Growing up in Queens, New York was incredible. It is the most diverse borough in New York City. Traveling through Queens is like going around the world. Now growing up in Flushing, Queens was a one-of-a-kind experience. With being a Latina and growing up in a neighborhood where the majority of the population is Asian, I felt out of place. Walking around town felt weird when people kept looking at me as though I was a strange creature. That was my biggest reason for wanting to leave town after my high school graduation. I decided to go to school in Westchester County. Even though it's not too far away, I was content with the distance. It wasn't too long that I began to miss the tiniest things about Flushing.
After a while, I began to appreciate growing up in Flushing. I appreciated the fact that I was able to be surrounded by a completely different culture than the one I saw at home. I was about to be more open about different cultures because of this.
I loved going grocery shopping at the Asian supermarkets because that I meant I could buy a couple of snacks that people normally wouldn't get. The shrimp flavored crackers, dried seaweed, Choco-Pies and much more. I enjoyed eating out at Korean restaurants with friends. I enjoyed ordering bulgogi and kimbap with kimchi on the side. I love seeing a bubble tea shop on every corner. I miss going to the closest Fay Da bakery to order a large coffee for $1.75.
I miss learning about Korea for six years in school. I miss talking about Lunar New Year and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) in middle school and high school. I miss going to each language class (Chinese and Japanese) with my Korean class during this time of year and eating the different foods they offered us. I not only miss learning the language but the culture as well.
There are many more things I miss about growing up in Flushing. I just remember hating the neighborhood during my childhood. Right before college, I always promised myself that the only times I would go to visit was on holidays. Now I go back home as often as possible just because I miss the environment.
It's hard to think that I've spent four years of my life living another town. And even though I've managed to adjust to the different environment, it's pretty hard to forget about the town I grew up in. I know that I'm probably going to move away once I graduate from college, but I know that I won't forget about the amazing things that surrounded me in in Flushing. It doesn't matter where I live, I'll always miss Flushing, Queens.
