Today, January 12th, marks one year since I moved to New York City. I remember boarding my flight for a two-part journey, with packages, sickness, and my suitcase in hand. I arrived in the city in the afternoon and promptly checked into my new home—Stuyvesant Hall.
This is the first photo I took outside of my new dorm. It is the ID that allows me in and out of any building on campus. I now keep it on the back of my phone, ready for use. I still love the photo I chose.
I remember how foreign everything felt when I first walked around the Villages. I travelled the picturesque path to Washington Square Park, traversing through Union Square. It was a cold and bitter day. The wind was fierce, blowing my hair over and turning my fingers red. I used my phone to get around and started to memorize some of the building’s artwork. Next to the New Museum is a mural of the Monopoly Man. Off 11th and 1st, there is a painting of RBG, and across the street is Michael Jackson. These markers remain seared into my memory.
I have relocated once since residing in Stuy and have fallen in love with the space I selected each day. I landed here because of an opening from the previous tenant. Moving in became a memorable experience because I didn’t have to wait in a long line or fill out loads of paperwork. All I did was sign the lease and enter with joy. There is something special about having your space. It is my own little private corner of the city. Despite frequently running out of storage for my clothing, I still experience immense comfort in returning to my cozy studio.
The city has never failed to amaze me. Every day I wake up and remember that I live in New York City. There’s no feeling like coming back to the city after a long break and remembering all of the greatness the city has to offer. Now, my friends, family, and locals around Muscatine come to visit me in New York City. I have become the New York expert. That is a role I will forever hold in honor.
TJL