NY Virgin.

I have no idea what to expect from New York, as a city or culture. In preparation, I was told not to smile at strangers. This caught me off guard. After being in Eugene, Oregon for three years, I have adapted to acting like strangers are my family. Opening doors for everyone and smiling while walking to class while purposefully making eye contact with people I don’t know is one of my favorite parts of the day.

My main concern about living in New York is feeling lonely. Far away from your family, and far away from all the people you’re surrounded by—even when you’re squeezed on the subway like sardines. I will ask how the alumni are dealing with living in such a big city after coming from University of Oregon and Eugene, which is known for being a friendly and tight community.

Grace Gandolfo 5/3/18