I have a love/hate relationship with New York City. When I’m away, I think about the dirty streets, rude pedestrians, and unforgivable traffic… but when I’m back, I feel the life of the city. The burning desire of each individual with dreams and ambitions. That energy is undeniable. It’s like everyone has an agenda, some sort of story. And whether you’re going through a heartbreak or have lost yourself, New York is the ultimate escape to just live in the moment and forget about all your problems…

I’ll admit it, I’ve always loved big cities. I grew up in a small town in MN and I went college in Phoenix, Arizona.  I always pictured myself moving to Los Angeles once I graduate and never really saw myself in NYC.

All that changed 2015 when I took a job with Estée lauder New York as a research scientist. It was my first time in the big apple. I’ve had a few Mary Tyler Moore moments walking through the city, popping into my favorite bodega for fresh flowers and actually making my way around without getting on the lost on the subway.
But just beneath those really great moments is this: a pestering voice asking, “So you’re here. Now what?” That voice, though condescending, has a point. I didn’t want to simply be here to be my greatest accomplishment. I want to do more. I came to do more.

Coming to New York was instant gratification. I wanted to do it, and with one plane ticket, I did – no depending on luck or time. It happened as soon as I decided I wanted it to happen. For someone who is as horribly impatient as I am, it was perfect.

 

Love, 

Faduma Sahra