By Alicia Snyder
You might think that a West-Side girl like me might want to take evening clincials, right? Typically yes. But in my junior year, I decided to be bold and join the rising sun in the morning by taking A.M. clinicals.
Now, there are several ways to get to the east side. It all depends on how much eariler you want to rise, or how much you want to spend. I prefer the RTA pass ($25/semester) that the school so graciously offers. I can't live without this pass! It allows me to take:
a) the Lakewood circulator (#804) to the West 117th and Madison rail station
b) the 55X or 55F (Clifton Ave, Lakewood) buses to Tower City Terminal, and either take the 6 Bus down the Euclid Corridor, (drops you off in front of the school) or
c) hop onto the Red line rail at any of the convenient West side stops. The Red Line Rapid drops you off at the University Circle Rapid Station. From there, the walk to school is a breeze.
You should always use your common sense and be safe when commuting any where in the Cleveland Metro Area. Try to get to the stop at least 10 minutes before your bus or train leaves. The nice thing about the rapid is, it usually comes every 15 minutes. For more information about our Rapid Transit Authority, visit their website.
Then, when you are on the Case campus, you now have access to some of the nation's best healthcare facilities. I had clinicals at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital this semester. In order to be ontime, the latest morning train you can take to University Circle comes about 6:12am from West 117th. Be sure to be at the station around 6am, or else, you just might not make it!
If you are anything like me, you might have misplaced your RTA card, or forgot to pack your lunch. You are running behind. RTA is too risky at this point, so you have to drive, or else you will be late for clinicals. Prepare for the suffering of your wallet. Parking is precious and pricey in the University Circle area, but you can manage it. There is a RB&C lot, there is a nursing school basement lot, etc.
My experience with commuting from the West Side is a positive one. I found a lower cost of living, an artsy community (Lakewood) with plenty of fun things to do, and access to major highways when I need to go explore outside of Cleveland.
I came here from the lovely city of Philadelphia, and does Cleveland compare? Yes. Cleveland is a really unique and diverse midwestern city with plenty to do and see. The locals usually get a kick out of hearing why someone would settle here, but if you are friendly enough, sometimes they'll clue you in on the hidden jewels Cleveland has to offer.
Don't be afraid to explore the West Side, or think of it as a housing option when you are a senior at Case. I am glad I did.
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