Interpersonal Relationships: New York

It didn't take long for me to feel at home here in New York, especially since I've spent so much time going and listening to music and being around people who are constantly creative. However, if I had to pick one moment where I felt that everything really clicked, I would say it was the end of the second week. I had taken a bunch of friends to one of Carol's shows, after which a few of us decided to go out to the bars. After getting tired of that scene, we made our way home to Chelsea from Greenwich Village, and while on the subway I confided in everyone that I could really go for some waffles. I love food in general, waffles being one of my favorites, however being 2 in the morning and everyone being already tired I had no assumptions that my cravings would be filled. However two of my friends, Erica and Ben, chimed in and said they were hungry too.


We stopped at home first and gained some energy by taking a power (two-minute) nap on the floor, after which we headed out. We went to the "Tick Tock" diner two blocks down from our house, and it was there that we sat and talked until some ungodly hour. We talked about a lot of things, from politics to art and music to school, and I became really comfortable in that moment. Not to mention, I had gotten my waffles, so I was very happy, and it was nice to be around people who were as dedicated to their late-night snacking habits as I am.

However, in terms of having to adjust to relationship "rules", I haven't had to. I am still in the US and although I am around people from different parts of the country there isn't much difference there. For instance, the individual is still most important between us all, and I would say it is even more so since we are all here as individuals seeking to begin our artistic pursuits. However, on the other hand there is a lot of talk about the upcoming election throughout the house, and while we are all self-involved creatively and professionally, the vast majority of us also agree that it is necessary for us to value the whole of the community when making political and social decisions. This is especially nice because it translates to the house community: while there have been some instances of personal food disappearing, we all support each other when it comes to illness, bar covers, and adventures, but we also respect personal space to allow for each of us to get time in practicing, drawing, etc.

This is similar in New York as a whole too. Most people on the street walking by are in their own world either listening to music or just focused on themselves, but I have seen a few instances where someone has fallen or seemed unwell and total strangers have stopped what they are doing to help them up or get them some other kind of help.

The other beautiful thing about this city I have mentioned before, and that is the general lack of status quo. There are all kinds of movie stars, models, singers, painters, musicians, you name it running around this city, and most of them are taking the subways just like me. Furthermore, while none of them enjoy being constantly bombarded I'm sure, many are willing to have a conversation and will even share their information to you. For instance, I have become very good friends with performance artist John Kelly, who is world renowned for his various pieces. I see him often, we are friends on Facebook, and I get invited to all of his installations now.

In New York, the beautiful thing is that while money is apparent, it doesn't govern respect, especially since everyone knows how hard it is to afford to live here. What you do, who you are, and how you do it tend to be the biggest traits of status in this city, although of course there are exceptions.

I was very happy to have my waffles.

For future students to attend this program, I advise them to come in with very few expectations and a very good sense of self. The worst thing you can do in a city with so much to offer, like New York, is to make assumptions before doing something or meeting someone. It's important to be yourself in that when you open up yourself to these opportunities that the people you meet and the things you do end up being centered around who you are, and that's how you find the parts of the city you enjoy. Also, take chances and go to anything that you can; If you're not in a rush, don't take the subway. 40 blocks isn't as far as it seems. Trust me.