"If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere."
Frank Sinatra wasn't lying. I came to New York this summer to pursue a summer internship, but I got much more than I expected after I chose to work in Times Square.
Interning three days gave me four days out of my week to have a job. I decided to work at Madame Tussaud's- New York, right in the heart of Times Square on 42nd between 7th and 8th. This may sound crazy, but despite the chaos and the lost weekends, I loved the people.
Most people I come in contact with consider me a friendly person. I was always the girl that had to get her seat moved around the class in elementary school because I was friends with everyone. This trait has followed me into my adulthood and I'd like to think it's what landed me a spot at Madame Tussaud's, the world-famous wax museum that has become a fixture in NYC. The first time I ever stepped foot in there was for my first of two interviews in early June. I walked through those glass doors totally unaware of what I was getting myself into, but left with confidence and a smile knowing I nailed my interview.
Here I am with less than two weeks left at this place and I can't believe how quickly it all flew by. With that being said, I've learned some valuable lessons during my time in New York City this summer. I've learned about timing, patience and good karma.
The most important lesson I have learned is the importance of timing. This ranges from time management with work to timing a subway perfectly to get to a destination. I have always had a bad habit of procrastinating, but I have gotten better with prioritizing what needs to be done now and what can wait. When it comes to public transit, it took me a while to figure out which subway lines run where, which ones to stay off of during rush hour and how often they run. At first, I would have to leave an extra hour in advance to make sure I was getting somewhere on time, but those days are long gone. I have to give credit to my iPhone's "Maps" app as well.
Patience is not always easy when working in customer service. Between the language barriers and miscommunication along the way, I've dealt with it all. The best way I've learned to deal with it is to take a second to think before I speak or act. Taking a deep breath can truly calm you down in the toughest of situations.
Good karma has played a huge role in my summer. I'm a firm believer in the notion that karma comes back to you, both good and bad. Being nice to customers and working well with my coworkers has earned me praise from managers and a great reputation.
Call me an "anti-New Yorker" or a tourist all you want, but what I'll miss most about my summer is the crowds, the expensive food, the shopping, and my daily commute to Port Authority. I'll miss Times Square.
