DISCLAIMER: This is strictly personal opinion, based on nothing but my own experience.
I just think that Cessnas are easier to fly. Its really pretty difficult to kill yourself in a 152 (although having that attitudes about the only thing that will kill you).
I agree with preferring Pipers. To me, Cessnas just feel different. I can't pinpoint exactly what feels different. It seems to me that a low wing plane is pretty much a low wing plane. Doing a steep turn in a piper is like doing a steep turn in an ERJ. However, the high wing to me just "feels" different. I don't particularly like them.