A New Year in New York

I'm sitting with my fresh cup of french-press, trying to gather the all of the wonderful things that have happened during the last few months of my life, here in the Big Apple. It's hard to believe that I moved here only five months ago; [and it's hard to believe that it's already 1 in the afternoon! But that's one of the benefits of having a day-off of my Field Placement (internship) in the middle of the week...as I don't go back to my second/last semester of classes until after MLK Jr. Day.]...

Risk Taking Adventures: I was not willing to admit it to everyone before moving here (mostly because I didn't want to admit it to myself) but I was terrified to move to New York, attend Columbia, and be so far away from home. I was optimistic that it would be worth the anxiety...and it TOTALLY was! Thinking back on the my first month, living alone in NYC, it feels good to know that new things and places don't have to scare me any longer.

Exploration and Discovery: I've been to new places during my time in my new home of New York (get it? the theme of "new" things). A conference in Connecticut during the beautiful fall colors; Philadelphia for a birthday celebration and historical-site-seeing; the Jersey shore; the sites (and un-sites) of the Big Apple

Work: What I especially love about my work-experience in New York is both the fantastic internship I have, but also the time NOT working that I have; the time I have to focus on that work. I have gained experience in granting and funding, and learned about the human rights work that is happening in the U.S. and I have expanded my mind and my future opportunities...yay for great internships!

New Friends: I've met great people! Lucky for me I met a group of women at school near the beginning of my time in New York. Together we've celebrated birthdays, eaten great food, danced, explored the city (and beyond!), and shared our lives together. So many people say that New York is a lonely city, but I have found the opposite (thank God!). I've even found a charming young man to spend time with, who stole my heart with iced coffee and chocolate with almonds (if you didn't already know...that's the way to my heart).

New Experiences: One of the best things about New York is the diversity of people that live here. I love being able to see, hear and smell (yummy ethnic food!) the diversity of my neighborhood and New York. It's a great opportunity to see groups of people come together around issues, youth, friends, faith, and (you guessed it) food!

My Normal: I've saved my favorite thing about this city until last. I love that my life here feels normal (chill...if you will). I love living in my apartment; (with no real furniture...we accept donations :) with my roommate; shopping for groceries (and having to take them home on the bus); cooking and baking; talking long walks; riding the subway; drinking coffee; working out (not right after drinking coffee, of course); and taking time to be who I am.

Although not everything is perfect (I don't think anything ever is...). I still hope to find a church (although I've explored some pretty good ones), and try to see more of the east coast...and to read things that aren't assigned for class.

***this post was started yesterday afternoon...sorry again for the slowness of my posting!

I can't believe it's only going to be 4 months and 4 days until I graduate! I'm more than half-way over with my (first?) graduate degree! Only bigger and better things from here! But they will probably be more difficult and challenging...but that's ok with me, I'm up for the challenge.

Peace yo.