What Living in Boston Taught Me
Living in a big city often sounds frightening and overwhelming to people, and I completely get that. When I first moved here to study at Suffolk University I was swallowed whole by the city. Walking to class amongst lawyers, doctors and designers was scary and it was almost impossible to not wish I was them. Everyone in the city has their own agenda, their own way, and their own life. After a while though, that kind of quiet energy, and self assurance becomes addicting. Next thing you know you start building a path to obtain your goals. You no longer wish you were focused, driven and sure, but instead you become it. Living in the city teaches you lessons, here are a few. XX
Humility
There comes times when you get dealt a bad card. When I say this I mean you have a completely terrible day, a terrible class, or just feel terrible. There are some things that you cannot control about living in the city. For example, if the T is slow and so you’re late for work. Another example that comes to mind is when there are people honking and yelling in the streets at 2 AM. You see, the city never stops no matter how you are feeling. These kind of reality checks are good though, it wakes you up from getting stuck in only your world. To take a step back and realize how truly small you are is good, and it sets you on the right path to wake up the next day and work hard all over again.
Self- Dependence
On that same track, there are some days when all you have is yourself. I know especially because of how busy I am, I go some days without even speaking to another person. I get stuck inside my own head, and I have to make sure its a happy place to be. The city reminds you that you have to take care of yourself. At the end of the day, when you’re in bed, and away from the rush of outside, you have to make sure you can still smile. Learning what I need, how to treat myself, and how to create a happy environment is one skill that I will never forget from living in a city.
Quiet Confidence
There are other days where everything goes your way, and it seems as though all of your hard work is finally paying off. You learn though, that it is better to be proud and boastful on the inside, rather than letting it spew out onto the pavement. For others, it may be their worst day, and by you drowning them in your own pride, you won’t get the response you’re looking for. It’s the best feeling when you know you did well, and that’s all you need. You learn that your own acknowledgment of yourself is all that validates you.
Creativity
If I never moved to Boston, I don’t think I would have ever tested my potential. I came into University wanting to study Psychology, which was limiting my own abilities. Not that Psychology isn’t a great major or career path, it just wasn’t mine. By walking by designers and seeing the possibilities in a more creative field of study, I’m testing myself everyday. I get amazed at the end of semesters by all of the work I have done and skills I have gained. The city pushes you, and inspires you to be your best self, even if you don’t know it yet.
Wonder
After living here for almost 2 years ( I can’t believe it’s already been that long!) you start to get used to the big buildings and commotion. Living in one city, you start wanting to see others. You want more excitement, new excitement. I have been planning and researching more travel ventures than ever before, just because of my curiosity and absolute wonder of hat is in the world around me. I am fascinated with the idea of traveling to another continent and being submerged in culture and buildings that are foreign to me. It’s like once you get a small bite of a city, you can’t help yourself. All I want to do is travel & experience things.
Value
Another part of being so busy, is that I don’t really have time for all the things I used to. I don’t get to see my family as much, or even my friends. My time is devoted to school & work, which makes me truly value the time I have doing things I love. Being with my family becomes a true gift rather than something that you are “supposed to do”. Most of my friends are stemming from my RA position or my Major at University, which makes it easy to spend time with them because we have that same drive and passion that can only be coined from the city. Time and ability become something that you don’t let go to waste.
In the end, there is some kind of energy that comes from living in a city. It helps you see your goals, plan a future, and enjoy your time.
XO