New York City. Everyone’s first thoughts, whether inhabitants or tourists, include tall buildings, the never-ending bustle of the streets, bright lights and suits. From my earliest memories, all I can remember is being a part of this. It was all fast-paced, flashy, carefully thought out and slightly pretentious. But, I remember being exposed to where my extended family prefers to reside; the rural parts.
I wasn’t raised anywhere near New York City. My home was Gdansk, in the tri-city of northern Poland, the part that touches the Baltic Sea. I remember vividly the trips we made, hours away from vast amounts of public transportation and conveniently located shopping centers, to the countryside overflowing with absurdly gorgeous fields of flowers and crops, a home to the many domesticated animals found roadside. As a young, indecisive and naïve child, taking in everything around me with questions and comments ready, I found a love for both scenarios. I became torn between the city life and the country life, a dilemma I cannot find a solution to. It doesn’t matter which city it is or which countryside it is, the feel of both are the same universally and I connect with both.
No longer a child, I find it is necessary to prioritize, making a plan for myself and moving ahead in life. I am filled with wanderlust – the overwhelming ability to travel, to see and to discover. I can never figure out if my problem lies in trying to figure out whether I plan to stay in the city, enjoy the constant buzz of life, or move into the rural areas, with a relaxing aura to surround me. But I do know that New York City will always be considered home.
I found that my first thoughts of New York City are rather different from the popular opinion. I think of the rustle of leaves and sound of gravel underfoot while reading on the grass in Central Park. I think of the whistle of wind and my hair flying in every direction sitting on a rock formation about everyone in the park, watching mothers with strollers and kids playing ball. My thoughts are of a slow paced, cozy aura.
The photograph that best represents this is that of the lake I always go to after class. I’ve always loved long walks, and one day, without a purpose or direction, I found myself sitting in Central Park, face to face with scenery I thought I could only ever find miles outside of this metropolis. It’s now one of my favorite places to think, or to write down my thoughts, or read without distractions, or to simply enjoy the view without any interruptions. The peace I find in the middle of such a busy place reminds me that New York will always hold what I dream of; ambition and excitement with a taste of comfort and joy. I hope other people find the true worth of New York City, not in its business and its wealth, but in its duplicity as the greatest city on earth and home. 
