A year and a half ago, I packed up my bags in Los Angeles and headed for the big city of New York. Having never lived in a place like Manhattan, there was so much to explore. Every day I would hit the streets eager to study this new life. I was captivated by the beautiful architecture of each building and mesmerized by the lights. This truly was the greatest city in the world. As months went by, I began to notice something strange, a certain habit New Yorkers had.
You’re casually walking down the street on your way to work. As you get halfway down the block, you notice the crosswalk signal begins to countdown. You start walking a little faster. As it blinks, you find yourself sprinting to get across the street before the stop sign comes up.
I found myself getting in the way. I was constantly shoved and pushed, just so people could save an extra minute or two by making the light. ‘What animals,’ I thought. It was such an annoying pattern to me. I couldn’t understand why so many people would stress enough to start running – it’s not like there wouldn’t be another chance to cross the street in a few minutes.
Now, after a year and a half, I find myself running to make every blinking crosswalk signal. I think I can officially call myself a New Yorker.
–Sylvia Pilawa, Village Print & Media Account Executive
What was the moment you knew you were a New Yorker? Share in the comment section below.