What Fuels New Yorkers?
Now I wanted to document my thoughts on this subject matter for a while now; however every time I sat down to think about this expression, I would sometimes get overwhelmed by the whole construction and detailing pattern of my thoughts to you. Nevertheless, here goes a very passionate piece of my thoughts, opinions and overview of what makes New Yorkers so unique, resilient and beautiful in their own ways.
My family spent some time with me for the Christmas vacation to share within the magical holiday spirit, and experience a little bit of the New York scene this time of year. We were driving around the city late on Christmas day and my sister in law asked “ is that convenient store open ”?
My brother responded “ yes it’s 24hrs”, she replied “where I am from, stores are closed at this time”.
It was based upon this premise that I delved into deep thought. Wow ! N.Y.C, the city that never sleeps. Overcrowded trains, buses, cramped pavements; everyone is always in a rush. Being that I’m originally from Trinidad in the Caribbean, I’m well aware of our easy going vibez and cool sprit, where we move at our own pace and enjoy our days beneath the warm tropical sun – glorifying and patiently awaiting our numerous national holidays where we “lime” at the beach on Sundays and reach to work late on a Monday lol 🙂
Hey I miss those days sometimes, I’m Trini to the bone yuh know !
Nevertheless, I’m a big city girl now. Living here for a greater part of my life, I have learnt to adjust to the ways and nature of this “State of Mind”. As New Yorkers, we seem to be marching to the beat of our own drum times a 100. Yes we are constantly on the move, always rushing, missing the train by a few seconds, eating breakfast on the run while checking emails, to even arguing with the meter maid because of a nonsensical parking ticket. However; how can one city amidst all this hustle and bustle daily be so popular and attract scores of people daily? Shall I dear repeat the words of a young sidewalk guitarist who rendered the words as I passed by him last week; “Welcome to the city where all your dreams can come through”. Now here is a gentleman who is performing for spare change from passersby bellowing at the top of his voice, a statement that almost seems contradictory to me and paradoxical to him. Then again – I Ask myself, what keeps him going ?
New York City has been the largest port of entry for immigration into the United States since the early 19th century and continues as such. Settlers of all race, color and creed created a mark for themselves here. We have little Italy, India, China, Korea and the list goes on. It’s known to make the lives easier for immigrants seeking a better life. Working hard around the clock, the city that never sleeps. It’s with this notion I concurred that, progression and determination is what drives people’s ambition. This then leads to succession. Isn’t this what we all want for ourselves and our children? If the opportunities of New York City or any other state for this matter affords one the ability to work hard and toil Sunday to Sunday within his own volition to succeed, why wouldn’t anyone be attracted to that. It is as a result of these nationalities and eclectic lifestyles that make NYC such a diverse and attractive place for merchants, businessmen and small business enterprises to set up shop and contribute to our GDP and add to consumerism.
I recall distinctly when 9/11 occurred, amidst all the sorrow and devastation, we were able to gather our bearings and pick up the pieces and carry on to rebuild not only our structures, but the morale, spirit, economy and overall psyche that makes us New Yorkers.
It is with this demeanor that we have developed what others may term “A New Yorker’s decorum” or behavior. Hence the saying “ if you can make It here, you can make it anywhere”.
Ok Ok, enough with the cliché sayings and deliberate “dusting of shoulders”, Oooops here I go again lol :). On the other hand, a bright and experiential time for us of course is the endurement of our loyal four seasons.
Did someone say Polar Vortex? Arghhhh . Yes we deal with the weather despite come what may and still go out and make that money daily. With four seasons before us, summer being my favorite; I love the sun, (then again I think it’s my island blood) we still strive through it all, sleet, snow, heavy rain, scorching sun, nothing stops us from getting the job done. People from hot climates always ask me “how do you manage in the cold” well truth be told, I dislike it, however that’s not a good reason to stay home is it? I buy the appropriate gears and get on with my business.
I see my disposition as a New Yorker as one that has helped me grown. Mentally, emotionally, and physically; I have developed “Me”. What makes me perfect to document my thoughts here to you is that I have experienced both sides of the coin, where I can contrast and compare my lifestyle back home and especially now where I currently reside.
My summary; it’s evident that as a young lady maturing here, I was dismayed with some culture shock, but I have learnt to adjust. I respect New Yorkers and consider myself to be part of this inedible fabric, I do miss home as anyone will, but then again because of my background, I have yet again contributed to the mosaic of New York City. This is what makes this city so unique and omnipotent, we are all attractive and special in our own way when it comes to making our dreams come to life. We are driven by each other and muster up the strength, determination and boldness to achieve our success one day, whether it be working the Christmas day shift, cutting the lawn in Central Park on a rainy day or even closing a multimillion deal on Wall Street. We fuel New York City and in turn New York city Fuels us back.