The experience begins . . .
Joe in New York over the years . . . |
The Beginning - Before Class:As a native New Yorker many thoughts come to my mind when reflecting upon what New York City means to me. I first think about memories I have had in the city as a child, like when my family and I would go see The Big Apple Circus at Lincoln Center. As I grew older, my own adventurous side was explored throughout the many streets of New York. From riding the subways, to holding a python on the street just because of the crowd’s attraction, you can always build your experiences just by having a presence in the city itself.
Before this class begins, it is important to evaluate and express how I feel about New York City, its people, and the culture that surrounds it. I have built my perception of the city based on the time and experiences I have spent in it over the last 20 years. I believe the city holds three true characteristics. I define them as beauty, diversity, and opportunity. The beauty of the city is literally self-explanatory. Whether it’s a snowy day in Christmas December or a sunny summer night in July, New York City holds a nostalgia that portraits a energy of timeless beauty. The historic monuments within the city itself such as the Freedom Towers, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty are entities in which symbolize the free enterprise and free spirited energy that New York holds. Diversity is one of the greatest beauties of the city. Walking up and down the streets, seeing people of all walks of life, and interacting with those unfamiliar to you is what makes the busy city of New York one of the most interesting city’s to ever visit or live in. The culture of the city is present in every aspect of life. Nightlife is fascinating with bars and clubs lighting the walkways, vendors selling products in an open market forum, and tourists crowding the streets trying to find the perfect spot for that “amazing photo.” Opportunity is what attracts the high price of rent and high efforts of productivity that most New Yorkers possess. Networking is easy when 10 million other individuals who all have the similar drive to conquer and succeed surround you. Opportunity is what attracts me to the Big Apple. One day I hope to take my journey and aspirations into the city in hopes to get the experience many people in this world only dream about embarking on. I view New York City as a beautiful city because of the history it preserves and the context of its own American sub-culture. Diversity is what makes the city unique, interesting, and what attracts tourists to explore why so many people idolize its originality. Opportunity is what awaits me and why learning about the city’s intricacy’s is so crucial in getting the best of my experience. By taking this Gotham Core class, I am expanding my New York native instincts and sharpening my knowledge of the city itself, its culture, while getting a proper education of the different parts and areas that surround the Big Apple. Enjoy my blog, this journey will be one in which I will never forget . . . - Joe Platia |
Gay Pride Parade June 31, 2013
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The End - After ClassYay! We did it! The Gotham CORE class has finally been completed. Looking back to my first post, before the class begun, I began to realize how much I actually learned in the course of four weeks. I now have an even better sense for NYC’s subway system; learned to love the beauty of “happy hour,” and I never knew my calves could look as good as they do now!
My first impressions of New York before this class were kind of dull. I say that because the true magic of enjoying yourself in the city’s atmosphere is going into it with zero expectations. Some of the greatest nights of my life have transpired in the city and there are so many unexpected elements each night where you can just stop and appreciate what the city has to offer. The opportunity to travel a half an hour from home to one of the greatest metropolises in the world is reason enough to break out of your comfort zone. Many people including some of my classmates are intimidated by the city. The subway system and work traffic on the streets were reason alone to become overtired and annoyed quite easily. I hope the rest of my classmates realize that this experience is one that many people all over the world would love to have had. We now have a grasp of tangible knowledge of the city because of this curriculum. The Blue Guide used for class will be a tool I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I am glad I was able to see attractions and museums I would never of brought myself to going to. I owe a great thanks to Mike and Don for putting up with all of us and for truly being diligent of what was on the syllabus each class. I don’t know how to end this post. My impressions of New York are going to always be evolving. Right now, after taking this course, I found a new drive to reach my goal of living in the city within the next five years. I should spend my youth discovering what is around me and actually enrich myself culturally in a place that has no ends. I am thankful to have had this experience and would definitely consider taking a class like this again to further indulge myself in what the city life really has to offer. |