As the fall semester is coming to an end, I can’t help but think of all the amazing opportunities I’ve had since transferring to Pace. I know so many people, like myself, chose to come to this school because of their love for New York City.
When I was eight years old, my family surprised me with my first trip to New York. I was expecting something like the movies. In fact, it was the day that my life changed forever. I fell in love with Manhattan-the city with an energy I had never felt before. I got the chance to go again when I was twelve and then several times after that. I noticed a change in myself every time I visited. The only way I can describe it is by saying that it makes me feel brave. I feel like myself and no person, place or thing has ever made me feel the same way before. I knew I was meant to live here and decided at a young age I had to go to school in New York. While I didn’t end up coming as soon as I would’ve liked, I’m so grateful for everything that went wrong before I ended up in the best city on Earth.
Sure, there are things about living here that I don’t love. For example, no matter how prepared you think you are, the city is so expensive. Money disappears so fast. There’s so much to do but it’s not always affordable. Especially being a college student, it can get pretty difficult to learn how to budget. I’m also not a huge fan of major tourist spots like Times Square; it’s one of those places that you have to visit once but don’t need to go to again. Plus, the crowds of people can get overwhelming.
All of that being said, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. This city is so inspiring and everyone is so motivated. Living here pretty much forces you out of your comfort zone. I’ve made amazing friends who have taught me so much in such a short amount of time. I even joined clubs like Her Campus and applied for leadership roles, which is something I never would have done before coming to school here. I can’t wait to see what next semester brings. New York is the best thing that has ever happened to me and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
“One belongs to New York instantly, one belongs to it as much in five minutes as in five years.” -Thomas Wolfe