A whole year ago, I was boarding a flight to NYC. Now, I had spent close to twenty weekends in the city during my senior year so traveling to the city wasn’t anything special. What was special, though, was that I was traveling one way. No return ticket. Just me and a couple of suitcases, an army of boxes, and a whole lot of anticipation.
I use the word anticipation there because I wasn’t exactly purely excited and I wasn’t exactly purely nervous. I was waiting. Waiting for what I knew was going to be the beginning of the rest of my life. Cliche? Absolutely. The truth? 100 percent.
After I got over the initial pang of writing all those ginormous checks (for rent, and insurance, and electricity, and internet, and, like, fourteen things I can’t remember), I really did feel like the world was my oyster. I was in a quintessential, girl-takes-on-the-city mode. Carrie Bradshaw had nothing on me.
It’s funny to read about the things that I was looking forward to. This is one of my favorite things about blogging. I capture all of the emotions I felt and can go back and read it and experience it all over again.
New York hasn’t exactly been what I expected it to be… it’s been more.
Opportunities. Friendships. Independence. Growth.
It hasn’t been without its challenges, but it’s truly been incredible.
Besides the obvious… a few unexpected things that I love about New York City:
Flower shopping at corner bodegas.
Running into friends from Georgetown every day.
Bookstores absolutely everywhere.
Coffee is available 24 hours a day.
Finding the perfect spot for coffee.
Neighborhoods that feel like different worlds.
Unexpected adventures with friends.
I really can’t imagine living anywhere else. Even though the city can drive me crazy sometimes (the traffic! the prices! the stress!), it’s home.
Here’s to another year!
xoxo
PS How apropos that Kate Spade has a bunch of NYC inspired products right now:
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I am so happy that you are enjoying calling New York home! New York was truly meant for you and all your dreams!
Xoxo,
Christine
I absolutely love New York City! I plan on moving there after college too 🙂
Hunter
preponabudge.blogspot.com
i can't believe it's been a year! here's to many more years of you living in new york! 😀
<3, Mimi
http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/
This may be random, but I have a question.
Like the person above me, I plan on moving to NYC after I graduate and just do my graduate classes online or find somewhere in the vicinity. However, I have NO idea how to even begin searching! Everything seems so expensive that it's not even in an early twenty year old's budget. I've been following College Prep for a long time and I've loved seeing you and your career grow but my question is…how did you get started?
I'm crossing my fingers that you'll do a post about it. 🙂 I'll definitely be watching.
Also. What area of NYC did you find your apartment? I know someone who lives in the West Village, and I love that area.
It felt nice reading this, especially because I leave this afternoon to drive to New York City and move in to my freshman dorm. It's both the scariest and most exciting feeling I have ever experienced.
There is truly not another place in the world like New York City. After my first time visiting NYC, I just knew I wanted to move there someday. I recently gradated from college and still making plans to move out there. Like Allison Leighann has mentioned, can you please do a post advising young adults on how to move out to the city? Thanks!
i cannot wait to go to nyc!!
xx
http://anoddgirl.blogspot.com.au
It's been nearly a year since I bought my one way ticket (to England!) and I feel exactly the same way!! 🙂
Congrats on your 1 year! It's one of my favorite places to visit, such an amazing energy. It's been fun reading about your travels!
-Alex
http://www.monstermisa.blogspot.com/
ONLY a year? From the looks of it, it seems as though you've been here forever. Kudos on keeping up with the city.
I love NYC & I love living here, but I feel like I must experience moving to another city, just as you experienced. But who the hell wants to leave NYC? Everyone wants to come here, so why should I leave…
Congrats!
Your Friend, Jess
You seem like you were made for NYC and NYC was made for you. Congrats on your one year anniversary. I know you've had your ups and downs this year, but you've made it out OK! I've read your blog for about three years now, and you have definitely blossomed from that sweet, hardworking college girl into a (still sweet and hardworking) full grown woman. I hope you celebrate today- and maybe give yourself a little micro-break you probably deserve. (-: Cheers!
You had me at flowers!
I can totally relate! I spent my last year of college visiting my boyfriend in NYC and I just started my first job here this week! It can be stressful but it's not without it's surprises in every corner
I had a similar experience moving to London almost exactly one year ago too! It's nerve wracking at first, but it was everything I had imagined and more. I've grown so much as a person and learned so many lessons. I started my blog while in London and it is great to look back through my posts and chart my progress!
Cheers 🙂
I'm jealous of the 24 hour coffee, and the shopping at the flower shops.
I think reading what you were excited about when you moved there is sweet.
Mana
https://twitter.com/ManaSmith86/status/368148977629155328
So happy for you. Definitely a MAJOR step and one that has been SO so right for you, even during the challenging times.
Girl, traveling to NYC is just as special. That feeling is the best feeling in the world, and it can’t get any better if you are staying there as long as you choose. Forever and always a New York City girl.