Footwear aside, Stone says he is proud of many of the characteristics he feels Texans share, specifically their friendliness to strangers and acquaintances alike.

"That sense of goodwill is very important," he says.

Stone says that such goodwill is not as common in Massachusetts. When driving in Texas, Stone says he waves to fellow drivers and that they will often wave back. In Massachusetts, they "flip" him off.

Chess A. Stetson '01 notes other characteristics of Texans.

"I think being tough is the stereotype...and talking slow," says Stetson

"There's a lot of state pride," he adds. "You might attribute it to the Western stereotype of individuality and self-sufficiency that we all feel. It seems to be particularly Texan."

Stone says that Texans are so proud of their state that "there's a bumper sticker that says: American by birth, Southern by luck, Texan by the grace of God."

Hometown Favorites

Even the locals at Harvard are not immune to stereotypes.

"Immediately people ask me if I like living so close to home," says Adam G. Kosberg '00, a Cambridge resident. "They feel like I've gone here just because I'm a homebody."

Massachusetts students who come to Harvard must defend their choice of school to those who believe that going to college necessitates going somewhere new.

"For a long time, this is where I thought I'd end up; It seemed natural," says Kosberg. "It doesn't have as much prestige as in other parts of the country when you live around here."

Anna L. Malsberger '00 of Boston says she doesn't go home often but feels that knowing her family is close provides comfort. Even though she has long been familiar with Harvard Square, her perception of it has changed since attending Harvard. "Harvard was behind this big wall and the Square was different," recalls Malsberger.

And of course, there are advantages to being part of the 13 percent of students who are from Massachusetts.

"Living near home is all about free laundry, home cooked meals," says Kosberg.