HOME AWAY: Day One

DAY 1: The Oversized Luggage

The day was November 16th, and after a few years of casually contemplating, it was finally happening. I had always been a risk taker, but never bold enough to pick up my bags and move to another nation in search of better opportunities. As I packed my things, I began to think of the new journey and the goals I aim to accomplish. I began to ask myself questions like: “Who will I connect with? What jobs should I agree to? How often should I go home?” I stuffed a few of my favourite sweaters and jackets into my now-oversized luggage, and started to think about what shoes I needed to pack. No one believed that I would pick up and leave primarily because I developed a tendency of hyping up the idea and dropping it completely after a few days of research. The truth is, the visa process for non-immigrant workers is a lot more work than expected. As far as the city goes, I had always felt like New York was the place for me to grow as a thriving creative. From the outside looking in, New York cultivated a culture of disruptors and innovators that challenged the status quo. I was also heavily inspired by the hustler’s mentality shared within the city as it was like nothing I had seen before. 

“It is officially go time, the journey starts now,” I thought to myself.

As I left my home in Toronto, I began to think of any small items that may have slipped my mind during the packing process. I was good. I had everything I needed. I was ready for the road. Once I arrived to the airport, my younger brother and I exchanged some words of wisdom and parted ways. Following a smooth check-in process, I found myself sitting at Gate A6, scanning the area for a charging outlet. As I found one, my phone rang, and of course, it was my mother inquiring about a million things at once. ”Where will you be staying? Do you have a job yet? Have you considered positions in Toronto? Do you have money?” I smirked, before calmly telling her that I will be in touch when I land.

I am finally on the plane, and I close my eyes while envisioning this transitional phase. A period in my life that will be filled with excitement, growth, and progressive opportunities. The plane had now taken off, there is literally no turning back now. 

Finally I landed in New York! I arrived feeling like Eddie Murphy in Coming To America; even though the flight was less than an hour and I had been here a dozen times. I quickly picked up my oversized luggage from baggage claim and called an Uber.

The Uber arrived and I head over to Brooklyn where I would be living until further notice. 

“Is this the apartment?” says the driver as we arrived at the destination. Suddenly, I woke up and squinted in the direction in which he was pointing. I got out of the car and thanked the driver before grabbing my things. At the front door I was greeted by my new roommate, whom I had been in contact with for weeks. We shook hands, walked upstairs, and he opened the door…

I looked at him with a concerned smile and said “we have some work to do.” 

He laughed nervously. 

Welcome to New York City!