Californians studying on East Coast: Where after graduation?

<p>Hey everyone,</p>

<p>I'm from California and I'm at my dream school on the East Coast. But I am so conflicted as to where to go after I graduate.</p>

<p>Duke students (like myself) find jobs and grad schools primarily on the East Coast. That's where our networks are, that's where most of the business jobs are, and that's where most alumni are. Mainly coming from the East Coast, it's no hard decision for MOST students to stay somewhere there.</p>

<p>But my family is in California. I want to be near my family. And I would love to raise my kids in San Francisco-- my dream city. I love the diversity, progressive attitude, laidback living, and the weather (although I don't really mind the cold as much anymore). However, the lack of wanting to go beyond California troubles me-- we're not the center of the world!</p>

<p>But the East Coast pulls at me. That's where most of my friends from college will be. That's where my opportunities are. Duke has shown me that high schools are better there (for my kids), there's more history, more community. There's also less inclusiveness in terms of diversity (the groups may be there, but I was shocked at how divided they are)-- something that troubles me as a minority student.</p>

<p>So I don't know what to do. It's a tough debate. Has anyone gone through a similar thought process? What did you do, and why?</p>

<p>In retrospect, this applies to anyone who applied... inter-region? I would say out of state, but the state are so close together on the East that it doesn't really parallel my situation.</p>

<p>I left California for Illinois. Freshman year there was no doubt in my mind I would be going back to California after graduation, but now as a sophomore I feel more at home here and plan to end up in Chicago.</p>

<p>Most of my friends from California say they intend to move back to California once they've graduated. Also, Duke is a pretty elite school with an alumni network stretching the entire country. You should no doubt be able to gather connections on the left coast.</p>

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And I would love to raise my kids in San Francisco-- my dream city.

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<p>That is, assuming you find a wife.</p>

<p>waahwaahwowww</p>

<p>Thanks, PlanPlusDebater, but I don't need a HUSBAND to raise children. :)</p>

<p>sooo you need a one night stannnnnnd..... hmmmmmMMMMmmm...</p>

<p>I'm a Californian going to school on the East Coast, and I plan on moving back to California, but I'm not really sure yet since I'm only a freshman.</p>