Kate’s New York Trip!
written by Kate H.
“The streets will make you feel brand new and the lights will inspire you” in New York! -Alicia Keys
This past weekend my family and I took a vacation to New York City. I could not wait to see “the city that never sleeps” for the first time. There is so much history within a few city blocks; from Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall to Broadway and the Freedom Tower. Now, “a few blocks” may be an understatement as we walked a TON and took the subway to many sights, but it was so worth it! Below I will share the top 4 things I learned during my 4 days in the Big Apple. I hope you get a chance to visit New York City sometime in your life and get to experience everything from the sights to the food to the people!
1. Patience is a virtue. Your mom is right. Patience IS a virtue. Our lives often become so hectic and we tend to rush around trying to accomplish too much in the small amount of time we have. We become extremely accustomed to this lifestyle, so that even on vacation we subconsciously rush.
While walking through the city with a single “touristy” destination in mind, I felt myself become frustrated at the big red hands telling me to stop at crosswalks. Also, when there was someone walking leisurely in front of me, I would constantly look for a quicker way around them. It was only when I stopped myself, slowed down, and looked around that I was actually able to experience the amazing atmosphere of New York. One of my favorite parts of the trip was going out at night for ice cream and simply walking around Times Square with my family. The chill from the ice cream in my hand compared to the heat and humidity outside, and the darkness of the sky contrasted the brightness of the screens, creating a unique atmosphere that can only be felt in the heart of Times Square. The screens lit the street up so bright, I often forgot it was nighttime. It was neat to stand still while there was constant commotion around me and just take it all in. Patience is important in New York City, not only for your sanity, but in order to get the most out of your trip.
2. Don’t be afraid to talk to strangers. Think about your best friend…at some point, they were a stranger to you! But you talked to them, got to know them, and now they are your closest confidant. Yes, as kids, we are repetitively taught about “stranger danger”. And yes, it is extremely important to be aware of people and your surroundings at all times (especially in a big city). However, sparking a conversation with someone new can lead to new friendships, learning new things, or it can simply be a good pastime.
If you go to New York, prepare yourself for lines. They are everywhere. Many people are taking advantage of the amazing sights to see and food to eat just like you, so lines should be expected. They don’t have to be a bad thing, though. These lines are the perfect opportunity to spark a conversation with someone new.
While waiting in line to eat dinner at Ellen’s Stardust Diner, where Broadway-hopefuls perform and wait on tables to earn a living while they audition for shows, I saw a family in front of me who had a daughter with a dance backpack. As mentioned in my interview, I too am a dancer. The line was very long so I thought, “Why not talk?” I asked the girl in front of me if she was a dancer and she said yes. She then explained that she was in New York for a dance intensive. We talked and talked and found so many similarities between us. The time flew and before we knew it, our tables were ready! Though I never talked to the girl again, it made me happy to have had a conversation with someone new. Prior to the conversation, she knew nothing about me and I knew nothing about her; there was no judgement or preconceived opinions, just simple conversation and, quite frankly, it was refreshing! This situation happened many times throughout the remainder of our trip with different people. Topics included agreeing upon the sudden nervousness right before crossing the street, the crowdedness of the subways, and the amazing views atop Rockefeller Center. Talk to new people, not only if you’re in New York, but everyday! You will always learn something new and become more personable, which will benefit you in all aspects of life.
3. Don’t be afraid to take it all in. Everywhere, everyone, and everything. Even in your day-to-day life. Don’t be afraid to stop and take a look around (just like #1- patience). There are so many people, things, and places to enjoy and experience that if you shy away for a second or talk yourself out of something because it is “too expensive”, “too scary,” or even just “too spontaneous,” you will end up missing out on many opportunities that could change your life.
In a big city like New York, you are sure to find people of all different kinds wandering the streets. And simply because they are different, you may find yourself distancing yourself from them. But like my mom always says, “It takes all types of people to make the world go round.” It’s often from those who are the most different from you that you learn the most, not only about yourself, but about the world.
“Life is either a great adventure or nothing.”–Helen Keller
4. Have confidence. You hear this all the time but it is so, so true. Even if you have to “fake it until you make it,” be confident. Pull your shoulders back, chin up, and smile. This is not only good for your attitude and state of mind but for your safety too.
By slumping your shoulders and looking at the ground you could miss a car or bump into someone. It can actually be dangerous! But with confidence, your head is high, and you can see everything! It just like that fun fact about smiling. It has been scientifically proven that while smiling when you are sad you can actually make yourself happier. So by having confidence when you may feel insecure, you might just make yourself more confident! Each and every person on earth has so many great things to offer. So be yourself, walk with purpose, and have confidence in everything you do!
Our trip was definitely one to remember. While visiting the Statue of Liberty I couldn’t help but think of all of my ancestors and all the other people who rode a boat right where I was in hopes of finding the American Dream for themselves and their families. If you can, plan a trip to NYC and experience the history and self-discovery for yourself. You will not regret it!
“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” –Jawaharlal Nehru