Living in California all my life, the minute I turned 16 I received a car and learned how to drive. There was never such thing as walking for more than 20 minutes, taking the subway or bus, or even a Metrocard. It was always driving.

However when I decided to move across the country to New York City, I would learn fast that the world I lived in was about to change. I had to take public transportation. Now, I've been to New York before, but back then I just followed my dad around getting on certain subways and never paying attention. So when I had to take public transit by myself you can best believe I was incredibly lost.

The day began with my roommates writing me exact directions on how to get to the bus, to the subway, and finally into Manhattan. The notes were so clear there was no way I could mess it up. But of course, I did.

My first mistake: the MetroCard slot on the bus was broken; a napkin was shoved into the slot so I couldn't insert my MetroCard. I still tried to insert my Metrocard. The bus driver proceeded to yell at me as I shamefully walked to the back of the bus.

My second mistake: it was Columbus Day weekend, and the E train was running on its local track with certain stops changed or not a stop at all. Of course, I didn't check to make sure that the E train was working as it usually does. The minute I stepped into the subway car, I saw that it was stopping at Lexington Ave. & 69th St. rather than the usual Lexington Ave. & 53rd St.

My third mistake: I didn't get off the subway. I just kept riding waiting for cell signal to be able to pull up Google maps.

I finally pulled up Google maps and found out that I could get off and connect to the 7 that took me exactly to where I needed to be. So I got off and found the 7 and waited for the Manhattan-bound train. The 7 finally came and I got in exhausted from carrying my overnight bag and skate bag.

My fourth mistake: I broke into tears on a crowded subway as many people making their morning commute watched me sob into my jacket.

I finally arrived to my destination and was so relieved when I did...an hour later. But nevertheless, I made it.

This is the day that I learned public transportation and I'm happy to say that since then, I've only taken the wrong train one other time. This is what happens when you send a California girl to New York City.