Eileen Slifer
The story of why, when and how you decided to move here (or stay here): I moved up here from Binghamton to go to Nazareth College. I wanted to get a little space between me and my parents for a change, and I fell in love with the campus the minute I saw it. Of course, a few months after I had made final arrangements to move up here, my father got a job in Rochester and the whole family followed me here! Even still, it’s been nice to have them here. It’s made Rochester more like home.
Where you went to undergraduate college / graduate school: B.S. in fine arts. I plan to go to grad school here after I get a few years’ real-world experience.
Where you work now and your job title: Graphic designer/marketing assistant, Mengel, Metzger, Barr & Co. LLP
Where do you live? In Brighton, off Elmwood Avenue near Highland Park
What do you like about life in Rochester? I love living here because I am constantly surprised by it. There is always something to do, especially during the summer with all of the festivals going on. And just going for walks around town or drives out to the beach, I always see something beautiful I never saw before.
What do you do for fun? My friends and I love to name days. Thursdays we call “cultural Thursdays” where we usually go see a show, visit an exhibit or go to the South Wedge Farmers Market. On the weekends I’m not a stranger to the Monroe Ave. bars, and during the summer I love to go for walks up on the beach or along the canal near where I live. Sundays are trivia nights over at the Old Toad. Beyond that I love to spend time with my fiancé planning our wedding and what-not.
What would you tell a college student (who is trying to decide where to live after graduation) about what life is like here post-college? I honestly believe that Rochester is on the up, and I feel very optimistic about living and working here. There is enough work, and in Rochester you can really feel like you are part of a community, and not just one in the crowd. Once you get out into the city, you’ll really like it. I think I’ve actually enjoyed Rochester more since I’ve left the college cocoon.
What’s the best first step to making friends and finding your way around? Walking or biking. The slower pace really gave me a handle on where I was and it made me notice things I never did in my car. During my lunches I will take walks down roads I’ve never been on and loop around till I find my way back. I’ve definitely got a grasp of downtown now. Plus, walking gives you a chance to talk to locals on the street or when you stop for a drink, you’re not in a hurry to get somewhere, and usually, neither are they.
[Posted in 2009]