mean, I’m staying in Keene because all of my friends will still be here. I’m not ready to completely give up that lifestyle just because I’m graduating early, but I know I do have the responsibility to start thinking more like an adult post-graduation,” DiLeo said.

“As far as partying goes, I think I’m mature. There are some people who leave college and automatically feel like they need to get back, but I don’t think I’ve ever been that kind of person,” Travers said, “I’ve learned how to separate myself from my college life and now my adult life. I feel like there’s so much more to do in this area than college students realize.”

Travers, who works for the Keene Sentinel, said she has found much to love about the Keene community.

“Everyone supports each other. I love the ‘Local Matters’ aspect. Everyone is always buying local, supporting local and, even if they’re in a competing business, they’re always supporting each other,” Travers said, “I love walking down the street and seeing someone I talked to a few months ago and being able to say hi to them. I can point people out to my parents and tell them what shop they own or how they did it. Everyone knows each other and it’s a real community.”

Rogers said he enjoys the community aspect as well.

“I really love New Hampshire, I really love this town. There is a lot outside of the college that students don’t really get to experience until they’ve graduated. A good part of it, however, is how easy it is for me to feel like an adult without having to move back in with my parents like a lot of my friends,” Rogers said.

Senior Rebecca Innerfield said she is thinking about staying in Keene after graduation.

“I just love the town. It’s the reason I chose Keene State in the first place. The mountains nearby and all the little shops and everything that surrounds the city is something that you can’t find most places,” Innerfield said.

“I love this place. I just didn’t feel like I was ready to leave yet. Going to college here you have one sense of Keene, but it’s completely different and sort of expanded once you graduate. There’s so much more to do on the weekends and being part of such a strong community is something I think a lot of students should take into account,” Travers said.

Stephanie McCann can be contacted at smccann@kscequinox.com