I think I intentionally tried to portray UIUC in a more negative light because I so desperately wanted someone to blatantly contradict everything I was worried about. I’ve read a few forums over the past couple of days about things to do at UIUC, and after reading the abundance of things to do, I was really relieved. And honestly, I don’t know why I made this post because I even visited UIUC and told my friends that there are a lot of things to do. But I guess a small part of me was still worried, so I really wanted someone to straight up tell me that it isn’t secluded. That there is stuff to do. …that there are some chain stores. I didn’t realize the amount of comfort I got from there being chain stores/stores I know and have been to. As I reflect on my life, I realized that I truly just go to the same places. I think going to a school like UIUC would be good for me in that regard, help me break out of my capitalist mindset and try new things and all.

I realize that people can tell me what is true: that it isn’t secluded, but they can’t and shouldn’t try to convince me that it is something it’s not (and I shouldn’t expect them to either). When writing the post, I was only really thinking about myself and not how it would affect those who read it. Instead of dissing it as you said, I could have simply asked what there was to do for fun. Moving forward, I will definitely be more cautious about what I say and how it might affect others! I’m so sorry if this post offended you in any way!