This month, Natural Selections features Leonard S. Smith, III, Graduate Fellow, Ho Laboratory.

Country of Origin: USA

1. How long have you been living in New York?

Going on six years now…

2. Where do you live?

Sophie Fricke Hall. I used to live in the Graduate Student Residence Hall, but my roommate kept stealing the silverware! We had some good times there though…

3. Which is your favorite neighborhood?

I’m a fan of the East Village. The laid-back demeanor and gritty atmosphere makes for good times.

4. What do you think is the most overrated thing in the city? And underrated?

The most overrated thing in the city is Times Square. I wouldn’t step foot in that area if it weren’t for the theater. It’s the only part of the city where I actually get frustrated with the people. I understand that most of the ones that annoy me are tourists, but nonetheless I avoid Times Square like the plague. Determining the most underrated part of the city is a bit more complex. Usually I like to find some quiet place or a respite from the chaos. The Ramble in Central Park is nice, and usually not that crowded.

5. What do you miss most when you are out of town?

My immediate family lives on the West Coast. When I travel to see them, I always feel like I’ve stepped into some type of fantasy land–it’s surreal! The wide-open spaces and nicer weather are very appealing. After a day or so that feeling wears off, and I start to miss the pace of New York. Yes, the break-neck speed of the city can drive you crazy, but it becomes part of you. When I travel, I find myself reminiscing about the speed at which life happens here.

6. If you could change one thing about NYC, what would that be?

Besides a FIRST avenue subway, or subway lines that connected the UES and UWS? I can’t think of much…

7. Describe a perfect weekend in NYC.

That would probably start off with a relaxed Saturday brunch among friends. After getting our fill, we’d head up to the rooftop of an apartment building with a nice view. That night we’d all take a cruise around the waterways of the city from Chelsea Piers. Sunday would include going to a play and walking through Central Park. But obviously no weekend would be perfect without finding out that your experiment worked, so you can disregard everything I said starting around Saturday morning!

8. What is the most memorable experience you have had in NYC?

I’m happy to say that I haven’t had one experience that outshines all the other ones I’ve had in this city. I think that if you really dive into all that this city has to offer, you’ll soon realize that New York is so diverse, and that your experiences are too dependent on the situation. It makes picking one almost impossible!

9. If you could live anywhere else, where would that be?

In the U.S.? California. Maybe I’d have fewer gray hairs. Abroad? London. I’d like to see their take on city life.

10. Do you think of yourself as a New Yorker? Why?

Yes. No matter where I go, I take New York with me!