New York City

A photo of NYC taken while on the Staten Island Ferry

As you may know, most of the publishing industry is located in NYC. I have been planning to move there ever since I decided upon this career path, despite having never visited. Until September, my mother had never visited either, and was convinced I would hate it- city life and crowded streets and all that.

In September, my mom took her first trip there, and when she came home, she admitted that maybe she was wrong, maybe I would like it.

A photo of some of my friends and I during our time at DPI.

At the end of May, I was offered a job interview at an agency. HR did not want to do a phone or Skype pre-screen or initial interview; they wanted me to come in. So I did. I took off with a couple day's notice and spent four amazing days in NYC.

Unfortunately, it happened to be the week of BEA, so none of the contacts or friends I had made during DPI were available to meet up or do informational interviews. So the trip became more of one for pleasure than for business, which I fully took advantage of.

We somehow ended up 3rd row center for the 2nd act.

I got to see three Broadway shows (A Bronx Tale, School of Rock, and Book of Mormon), the taping of Live with Kelly and Ryan, the Fifth Harmony concert for Good Morning America, and dozens of landmarks. My boss at TLM also happened to be in town, so she took me out to breakfast before my interview.

I also got to see Anna, who was my best friend from ages 2-12. I had completely forgotten she moved to the area for med school, and was so happy to hear from her once she caught wind I was in the city.

I think the interview went well. I felt like a strong candidate, and should be hearing back soon about going back for a second interview.

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Thoughts from later:

One of the many treasures of Central Park.

I did not get the job. I didn't even get the second interview. But I'm still so glad I went. New York isn't this magical place to me anymore. It's real. I loved being there- despite the stress of my phone issues, which I'm now realizing I didn't even mention.

While I am extremely disappointed that the job didn't work out, I feel renewed in my determination to move to NYC. I can do this.