New York taught me something new.

How incredibly important it really is to value and care for yourself.

Not only care for the work that you do, and the things that you say. But also for yourself. The trip gave me a lot of free time to go about the city on my own and be with my own thoughts. 

I sat in the subway frantically thinking, “Am I going to make it on time?” “I hope I don’t embarrass myself.” “You still have so much time, and so much work!” and as I thought about it more, I didn’t allow myself to really understand the opportunities in front of me, as well as how my feelings were affected by my lack of confidence.

I found myself in Times Square, at approximately 2:30 in the morning. Did I regret that decision? When I woke up the next day definitely. But that walk helped me think about how I was really feeling.

I was scared, nervous, excited, lonely, optimistic. A flurry of emotions that honestly I couldn’t have recognized on any other day. But I did that day. So I slowed down. I looked at the people around me. I looked at the big lights surrounding me. And I got some amazing street food. A time for myself.

Take time for yourself. Let yourself feel the emotions you are feeling, because they are a lot to try to push down. Especially considering how this term is coming to a close. Be kind to yourself, and try to be kind to others along the way.

- Mason Hughes