It was a thrilling experience to see New York City for the first time knowing that I will be back for the summer in three short weeks. I am so thankful for what this trip has given me. I think I would have been lost and a bit of an emotional mess if I had flown straight into New York for the first time on June 3rd with work the next day. Getting a preview of the city has eased my anxiety of the unknown.

Not only did the agency visits give amazing insights into the culture advertising takes up in New York City, but traveling from site to site was also a great way to get to know the subway system and see so many different parts of the city.

Here are a few things I’ve learned in my travels.

1. Dive bars will charge you $20 for a simple gin and tonic in a plastic cup. (R.I.P to my wallet).

2. People on the go do not care if you are standing in their way on the streets. They will unapologetically mow through you.

3. Weird shit happens on the Subway.

4. Rooftop bars are New Yorkers favorite evening activity.

5. I LOVE Brooklyn. The area around 72 and Sunny and Laundry Service reminds me of Boston, one of my favorite cities in the world. I’ve been having trouble seeing myself living on the east coast, but exploring Brooklyn just confirmed that possibility.

6. The world famous Momofuku Noodle Bar is worth the wait. Shout out to the best pork belly ramen I’ve every had.  

7. Not all New Yorkers are rude. I had the pleasure of meeting Alexa Schwartz, who had my internship position last year. When I reached out to her she was more than happy to take the time to meet with me and talk about what I should expect.

8. I am ready for an amazing summer in New York City!

- Avery Wright