I know that New Yorkers are stereotyped as extremely rude people, and I am sure it is true for some, but personally I have encountered some gracious individuals. Today as some of us traveled to Rokkan, we had stopped on a corner to reevaluate the map. A woman approached us and asked if we needed help with directions. We brushed her off with a kind “thanks, but no thanks.” When we arrived at Rokkan an hour later, we found the gracious woman sitting at the receptionist’s desk. We both recognized each other and shared laughs. Earlier that morning, she had heard us questioning which way to the agency so she decided to stop and guide us there, however we had turned down her offer. After reflecting on this situation I realized that she did not have to stop and offer her help when she heard us, but she did. I guess New York isn’t such a bad place after all.  

Emily Sarale 5.9.17