The band My Bare Hands describes New York City as "the place I call my home."
Like the band, I was excited to make New York City home when I chose to attend college in the Big Apple.
My first two months in the city, however, proved that adjusting to city-living after living in Florida my entire life is more challenging than I imagined.
For one, people in New York are a lot less friendly than most Floridians. Running in Riverside Park or strolling down Broadway, I have learned that, unlike Floridians, many New Yorkers don't say hi to strangers, let alone give them a smiling gaze.
While this seems like a minor detail, I was raised to be friendly. The unfriendliness irks me, and I have to control my natural instinct to wave and say hello to people I see.
Additionally, the fast-paced lifestyle of New York City demands adjusting. New Yorkers move fast. Really fast.
The city operates at an accelerated, sprinting speed -- business people zoom by on their way to work, and people are always on the go.
Being in a fast-paced university in a fast-paced city forces me to accelerate my speed so I can be an engaging member of my university and city, while finding ways to relax and maintain my sanity.
Before starting college, I thought I would have a lot of time to explore New York's cultural resources while meeting my academic demands.
