Untitled

By Jennifer Fuster, age 16

Inspired by the October 09' Memoir Workshop

"We're moving to New York. It's been decided."

My mother's words echoed through my mind for the next five minutes. It was hard to respond in a proper manner after she uttered the decision. New York?, I thought. Really? All my life I wanted to visit the concrete jungle but never for one second I thought moving there would be in my future. Even as a harsh joke I lied to my friend that I would be moving to New York. Months later Karma caught up with me.

Would I really have to say goodbye to my best friends? My beautiful house? A car? The warm seasons? Now all of these positive things I still hold on to this very day remind me to be grateful for my childhood. I grew up in sunny Florida in the beaches and theme parks. I've been to Disney World more times than I can remember. To this very day I miss where I grew up but I am optimistic about my new life in NY. I have so many opportunities here and I've gotten to experience a completely different life than I was comfortable with.

For the first week my gaze was locked on all the tall buildings and skyscrapers. The architecture in NY is breathtaking. Over two years in this state and there are still times where I look up and can't believe I am where I am.