This letter is in response to Erin Nowelsky's statement that the East Coast is a cold, unaffectionate place to live ("East Coast 'colder' in terms of affection," Feb. 11).

As someone who has co-oped on the West Coast, in the South, and in the Midwest, I have spent as much time in each of these other parts of the country as Ms. Nowelsky has spent at Penn State.

I have two pieces of advice for her and anyone else who feels as she does.

One, do not generalize anything or anyone based on what you see in one place, person or thing. And two, look inside yourself to determine if what you are putting out there could be why this place seems so unwelcoming to you.

No doubt if you carry an attitude that Penn State is a terrible place to be, it will show in how you walk, talk and present yourself to others.

If you carry an attitude like where you come from is better than where you are, it will be hard for you to ever feel like you fit in. Being at Penn State was the greatest couple of years of my life.

I sincerely hope you open your heart a little more and give this school an honest chance to welcome you.

Just take some initiative and project the image and personality you wish to see in others.

And attend Family Hour -- or any hour for that matter -- of Thon and then see if you still think Penn State lacks affection.