BLOG: Facing fears and exploring the the Big Apple
As speed picks up and the plane lifts off the ground, I’m steadily trying not to freak out. For the first time ever, I am not only seated on a plane but also on a trip out of Texas.
For months, I knew this journey to New York would happen. Yet, it doesn’t truly sink in until I’m feeling lightheaded and trying not to bring any attention to myself.
This would be the first time anyone in my immediate family had been to the Big Apple. It was also the first time I’d be a thousand miles away from the comforts of home.
For the most part, I was able to hold my composure. That was until just before leaving for the airport when I broke down in tears.
A mix of emotions washed over me as I knew I’d have to face my fears. For as nervous and scared as I was, my determination to achieve this goal would not cease.
Once the anxiety settles and the plane is steadily heading toward the destination, I’m able to look out the tiny window and recognize my dream journey is coming true.
As a kid, I had always wanted to go to New York. Music, movies and TV shows painted this gritty but magical place in my head, a concrete jungle I honestly never thought I’d ever experience firsthand.
Then, The Signal was announced as a winner for the Columbia Scholastic Press Associations’ Crown Award, with the ceremony set to take place at the New York Marriott Marquis in the heart of Times Square.
As editor-in-chief, I was given the opportunity to travel with The Signal’s advisers to accept the award. Without question, I said yes but also attempted to keep the fear of flying to myself.
Luckily, the flight was smooth and the next thing I know I’m bundled up in two jackets while adjusting to the colder weather. Patches of snow covered the ground even though it had been a couple of days since it last snowed.
The first day was spent getting settled at the hotel and heading out to explore Times Square. With night having fallen, the lights of digital billboards illuminated the street that was filled with people.
Stopping for a brief moment to take it all in, the view was in its own way breathtaking. The sea of faces, lights and sounds made up a surprisingly comforting feeling.
The next few days consisted of attending the Spring National College Media Convention, exploring the city and trying new food. Oh, and also being on television.
That’s right, I was on television twice that week. First, I attended a taping of “Good Morning America” and got to meet one of my journalism idols, Robin Roberts. Next was a taping of “Strahan & Sara” where I was able to meet both hosts and walk away with a Captain Marvel watch just for being in the audience.
Aside from my television debut, I got to see two Broadway shows. The first was “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg,” which told the story of The Temptations – by far one of the greatest musicals I’ve ever witnessed.
The following evening I had a front row seat to “Anastasia.” Coincidentally, the evening’s performance was being taped by the Library of Congress to be preserved in history.
Perhaps the best part of the trip was walking the busy streets. The hustle and bustle of people moving along in a hurry to somewhere or nowhere puts things in perspective.
There was a sense of independence I’d never fully experienced before. A sense of being just a person in a city where one can simply blend in amongst the melting pot of cultures.
In a walk around New York, you can hear multiple languages being spoken. You can see the diversity that makes this country thrive.
You can also experience a lifelong dream coming true.
