the city that never sleeps

In my early years, I hadn't given much thought to the depth of this city, only knowing bits and pieces of the puzzle that I was trying to put together in my head. However, as the years went by, I grew accustomed to the city, its people, and its ways. This city influenced and shaped my persona into the individual I am today. This city taught me a great deal of what

As I walked out of the airport into new territory, I could immediately feel the change in atmosphere. The air once chilled from morning dew, had turned into radiating heat from the cement and metal structures in the evening sun. As I looked out in my jeans and tee-shirt, I felt out of place. I was surrounded by the 8.55 million people who populate New York City. Each person with their own style and demeanour. As I walked down streets in search of the correct subway stop with my church group, everyone could tell that we were tourists. We were lugging our impossibly heavy suitcases through the streets, down the unforgiving stairs, and onto the crowded subway. After walking up and down what felt like hundreds of steps and changed subway trains

Traveling between the Bronx and Manhattan has allowed me to see that even though they are so close in distance, everyone is yet so far. Being raised in the Bronx has allowed me to gain a sense of home and recognition, but also how stereotypes are meant to deceive us. The Bronx is labeled as a dangerous place, where violence occurs, but people neglect the beauty and happiness that surrounds it too. Meanwhile, when people think of Manhattan, they see it as the heart of New York where everyone is living their dreams. When in reality, the “heart” of New York is much more distant from itself, and that is not just because it is on an island.

An opportunity arose to visit the city of my dreams. My school’s basketball team was participating in a tournament at Yeshiva University, and my friend Zach had an apartment that we could stay in nearby in Washington Heights. My parents were skeptical at first, because they were concerned with the safety of Washington Heights. I eventually persuaded them to let me stay with Zach, when my uncle Rich volunteered to backstop my trip. I began to contact my uncle Rich who lives in the Upper East Side of New York, to see if he had any advice on what to do while in New York. He worked together with me to brainstorm ideas of how to maximize my trip. I tried to get Zach involved with the planning but he became overwhelmed, and preferred to live by the play it by ear mentality. After a few weeks of planning with Rich, it came time to board the plane in West Palm Beach. Zach and I sat next to a girl who was a native New Yorker. I asked her “what do you do for fun in New York.” She responded by saying “ the best part of New York is getting lost.” I thought that she had an interesting response, but I didn’t plan on getting lost.

The grand size of the city draws us in the most as it gives us the most intimacy. Intimacy, in being able to keep to ourselves and play a larger role in our own lives, makes the city worthwhile. However, it is exceedingly easy to lose touch with the historical aspects of the city. We love New York for the aesthetics, but continue to take the historical culture for granted. In the past three weeks, I learned to take a step back and keep note that each building, bridge, and infrastructure I encounter has been built and seen by someone before me. Perhaps the monumental building I pass everyday was built or seen by a classmate’s immigrant great ancestor. I have a deeper appreciation for the landmarks surrounding me. In summation, I take the opprotunity to recognize the same Ellis Island I pass on my way to St. John’s University is the same landmark, “an approximate twelve million immigrants,” (Staff) experienced as they made their way towards the mysterious yet promising land of the United States of America.

The ideal opportunity came along in my seventh-grade history class when I received a project to write about what I admire about New York City. I was a citizen here but I was no different from a tourist. I made it my purpose to see the “city that never sleeps.” I had a

Growing up in Manhattan was an epitome of excitement. Back in the day, and also to its founding, New York has always been a beehive of activities. Going down memory lane, I reminisce on trips that we’d take to loads of places around the city for entertainment during weekends and on holidays. Raised by Spanish immigrants, my father was a chef in a small but busy restaurant along Fifth Avenue. Since I can recall, fifth avenue has always had some of the major and well known fashion stores and hotels in the city. This would have

Although I have very few experiences of New York, what captivates me the most to the Empire State is the memory of my parents challenges in the city. As young newly wedded immigrants without a degree, it was tough settling in the big apple. Nonetheless, my parents worked hard to achieve the American dream. However, their American dream ended in the U.S. after they received their education. They decided to work overseas, and it was a decision that affected my life greatly. I grew up in many urban areas like New York with plenty of diversity to offer, but living as a foreigner enhanced the experience.

I move to the United States when I was 15 years old. While living in my country Dominican Republic, I remember people mentioning how amazing and fast life is New York. Some people said New York is the city of opportunities, how your life change drastically after living in New York. With those thoughts in mind, I left my country leaving behind most of my family and friends. My mom and my brother came with me, with them the transition was easier. I came to New York with hopes and dreams, people back in my country promised me a place where things were easy and accessible, where people would help you without thinking it twice. However, what I found was the opposite, as the fill describe New York is artificial. The state was founded by the Dutch with the goal of

Edward Rutherford once said, “You can do what you like, sir, but I’ll tell you this. New York is the true capital of America. Every New Yorker knows it, and by God, we always shall.” It seems New York has always been a landmark of the United States, but what made it this way? New York is known for its bright lights, crowded streets, and success. Several different aspects within New York’s history have played a role in the iconic stature of New York.

According to music icon, John Lennon, “America is where it’s at. I should have been born in New York. New York was it.” Many people share the same viewpoint as Lennon since New York City is currently home to over 8.4 million people and about 800 different languages. New York mesmerizes people with the flashing lights of Times Square, the economic opportunities on Wall Street, and the fast-paced movement of Manhattan. New York is a magnet that draws people from all cultures and parts of the world to the center and makes it the “place to be” .

Ever since I was a little girl, New York City always seemed like a place that was magical. My family’s TV on Thanksgiving was always broadcasting the enormous balloons, extravagant floats, and millions of people lining the streets of the city for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Freshman year, excited squeals and giggles erupted from my brother and I after our parents told us that we would be visiting New York City for the first time to witness the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. After several months of waiting and lots of turbulence, our plane hit the landing with a thunk at Laguardia airport and reality set in: we were in the city. Walking out of the airport was absolutely surreal. The sights, sounds, and smells surrounded my family and

Ever since I can remember I have had a fascination with New York City, partly because the way that the movies have portrayed it as being almost magical and full of endless possibilities way but mostly because I love large cities. Although I live near Glasgow which could be considered to be a large city I don’t think it has the same allure as NYC. The architecture is so different and I think that what makes New York so special. Endless rows of skyscrapers that send shadows flowing

When we arrived in New York City, a nice man with a black car took us to our hotel.. We checked in our hotel and set off in the beautiful city of New York. When we took our first walk along Times Square, a strong odor of sewage and street food hit our noses. New York will always have that special

The sounds of the city penetrated the walls of the cab as we drove through the streets of Manhattan. I could hardly wait to partake in the action that was happening outside. The buildings themselves were an amazing site to behold. The buildings took on personalities of their own. Each building was bigger and more graceful than the next. When lights were added to the mix it was a dazzling combination. The city itself felt like a great big hug, and I felt overwhelmed by its power. The city allowed me to become part of it just like many others many years ago who immigrated to this awesome city. As I was looking out of the cab I finally got to see in person the sight of all sights; Times Square. The main juncture of