Riding solo

Last year I had the privilege to go on this trip, and one of the most important things I did was take time to do things by myself. I can’t express the importance of exploring the city on your own.

After all, if I do ever end up moving here, I won’t be with 120 of my coolest peers from the ad program, but I will be – as they say – a little fish in a big pond.

Today I went to Central Park after I visited Group M Media. I sat and ate my very overpriced gluten-free bagel sandwich and people watched by myself. Although I love to be social and can and will talk anyone’s ear off, it was nice to get a few moments of quiet time to be alone with my thoughts.

I know for a fact that I am going to want to be in New York at some point. As a first-generation college student, I have not moved around much. Going to school out of state in Oregon was a big move. My whole family has been living in the Bay Area for their whole lives, and I would be the first to leave. Part of me feels guilty wanting to move across the country, but another part of me knows that sometimes it’s okay to be selfish.

I am not 100% sure if I am ready for New York right now, but there is too much opportunity here to pass up.

Eventually I’ll take the leap.

–Kristen Friis

Brand Strategist + Copywriter