Laurel Brooks

Recruitment Territory: Massachusetts (select schools), New York (Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, Saratoga, Warren, Washington) Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Favorite thing about SLU: The people! I’m new to the area, and everyone has been incredibly warm and welcoming. I’m also a huge fan of the weather (I’ve also lived in Syracuse, Cleveland, and Boston, so I love winter) and our location. The Adirondacks are beautiful, and I really enjoy driving around and checking out the scenery.
Favorite spot in the North Country: Lake Placid is less than two hours from Canton and is a cool spot to visit. The village hosted the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics and serves as a home base for elite athletes in many sports. Several of the Olympic venues and facilities are open to visitors—you can even take a bobsled ride!—and the downtown area has lots of shops and restaurants.
Favorite restaurant in the North Country: Between the Buns in Potsdam (about 15 minutes from campus). The haystack onions are delicious, and I’ve enjoyed every specialty burger I’ve tried so far! A close second is the Northstar Cafe in the student center (I recommend the quesadillas and the cookies).
Tip for incoming First-Year Students: Even if you’re pretty sure about your major and career path, keep an open mind. Take classes in subjects you’ve never considered before. The next four years may be your best opportunity to learn a new language, spend weeks or months overseas, and immerse yourself in the unfamiliar. Take advantage of it!