Dear NYC: I Miss You

 Last weekend in NYC, July 2011

Two years ago today, I took a one-way flight to New York City and spent 10 months in the Big Apple - working/interning and exploring the city. Then I returned home.

On my last day, I wrote...

"I'm positive that I'm leaving. Do I want to leave? Not really but I feel that going home at this point in my life is a good choice, healthy even."

Looking back, I think I do regret leaving...

Sometimes I look back and think I didn't do enough to stay in New York. I could have done a more thorough job search to land a public relations internship. I could have done a better search for apartments. I feel like I just ran out of time and ran back to a place of familiarity and safety.

Now don't get me wrong. Upon returning home, I got another job (or two or three or four) and worked like no other. I enjoyed the comforts of home and being surrounded by family, and I gained useful skills from those jobs. In addition, I met some amazing people at the same time.

I'm thankful for my combined working experiences to bring me where I am today as an intern for a global public relations agency, which was one of my goals this year too.

However, at the end of the day, was it worth working so many jobs and nothing else? It seems like such a waste of my youth to work so much to make ends meet.

I wish I spent more time hanging out with my new friends, but every time an opportunity came up, I declined because of work. :(

Moving forward, I seriously need to stop thinking so pessimistically about my past mistakes and look toward the possibilities ahead.

Isn't that what optimizing opportunities is all about? 

I just need to keep reminding myself that if I'm meant to return to New York, then it will be. 

P.S. Definitely had a more positive attitude about this situation last year...

JOB SEARCH: Reminiscing yet Moving Forward

(via www.jvskc.org)

Cleaned out some emails and saw all the jobs/internships I applied for while living in New York.  Emails to a variety of public relations agencies - boutique agencies, global companies, agencies focused on technology, sports, beauty, food/hospitality and more.  Emails to MTV.  Emails to magazine companies.  Emails to restaurants.  Emails to stores.  Honestly, I was looking for work everywhere.

After organizing my email, I was inspired by my boldness and willingness to work in different places.  I understood that I needed to start somewhere, working from the ground up. 

As the job search continues, I need that same attitude again...

On the flip side, I also found an email chain about an internship with Benvenuti PR.  I interviewed with them but disclosed my concerns about scheduling.  That eliminated my opportunity to work with them.  Looking back, I'm sure I could have done it, balancing two unpaid internships and a job at Macy's.  Possibly getting a full-time job out of it.

(via One Degree of Separation)

If you're looking for job experience, internships are definitely a great way to accomplish this.  In addition, they allow you to explore the industry you're interested in.  While it is easy to turn your head away from unpaid internships, they provide great job experience, especially if you have an excellent mentor to help you and support you as you grow in the position and prepare for your career.  Just be sure the unpaid internship is legit and follows the legal guidelines.

Enough of looking in the past, it's time to keep moving forward and keep searching for my ideal job/internship...

9/11: 10 Years Later...

When I woke up this morning, the first thing I thought about was the 10th anniversary of September 11.

I put up an American flag outside in memory of those lost that day before leaving my sister's house in San Luis Obispo.

On the drive home, the rain sprinkled the windshield. It felt like the world was crying in remembrance.

Back home, Sunday night football showcased the New York Jets against the Dallas Cowboys. The memorial opening was to perfection with the taps played on a bugle, the traditional French horn playing, bagpipes playing "Amazing Grace" during the unfurling of the American flag by members of the NYPD and FDNY, and then finally a performance of the national anthem by Lady Antebellum.  To top it off, the Jets won.

After the game, I watched "102 Minutes that Changed America" on The History Channel.  This documentary highlights a series of video clips recorded by civilians on September 11 from different areas in New York City.  It gives you a completely different view of the events, especially views from the street as well as from surrounding apartment buildings.  It puts the events of that day in a unique perspective from the people who were actually experiencing it and gives people across the country more than what the media covered.

Watching this, I actually recognized one of my coworkers from Macy's in the video taken in Times Square.  Seeing him there brought this closer to home - realizing that the friends and many of the people I met in New York were actually there that day and experienced the terror first-hand.  I was brought to tears watching the second plane crashed and when both towers collapsed.  It's heart-wrenching to watch, but it's a part of our history that we will never forget.

On this day, Americans will stand united and always remember the nearly 3000 lives that were lost - the innocent civilians, the first responders.  God bless America.

NYC: A Year Later

New York City from Top of the Rock

A year ago today, I embarked on my New York adventure...

Back in January, I was convinced I'd still be in New York at this time, but my plans were never finalized as I just tried to make it a day at a time.  I miss being there.  However, I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be there.  Thankful for experiencing life in a big city through all the seasons.  Thankful for the skills and experiences I gained from my internships and jobs.  And of course, thankful for the friends I made there.

I know I'm supposed to be there, and I really hope I get the opportunity to return.  It may not be this year or next, but I know someday I'll be back in New York City.  I'll do it right with a plan and everything.

But for now, my life is back on the West coast.  Still making adjustments but things should be fine.  Might as well enjoy it while I can.  Who knows what's in store next? 

Unemployed...and hating it.

Eleven months ago, I embarked on my New York adventures.

Eleven months later, I'm back where I started - home.

It hasn't even been a month since I moved back home, but I'm starting to have feelings of regret.

I mean don't get me wrong.  It's great being home with my family, eating home-cooked meals, basking in the Californian sun and more.  I love getting the chance to see my cousins too.  It has been stress relieving to just relax for a bit.

However, as relaxing as it is to be home, unemployment has been getting to me...

When I left New York, I left three jobs, working for Macy's, the Disney Store and City Parks Foundation at SummerStage, so not keeping busy with work has been an extreme change of pace.  I suppose I need the break though.

When I found out on-calls get to come back to work on Monday, I feel like I'm missing out on work, even though it's across the country.  It makes me want to go back to New York, even though it's just a part-time job.  At least I would be working, while looking for work in public relations.

Did I give up too easily on the New York dream? I feel like I did.  I analyzed my situation and came to the conclusion of going home.  On the other hand, I knew my opportunities for a career would decrease immensely by moving home, but I took that risk anyway.  Now I'm back where I started - unemployed...and hating it.

I've been trying my best to get a job though.  I submitted applications to a variety of places but only heard back and interviewed with a few.  I still have hope for the places I interviewed with, but my patience is testing me.

I keep telling myself to stay optimistic...!
But it's hard with this heavy feeling of regret...

Plus it doesn't help with the financial crisis going on in this country.

P365: Coney Island [040]

Thanks to my friend, Ramona, I got a quick tour of some awesome sights around Brooklyn, including Coney Island, before leaving NYC!  It was so fun!

Here’s some highlights from Coney Island:

• Ambling on the pier and in the Atlantic Ocean
• Speeding down the historic wooden coaster - Cyclone!
• Chowing on Nathan’s corn dogs
• Sipping “medium-sized” lemonades
• Watching “swingers” on the Wonder Wheel while viewing the sparkling lights of the night
• “Time traveling” ;)

Good times during my last weekend in NYC!

Taken on Sony CyberShot.

P365: 34th Street [039]

Honestly, I spend way too much time on this street…’nuff said.