New York City, the city that never sleeps.

New York City, the Big Apple.

New York City, the city that holds so many titles.

It is a place where so many creations are discovered.

It is a place of dreams, tears and individualistic people.

When you think of the city, what are the things that pop up into your head? What makes you proud to be a part of such an artistic atmosphere? What makes you want to be a New Yorker? What draws you to the city? Why do people mention it so much?

The ball drop?

Time Square?

The food?

The lights?

The people?

What do you think of?

For me, I can't help but admire New York City and its people. New York is a metropolitan area. New York City is a colorful place that's filled with thousands of beliefs, a variety of statuses, and family's of all different structures.

Yet New York is beyond that. New York is so much more than what you think.

I love New York because of its humanity; New York City is a living and breathing heart. I love New York York and it's people. I think it's because we all come together in a time of need, a time of justice. We all have voices, yet we merge into one.

We become one and we defend our city when trouble strikes.

When terrorism struck, we stood together and provided support for our neighbors. We did not ignore their pain, their pain became our pain, their tears became our tears. When hate became a weapon and the beautiful lives of the LGBT community in Orlando were in jeopardy, we rallied in the city; colors filling our timeline, we ensured that they were not alone in this atrocious act of hate. We stopped in our paths and stood as one. We cried as if we were there. Anger filled our blood. We came together and though miles a part, New York City's voice slowly became louder and louder. We rallied behind Orlando, sending what we could to help, we continued to remind them that they will not be alone in this battle, that we will not stand aside and watch them be victimized.

New York lit candles and the flames became bright, a beacon of hope amongst the dark hour.

When terror and fear attacks different cultures and beliefs, we stand by and say that we will protect them as individuals; we will not bend to hate, to fear we will not become "Yes Sir's."

When love conquers hate, we rally together in celebration.

We will create, we will march, we will speak and we will defend, not because it's right, but because it's life. New York is a heart that continues to grow no matter how many times its heart has been clenched too painfully.