New York City has always been on the top of my bucket list since I was a child. I knew I would love New York City before I even visited it thanks to all the television shows I watched growing up that were set in NYC, such as Gossip Girls and Friends. For my entire life I have held an inexpressible love for New York City, where everything is always happening at every hour and no one seems to sleep. I know that as someone who has always lived in suburban Central Maryland, I have a different view and appreciation for New York City than someone who grew up there.
I visited New York City for the first time in 2022. I was a Brand Ambassador for Hollister, a global clothing retail brand for teenagers, and the company flew me out from Maryland to New York City for an all-expense-paid trip. I can remember the day I arrived in New York City clearly. I landed at LaGuardia Airport on a sunny afternoon. As soon as I had landed, an Uber was waiting for me. Looking out of the window of the Uber and seeing crowds of people and the heavy traffic, I felt that nothing I had been told by other people could have prepared me for the actual experience of visiting New York for the first time. Getting from LaGuardia Airport into the city during rush hour traffic took well over an hour but my first impression of the city was a sight I will never forget. The drive from the airport to the hotel I would be staying at gave me a good feel of the city and it was exactly how I had imagined it to be.
After checking into the hotel, my fellow co-workers (my friends) and I had the entire evening to start experiencing all of the great things New York City has to offer. The first place we visited was Washington Square Park in lower Manhattan at the center of New York University’s campus. I was amazed to see various forms of entertainment from a musician playing a guitar to a dance group performing in front of the Washington Square Arch. I instantly recognized the Washington Square Arch because I had seen it featured in numerous movies and television shows.
Afterwards, my friends and I went to SoHo, a
neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, New York City.
After a long day of sightseeing, in spite of our tiredness we decided to spend the end of our day in Times Square and to eat dinner there. My friends and I stopped at a small pizzeria and enjoyed some delicious New York style pizza. Then, we walked around Times Square which is undoubtedly the most touristy part of the city. Although it was 10pm at night, it was as if the dazzling displays and blinking lights from all the billboards tricked me into believing it was still daytime. Where I live in Maryland, at 10pm there would not be a single soul on the street, except for someone walking a dog. Also, there would not be a single sound, except a few passing cars.
A photo of myself at Times Square.
My friends and I on the New York City Subway.
Living in a suburban area offers a different lifestyle compared to living in the bustling New York City. For instance, where I live in Maryland is much quieter, has more green spaces, and offers mostly single-family homes which is appealing for families. However, New York City offers more cultural amenities and shorter commutes. Importantly, I have noticed that there is a necessity for a car when living in a suburban area. Due to there being limited public transportation options in many suburban areas, car ownership is often a necessity for commuting and daily activities. In contrast, urban areas such as New York City typically offer easy access to public transportation and many people are able to live without a car. Above all, I left New York City with a lot of good memories.
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