Walks

When going places or just wanting to go outside for some fresh air, I’m going to miss being able to take a million different routes to get to my destination. Being in a city there are so many different ways to get around. You always see something new, someone new, or discover a new place that you really want to go back to and explore.

My Favorite Places

From the Philadelphia Museum of Art to Reading Terminal Market, there are plenty of spots that I will miss while away for break. Just like I have my favorite places to go when I am home, I’ve grown to have the same experience while away at school. I’ll miss the walks around Rittenhouse square, going to thrift stores, and of course, the late night runs to WaWa after staying late and doing work at school.

Coffee Shops

There’s nothing quite like sitting down in a coffee shop in the city. You’re seated inside with your small cup of joy, watching the hustle and bustle go around outside. It’s like watching the world from a different perspective. While you’re inside and perking up and relaxing, the fast paced city life beyond the glass windows still trudges on. Inside, there’s always a new group of people you’re sitting with. Everyone is living different lives and having different days but at that moment of time that you’re sitting there, everyone is sharing the same moment that you are in your day and enjoying a beverage.

Constant Creativity

Attending a visual and performing arts college, I witness a constant cycle of creativity every day. There’s always new artwork circulating or music playing. This of course always contributes to my inspiration as an art student and photographer. When I’m home in the quiet suburbs of New Jersey, it can be hard to be inspired to take photographs. Inspiration comes easy when you are constantly submerged in a hub of arts and surrounded by so many creative people.

My Friends

All of the friends I’ve met at school make the hard parts of the semester worthwhile. Creating continuous art can be draining and sometimes discouraging when things don’t go your way. I can always count on them to lift my spirits and be there for me. It’s very relieving to know that I have a supporting team of people in the same boat as me and people to stay up all night working with of course. I’m truly blessed to have met these special people and couldn’t imagine living in Philadelphia without them.

The View from My Window

I live a couple streets behind South Broad Street. At night all you can see are glistening sky scrapers of apartment buildings and offices. I’ll sit on my bed before I go to sleep and just look outside. I see all these different lights and see the occasional couple blink on and off. a This is a settling reminder that despite living in a big, busy city, I’m not so much alone.

I'm excited to be able to return home as the semester comes to an end. Leaving the city and looking back at City Hall while I start on my trip 2 hours North East to New Jersey will always be bittersweet. Living in Philadelphia has become a big part of my life and like a second home to me. It's a sea of diversity, arts, food, and history. Even though it is a big city with many different sections, it has a small town feeling to it that makes me feel so at home. I will be missing all of my favorite things while I'm away but, I know they’ll all be waiting for me when I come back in a short month.