"When one door closes, another is opened"

I thought it would be interesting to write about my final day at Press Office on my first day at my new internship. Well, in a way life got hectic right after I left and I can finally sit down and get a grip on everything.

The last day itself was not all that different. As a matter a fact, I can’t remember exactly what I did. I think I updated the sales database with stores that we could send mailings to for Bodkin, our eco-friendly brand designed by a former Teen Vogue employee. My Supervisor bought me lunch. I got a few “aww it’s your last day” comments. Everyone hugged me before I left. The PR Coordinator reminded me that she would be in Miami in July and everyone urged me to keep-in-touch. The Director said if I needed a reference letter or anything, one of us would be more then willing, but my Supervisor had already began one. And just like that the internship ended as quickly as it began.

Leaving New York was both gut-wrenching and liberating. I had accomplished a goal and a dream in one shot; to live in one of, if not the, most unique big city in the world and made a move that would ensure career prosperity. And I was right.

I arrived in South Florida on April 1^st, interviewed for a hostess position the next day and was offered it on the spot. That extra bit of bartending and work I did “on the hustle part” in NY even paid off. The girl who could not even get a phone call back for even a serving or restaurant job now had to turn offers down. For $9 an hour, I would be working at Bulldog BBQ in North Miami Beach. The spot itself was open by former Top Chef contestant Howie. It had a contemporary but laid back feel. Though it was a bit of a drive from my house, it was a job in this economy and the best I’d seen so far.

On April 3^rd I interviewed for a public relations internship with Nikki Beach Worldwide. They are a lifestyle-travel-and style company with hotels and lounges around the world.

(http://www.nikkibeach.com/) At my interview, they noted and asked about New York, studying abroad, my public relations research project, my volunteer work with MTV, and what I did with Cumulus. She loved the variety of my experience, the fact that I worked in fashion and especially in NY, and that I studied abroad. She even said, “I feel really good about this.” I REALLY WANTED THIS INTERNSHIP!! And…on April 6^th I was offered the internship and became the only intern in the Nikki Beach Worldwide office (and after I saw how many people applied today, I realized how much my sacrifices had paid off). I saw the outgoing messages saying, “we are looking for someone with a little more experience” and remembered how I used to be at the receiving end of those denials. Now, I was the person with the experience. It was a bit surreal.

In closing, the bottom line is I did it! I had a vision, a dream if you will, and when the opportunity knocked I answered. I took a risk and even defied my parents at times, who now finally see how much this move made a difference in the progress of my future. Now I am with a global company who is bringing all their public relations in house, and I am the only intern there and was told that if I do well, there is a big possibility I will be part of the team when it does get there. I knew that I was capable; I just needed something to make me stand out, to get me over the hump, to “prove it.” It is an amazing feeling when you accomplish a long held goal and in it, feel and experience your sacrifices paying off. I have my own desk, my own extension, my own email and computer, hell I will even be on the Nikki Beach website as a contact! Today they even told me they felt like I had already been there for a month…the bottom line is, when opportunity knocks, open it. Only one fashion internship wrote me back of the twenty plus I applied to; just one. And had I not taken it, who knows when the next one would have come along…I would have always said “what if” if I let reason and logic overtake me. And I’m not saying thinking things through is not important, because it is, but the power of attraction, positive thinking, and visualization are incredible. YOU make things happens. You can’t expect positive things to happen if you are always focused on the negative. You can’t expect to land the job of your dreams if you don’t dig for it. And you cannot expect to get to the top unless you start at the bottom. Did it suck not getting paid? Yes. But it shows your will, it shows your determination, and it shows your humility. Did I get bored sometimes? Yes. Did I feel like some of the things I did were tedious? Yes. But did I show it? HELL NO I DIDN’T! And now, I actually have people asking for my opinion. That’s “the hustle part.” And the truth is you don’t deserve the gold until you’ve felt the gutter.

I think this quote sums it all up best…

“Believe that things happen for a reason. If you get the chance, take it. If your life changes, let it. No one said it would be easy, but they promised it would be worth it.”

Signing off for “ ‘The City’ on a Hustle.”

Coming up next, “From SoHo to SoBe”…look out world, LL is coming your way!!!!

<3

'This screams intern doesn't it..."

So after being stuck in Florida for longer then expected, this week I found myself back in the Big Apple! During my time down south I discovered the show "Running in Heels." It is about interns at Marie Claire and it was rather amusing. Sometimes it seems like all these shows can get repetitive, but for someone who wants to learn aspects of the business, they can be quite insightful (minus the added TV drama). For instance, I found out Nina Garcia (the former Fashion Director, then Editor-at-Large for Elle & Project Runway judge) is now the Fashion Director for Marie Claire. And she is Latina! (whoop whoop) This show (though I watch many of them) I somewhat related to: the pressure of performing tasks, running around New York City, working a big event, etc. Sometimes I really wanted to smack the girls. One walked around barefoot at a party, the other threw articles of clothing worth hundreds in a bag like nothing, and the other could not even put together a complete story! Are you kidding me?! Get it together ladies. In part, watching them only mounted my confidence in myself. I think I have always had a strong work ethic, creative mind, and knack for attention to detail that was only heightened by my experiences in college. But hey, you can still learn from watching, but nothing beats doing the jobs yourself.

This week was HECTIC. I flew non-stop out of Ft. Lauderdale to New York. Tio picked me up; I ate my breakfast in the car, got dropped off in Harlem to catch the train, and went straight to work. That day, Henri Bendel had requested samples of Suwha coats, three filled completely. Two of us were sent to take them uptown but they were SOO heavy. Carrying one was tough, two was torture. So myself and another intern swapped. 'This screams intern doesn't it.' "We must look mad," she responded. Regardless that evening my arms were sore.

On Wednesday, Barney's (yes, the Barney's) had requested samples from Karen Walker Eyewear and Hansel from Basel socks. Then another magazine, which I can't remember for the life of me, also requested samples. So I was sent to pick up gift boxes at this adorable paper shop and bring them back to the office. There I had to help find a way to re-arrange the sunglasses so they could all fit in two boxes, w/o moving or touching each other and only using tissue paper. After watching my direct boss organize different ways I got an idea. I decided to weave the tissue paper over one pair and then under another and then over the next so it looked like shelves; that way they did not scratch each other or move much. "That looks really good; we'll do it that way." It may sound stupid, but I was proud of myself for coming up with a solution for the office. These are moments little interns need to keep them going. And I packed both boxes and was sent uptown to Barney's. Now, let us remember that my arms are already sore from the coats the day before and now I was to carry four full shopping bags to these locations. I knew it was going to be tough. Once I got off the train, walked out of the Rockefeller station, and got to street level, I realized I had dropped my printed out directions. I am sure the look on my face was priceless as I fanatically scurried down to station again with four big bags bouncing at my sides. And just my luck, they had fallen behind the turn-dial and there was no attendant. And there I stood contemplating whether I should leave the bags there, illegally jump the turn-dial, grab the directions laying on the floor and come back, or just wait. I paced a bit hoping this would not turn into a disater. Luckily two girls came in and I asked them to help me out. Once I had my directions I was back on my way. It was quite a little walk for someone with aching arms and the directions were a bit confusing. I had to stop in a pizza place to get my barings once and to be my bags down and just rest for a second. I finally reached the Barney's messanger center relieved and dropped off 3 of the 4 bags. Then I was off to Rockefeller Plaza to drop off the last. The building was literally a part of the famous plaza and I walked passed St. Patrick's, NBC Studios, and dozens of tourists snap-shooting away. This city is amazing because it is daily existence is what makes it famous and to be a part of it was a bit humbling. How many people get to say they did this?

Back at the office, I contacted men's shoe and clothing stores nationwide to get the name and email address of their buyer. I did not notice that another intern had been sent alone to get the coats we had dropped off the day before. When she returned with only one coat, we knew it was going to be trouble. Had I known they sent her alone and could not carry them all back, I would said something. But she did not think to call to inform them of her decision to now bring the coats back. The director said next time that happened to call and maybe take a cab, then be reimbursed, and that we would just send two people in the am to get the coats. But she was not so calm about it the next day...

Thursday-it turned out Barney's was sending a separate buyer to look at some of the other lines we carry, including Suwha coats, which were still at Henri Bendel. The director was not happy about this at all. After forgetting that it was not a big deal the day before, today people got scolded. Why didn't she just call? I call for everything that requires decision making! lol So we were sent to retrieve the jackets uptown. Later that day, we were sent to retrieve the samples at Barney's while dropping off others. This time because we were picking up, we got to go upstairs. This was a bit exciting. We got to wait in the lobby for a bit, watching employees walk in and out. The sunglasses were ready but the socks were not, so we waited for about 45minutes. During that time, I chatted with my fellow free laborer a bit. An editor had come into the office last week and chatted with the PR coordinator about her assistant not working out and needing help for a shoot. Lucky for her, my fellow intern was in the right place in the right time and got recommended to help. I need a break like that! Also while sitting there, I recognized an older, shorter, and very stylish man walk through the lobby. I recognized him immediately but could not figure it out! I tried not to smile. I turned to the other intern and she recognized him as well. Upon online research, I discovered why. He was the creative director for Barney's, Simon Doonan, and was featured on several television shows including America's Next Top Model!

Other then that it was work as usual with mailings, phone calls, faxing, and showroom assistance. Next week all the editors are coming in to meet with PR coordinator and I am REALLY looking forward to that! In the meantime I am looking for a job in Miami. I have decided that I need to get things in order financially and with my family before I make a big move (unless I get a huge career break here). Times are tough!

Missing in Action

So I have been BUSY these last two weeks!

Right now I am stuck in Tallahassee because a snow storm in the northeast and Atlanta caused a bunch of flight cancellations. So I will be here staying with a friend until they drive down to Miami for break. My apartment is vacant and powerless, so I figured I would use my friend's computer to catch up. 

These last few weeks like I mentioned have been crazy. At work, I started doing "fit modeling" to help out. The sales aspect of the office has been extremely busy and buyers who came in liked to see the clothes on actual people. So when they wanted to see something, I would try it on. It was actually kind of cool. Some of the clothes is so nice, the type of stuff I would only dream of wearing. Many times you could feel the quality when you put it on. When I was just working in the office, they asked that we wear a piece from one of the brands until buyers came, so they could see signature pieces right off. I enjoyed it and fell in love with some pieces. 

My brother and his best friend (who had never been to New York) came up to visit for a few days also. We went EVERYWHERE in a matter of two days; the Statue of Liberty, Time Square, The Empire State Building, etc. All the main spots we hit, and by the 48hrs end I was exhausted. It was fun to explore the city that way though. Even after all the years of traveling to New York and now "living there", I never really hit all the tourist spots like that. It reminded me of how lucky I was to have the chance to live in such an amazing place. 

After they left, I scheduled to work the Coterie Trade Show in exchange for the days off needed to go to Tallahassee and move out of my apartment. I had to be there at 8:30 a.m (OUCH!). Luckily on the first morning my Uncle drove me since I was so tired and running late (from the Bronx to Pier 94 where the show was at was about an hour plus trip). Once I got there and got moving I woke up a bit. 

So for those who do not know what a trade show is, here is a quick explanation. Usually after designers debut their seasonal collections during fashion week, trade shows (with Coterie being the biggest) occur. The brands who showed their collections each have a little section. Store buyers come and browse all the brands and can make purchases for their stores or see the collections first hand. We represented Karen Walker and Suwha, but there was dozens of recognizable brands there: Betsy Johnson, Diesel, BCBG, DVF, etc.  It was like candy land for the shop-a-holic, even though technically no one could make personal purchases. I spent two days helping out the different stands, from 8:30am-7pm.  

And then I was off to Tallahassee...

Fashion & the Flu

I woke up Thursday morning and the first thing I thought was “oh no, not now.” The night before I went to bed unusually physically tired but not sleepy and started coughing…by morning, the coughing became painful. Not so much a sore throat…then the nose started running. I was getting sick…with Karen Walker only two days away.

I don’t remember much of what I did that day, except getting sent to do a pick up at a very upscale magazine. It was like out of a movie…right off 5th ave, security downstairs, glass doors requiring buzzing in, white walls with trendy art in the lobby and one receptionist at a big desk. But running that errand showed me how sick I was getting…throughout the day I felt progressively worse.

I was dizzy just riding the subway, tired with just walking some…I wanted to sit on the sidewalk and close my eyes. I started to get chills up my spine…when I got home I had 101 degree fever. I went to bed fully dressed around ten that night and didn’t get up again until almost twelve the next afternoon. I spent that entire Friday doing nothing, trying to rest up as much as I could. I was miserable.

Finally, Saturday came. We arrived at the office at 11am dressed in all black. All the interns were briefed on what our responsibilities would be. Some were assigned to goody bags, other sign in, others collecting press passes…I was told I would be working with the director of the company. Still feeling sniffly but heavily medicated, we headed to the Altman Building for the show. Loads left in cars rented for the event, while some took cabs.

The building had been used for shows earlier in the week, so much of it was already set up. White wood folding chairs, white draping, the runway, where the cameras would line up at the end of the runway…and we were off to our tasks. I began following the director and doing whatever she needed, then got sent to help a past intern with directing check in traffic. Photographers, assistants, all checking in…editors, models (one with a camera chasing behind her), press teams. Some aghast and surprised that they were not on the list…some finding the procedure for seating “ridiculous.” It was all there. We had Fiji Water and a bottled coffee company sponsoring the show and at one point I got thirsty and was brought downstairs to the fridge. There the models were being primped and primed, interviewed and photographed…just like TV. Though it was interesting, the fridge beverages and huge table of food caught my attention more. I even got to stand face to face with Karen. It was all there…even the late models.

And for all the work, the show only lasted about 15minutes. We got to watch the whole thing, which was awesome, and just like that it was over. The swarm clapped and was out the door off to the next one. We headed back to the office for pizza and then started to get ready for the after party at the Soho Grand.

The grand was a trendy spot, only a few blocks from the office. Soft lighting, huge windows exposing the city, comfy couches and personal bar (which was “open” for wine and vodka). Tired as I was, I knew I could not miss my first real industry party. Most people went in what they wore to the show but I took the opportunity to get jazzed up.

I payed for my fashion day on Sunday and Monday, spending them in bed using up tissue boxes and cough suppressants.

By Tuesday I was back at work. The sales aspect was very busy considering the recent show, but it was business as usual…

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Fashion Week

How do you know it is Fashion Week in NYC?

When you are an intern in Soho and a morning trip to the post office is almost entirely blocked off by paparazi (spelling?) in front of the Prada Store. The culprit: Lily Allen. The store was closed to the public while she shopped.

I continued down the block to the post office only to find I was 30 cents off for my package. The lady's at the counter, now used to seeing the intern with hands always full, told me when I came back I would not have to wait. Back to the office to get 30 cents and out again. This time, the stalkers were running through the streets to their cars, cameras in hand. I am assuming she left...on the way back, firetrucks and firemen filled the block in front of the office. This place always has sites to see.

The office was suprisingly slower. I did several retail related tasks...putting the correct pound amounts on the Suwha tags, coverting wholesale prices to retail prices, and double checking numbers. We also got the Karen Walker Eyewear lookbooks in and had to put them in folders and put Press Office labels on all of them. I also updated more contacts. Luckily they ordered pizza for everyone, which was much more enjoyable then the salami and cheese sandwhich I had packed to save money. It was so sad looking in comparison...anyway, I tried vodka sauce and mozarella cheese pizza for the first time and it was fantasic! And the day seemed to wisp away...after lunch I had to fight the itis with caffeine of course.

At six, I was off and went to get ready for the "dinner" event I was going to with Kim. Women tend to live out of their bag here and I was falling into this catagory. A big bag is a must. I did my makeup, hair, etc. in about 30mins and was off to the train to meet Kim further uptown. The event was not as big a deal as the promoters put it out to be. Joslyn, from America's Next Top Model, and her current agency were hosting. We sat down, got free champagne, had people come and chat with us, networked a little, and then called it a night around 10:30.

Tis all =)

My Mission: Shoes

This past weekend I was exposed to the magical world of NYC shopping. It is amazing...and it is the dream and ultimate temptation of a girl who loves to shop. And the deals you can find are like nothing I have seen...

My mission that weekend was to find shoes, distinct shoes. I needed a pair to wear with the dress I brought from home for the Karen Walker show and a dinner and traditional pumps to wear with my suit for an interview. And I discovered more then that...oops..I guess! (Not really, I just need to not eat out...at all...like this whole week).

Day 1: Union Square-DSW (which was hiring so I picked up an application...details to come) & surrounding stores. I decided to start there because their shoe collection is amazing and prices range. I found a pair of shoes to wear with my little black dress-silvery snake skin sexy things for $30! I decided not to buy them right away and keep looking just in case. Then I headed to the area by my job. I walked up and down Broadway, discovering niche stores and unbelievable sales. I finally found a pair of flat boots, on clearance for $20! I vacillated and decided that if mom approved, I should not feel bad. She told me to consider it a present from my abuela. Finally, a substitute for the Fuggs!

I did not find reasonable pumps or shoes that I liked better then those at DSW, so I went back and purchased those.

Day 2: Herald Square-the thing about NY is you never know what a store will have so you have to check them all. After finally seeing the world famous Macy's (6 floors! It was amazing)I randomly decided to go inside a Journey's just in case they would have pumps among all those sneakers. And low and behold, in the clearance section, black pumps for $23.99! The whole thing took a whopping 30mins...but now I was free to roam. My Tio would not be done with his radio gig for another hour and half.

I came across something I had not seen since I was in Spain...a Zara! For those who do not know about Zara, it is Spanish based company who is taking over the globe and just now seeping into the US. They are out selling GAP in international sales with their unique strategy: They do not advertise at all, nor put out seasonal collections. They create based on sales...for example. If a particular shirt is a hot item, they will reproduce the shirt until sales fade. The clothing is constantly changing and their prices are very reasonable, so if you see something you like, buy it because it WILL NOT be there a week from now. This drives shopaholics crazy...and as soon as I saw the Zara I had to go in.

The sale was INCREDIBLE. I went through so much clothes on sale but was very selective. I tried on dresses for $20, shirts for $10...and luckily nothing fit quite right. Except for one little T-shirt with a child's artwork on the front, which of course, matched the tone of tan on my boots. It was $8 and in my bag at once.

I had my outfit for Tuesday. =)

Luckily the dinner party was not such a hot event, and the outfit for then will happily be recycled for the Karen Walker after party. Double =)

Busy Busy Busy!

(2/5/08)

Last night was the coldest night of the year and the morning did not let up much either. It was freezing. It hurt my ears and made my jaw feel locked in place. Heading out, people in the neighborhood were walking their dogs, the droppings causing steam and owners looking like anxious mummies, counting down until they completed their business. I wondered how Mona would react under such conditions…

Of course I got Starbucks. I am vowing to buy coffee and make it at home like I used to, I just need to get to the supermarket sometime this weekend.

The office was the busiest I had ever seen it. New shipments came in for Suwha and Lover, so it was up to the interns to hang and steam the entire collections. By the end of the day I was a pro at what was once a foreign task. A new shipment of shoes came in, but I could not catch the brand. Either way they were GORGEOUS. A new collection was like an event at the press office; each female gathered around the boxes as pieces came out. They expressed they love, hate, indifference, or adoration for each piece. “Why did they do this again?…oh now this is cute.” My personal favorite was the new Suwha collection, especially the coats. I don’t think there was one that I did not like. What I found out, which probably should have been kept from me, was that you pre-order pieces depending on what season they came from. This was a dangerous piece of information to expose to me.

Aside from steaming, I also ran my share of errands and completed my office duties. I organized the showroom, dusting and spacing pieces to avoid clutter, changing hangers, etc. Sonia needed a new keyboard and mouse, and the office needed stuff like tissues and Windex, so I was sent to Duane and Reid (spelling? w/e I’m not originally from here, lol) and the Apple Store. Because there was nothing interesting about DR (it is like Walgreens), I decided to go there first and then head to the Apple store. It was like no other Apple store I had ever seen. Two floors, white walls, iced-glass stairs, employee wearing teal blue T-shirts…it looked like something out of a movie, a futuristic, high tech movie. The employee rung me up and emailed me a receipt without having to go to a register. Even the bag was cool; one of those back pack like things. It made me want Apple everything…which I knew (being a Communications student) was the stores entire intention.

A day is never complete at work without mailings. This time Cathy, the director put me up to a task. We got the look books for the bag line we have (I can’t think of how to properly spell her last name, Cassaniti I think) which were adorable! The theme of the bag collection was newspaper and the look books looked like a folded up newspaper that when opened, became a poster-like look book. I wanted to keep one. Anyway, her graphic designer brought them in and we needed to ship some back to LA. So I had to box a stack to have mailed, along with invitations, and also price how much it would cost to send the look books as is. At the post office I hoped to get Life Saving Loretta again, but I didn’t.

A past intern decided to come back and help with fashion week and boy was she annoying. She talked and talked and talked and had this air of “I’ve been here plenty of times before.” “Oh this is just your first fashion show…you should try and do this…blah blah blah.” She even brought in cupcakes, which I had of course (red velvet), but you get the idea I hope. One of the interns spoke to me while I ate my lunch about how this girl was driving her crazy, so people in the back giggled while she babbled in the front to someone else. She barely took breaths between sentences. Poor thing…

I ended the night updating contacts. I had spent the majority of the day on my feet so I was exhausted. I have tendonitis in my left knee so I was dying to sit down for awhile. Luckily, Bridges was slow and I was able to come home early. Today I still feel a bit stiff but am taking advantage of my down time. I have also applied for Teach for America, and have my final interview on Monday. Kim also invited me to an industry event which supposedly will have the likes of Tyra Banks there. I also have to schedule an interview with another company who contacted me yesterday. And of course, next week is Fashion Week and the last week of prep before the Karen Walker Show. It should be interesting…

Dashing Through the Snow (2/3/09)

I really need to get my ass to bed earlier. I ended up staying on the phone a lot later then I should have and the morning was like a big blur. I think I changed my outfit three or four times, and thank God I decided to wear my Fuggs (the Ugg knockoffs from the previous blog).

While standing on the platform for the train, it started to snow... Little flurries that became masses by the time I got to my block. In a childish way, this got me excited. I had not seen snow fall since I was kid. All day I would catch myself staring at it fall…it was a bit soothing but with the excitement of something new and unfamiliar.

On the train I felt like I was asleep standing up. If you know me well you know that I hate screeching and scratching sounds (nails on a chalkboard, the sound of a broom on a floor, even the sounds of pencil sometimes), they make me grind my teeth (even with the thought of it now). The subway system is full of such sounds with the speeding up, slowing down, and stopping. At first, I needed the reading to distract myself from it. Now being so tired, I had no interest in keeping my eyes open. And I didn’t the whole ride, even if I was standing. The sounds had now become familiar, almost rhythmic sometimes and did not distract my sleepiness.

Transferring trains I got an idea…to maybe chronicle my time here through pictures as well. I have always had an interest in photography so I thought it might be a good project to take on. And not the everyday tourist stuff, but the things that are uniquely normal here…the musicians on the subway, the artisan on the street, the line at Dean & Deluca for coffee in the morning (Claire Danes had been spotted there that day).

Speaking of coffee, there was no second thought of getting coffee today. I marched straight there. I had 20mins to kill and I needed it badly. I ordered the usually and asked for skim milk, but when the lady called out the order, she said soy. Now I hate soy milk very much, but did not feel like hassling and figured it would be healthier. It did not taste that much different, probably because I sweetened it with every powder and sugar they had.

Once I got to work and removed my extras (also slang from the previous blog), I was informed that my first task would send me back outside. Now the snow was not light and fluffy and sweet anymore. It was dashing in all directions with the winds. I was to go price how much the envelops with the look books and forms would cost to mail (you know the ones I spent my life packing away). We, well I, had put media mail stickers on all 91, however, having the sticker put the envelopes into a different price range. So I was off to the post office. When I got outside my umbrella went haywire. It was not created to sustain the winds I was experiencing. I had to look hilarious messing with it (its bright green so I don’t lose it); coffee in one hand, envelope stuffed into my jacket. At one point my glove got stuck in the latch and I had to rip it out, leaving a hole in my glove. At another, one part of the umbrella started to bend inward cause of the wind. And even at another, the envelope started to slip out from under my jacket. And of course, I didn’t find the post office right away. Mia even passed me on the way to work but didn’t recognize me.

At the post office I was informed that the media mail sticker did make a price difference, and the lady broke all the price variations down for me. I knew what was next…me peeling all the media mail stickers off. And that’s exactly what happened. But my time with the post office was not nearly finished.

There was also two new interns helping out for fashion week, and one who had been there for quite some time. They utilized all of us. The two new ones were the friendlist; one had moved from the UK to NY just recently (I could not get enough of her accent, she said things like “pardon”) and the other commuted here once a week from Maryland! Yes, a 4 hours commute. I forgot his name but the girl was Lisa.

All the tasks I did that day were typical until it was time to mail the envelopes. The boy intern needed to go to Staples to pick up refill ink for the Karen Walker stamp for the invitations. I could not carry all 91 envelopes, even in bags, to the post office, so he came with me first. The snow was intense. After waiting in line for what seemed like an eternity we got to a window. Before showing her our shipment I begged her to patient with us because we had no idea what we were doing. Then I lifted the bags. Loretta, I’ll never forget her, sighed but said “we’re going to get through this” LOL I laugh just thinking about it.

So batch by batch, we weighed and priced shipping for each. Stamping, calculating, organizing. Thank God the other intern was there; it took us 45mins to do it together, imagine if I was alone. We completed $157 worth of stamping and labeling, and thankfully matched the estimate we made back at the office. Then, I noticed my phone was vibrating. I had been so focused on the task that I didn’t realize my missed calls. The office was calling. Amanda was on the line, asking where the boy intern was. I told her he was with me. He had forgotten his phone. She very urgently told us to get back with the ink as soon as possible. This was our first instant of The Devil Wears Prada intern times. Apparently our Director was very anxious in finishing the invitations and you could hear it in Amanda’s voice that she was being held accountable. So we rushed to Staples a few blocks down to find they did not have black ink. He had a very nice employee named Shane (another life saver) look up the ink at every store in Manhattan. The closest only had one left, so we made him call and have them hold it.

Then came the dashing through the snow part of my day. Minus the sleigh and the laughing all way.

We had to walk 8 blocks from one Staples to the next and fast. Amanda was still freaking out a bit but was at ease when we finally arrived at the other Staples, ink in hand. The poor male intern was so nervous that he’d get his head bitten off that he wanted to run back…in the snow. 8 blocks back in the opposite direction (about two miles in total travel b/t going to both stores). And I, the only one with a phone, was forced to oblige. Though I was thankful for the stability my boots provided in the snow, they did not allow the full range of motion to run back in smooth motion. Regardless, for the most part I did run, and something I thought was never possible in 20 degree weather happened: I sweated. I was out of breath once we got back, clothes sticking to me. Amanda apologized for being so anxious but said she was under some pressure. I sipped a water bottle and could only nod. I had worked out the day before and was sore prior to, but now my body burned all over.

It doesn’t have to be Christmas time to dash through the snow I guess...

The Hustle Part

It has been over a year since I bartended. My uncle informed me earlier in the week that they were short a bartender for one of their big parties and he put me on to help. This made me nervous…its one thing to work for someone you don’t know, and quite another to have someone’s trustworthiness on your shoulder. I wondered how much my memory would hold, so I started reviewing my drinks and techniques throughout the week. Some of what I knew were college infused drinks…this crowd would be older, drinking scotch and martinis and it was a bit intimidating. When I got there, the actual owner had the pre work meeting, the “no games we are here to work so don’t let me catch you slacking meeting.” He was wearing all black and it didn’t help.

The night was not all so bad. It got busy, and I stumbled a bit at first, but eventually got the groove of things. It got super busy at times and that was the biggest challenge, juggled the waiters orders and the line in front of me. At the end of the night I made over $130 for about 5-6hrs of work and was absolutely exhausted. The owner even asked me how long I would be here so he could work me in more often. I was pretty proud of myself. Everyone thinks the bartending thing is fun, which it is, but what they don’t know how tiring it can be. You are on your feet moving around for hours on end. Not to mention the occasional injury to your finger if an opener or something is broken (like mine was). I was beat, but had made enough to last me my general expenses and some stuff I might need.

The following day I helped a friend out who makes fan films/photography. He needed a Catwoman fill in and my cousin suggested me. So we took some pictures to maybe sell at this big comic event next week. I think I looked pretty damn good and the picture has got some interesting Facebook comments. It was my first photoshoot!

I also applied for Teach for America awhile back and have my final interview next week Monday. I have a suit but no pumps. So we decided to go to Marshall’s, which I must say, is not that great up here. In the pursuit of just regular black pumps a lady intercepted Kimmy speaking Spanish. She turned her over to me. The lady was trying to buy a pair of designer sunglasses. She tested my patience soo badly I thought someone might pop up with a hidden camera and start laughing about some candid camera show. She had about six shades in her hand, and started with these two Coach ones. "Which ones were darker, your eyes are younger then mine so do any have any scratches, how do they look on me…wait, or would you wear these, how do they look on me, now look at them both"…this lady had me cursing inside. I wanted to say, 'listen, you are clearly not 23 years old so what I wear and what you wear should not be the same thing, stop trying to be brand happy & in the youth culture & go celebrate your over the hill status with grace.' Shit I was irritated…even now writing it gets me bothered. She went on for almost ten minutes before I said I had to go and even that was a struggle.

They didn’t have the pumps so I have to keep looking sometime this week...

Molesting a Mannequin

Thursday was a sunny day and standing on the platform waiting for the 6express, I suddenly got a wave of love for what I am doing. The last few days had been somewhat difficult for me emotionally; I had a few other, more secure opportunities, open up recently and I was torn at the thought of possibly having to make such a big decision so soon. Sonia had also sent in an email for us to bring our laptops to work...but ugh, I don't have one, and honestly can't afford one. I may buy an old one off a friend or just ask Tio for his to borrow next week. But truth is I am kind of embarrassed to ask. It got me down a bit...but for today I decided just to focus on what was in front of me and conquer it as best I could. I knew it would be a long day, but I was optimistic.

The approach of the 6 looked like a metal caterpillar, slithering closer with each unit contracting in a smooth unison, up and around the turns. I thought about how once the train got underground, it would look more like a speeding bullet then the insect it resembled now.

I ended up getting to work about 15mins early again. The trains lined up perfectly. I sat outside the suite and fixed my boots. I made the mistake of wearing ankle sucks that my boots swallowed at every opportunity.They were Ugg knockoffs that my cousin gave me. I swore on life I would never own a pair (and technically I still don't), most likely because the girls I saw in Tallahassee wore them with bare legs and skirts, undermining their purpose. I have to admit, they are warm though. After fidgeting with them for about two minutes, I noticed it was ten to ten. I vacillated over coffee for two minutes and finally gave in. I managed to get my white chocolate mocha and make it back right on time.

When I came in and started taking off my extras (coat, scarf, etc.), I noticed a dog bed and water bowl. I stopped and stared for a second, a tad confused. Minutes later my answer arrived. Cathy, the head of the office, walked in with an adorable dog, a big 8month old labrador-collie-looking mix. This in a strange way made my day. The thought that this was not normal in an office only crossed my mind for a second...his presence was comfort. I missed having Mona at my feet and trotting about all day. So even if he was just sleeping, I felt more natural when he was there. He was clutsy on his feet and had an apprehensive curiousity. What seemed like her boyfriend came in for a few hours around lunch time. He commanded the dog to do simple tricks and we chatted a bit about dogs in general while I worked on a task. I even had a chance to conversate with Cathy while I waited for print outs.

My tasks for that day were varied; of course, there was the mailouts that still weren't finished. Completing these presented a new adminitrative task I had never done: changing an ink catridge. Some may wonder why a 23 year old who has had varied job experience never changed an ink catridge. The only real explanation I can provide is that I maybe had a working printer in college for about a month. Of course, I never let on that this was a new and strange experience for me. I just looked at the display pictures and replicated them and then, success! An administrative milestone, I had to laugh at myself.

Afterward they said I could go to lunch since they had nothing else set up (thanks to my inability to provide a laptop...great). I wasn't practicularly hungry, so I decided to wonder a bit. I asked the security guard if there was an internet cafe nearbye and he told me there was one that was part of a bookstore and gave me directions. It was independtly owned and charming. I wanted to read everything I saw, but that always happens with me and bookstores. I didn't realize how long I was in there (about 30mins) and still had to eat something. I grabbed some independent newspapers and magazines on the way out and stopped at hotdog stand. I had found my first favorite place in NYC.

When I got back I had to change the shoes on the male mannequin. Another new task. This one was particularly hilarious, especially if you happened to catch a glimpse of my struggle. The shoes were a brand we no longer represented, so we had to switch them for Pointers. The first set of Pointers refused to go on, even without laces. At one point I tried to stand him up and force his foot in but failed. Upon lowering him down to the floor I lost my grip and well...dropped him some. The drop made a loud thud and drew some "what was that"s...I yelled that we were okay, even though I dislocated his shoulder. I finally gave up and said they didn't fit, so they got me another pair. This molestation was not as bad. The shoes came on with a few bangs on the heel, a technique I learned as a trainer to check for broken bones. I had broken a sweat. The other intern laughed and said I look like a mortician. The boyfriend gave out a "wow that sucks." I was very relieved when it was over. The shoes turned out to be my first free perk of the job; they were my cousin's size so they said I could have them.

More folder duty called and I answered. I also helped Sonia contact stores whose emails were bouncing back. While she gathered names I helped another intern put together the huge print out of the seating chart/arrangement. I was eating an apple and noticed Winslow (the puppy) watching me when I first started eating it. Sure enough, when I got up to help, Winslow took a licking to my apple. Mia laughed and asked whose it was because she was going to throw it away thanks to recent slobber fest he gave it. Though I was hungry at that point and the apple was delicious, the whole thing was cute and reminded me of Mona.

And just like that the day was done...well that part of the day at least. I still was going to help Tio at the club that night with email sign ups and door work. I bumped in the "dancing guy" on the train ride home again and found he is only a stop before me. As much as it is a little weird, at least he takes full advantage of his time. I worked at the club until 10:30pm. I came home exhuasted, but at least got a few free drinks, dinner, and some money out of the day...oh yeah...and a free pair of shoes thanks to the cooperation (more like the slight cooperation) of a molested mannequin.

Day II-Getting Into the Routine

I woke up tired again because I'm still not adjusted to everything yet. I craved coffee from the second I woke up but fought it. I don't want to get how I used to during finals week & am trying to do things to increase my natural energy levels. I knew at some point I would want something, but I decided against it first thing in the morning; since I hadn't had coffee regularly in awhile I knew it would really wake me up but once it wore off I'd be sleepy. My tio (uncle in Spanish, it is getting weird for me to write "uncle") diligently knocked on my door at 7:03am. I rolled out of bed about 10mins later to my alarm clock. While I was walking to the bathroom, he told me he made pancakes and turkey bacon. Though I'm not one to eat food so early, I knew I should. It would wake me up and keep me full for longer. So after waking myself with my normal a.m. bathroom routine I sat down.

My cousin gave me a big bag to carry all my stuff down to work. It was stuffed with everything I might need for the day...lotion, snacks, a winter hat, etc. I figured out my outfit and then took part of it off and also put it in my bag. It is common here to change at work and wear w/e you need to wear to stay warm until you get there. We were off around 8:15am. My tio drove me to the closest train stop because he had to go to work nearbye, which was great because it saved me a bus trip and a longer commute. It was the first time I went to work completely on my own. He made me repeat my route just in case I forgot. I caught the train around 8:45am and read Marley & Me almost the whole way (great book, I recommend it...I have a very "special" dog too).

I got to Broadway and Prince around 9:40am, 20mins early, so I decided to check out Dean & Deluca. When I walked in, it dawned on me that this was the same company I used to see on Felicity. I chuckled because I never knew it was a real company...guess I never made the connection. I decided against coffee again and decided to just go in a little early and get settled. When I got to our suite, a girl was sitting on one of the window ledges by the door. I asked her if she was waiting to go in and she said she was going to go in but wasn't waiting. I introduced myself and asked if she was an intern. She said yes and went back on to fiddling with her phone. She was not as nice as the intern I met on my first day.

My "supervisor's" per say were not there yet. Jane, the PR person, advised me that they are usually a little late. I figured it would look good that I was there early, so I just waited until they got there. I tried to strike up conversation with the other intern all day, but she was just not that friendly. The most I got was that she was from Maryland, started right before the holidays, and was already bored with the internship. Bored? Why would you admit that...I figured it would be better for me because her lack of interest was noticable. This is a business of getting ahead and standing out, and even if I had a menial task I was commiteed to doing it the best it could be done and with a smile on my face. People notice those kind of things. Intiative it key.

For example: My first task was to steam some of the showroom clothes. I have never steamed anything in my entire life (aside from hanging up clothes in the bathroom while I take a hot shower, but I'm sure that doesn't count), but I never told them that. I let them show me how to use the steamer and how they suggested I do it. So I just copied them and took my time. They told me it was best to go from the inside, which I did for the most part, until I would burn my fingers. Then I would just do the outside. The other intern played with her phone while I was doing this and flipping through a magazine. While I was finishing, some of the employees came in again with Starbucks. I knew I was in trouble...I asked them where the Starbucks was for future reference and they told me it was off Spring Street. I quickly went through my memory of last trip around the area and knew it was nearbye, just not sure in what direction. They said because I was done and they needed about 20mins to get me set up, I could go grab some. I knew I had money on my giftcard and finally gave in to my need for caffeine. Of course, I went one block in the wrong direction and got lucky in guessing which way to go once I got to Spring Street.

Once I got back, they asked me to merchandise the bag and Pointer display and dust it. I climbed up on stool and took my time in figuring out the best way the bags would look. Then I dusted the little shelves/cubicles the shoes were in and made sure they were all facing the right direction. At that time buyers came in, so once I was done I hung in the office until they were finished. I also had a conversation with the PR girl and told her about how I got here/what I've done. She asked me some questions about my interests etc., and told me if I had any questions about anything she could help. My next task took me the majority of the day, literally. All the brand appointment folders were not complete; some were missing forms, other buiness cards, etc. Sonia asked me to make sure each brand had around 20-25 prepared folders. Obviously upon observation, I noticed a ton of discrepancies in forms and consistency. So I pointed them out...I did not finish the whole project until around 4:15pm but they were very thankful for my attention to detail. (We ordered in luch from this place called Lite Delights with great prices. I got a HUGE tuna melt that I couldn't finish and brought home for $4 and change. I did forget that coffee and tuna are not the best things to mix in the same day & I suffered stomach cramps for doing it) A few times they thanked me for pointing things out and asking them what I should do about certain things I noticed. My fingers were hurting & I hoped I could do something not having to do with paper onceI finished...but of course I did. Next came preparing mail outs like I had before with order forms and line sheets. The printer ran out of paper (which I was a bit relieved about), so I didn't have to stuff all the envelopes. I was free to go right at 6pm. The coffee had definitely worn off about an hour before.

Then back on the train to the Bronx where tio picked me up from the station. Luckily I did not have to work the next day and would have a chance to catch up on missed sleep/rest, which is exactly what I did. =)

The First Day

So the day started off at 7:00am when my alarm went off. I was tired. I'm still not adjusted to a normal schedule, since the holiday break had broken my sleeping pattern.

I had no idea what to wear. They said casual but no sneakers. So I was supposed to stay warm, look cute, but not too laid back...I changed my outfit twice. I settled on skinny jeans, a wood green short sweater and black ballerina flats. I decided not to straighten my hair and put the natural curls up with my baby hump. I hoped it would pass cause I thought I looked cute...but who knows with the fashion world...

When we got to the car (my uncle wanted to accompany me the first day which I beyond appreciated), the car would not start (he had left the light on the night before). He started freaking out and called a friend. The whole ordeal lasted about 20-30mins. But I stayed calm, stuff like this happened to me all the time. My ex always teased me about leaving my lights on and killing my battery. I figured it would make a good story.

The story got better when we got to the bridge leading to the trains and it was up. My uncle insisted that they were never up doing rush hour because it backs up traffic, which it did very successfully. He freaked some more after waiting 5mins and pulled out of the lane and in the opposite direction to go around another way. It was about 9:15am. I was supposed to be there at 10.

We finally got to the station and on the train at 9:30am. He couldn't believe how calm I was in comparison to how frantic he was. "It's your first day, I can't believe this is happening." But I figured they would understand.

We took the 6 to 125th, got on the express (4 or 5) to 14th, then the R to Prince Street, getting out on the NW corner (I've repeated so many times in my head so I wouldn't get lost). And suddenly I was in the famous SoHo on Broadway. Even he said "Oh this is cool" & he has lived here almost his whole life. Both stops were right next to my building.

I went upstairs to the third floor. The building was really nice...hardword floors, high ceilings, bright lights...I loved it already.

When I got there, everyone introduced themselves. They asked if I had trouble finding it, and I joked no, just had trouble getting there. I think I am the only one not from the city. Though not a big suite it was very sheek. Everyone was young and obviously in style. I wondered how they perceived me but I knew I would be judged by my work ethic more then anything. That "not a city girl in the NY way but in the Miami way" started to sink in but I shook it off. I was shown all the new and old collections, which were for press only, and which were for sales. They showed me where things were, etc and we talked a bit. First days are always weird, no matter were you work, but everyone seemed nice. Mia, the women who hired me and who I had communicated with, had made a bread pudding and brought it in for everyone. As stupid as this may sound, it was comforting. It showed that everyone was somewhat close and thoughtful of one another. After all it was a small office, no more then 10 people in there at a time. And it tasted fantastic!

Then I got to work. And didn't stop until I left. They had me begin by securing the labels on one the show brands they represented: Pointer. Stapling the labels into the shoes was not as easy as it originally sounded. Afterward, they had me prep the appointment folders for Dunderdon. I put business cards and collection sheets in each folder. Then when I finished that, they got me started on prepping mailings for different stores. They would be sending out look books, order forms, and business cards to stores across the country and in the area. Once I was done with the first set, they let me go to lunch. Around that time, another new intern came in from NYU. She was very friendly and were both were obviously happy we weren't the only newbies.

I walked around for a bit and didn't find too many places to eat on the main road (Broadway) and I didn't want to venture to far off on my first day. I found the SoHo Cafe about two blocks away and on my budget, ordered a burger (which was huge) for $6.50 and a V8 for $2.50. A $10 treat for lunch; from now on it'd have to be cheaper or I'd have to bring lunch. I had already spent $20 on a subway card. Like I said...I'm an everyday girl on a everyday budget. =)

Once I got back around 2:15pm I finished the last of the mailings. Then I was sent to deliver the local ones to four stores within walking distance. After the first one, I didn't realize I was on the right street to head to the next one. I ended up walking about six blocks in the wrong direction to walk six blocks back, and basically make a big circle. I couldn't help but laugh at myself and take it as a learning experience. I even started to recognize streets my cousin had taken me to about a year before. I made all the deliveries but my feet were freezing and I was tired. One guy in a store wasn't very nice in helping me, I felt like flicking him off but just said thanks and went to the barely visible store politely. Another store was under the actual building and I had to search for a stairway.

Once I got back it was time to prep for the Karen Walker show. We had to re-stuff the invitations to the right side and then stuff what was left. The invitations were girly but unique, with a sqaure shape. The task became a bit mindless after awhile and we were finally let go around 6:15pm. I was beat. I found out that the show was on Valentine's Day, which though exciting, hampered any romantic possibilities.

My first time alone on the train was pretty quick and easy. I had memorized which way to go after hearing my uncle repeat it to me about 20 times. The R was PACKED, but once we went uptown it lessened. It took about 45mins. And you do see crazy things on there. I wished other places I had lived had such organized and well timed public transportation. I remember not having a car in college and having to ride the bus anywhere took forever. An hour just to go a few miles. This was actually relieving.

Once I got above ground I called my uncle to pick me up at the station. He DJ's a Latin night at a club and informed me he would be putting me to work. My body and feet weaped but I knew I needed the money and it was generous of him to think of me. They order food every Thursday and I had a healthy and delicious share of pepper steak and yellow rice once I got to the club. Actually, a double sharing. Then I helped them sign up people for their email list for about two hours. By 10:30 I wanted to pass out and he took me home.

I finally showered and this time had no problems falling asleep. Today I didn't roll out of bed til noon. No internship until next Tuesday (I work 2-3 times a week). I spent all day today joining networks and applying for part time jobs. This is "The City" on a hustle.

Arriving in NY

It started to hit me when I looked out the window and saw the Statue of Liberty & Downtown NYC in the airplane window. I had been to NY almost every year to visit family but it took on new meaning. It began to feel like a place of opportunity, not just admiration.

The lower we got, I noticed the blanket of white everywhere. Snow. Not palm trees or turquoise beaches. It also hit me that I'm going to be colder then I have ever been in my whole life.

My uncle picked me up excited to see me & my first and only wool coat. Though a graduate & with my issues about how a college degree still to this day has not landed me a job offer, I wore my FSU sweat shirt underneath proudly. It had been a conversation starter with strangers in line for coffee in the past and I hoped it may bring me luck here too. I had already found the alum club for the area too.

We dropped off my stuff at his house and he assured me all day, that no matter what I needed I was at home. He drove me around the bus routes I would be taking and the train stops (the six train, move over J.Lo!). Then we went to the supermarket to pick up a few things. I finally came home and unpacked my stuff. I was excited but tired. I could not help but feel like a bit of a nomad; my apartment in Tallahassee, my parents and dog in South Florida, my opportunity in NY. I felt scattered.

The first night was tough. I wasn't used to the sounds the heater made through the walls. The ticking clock drove me so crazy I had to pull it off the wall. My dog wasn't at my feet...it was different. The last time I looked at my phone was around 1:30am; soon after I'm assuming my thoughts stopped racing and I fell asleep.

How I found it...

When I told people about getting an internship in NYC, so many people asked me how I got the position. My answer was quite simple: I looked. I looked and looked and looked, hours upon hours until my eyes where bloodshot from staring at an LCD screen. I had thought that my dream of working and living in NY were to remain only that, a dream. What was the likelihood of a girl from South Florida who went to school in Tallahassee of landing that spot? Well it happened and it did because I never stopped trying.

I had always had an interest in fashion. I'm a junky for the TV shows; Project Runway, America's Next Top Model, The Hills/The City (I know, kill me), What Not to Wear, How Do I Look?, etc. I always had the desire to participate but did not feel as though I "belonged" in that world. After all, though I loved to admire, I was your everyday girl on an everyday budget. I shopped at Marshall's. Big names were a treat and only on the clearance/sales rack. I was okay with that world; it taught me discipline and the difference between necessity and wants. I wouldn't say I envied the label bearing sorority girls (no hate on them, I'm in one to..Theta Nu Xi =) ) on campus (we came from two different worlds) but I always thought "man it must be nice." I remember having a class with one girl who did an internship with Teen Vogue; she was such a bimbo I couldn't understand how she landed it. "Must be nice" I would say and continued on with the day.

That interest, one night after watching some show, led me to search. I had just graduated from FSU in December and had been job searching over the holidays, and decided, why not look for internships? The truth is, the market is horrible and very few places are willing to pay you for the experience they expect you to already have (especially in public relations). It's unfortunate that so many schools think that their name will get you where you think you need to be, and my college (with their "limited access" program) did to. Interning wasn't required and they didn't push me to do it. My last semester I did anyway, with a radio company doing marketing and promotions. It was this position and not my degree that EVERY interviewer asked me about. "What did you do? What did you learn?" It was only after I had walked the stage that I realized the most important thing college didn't give me: experience. My thousands of dollars of debt was really only a check mark on a requirement list. I needed experience.

So I put aside all my inhibitions, the little things in the back of my head, and googled "fashion internships." I found that there are tons of career specific search engines. 'Why didn't anyone ever tell me about this?' I would think. Years of college and they only taught me theories and ideas, facts and numbers, not where to look and what you needed to get where you wanted...I settled on freefashioninternships.com. It was a play ground of interest for me. But almost all were in NY. Seeing all the listings made a desire burn in me. 'I really want to do this' I thought. So I started applying to everything I saw. EVERYTHING. And with that only two or three called/contacted me.

I knew that I didn't know all the lingo of the fashion world but I also knew my desire would get me something. I was also reading a book about the power of positive thinking and attraction. If I believe it and keep fighting it will come at the right time. And it did, much sooner then I expected.

I got offered an internship with the Press Office Ltd in NYC on Jan. 6th (a month after applying, you need to patient and plan in advance). They were a fashion public relations agency in need of interns to assist in upkeeping the showroom, daily activities, and working fashion week! Suddenly I had what I wanted but now I didn't know what to do with it. I was excited, shocked, and terrified at once. Here was my chance, now a reality. It happened VERY FAST.

My situation was difficult. Like I said, I'm just your everyday girl. I had supported myself through college, still had an apartment and was unemployed. I had a lot of things I had to get in order before I left. My parents were concerned about money (though I would be staying with uncle in the Bronx and commuting to the city), about my apartment ($400 a month in rent), and how I would do it all. To be honest, I didn't know, but I knew it would work itself out somehow. They offered to take care of my dog for me for the time of the internship, even though they thought I had failed to plan and was jumping the gun. But I didn't care (though that sounds somewhat harsh), I knew I could not pass this up. I had never lived in the cold (I'm a Puerto Rican Florida girl!), so coats/long johns were not in my vocabulary. My mom fronted me the money for a coat (she couldn't let me leave w/o one, she was born and raised in NY) and a few small things. I also cleaned out my apartment in Tallahassee, sold and got rid of some stuff, paid as many bills as I could, and made plans for NYC. Luckily, my mom is a retired airline employee and got me a dirt cheap non-rev ticket. I knew I would have to get a part time job and/or sell some furniture in my apartment or sublease. But I knew everything would fall into place because I felt I was doing the right thing. On the way to the airport, for reasons I cannot explain, a women was on the sidewalk of an intersection was dressed as the statue of liberty. I wish I was joking b/c it made no sense whatsoever. It gave me and my parents a good laugh. They were lightening up to the idea of what I was doing and I got a sense that NY was where I needed to be. I arrived in NYC on Jan 22nd with only about $100 to my name and a passion to make it that no one could hamper.