I moved to New York City in early April 2022 with my cat, Zucchini, and two big green suitcases. I found a place to live, and I’d find a job soon. I got really lucky with sweet roommates, 2 new cats, Milkshake & French Fry, and a dog named Wilson. I had my own little backyard in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.

My New Yorker journey started when I was young though. I visited two different times. Once with my family on a summer trip to the East Coast. I dreamt of being a Rockette. I knew I could fit in the fashion scene.

I also visited the Jersey Shore after hurricane Katrina to do relief work with my church. We stopped by St. Patrick’s Cathedral & saw Spiderman on Broadway. It was so cool.

I thought I’d move to New York later in life, when I had a lot of money and a job lined up. But New York started calling me before that. I was 24 years old when I made the move.

My 6 month stay has turned into a 4th year. 4 New York summers. Technically 5 if we count the 1 when I was a kid. I’m grateful to be here and making it my own every day. It’s been difficult. The culture shock of Midwest to East Coast, it’s just different. I adjusted quickly. A chameleon of my craft. Something started to awaken in me before I got here. My initiation was bold. My integration is ongoing. Ancora Imparo. I’m still learning & here is all I know: I’m the New Yorker, now.