Dear New York,
Throughout my life I have had a love/hate relationship with you. Before I moved to New York I thought that I could only have love for the city that never sleeps. Two weeks into my New York journey I learned that was not true. I realized that the decision I had made came with some major sacrifices. Luxuries such as cars, air conditioning, and my mom’s cooking skills were things that I had taken for granted. I found myself in a tiny dorm room being shared by me and 3 other girls. I had never shared a room before in my life, so that in itself was a struggle for me. Then there came cooking. I had no idea how to cook for one, let alone know what ingredients to buy at the grocery store. The freshman 15 became a reality when I began to live off of french toast sticks, grilled cheese, and cheese quesadillas. P.S. sorry about some of the old low quality photos…it just adds to the character
I spent freshman year in the city alone. It was my first time to truly be away from everyone that I had known my whole life. Everyone has trouble moving off to college, but imagine moving across the country and not being able to drive home on the weekends. It was really tough to get through, but that experience made me a much stronger person. Two of my best friends Daniella and Marielis were my rock throughout the entire year!
That following summer Ashley moved to New York and we started our journey of Sisters in the NYC. For awhile things were great. I loved having her here. We started traveling often, and began exploring New York City, something I didn’t take advantage of for an entire year prior to her arriving.
College was a blast, and I think it was a distraction for me at that time. I have some incredible friends that I met at FIT, and I wouldn’t trade them for the world. I traveled the world with them, and together we learned everything about the fashion industry that we possibly could. It was a dream, and I’m so glad that we all were able to graduate together with so many great experiences and memories.
Last year I hit a pretty low point in my life. I was full of anxiety and had minor depression. I didn’t want to leave the apartment. I didn’t want to be in New York. I just wanted to crawl into a ball in the home I grew up in, surrounded by all of my family. The pressures of New York can be paralyzing. One day earlier this year I decided I didn’t want to feel that way ever again. One day it just clicked. Ever since, I have been learning to appreciate the amazing and beautiful things that this city has to offer.
Everyone experiences New York differently, and everyone has their own way of conquering the city. Some people like to go out every night until the sun comes up, and others like to stay at home. I like a mixture. I like to take in everything the city has to offer, but I’m also human. I definitely need that alone time away from the city that never sleeps.
Now, almost 5 years later I might love New York City more than I ever have. With any relationship you have to go through troubles, and sometimes hit rock bottom to figure out where you truly belong. So for now, I will love New York with all of my heart. Who knows how long it will last, but I will give it my all until my journey of life takes me somewhere else. I’m almost halfway done with completing my NYC bucket list. How many have you done!?
-Shelby xx