First off, I agree with the comment preceding mine. If one out of four best things about Greenville is shark teeth in a river, then I'm a bit worried as well. To be honest, growing up in Jacksonville, NC I always remember Greenville/Pitt County as being the place that all the bad things happened at. Being a student at ECU now, I can say it's not as bad as I used to think when I was younger, but it sure isn't too far off.

My first memory of Greenville was coming for an all-district band clinic at ECU. Usually the band kids would go to the mall after one of the rehearsal days, and I still remember to this day witnessing my first actual arrest with someone pinned on the ground and in hand-cuffs. At the time it felt like an episode from COPS. I was in middle school at the time, and I know that this happens everywhere, even back in my hometown, but it still left a lasting impression on my view of Greenville, even to this day.

Greenville, without a doubt has East Carolina University going for it. When you shed East Carolina's stigma as a party school away from your first thought, it is actually an institution that does great things. The community of Greenville absolutely goes wild on game day, and it's apparent Greenvillians really love their university sports, and its admirable when compared to countless other college towns across the country. This also creates a crossroads for Greenville as well, and another reason for why I typically say, "I love ECU, but I don't love Greenville." Greenville has only one face to it, one dimension. Aside from the wild game days, and purple and gold clad citizens walking across the city, what else is Greenville known for? I assure you, the answer to all of that already is present there already.

Well, here are a few things that I've discovered so far, that really do make Greenville a nice place, but definitely don't get enough recognition for it, resulting them seeming like they don't even exist.

The park and the many festivals that go on down there is something to be proud of. Several years ago, I attended Greenville's international festival thing, and I'll assure you that it was definitely an enjoyable experience. It's the kind of culture that I wish Greenville could be more known for and sought after for.

Also, never have I seen a more dedicated group of people than those who participate in some of the arts organizations around here. The Tar River Community Band is comprised of some of the most enthusiastic people of this community I've ever met. Sure, some of them are a little wiser because of their years, but its amazing to see people from all walks of life participating in something like a community band. Professors, business people, government workers, students, teachers all participate in it, and enjoy making music together. I've learned a ton about where this city has been just from talking to people in the band, heck, someone even has a city park named after them because of the hard work they did for seniors in this community.

The Eastern Youth Orchestra that is hosted at ECU is another one of those gems of Greenville, that should be something worth of note when referring to the city of Greenville. Kids from all around Eastern NC actually make a trip to Greenville every week to rehearse an all-star ensemble.

I'm not much of a historian, but I've learned a lot of things from just living here in this city. I suppose what makes me dislike the city is that it can be more than it is, but seems complacent with hiding behind the roar and excitement of an East Carolina game day. I pray one day that it becomes a city that rids its name of the criminal acts that seems to be synonymous with a growing city and becomes one that is firmly known for ALL of the great things it actually has to it.