Hey friends & family!

I hope you all are doing amazing! It’s crazy, it literally felt like just yesterday I was that girl hopping on a bus from Boston to NYC to embark on what was to be a summer adventure… and here I am back in Los Angeles, spending some time with the fam before having to head back to the east coast again to wrap up my final year of grad school (eek!)

So many emotions are running through my head. Have I done everything I have always wanted to? Was I ready to leave?

From all the friendships I made to the little neighborhoods I found myself acclimated to, it was actually hard saying goodbye.

Quite frankly, I did not choose NYC. In a way, the city chose me? We were going into the end of May where basically everyone in my MPH program had already begun their practicum. Meanwhile, I was struggling to secure ONE. I didn’t even have any options!! I was stressed and questioned myself and my capabilities in the public health world.

Little did I realize it was because something else was in store for me.

Landing an internship with my DREAM organization, Medicins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders is definitely one of my 2018 highlights. How lucky was I to have secured an internship with them AND it just so happened that their US office is based in one of my fav cities in the country?

If you’ve been following along, you know I have always contemplated between NYC and Boston. And here we are, fulfilling both dreams at different timing.

Having lived here for the summer, I can honestly vouch for any twenty-something out there with little to no commitments: consider living in NYC at some point in time.

NYC is a pretty transient city. People come here from all walks of life. The combination of youth, intelligence, fashion, diverse communities, local food vendors etc all add up to the city’s vibes. It is true what they say, the city never sleeps. Not once in my time here did I ever feel unsafe. Sure, there were some sketch areas and you should ALWAYS be cautious, but just being able to walk anywhere and still be surrounded by people served as a protection blanket.

Don’t be fooled by the chaos.

There are numerous opportunities for serenity. How many times did I do a sunset run by Brooklyn Bridge Park? (I don’t even like running!) Or the many many many piers you can sit by and simply take in the breathtaking view of the skyline? And what about rooftops? There is something about being at a rooftop and simply letting the view elevate you. On top of all that, the street vendors and performers? The many parks the city is adorned with?

Needless to say, I have and always will be in love with this city.

I cannot emphasize enough the blessing I feel from being given this opportunity. Sure, it CAN get expensive living here, but if done wisely, one can optimize their time here. I mean, look at me – I am constantly on the lookout to do something here for free. LOL.

I can write for days about how much I love NYC.

Amid its culture, NYC has a way of making you feel like you belong.

In a concrete jungle world, sure it can feel pretty lonely (the way I did the first week there), but honestly, I’ve talked to more people on the streets and the subway than anywhere else. There is something about being surrounded by people and feeling inspired to spark a convo and simply hearing their story.

Remember when I spent Eid away from the first time? I have NYC to thank for not making me feel alone that occasion.

Or what about the time I was walking home from the subway late one night (about 2-3am ish)? Keep in mind it is about 8 mins long to walk back from the J train to my block. I was walking the same route as this guy to a point where he turned around, said hey, and joked if I was following him.

It’s funny, I did not feel threatened in any way. In fact, I felt more at ease because I now had somebody to walk next to. He had just graduated and made the move from Virginia to NYC and it was his first week. I shared that it was my last week, and we bonded over how much we adored NYC and how we believe everyone should live here at least sometime in their lives.

When it was time to part ways, we exchanged NAMES. That was it. We got back home safe, and it was all because we decided to pair up, walk together, and share a quick story.

This city brings people from all walks of life. Sure just like any other city, you have to be weary of your surroundings, but in a city representing a melting pot of cultures with all types of people being celebrated, there really is no city like it.

Everyone is open for a conversation. And because of this, I will forever and always be grateful for NYC being another home to me.

So which are you: tried it, considering it, or not really thinking about it? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

With love,