One of the things that makes Drew University so special is its proximity to New York City. The school emphasizes that through several New York semesters geared towards different student interests. This semester I’m lucky enough to participating in the New York Semester on Communications and Media. Here is what I’ve learned in my first month in the city.
1. New York really does have certain energy about it.
There is just something about New York: no matter how little sleep I got, how early I woke up, or how much is on my mind, I get there and I’m focused. I have the energy to make it through the day, because it’d be impossible not to. I can’t place why this happens: if it’s the people or the constant movement, or if the novelty of a big commute just hasn’t worn off yet. The exhaustion hits me as soon as I find a seat on that train home; but the energy in New York is truly contagious.
2. There is nothing better than catching the express train.
3. The looks from adults at the train station in the morning are hilarious.
As a commuter, I meet the other Drew students on the train. But the businessmen and women in the train station always look like they have trouble placing me: youngest professional ever, or simply has a thing for business casual clothing? As Britney Spears once sang: not a girl, not yet a woman.
4. I will never get used to that train station smell.
Ah, the faint smell of urine, antiseptic, and teenager hormones -- anyone who has set foot in the Summit train station on a week day knows what I mean. And I have not grown accustomed to it, as I thought I eventually would. Every morning it wakes me up (every night I thankfully remember to hold my breath). I wish I could say it fondly reminds me of home, of a part of my town I’ve known my whole life -- and the smell certainly hasn’t changed in 20 years. But it is something I’ll never train my nose to ignore.
5. The food in the city is something else.
I am the world’s pickiest eater -- something I always assumed I’d grow out of, but at the age of 20, I’m accepting I probably won’t. As hesitant as I am to try new things, I have to thank my friends for their own adventurous taste (and refusal to let me eat boring things). Seriously, shout out to them for vowing to not eat at any chain places and make this experience an exciting one. I’m making it my mission this semester to be less picky: if there is any place to get over my “I’d rather just eat a peanut butter sandwich” attitude, it’s New York City.
6. Navigating the city is easy (if not, fake it until you make it).
Google Maps is admittedly my best friend, but I have quite honestly impressed myself at how well I’ve been able to navigate the city. Even the subway seems less scary! As a group we’ve had our mishaps, but getting my bearings in a place that once seemed so intimidatingly huge is an accomplishment indeed. As long as I don’t leave the grid of Manhattan, I can pretend I’m confident.
7. Fifteen extra minutes of sleep is not worth it to have to rush to class.
Take the early train! Perhaps this is because I’m naturally an early riser, but the early train is much more convenient. The rather leisurely walk to class always makes me appreciate not having to rush: stop for coffee, pop in a store, review my notes, pee in peace! And as I mentioned before, I barely notice being tired anyway!
8. Getting dressed up is fun.
As a wannabe librarian, I have been buying grown up work clothes for a few years. And let me tell you, it hasn’t gotten old yet. I look forward to the days my professor tells us to dress formal or business or “hipster cool” (her words not mine). Old Navy pixie pants are a lifesaver on all those days -- super flattering and fun, but still professional. I’d live in cardigans if I could.
9. An early bedtime is so valuable.
If there’s one thing I love, it’s my early bedtime. Yes, I am a pathetic 20-something because I almost never stay up past 11 during the week. But this program has taught me to appreciate my early bedtime, because now it’s a necessity. I get home and crash by 10:30 p.m., and I’ve never been happier to see my bed than I am after those long, busy days.
10. I will never have this experience --or anything close to it -- again.
On the first day of field visits, my class went to Havas PR to meet with CEO Marian Salzman, an extremely interesting and successful woman. As we were talking with her, a coworker walked by and offered us some advice. Then she went to grab a friend, who just happened to be visiting the office, and we got a whole second presentation. The visit was spontaneous and unique, and very typical of my time in the city so far. Each day is an experience that can’t be recreated! This is a slight sample of the real world: waking up early, dressing professionally, taking the train, engaging in networking and self branding, the list is endless.
