When I got my acceptance letter for Drexel University, I was more excited than I've ever been in my life! Not only does Drexel have an amazing Design and Merchandising program, but it is placed in one of the most beautiful cities in the world -- Philadelphia. There will be so much to do, so much to see, and adventures galore.
But, I am from New York -- one of the most beautiful cities in the world. As a prideful New Yorker here are some of the struggles of a typical New York girl migrating from the City that Never Sleeps to the City of Brotherly Love.
1. Pizza.
As everyone in the entire world ever knows, New York has the best pizza known to man. And yes, we are proud. However, we also will not accept any other sad-sac slice for comparison. We like our thin, crisp crust with a nice fresh mozzarella. Sorry, PWS, while your Big Daddy slays at 3 a.m., it's nowhere near a slice at John's.
2. Pretzels.
This may somewhat compare to my pizza peeve, but the bread in Philadelphia is just not the "crisp on the outside, delicate on the inside" wonder that is a NY bread. Which leads to my curiosity about these pretzels -- something I have not yet gotten used to is being asked if I would like a pretzel and being handed a large lukewarm twisted piece of bread, while expecting a bag of Snyder's. It is something I don't think I will ever be used to.
3. "Water."
OK. I get it. It's not "wootuh;" it's "wahter." Am I gonna change the way I say it? No. So stop telling me how to speak!
4. Subway.
Coming from New York, I am used to the huge amounts of area and the subways that cover just as much area. Coming to Philly, a much smaller city, the subways do not run nearly as much as New York's. With basically two main lines running east/west and north/south, there isn't much of it. Either find another means, or build some strong leg muscles.
5. Crowds.
My first time venturing out into the city I prepared and braced myself just like I would entering New York: ready to elbow my way through crowds and walk as fast as a sprinter. However, when I walked up and out of the subway and looked around, there were about 20 other people on the sidewalk with me. At first, I thought that this was extremely strange for a city, but to be honest, I've gotten used to it and have grown to appreciate it.
I must, say coming from New York was a bit of a culture shock, especially since we have such undying pride for our beautiful state and city. And although it was an adjustment, there is nothing like Philadelphia. Philadelphia, to me, is the perfect home away from home. Philadelphia has the perfect mix of city skyscrapers and homes. It has a history and it presents it with pride.
Most of all, it cares for its people. There is a reason that we call our home the City of Brotherly Love. We remember that we are a community and that our purpose is to help our neighbors. We love our people. We love our home.
