It’s New York or Nowhere. That’s the saying. Whether you’re a taxi-calling, bagel-eating resident or a visitor for the holidays, the first time walking around the city might seem magical. Or, you might be an avid fan of “Sex and the City,” solemnly swearing to yourself that you will be a powerful, wealthy, promiscuous businesswoman by the time you turn 20.
Well, chances are you’re 20 now. Congratulations! You’re behind on your assignments, struggling to afford an iced coffee and in the midst of ending things with a guy you met on Tinder (who chased you first.)
What happened to the hopes for a high-end job in retail? What happened to the casual dating scene? Is it possible that the aspirations have died, or are they simply unattainable?
Big Apple Mindset
New York City embraces the idea of making dreams come true. The problem is that these dreams only seem to come true in 2000s TV shows.
“Sex and the City” centers around four women, all single and in their thirties, getting by. Created in the late 1990s, the show grew in popularity as fans were fascinated by the protagonists. Carrie Bradshaw: a sex columnist who spends too much money on shoes and hung up on her ex throughout the entire show. It’s almost impossible to avoid relating to her.
The early 2000s drama “Gossip Girl” follows a group of upper-class students being exposed by an anonymous blogger. Audiences can’t help but be drawn in to the constant scandal between the group. Ever since the pilot episode, when Serena van der Woodsen returns to Manhattan from her mysterious switch to boarding school, viewers were immediately invested.
The characters in both of these shows demonstrate one thing that VALLEY celebrates: a strong will. They all carry themselves as if nobody else could tear them down. Living that kind of life in New York City gave them strength. Their jobs, their money, their mistakes, their beliefs: all stemming from their love for New York.
The Reality
These shows, or at least the aesthetic of these shows, influenced audiences to create big goals: living in a city, obtaining a high-paying career and embracing your sexuality so much that Samantha Jones would be intimidated.
The “city lifestyle” encourages one to move to the beat of their drum, doing as they please in a city as busy as New York. However, working towards this kind of goal is easier said than done. At the end of the day, you’re not applying to Ivy League schools like Blair Waldorf; you’re a student in State College.
Penn State is full of amazing opportunities, but it’s not exactly what many have in mind when they think of a city school. There are no giant skyscrapers to admire. Hunting taxis down have been replaced with calling an Uber. How is it possible to think about a career when you have (barely) been scraping by with your classes?
The Bright Side
For a lot of students reaching their 20s, it might be frustrating to comprehend their position in life. The lavish, exciting city life seems too out of reach for people to actually work towards.
For one, it’s ridiculously expensive. You would have an easier time paying off your college debt than scraping up money for two months’ worth of rent. And although we love to have hope, the men do not change no matter where you go. You will still get ghosted by an average-looking man, even if he lives in New York City.
Take a look around. Look at where you are right now. You’re an accomplished student. You go to class every day. You spend your own money. You might even have a part-time job or a position in a club. When the week is over, you reward yourself with a night out with your friends on the weekend.
You’re not Miranda Hobbes or Serena van der Woodsen. You might not be filthy rich or sleeping with whoever you want, with no feelings attached. But, you are still moving to the beat of your own drum. That’s the New York City way.
Have any photos of your trip to New York City? Tag @VALLEYmag on Instagram!
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