reflections of an nyc native
and I realized I left my Metrocard at home; I only had a few coins on me, not enough to buy a $2.25 single fare Metrocard and take the NYC subway. I had no other choice, and thankfully, I had an hour to spare before my meeting started. I decided to walk—from the Staten Island Ferry Terminal at South Ferry to 14 Street, Union Square.
It was 8am on a Saturday morning. I remember walking on Broadway and seeing the tourists take pictures of the towering buildings and the countless individuals of different sizes, shapes and colors walking passed me. I remember hearing the rush of the cars, the sounds of vendors setting up their tables. I felt engulfed by warmth, and an appreciation of this chance to explore an amazing city. As I walked, I realized what a relief warm weather brings: not having to hold your breath as the wind blows, shedding those unhelpful sweaters and leggings, and feeling the sun shine again. Knowing that summer is just around the corner. Spring is so wholesome.
I happily walked those thirty blocks, immersed in my thoughts and commentary on city life, and filled with optimism and excitement. I had just received my sophomore year exam grades and spring break had started. I was excited for what I was going to achieve, satisfied with what I had accomplished, and happy with the way life looked—and to this day, I still am. After Spring Break started, I did not think much, just lived. I joined a free Latin dance class in the city. I learned how to bake vegan red velvet cupcakes. I finished a friendship bracelet. It was a nice change from my normal schedule of school, work, sleep, repeat. I felt like life should be like this: calm, steady, enjoyable. I love being busy, to fill my schedule with fascinating courses, to spend time with friends volunteering and to work on cutting edge research at an fMRI lab, but I realized the importance of taking a moment and just appreciating how far I have gone and where my hard work has taken me. Just walking along a surprisingly quiet Manhattan street led to moments of reflection and gratitude. Sometimes it is a good idea to just look around and remember.
The summer of 2008 was going to be a great one, filled with old friends and new ones, fruitless window shopping, family dinners at random restaurants, explorations of other boroughs, beach excursions, and buckets of sunshine soaking all corners of the city. I wanted to create substantial memories of such a great place; I wished I could bring my camera everywhere, to permanently capture my experiences. I slowly realized that I have to make the most of my childhood here in New York City, so that I can finally move on.
-MGao
