Thinking that a week out of the term spent in New York City with a group of smart, funny, dorky, beautiful people would be a vacation would be an ill-founded understatement. For a week spent under this looming grey cityscape offers far more than a vacation. The simplicity of presence leading unexpectedly to friendships found and redefined, careers started and started over, achievements sought and applauded, and moments so soon to be remembered can seemingly be found nowhere else. And it is these moments; these undeniably significant wrinkles that define who we strive to be and they measure to how far from it we are.
The top 5 moments by which my trip is defined (in reverse order):

• 5) Mastering the subway:
  This may seem to be something less significant, and it is. But the inherent satisfaction that comes with it is irreplaceable. Because learning a city offers a sense of pride and an ability to help others which trumps all-else
• 4) Scoping the competition:
  There was a ton of work here. I have to say I was not impressed with most of it. I am taking away from it a lesson in approach. Studying each piece reveals the approach the creators took. And however I think it might have failed along the way, imagining the start is always interesting.
• 3) Supporting and being supported:
  Everybody had so much going on, as is the spirit of NYC. I was able to very simply help Tyler, Shawna and Jordan with their pitch. And everybody supported me with my interviews. There was an unspoken reciprocity of support that affected everybody – and so much was influenced because of it.
• 2) Lunch with Jonathan:
  I was lucky enough to take Jonathan Harris out to lunch in Brooklyn. He is a master of so many things I strive to become. Him and I talked about where each of us has been and where we are going. Hugely interesting!
• 1) Getting a job:
  I am moving to New York… The day I heard was arguably one of the most important days in my life so far. I feel that the first real job is one of those defining things, one of those situations that we will grow and learn so much in. needless to say I am very excited.