I’ve known that I wanted to go to school in the city since I was twelve years old. I knew Florida wasn’t forever and even middle school me longed for a change. I had never seen snow, never been on the subway, and never knew what it was like to walk everywhere (cars are a necessity in the south). Although the aforementioned might seem boring to northerners because that is their normal, it seemed almost out of reach to me.
When I realized going to college out-of-state was an option, it rocked my world. I saw a life for myself that included the city; seeing and experiencing things I never thought possible. After moving here from Florida this past September, although I haven’t had a super hard time adjusting, I realized many differences from my home in the south:
- Public transportation is the best thing ever invented.
As I said before, if you don’t have a car in Florida you cannot do anything. Unless you have friends who drive or are willing to spend over $50 a day for an Uber, public transportation is nonexistent (unless you’re trying to get around downtown Orlando). So to say that I was excited about riding the subway would be an understatement. I have realized I can go anywhere! At any time! Whenever I want! It took me a bit to figure out the system but I think I have it pretty good now. Live, love, MTA <3
- NYC is a little like Vegas.
Except I’m lying. I’ve never been to Vegas. Nonetheless, the only thing I’ve heard about Vegas is that it is close to impossible to do anything fun unless you are 21. New York City is slightly similar. There are so many places that my friends and I couldn’t go to since we’re 18-20 years old. I don’t let that damper my mood though. There are plenty of other things to experience!
- If there’s a will, there’s a way.
What I mean by that is that although the city is expensive, if you wanna see and experience as many things as you can, you will. During my time here I have seen close to 13 Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, been to more concerts than I ever have in my entire life, and seen so many interesting people, parks, museums, and shops. The kicker is… I haven’t paid full price for anything. Between rushing different musicals to exploring the city on my own, I am so grateful that I’ve had such a fun-filled fall semester. I want to experience as much as I can while I’m fortunate enough to live in one of the best cities in the world, so I found a way to do it within my budget.
- Manhattan is really small.
I never realized how small – up until recently. I currently live in downtown Manhattan and I’m aware that it usually takes me about 30 minutes to get anywhere I need to go (East Village, West Village, Times Square, etc.). It wasn’t until a couple of weeks ago when I realized it was taking me almost over half an hour to go uptown by two miles. For reference, back home I went to a high school that was 30 minutes away from me, the difference is that my high school was 20 miles away. I don’t know why I didn’t realize how small the city was until now. It still baffles me every now and then. Still not complaining though, because I love not having to pay for gas or dealing with the excessive road rage in the city.
- The subway isn’t that hard. Apple Maps is your best friend.
My mom is originally from the Bronx and she (alongside many other people from back home) had informed me how confusing and difficult the subway can be at times. I was very nervous about this because I get lost very easily and tend to not work well in stressful situations, like not knowing what train to take to get back home. I am living proof that as long as you have a GPS on your phone it is really hard to get completely lost. I’ve ended up in Brooklyn a couple of times on accident, I’ve learned a little more about what trains I need to take, and what express and local trains are, but even if I didn’t, learning the subway is not hard and getting from point A to point B is simple as long as you know how to operate any GPS.
- The air is nasty.
I had joked with my family back home and told them that I haven’t taken a deep breath since I moved into my dorm. It’s partially true. Trash lines the sides of the road, questionable stains all over the sidewalk, litter surrounding the trashcans never quite making it inside, this place can be pretty nasty sometimes. Maybe I’m looking through rose-colored glasses but even though I can’t inhale without someone’s leftover Chipotle making its way up my nose, I still love every piece of New York City.
- Lastly, no one cares.
Cry on the subway! Scream in the street! Dance in the middle of Washington Square Park! You may get funny looks but at the end of the day, no one cares. It can be a little sad and isolating at times but I’ve found peace in this. Here I am living my life, just as complex as the old man walking into Whole Foods or the little girl in the stroller babbling off to her mother, but we’re all separate. It gives me a weird sense of community, knowing I will never know these people the depth that their mothers or sisters do, but we are all existing in the same moment and in time. It’s strangely beautiful.
I love New York, always have and I think I always will. This city has given me so much in such a short amount of time and for that, I am eternally grateful.