It seems to be that vegetarianism is unavoidable in the Pioneer Valley. Everywhere I go there are vegetarian and vegan restaurants or even cafes with separate menus. What makes the Pioneer Valley so special that there is actually a market for vegan and vegetarian diners? I am a New Yorker so I am not unaccustomed to seeing vegetarian restaurants, but the Pioneer Valley is hardly New York City. It is bewildering to think that an area with roots that date back to the 15 and 1600's has become a hot bed for vegetarianism.

With seven years of vegetarianism under my belt I do not foresee returning to my old meat eating ways, especially now that I am a Smithie. Vegetarianism is as much about expressing one's self as it is anything else. Smithies are great about expressing their opinions and feelings. Everyone has their own method of expression, mine happens to take the form of a meat-free diet. A vegetarian/vegan diet says a lot about a person. I love all animals, believe in their rights, want to be a veterinarian, and feel a need to help protect our deteriorating environment. All of these ideals form my diet of choice. If this is what vegetarianism means to me, then what does it mean to the many other vegetarians and vegans in the area?

The high number of vegetarian restaurants seems representative of the personality of the valley's inhabitants. Walking around downtown Northampton I cannot help but notice the number of dogs, runners, and earthy-looking people. They all fit the vegetarian profile as I see it. Vegetarianism is rooted in ethical and medical practices. The number of dogs shows the number of owners who love animals, one of the key ethical reasons many people, such as myself, do not eat meat. But also, the number of runners and healthy-looking people is important to note. Vegetarianism is on the rise all over the United States because of the enumerable health benefits. The meat-free diet prevents many chronic illnesses such as diabetes and obesity, while also reducing the risk of developing heart disease and many different types of cancer. Studies show that vegetarians tend to have a lower body mass index (BMI) and are more likely to live longer. Typically, people who run do it to stay healthy and live a long life. Assuming that all of these runners are in fact exercising for these reasons, then one could even call vegetarianism the runner of the dietary world.

Before I came to live in the Pioneer Valley I never thought of my diet as a part of my personality. It is a form of expression that many other Smith students and valley residents practice. So the next time I feel out of place for being a vegetarian I can just think of this area and not feel so alone. I can feel as though I am making a difference in the world by being a vegetarian, because I am not the only one.