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...

Dream Job (part 2)

While journalism is not completely out of the picture, I've also grown interested in another industry - public relations.

In college, I was involved with student government (ASUP), most notably the Campus Program Board (CPB), a student-run event programming organization.  During my time as CPB Director, I gained experience in event planning, which was rewarding, enjoyable and challenging.  During my first term, I was still convinced that I would pursue my dream job of being a journalist and figured I can do event planning on the side, like as a wedding planner.  As graduation loomed closer, I was torn about what I wanted to do.  My adviser, Jillian, suggested public relations because I would be able to combine my skills as a writer and an event planner.

I didn't know much about public relations, but luckily I was able to take a course about it before I graduated.  I got a basic understanding, but during my first post-grad summer, I talked to someone at Burson-Marsteller, who said I had a superficial image of public relations.

It wasn't until I moved to New York that I got a better understanding of this new dream job...

Thanks to my internships with City Parks Foundation and Baltz & Company, I have a better understanding of public relations.  While it's from an intern's perspective, it's better than where I started.

According to PRSA, the official definition of public relations is:

“Public relations is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.”

From those experiences, I found out how public relations was used to connect organizations with their publics, whether that was through a variety of media outlets like television, newspapers, magazines, or social media as well as events and public appearances.  Through my internships, I found that public relations allows me to practice and learn more about communication - verbal, written, in person, online, over the phone, one-on-one, or in a group setting.  It definitely keeps me on my toes and will continue to do so as communication change with technology.

I'm interested in learning more and figuring out which field is my forte, whether that is non-profit, food/hospitality, technology, travel/tourism, corporate communications, or in-house among others.

While the ultimate goal for this dream job is not concrete quite yet, I'm sure that once I get more into it with a company I love, that goal will formulate.  As for now, I'm taking it one day at a time and hoping to optimize the next opportunity to officially start my public relations career.

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: Lola's House [061]

Spent the weekend at my Lola’s* house.  The last time I was there was before I went to NYC. It was great to be back and to spend time with family…

*Lola = grandmother in Tagalog

P365: LaGuardia Airport [043]

Flying out of LaGuardia brought my NYC adventure full circle. When I first came to New York on that one-way ticket in September 2010, I arrived in LaGuardia. Now, it’s come to an end, and I’m leaving from the same airport.

This is sunrise while I was on the plane. The last sunrise I saw in New York…

Taken on Sony Cybershot.

Dear NYC: Last Day

It's coming down to the wire.  These are my last 24 hours in New York City (for now at least).

• I shipped my stuff to California.
• I finished my last day at the Disney Store.
• I said farewell more than I needed to my friends (didn't realize this until last weekend...whoops).
• Now it's down to a few more goodbyes while exploring the city...
• Oh and finish packing.

This week has been a roller coaster of emotions.

With one week left to go, I was all excited to go home, but then my emotions took a sharp downward spiral. I was conflicted with myself about whether I was happy to go home or sad to be leaving NYC.  In fact, I broke down at one point, crying on the steps of the Lincoln Center - just the whole realization of leaving hit me all of a sudden. Kinda harsh.

At first, I was like, "YAY! I'm going home!!" (^o^)

Then I was like, "OMG! I'm leaving New York City!!" (O_O)

Then it didn't help that I kept getting asked, "Are you sure you want to leave?" (Yeah, thanks Mike.)

This scene from Tangled illustrates my emotions perfectly.

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.

After seeing friends and exploring parts of the city I haven't seen before, I feel content with going home, accomplished and with friends and memories that I will cherish for years to come.

I know I'll be back in New York City. I'm not sure if it's just going to be a visit or to move back, but I'm glad that I have friends who will be waiting for me to return.

And if they ever decide to come to California, they should let me know!! :)

Thanks for the memories! These final hours are going to be awesome!

P365: Top of the Rock [042]

On my final day in New York City, I went to the Top of the Rock observatory to see an amazing 360-degree view of city.  It was the perfect way to end this 10-month NYC adventure!  While I was gazing out and enjoying the view, I saw all the different places I went to while I was here, and a rush of memories came to me.  Then I got all teary-eyed thinking of all the people I met and how much I would miss them.  Another reality check that I was leaving New York…

P365: The Meatball Shop [041]

While interning at Baltz & Co., I learned of a restaurant called The Meatball Shop.  I was always wanted to try it because I thought the concept of it was quite interesting.

“Pick your balls and then your sides…”

Luckily, I did get a chance to go with my friend, Elena.

This picture is of their sliders.  We ordered:

1. Classic Beef with Tomato Sauce
2. Spicy Pork with Mushroom
3. Chicken with Parmesan Cheese
4. Reuben with Thousand Island Sauce and Sauerkraut

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: Lincoln Center [037]

After running into and spending time with friends from Macy’s, I was hit with the realization of leaving New York City.  Sitting on the steps of the beautiful Lincoln Center, my eyes were filled tears, but then after some comforting, it also became apparent that I should think positively by remembering the wonderful memories with good friends.  :)

P365: Winnie the Pooh [036]

Finally! I found a room in the library that actually has books - the Children’s room!

Not only does this book house all the children’s books, but it also had the original collection of Winnie the Pooh and friends that were originally owned by Christopher Robin.

Winnie the Pooh turns 90 this summer and will also be in theaters on July 15. :)

Dear NYC: Thank you for the adventure!

Chrysler Building

Today marks my 10th month in New York City.  Can you believe I've been here that long?!  So close to making it one year.  However, that won't happen this year...

Today also marks the beginning of my last week in New York City.  I will be moving back home on July 13.

As some of you may know, I've been struggling to figure out which coast to live on.  In fact, this struggle initiated way back in October.  I fought to stay here, but after much deliberation, I've concluded that it would be best to move home for the time being.

As much as I have enjoyed living in New York City, I've noticed that my heart is still on the West Coast with my family and friends.  After visiting home at the end of May, it became even more apparent that I should move back to California.  I missed being with my family, but I feel like it's mostly because I was so tired of feeling so lonely in NYC.

That's right. I felt loneliness in a city with over 8 million people, but even though I was constantly surrounded by people, I was often exploring the city by myself (probably my fault for not reaching out to the friends I've made here).

Anyway, when I was at the airport, I cried before boarding the plane to NYC.  The tears just flowed out of my eyes as I thought about my family that I was leaving again.  I had no idea when I would be returning home at that time or what the future held for me, especially since I was not getting any leads for jobs.  Little did I know that I would be booking a ticket back less than a month after returning.

My 10-month adventure in New York City as been filled with amazing experiences and wonderful relationships that I will never forget.  I'm going to highlight some of those in a couple posts, which will be part of a segment called, "Dear NYC."

I did not expect to be here for nearly a year.  Remembering back to when I first came here in September, I only came to NYC to help my Lola (grandma) travel across the country to see new granddaughter.  At that time, I only planned to stay for 4 to 6 weeks, considering the amount of clothes I packed.  But with a job and internship, I was prompted to stay much longer than anticipated.

Throughout my time here, one question kept coming up - "How long will you be here?" I always had the same answer - "I don't know," which was usually followed by an excuse of why I needed to stay (job/internship).  But even though I had some legit reasons for staying, do you know how hard it was to live with such uncertainty?  I was basically taking it one day at a time, hoping for new opportunities.

Ah! But that's all over now!  I feel so relieved that I finally decided where to go.  I already feel 100 times happier, knowing that I will be home during the summer.  Although I may not know how long I'm staying there, I'm glad I don't have to worry about all the expenses I had to worry about in New York.  Although I'm happy for going home, I'm also sad to say farewell to everyone I met here.  It's a bittersweet moment.

Peace out, NYC! 

I hope to return to New York City, but this time it will be on my own terms.  It won't be a spontaneous trip as a travel companion.  It will be well-thought out and planned in advanced.  Time constraints and living situations will be determined.  Career paths will be paved.  It will be a more enriching experience to enjoy the city and time spent with friends, rather than working all the time (because you know how I'm a workaholic).  My next time in the Big Apple, whether it's just a visit or a move back, I will do it my way.

Thank you for the memories, New York! It's been a blast...!

P.S. Look out for the next "Dear NYC" post...

P365: Mini Cupcakes! [035]

First introduced to Baked by Melissa cupcakes at SummerStage, I was determined to find them to try all the flavors (or at least the ones I thought would be super yummy)!

In this batch of six, I tried:

• Red Velvet
• Firecracker (July’s monthly special)
• Mint Chocolate Chip
• Cookie Dough
• S’mores
• Peanut Butter Cup

P365: Fourth of July [034]

Rockefeller Center was definitely in the patriotic spirit with American flags waving in the breeze in place of the flags of the world that usually surround the plaza.

In case you haven’t noticed, I have a thing for “flare,” where the sun’s rays reach out in a photograph.  It’s definitely an influence from Star Trek (check out the special features and you’ll know what I’m talking about).

P.S. Reason for not having a classic fireworks shot: I was at work...

P365: The View (Brooklyn, NY) [033]

On a rainy day, there wasn’t much to do but stay indoors. Eh…what the heck, I totally took a walk in the rain, and it was rather refreshing actually! ;)

But anyway, here’s a view from my window. Brownstones, trees and cars line the streets in Brooklyn.

P365: Patriotism [032]

In commemoration of Fourth of July weekend, there was a street festival happening on the Avenue of the Americas (yes, quite appropriate).

There were these ladies singing patriotic tunes in the middle of the festival, such as “America the Beautiful,” “God Bless the USA,” and “America.” Hearing those songs stirred something inside me.  As we celebrated our independence and freedom, I just felt something prideful about being lucky to be part of such a great country that stands for such values. It’s something American citizens should be grateful for because it’s something unique.

I’m proud to be an American. :)

P365: Burger Heaven [031]

Lunch time with Sin! Yay! It was so great to meet up with her and talk to her about my decision to move home among other things.

I had a Burger Heaven Burger Special, while Sin had a patty melt.

Really hit the spot! Yay for the classic combo of burgers and fries! :)