So as many of us have already noticed, Purchase is kinda in the middle of nowhere. There’s trees, some grass, and nature, generally to entertain the students and provide a backdrop for our education. I’ll admit, there’s an urban center, White Plains, fifteen minutes away via Loop, but even that has a sort of small-town vibe.

I am a city girl. I know myself and know that I’d rather die than grow up and move back into the suburbs from which I came. Not that it was a horrible experience. On the contrary, I am blessed to have received the upbringing I had, and the people I was close to back home will always be near and dear to me. The fact of the matter is, I love the fast pace of city living. I, as an artist, love the inspiration that comes from seeing all the different people who walk, talk, dress, and conduct themselves so differently than I do. I love the buildings, the streets, and even the subway! I just love everything about it.

If I could be anywhere in the world, I would be in New York City. When I climb the stairs out of the subway station, my heart flutters and I know that I’m in the right place. I feel the surge of energy that comes with the urban experience and I can’t help but smile (except when I go into Times Square… ugh. Tourists).

However, I know that everything happens for a reason. I believe that God, or the Universe, or whatever you want to say, directed me back to the suburbs for a reason. There is, obviously, a very distracting tendency when you’re in the city; it’s easy to get distracted and lose what the true purpose of being in school is--to learn and grow. It's easy to get caught up in the sights and sounds around you. It’s hard to lose sight of your goals when you’re not where you want to be already; being stuck in the suburbs is definitely a motivation to work hard and get back into the city.

Therefore, I’m happy for now. I’m glad to be surrounded by trees and nature and see the same familiar people’s faces every day. That’s what I need right now, I guess. While I still may scheme and go into NYC every chance I get, and complain and wish that I could go to sleep to the sounds of ambulances and construction work, I appreciate the focus and the education I’m being given currently. I couldn’t be more blessed. I’ll save my New York dreams for when I can live them to the fullest.