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How I Turned a New City into Home

Moving is never easy, particularly when you go from a place with palm trees and easy beach access to a place with nothing of the sort. What I was most intimidated by was the New York City subway—but to my surprise, it was super easy to navigate, as was getting around the city in general!

I made myself feel at home by bringing things that comforted me, like my childhood stuffed animals and pictures with my friends and family to decorate my walls. Plus, I went to every student event I could find, in order to make new friends and get involved in new activities.

Wait … There’s More Than One Season?

I personally love the weather in NYC, but adjusting to it certainly wasn’t easy. This was my first time experiencing all four seasons! My favorite season so far has been fall. There’s nothing like seeing all the pretty leaves fall and feeling cozy, especially when you’re used to green palm trees that stay the same all year long.

My number one tip for other Floridians who are coming here: GET THE UNSTYLISH PARKA! It doesn’t always matter how “cute” your outfit is if you’re freezing and shivering in it, so get the most insulated top layer and fuzziest boots you can find. Also, definitely get the waterproof spray for your UGG boots. When it’s cold, windy, and rainy, you’re going to want something that keeps you warm, and you’ll regret your stylish coat and damp boots really quickly.

A few extra tips: Get good closed-toed walking shoes (not just sandals), bring warm sweaters and coats, bring lots of cold medicine while your body gets used to chillier weather, and enjoy the changing seasons!

What I Eat When I Miss Home

Some “tastes of home” I’ve found here have been playa bowls, , and . I don’t really like cooking, and when I do eat out, I choose places similar to the ones my family and I would eat at all the time. has really good and fresh acai bowls, La Pecora Bianca has amazing homemade pasta, and Jack’s Wife Frida has delicious Mediterranean food.

Interning, Networking, and Living the NYC Dream

There are things I’ve done in NYC that I never would’ve experienced in my small beach town, The top ones are working at the original Ralph Lauren store on Madison Avenue, which I got to do during my first semester, and working my dream public relations internship during my second semester.

Working at Ralph Lauren taught me so much about attention to detail, how luxury retail operates, and more. I met many wonderful people, including tons of celebrities as well as friends I’m still in contact with.

During my second semester at LIM, I worked hard to find a PR internship with PURPLE, a luxury PR firm that works with brands such as Sol de Janeiro, Golden Goose, The Public Hotel, and many more clients across the world. I made connections and learned PR is what I’d like to do as my career. I’ve been fortunate enough to go from being a Fashion Intern in the spring semester to being a Lifestyle Intern during the summer semester! It truly has been a dream come true.

Advice for My Younger Self

Change is a good thing, no matter how scary it may seem at the moment. I knew I wanted to live in New York since I was a little girl, so the huge leap of moving here seemed so scary and so far away, yet so necessary. I’d also tell my past self to never say “no” to any opportunity, because you wouldn’t be getting the opportunity if you weren’t ready for it. Make your dreams known to everyone because you never know who may be around to help you. And always “dress for the part!” Show up to class on time, well-versed in your schoolwork, and presenting your best self—your professors are industry professionals, and you never know the connections that they could get you in the real world.