(Images credit to my dance teacher and myself)
“One belongs to New York instantly, one belongs to it as much in five minutes as in five years.” ~ Tom Wolfe
“New York is an ugly city, a dirty city. Its climate is a scandal, its politics are used to frighten children, its traffic is madness, its competition is murderous. But there is one thing about it - once you have lived in New York and it has become your home, no place else is good enough.” ~ John Steinbeck
Introduction
One of my favorite things to do is simply exist, at least when it comes to existing in the greatest city in the world. I love everything from the food, the people, the schools, the opportunities, and yes: even the subway. I may have only been a few times, but I call New York City home and pray that one day I’ll return to stay for awhile as an English major at NYU.
The Little Things…
As a Jersey Girl, I grew up spoiled by great food, even when I was in Florida. Of course, returning to New York, the first thing I do is grab a wonderful bagel. Later on, you can’t beat pizza with thin crust and amazing cheese. You’ve hardly got to have any worries about your food not being clean, and in most places you can find food that is at least somewhat good for you and 100% delicious. (And Manhattan tap water beats Florida tap water any day. Four for you, Governor Cuomo. You go, Governor Cuomo. Sorry Mickey Mouse.)
I may sound crazy, but I also love the subway so much. Traveling through the historic underground tunnels with a variety of people, and holding on for dear life because it feels like you’re going to fly off the track if you don’t, it’s… magical in a way. I can’t even describe what it is that is so amazing, but its energy never scares me. All it makes me want to do is ride again, baring the crowds, attempting to figure out lines and jumping out the 8-second door opening. Ride the subway, and you’ll live a little. (I still use hand sanitizer afterwards, however. Love hath no form strong enough to make me NOT a tad germaphobic.)
In New York, there’s also a sense of unity amongst everyone, from natives, locals, returning visitors, to the first time explorers. Those who do live in New York almost always defy the rude Manhattan stereotype. They can be welcoming, helpful, and determined, even if a little salty. The city is strong and beautiful, having been through so much, that all of the people bustling in and out of it are connected through the lights, the noise, the smells so unique to New York. All hearts beat together. (Even if palpated at times.)
The Big Things...
New York University is my dream school. Its reputation and quality of education, combined with such an open and involved campus with so many opportunities. I will be trying my best in the next two years to be able to attend NYU with some aid. As someone who wishes to study not only English, but music, history, and law, I cannot imagine a more wonderful school, nor a location alone. (Washington Square Park. Can’t beat that.)
I also love all of the city’s numerous opportunities. From Broadway shows, to parks, to shopping in Times Square, there is a very low chance that a girl like me will ever get bored. Sometimes, there are things that can only be done when you’re in the greatest city in the world, and I’m proud to say that I’ve already crossed some off the To-Do List. (Many no reside on my To-Do-Again List.)
And The Even Bigger Things
It is a little ironic, and I still don’t understand how it works. I’m terrified of elevators and heights occasionally give me the heebeejeebees. Yet my favorite thing about New York might just be the tall buildings. I’ve been up high, but never to an observation deck. I’d like my first to be One World Observatory over downtown.
I’m still like a child whenever I pass by a skyscraper. I crane my neck to attempt to see the top and I still get either extremely awed or tear up when I realize that the building is so majestic that I can’t see the top.
To me, tall buildings are iconically New York. They’re the stuff of my best, most magical dreams. I’m the kid with the Chrysler Building desktop wallpaper, the pictures of the GE Building flooding her phone, and the Empire State Building widget on my Mac dashboard. I’m the generation of Freedom Tower.
Loving New York hasn’t just made me spoiled or adventurous. It’s made me a stronger person, a girl who believes in miraculous street food, never really sleeping, the bright lights illuminating night (or dark times, more metaphorically) and most importantly: unbreakable, unbelievable will that’s 1,776 feet tall. When one visits New York, they don’t just try something new, they begin to live. (And that’s why I love it.)
“One belongs to New York instantly, one belongs to it as much in five minutes as in five years.” ~ Tom Wolfe
“New York is an ugly city, a dirty city. Its climate is a scandal, its politics are used to frighten children, its traffic is madness, its competition is murderous. But there is one thing about it - once you have lived in New York and it has become your home, no place else is good enough.” ~ John Steinbeck
Introduction
One of my favorite things to do is simply exist, at least when it comes to existing in the greatest city in the world. I love everything from the food, the people, the schools, the opportunities, and yes: even the subway. I may have only been a few times, but I call New York City home and pray that one day I’ll return to stay for awhile as an English major at NYU.
The Little Things…
As a Jersey Girl, I grew up spoiled by great food, even when I was in Florida. Of course, returning to New York, the first thing I do is grab a wonderful bagel. Later on, you can’t beat pizza with thin crust and amazing cheese. You’ve hardly got to have any worries about your food not being clean, and in most places you can find food that is at least somewhat good for you and 100% delicious. (And Manhattan tap water beats Florida tap water any day. Four for you, Governor Cuomo. You go, Governor Cuomo. Sorry Mickey Mouse.)
I may sound crazy, but I also love the subway so much. Traveling through the historic underground tunnels with a variety of people, and holding on for dear life because it feels like you’re going to fly off the track if you don’t, it’s… magical in a way. I can’t even describe what it is that is so amazing, but its energy never scares me. All it makes me want to do is ride again, baring the crowds, attempting to figure out lines and jumping out the 8-second door opening. Ride the subway, and you’ll live a little. (I still use hand sanitizer afterwards, however. Love hath no form strong enough to make me NOT a tad germaphobic.)
In New York, there’s also a sense of unity amongst everyone, from natives, locals, returning visitors, to the first time explorers. Those who do live in New York almost always defy the rude Manhattan stereotype. They can be welcoming, helpful, and determined, even if a little salty. The city is strong and beautiful, having been through so much, that all of the people bustling in and out of it are connected through the lights, the noise, the smells so unique to New York. All hearts beat together. (Even if palpated at times.)
The Big Things...
New York University is my dream school. Its reputation and quality of education, combined with such an open and involved campus with so many opportunities. I will be trying my best in the next two years to be able to attend NYU with some aid. As someone who wishes to study not only English, but music, history, and law, I cannot imagine a more wonderful school, nor a location alone. (Washington Square Park. Can’t beat that.)
I also love all of the city’s numerous opportunities. From Broadway shows, to parks, to shopping in Times Square, there is a very low chance that a girl like me will ever get bored. Sometimes, there are things that can only be done when you’re in the greatest city in the world, and I’m proud to say that I’ve already crossed some off the To-Do List. (Many no reside on my To-Do-Again List.)
And The Even Bigger Things
It is a little ironic, and I still don’t understand how it works. I’m terrified of elevators and heights occasionally give me the heebeejeebees. Yet my favorite thing about New York might just be the tall buildings. I’ve been up high, but never to an observation deck. I’d like my first to be One World Observatory over downtown.
I’m still like a child whenever I pass by a skyscraper. I crane my neck to attempt to see the top and I still get either extremely awed or tear up when I realize that the building is so majestic that I can’t see the top.
To me, tall buildings are iconically New York. They’re the stuff of my best, most magical dreams. I’m the kid with the Chrysler Building desktop wallpaper, the pictures of the GE Building flooding her phone, and the Empire State Building widget on my Mac dashboard. I’m the generation of Freedom Tower.
Loving New York hasn’t just made me spoiled or adventurous. It’s made me a stronger person, a girl who believes in miraculous street food, never really sleeping, the bright lights illuminating night (or dark times, more metaphorically) and most importantly: unbreakable, unbelievable will that’s 1,776 feet tall. When one visits New York, they don’t just try something new, they begin to live. (And that’s why I love it.)