I love to read and there is always one place that makes a repeat appearance in many of the books I read: New York City. After reading about New York for so long and the love people had for it, going to New York became a dream of mine. So, with this trip I finally got the chance. I don’t really get out of the house much, so, this was my very first plane ride. It went very well, and when I got off the plane I was greeted with the sign above. This is where my trip really began and I’m glad I got to snap this picture of myself with the sign.
Meeting Jordan Casteel was amazing. As corny as it may sound, she is an inspiration. Talking to her made me realize that the college and career path is a struggle for everyone, and it’s hard work and dedication that gets you through. Jordan informed us that she knew she was sick and that she knew she would need help. So, she went to her professors and sought the help she knew would be vital to her success at Agnes. I thought that was so awesome because realizing your weaknesses/problems is the only way you can overcome them. Jordan really made me want to become a better me. I also admire how humble she is. She told us about getting her position at the Studio Museum in Harlem, getting into Yale, and all the other opportunities she’s been offered. I didn’t even realize the magnitude of her achievements until after I left. Her humbleness is something I hope to develop. I want to be like Jordan Casteel when I grow up.
Before going on the trip, I was extremely nervous that I wouldn’t talk to anybody and that I wouldn’t be able to go to any bookstores. When you are in a classroom you don’t really have a chance to talk to your classmates in any personal or intimate way. You don’t have time outside of class either because you are too busy trying to keep up with homework and extracurricular activities. So, I didn’t really know anyone. I just assumed I wouldn’t be able to do anything I really wanted because I didn’t have a buddy to go with me. However, I think being on this trip really brought us all together. Everyone was willing to go to places their classmates wanted to go to. Above is a picture I took with a nice lady who works at the Strand (a bookstore). She informed me that it was her first day working there, which I thought was awesome since it was my first time visiting the establishment. I think this picture nicely represents how, when you let it, everything comes together quite nicely.
Today was a day I got to see many different aspects of numerous cultures. I went to the Grey Gallery (NYU), Mercer Street Books,
McNally Jackson bookstore, Chinatown,
Museum of Chinese in America, Tenement Museum , and Celsius Ice Cream. What I saw on this day was how cultures are influenced by people and other cultures. At the Tenement Museum tasting we learned that many American flagship foods were actually brought here from other countries. We could see how America is a stirring pot, especially New York. Throughout our class, we’ve repeatedly witnessed how New York is a microcosm that encompasses so many different nationalities and cultures. I think that is well represented in the coming together of the dishes represented in the picture above.
By the fifth day, I was really connected with my group mates. When we got back from trekking the city, we just started talking. We were having a conversation in our room, but we went downstairs to the “diner” area when it got late. It was such a blast. Thinking about it now, I find it astounding that just a week before I didn’t even think we’d get along, or talk to each other for that matter. However, what happened was the exact opposite. We really connected with each other through this common experience. This picture is one of my favorites because it was something I didn’t even expect to happen. I hope that the friendships made over the trip continue (Cue “Don’t You (Forget About Me” and the undying image of Bender pumping his fist).
The show Fiddler on the Roof was my favorite play out of the ones we saw. It was a stunning performance. The props, the set, the choreography, the music, the acting were all magnificent. I was transfixed while watching it. It was also extremely hilarious. If I could afford it, I’d go back and watch it again and again. The story-line was also gripping. It contained themes about dealing with change, hard times, and acceptance. I thought it went well with the information we’ve learned in class.
I had mixed emotions on the last day. On one hand, having to leave this new and exciting place where I made new friends was sort of sad. However, I was so happy to be going home. While the trip was fun and exciting, it was also extremely exhausting. Starting at the second day of the trip and continuing on until the end of the trip, my feet were killing me. We walked ten thousand steps or more every single day, and we were constantly visually assaulted (in a good way). We didn’t have any rest days, so we were always on the go. None of these things were bad per se, but it was great to go home where I could just absorb my experience and rest.
