Surviving; the Big Apple – NYC

Published by author Tracy Cyril on April 03rd, 2020

My admiration for the ‘Big Apple’ began Summer of 1990 when my mother surprised me with a trip. Upon showing me the tickets I was elated! After reading unbelievable articles and novels, hearing amazing stories from friends and viewing movies made in New York I could barely wait for the day for our departure to actually connect the dots from stories to reality.

The day we arrived in the humongous city of a place I knew the excitement to explore would not allow me an ounce of sleep. Mom and I engaged in a melting pot of activities; shopping, family time, excursions, exploring and visiting friends. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and we both agreed the entire trip was EVERYTHING! However the trip left me wanting more.

Fast forward to September 2001, I had another opportunity to visit New York City for an extended period however my journey this time was nothing close to the initial trip with my mom. I was supposed to start a job in Boston which I did but unfortunately it was short lived. However I was greatful to be in Boston during the 9/11 disaster. Post disaster I ended up in New York to regroup and refocus.

My rollercoaster ride began fast and furious. While working a couple of inconsistent partime jobs I took the GED test and was successful. Then I applied for College and got accepted. One of the highlights of this journey (*attending college) inspite of the flood of road blocks. I struggled to pay tuition, struggled to maintain a consistent dwelling place and struggled to support myself on the partime pay. There were times I did not have a clue where I would lay my head at nights or how I would purchase my next metro card or where my next meal would come from.

I remain persistent, focused and pushed through. During my existing strained and demanding College semesters I experienced a health scare I had to undergo major surgery to remove a cyst with the absence of supportive family, no health insurance and limited friends; that experience was life changing. I also had to endured a small claims Court case surrounding harassment from my neighbor, which led to me involuntarily evacuating the premises and my landlord refused to refund funds owed to me. I successfully won that case but have yet to receive any funds. Lastly to add insult to injury on board the already derailed ride the meaningless challenges involving friendships, family and strangers.

With the strength of the Most High I survived this journey only by his grace. Only the Father knows..with him by my side all was and is possible, I laid my burdens at his feet and I can share the story today a thousand times stronger than when the journey began.

Survival in the ‘Big Apple’ is not a straight and narrow road. You must be determined, focused and of sound mind. There are loads of opportunities however the distractions are right besides them. Please do not be misguided by my experience it is there to allow you to keep an open mind. New York is a city filled with bright lights, glamour, larger than life personalities and instant gratification. So I highly recommend a visit however for extended stays please beware all that glitters is not gold! Peace and Blessings