NYC

I have lived in New York City (specifically Manhattan) my whole life, and this has been both amazing and complicated. First off, the city offers so many opportunities for you to do really almost anything.  What I have recently learned is that you can never really get bored-I've only just become aware of this simply because I was not taking advantage of my environment until very recently. Secondly, you will never run out off places to eat. You can have Thai food one day and Malaysian the next-I used to never really branch out in terms of my eating options, but there are so many little nooks I've discovered after doing so. Lastly, and what I think is most important, the people who live in New York are so unique and interesting. I am constantly meeting new people with all different backgrounds, and this is something I truly love and value about New York.

With the city however comes great independence and responsibility; in my experience I feel that I grew up very quickly and at a very young age. Although definitely not the same for everybody, I felt that my childhood was too brief. Perhaps a common stereotype, New York is also incredibly fast-paced. I find that when I meet new people from outside the city I have to force myself to slow down my walking speed. I constantly feel like I am in a rush or need to be somewhere as quickly as possible. However, it truly is hard to weigh the pros and cons of New York. Simply put, it's not for everybody, but when it is a match, it is one of the most amazing places in the world.

Below are some photographs I have taken in the city.

From top to bottom and left to right: Lauren on her roof, a portrait of Reena, Lauren on the Highline and Reena and Lauren walking The Highline, a view of Columbus Circle, Bryant Park and Times Square, Belvedere Castle, The Highline and the view from the Highline, Lexington Avenue and Vanderbilt Avenue.