Through thick clouds the plane descended another thousand feet, I was over Newark airport now, getting even more anxious to officially land- not having a clue on what to expect. I heard the soft cooing of those around me as the plane descended further putting Lady Liberty herself in sight.
The city from afar was just as monumental as I thought it would be; however, it felt warmer than I pictured. I felt the sense of promise and uncertainty hugging my nervous soul, inviting me to all it had to offer. This is home now, was the only thought that trekked the highways of my brain. Once on land I pushed and politely shoved through my first crowd of people, so many faces I'd never recognize- yet oddly the feeling of ease and grace was everything but absent.
The very first “New Yorker” thing I recognized was that of the escalators. If you found one that actually works iI've decided you are truly in luck. Secondly, the smell, now I had heard about this mythical stench long before I landed; however, I've decided that for every mile that smells like dirty feet there are miles of sweet restaurant aromas that do their best to balance the stench.
The last myth busted rumor that I have encountered are the people. Oh, the people of New York. Do you realize how magically famous each of your stereotyped personalities truly are? Though the people are known to be rude, bossy, vulgar- just to name a few. I've been pleasantly surprised.
Now, you can call me an optimist or simply a girl with an overactive imagination- only wishing to feel and see what she wants; however, these individuals were nothing but kind, helpful, and surprisingly polite. I guess the reason for all of this blabber and small detail is to just let you know (whoever you may be) that before this week I was just a small town girl with the classic big city dreams.
Before this week, I had a list of people who didn't believe in my success and thought that moving to Manhattan was just a pipe dream. Mostly, before this weekend, I did not believe the city was a place I would feel at home, welcomed, or appreciated. But, now I can see how before this week I was so incredibly wrong.
Yes, New York City will get me down at times I'm sure, and yes this melting pot is going to boil over and make me feel incredibly lost. But, I will never listen to the can'ts, won'ts, and don'ts because there is enough negativity in the world, there is enough people trying to break down and skew others dreams. Believe in yourself, be your own biggest fan, and follow your dreams even if they lead you hundreds of miles away from the starting line.
