It has been five years I came to New York from Bangladesh. When I talk to my friends in Bangladesh over the phone or video chat over Skype, I see their eyes widening and their voice rising with sheer excitement with the sound of the word “New York”. It’s a land of dream, a land of opportunity and a mine of easy dollars to most people in my country. “Dollar Rush”, the newer version of the Californian Gold Rush, still illudes people from all over the world to come to this great city and make their American Dream come true. Some people succeed to do that, but the price that comes with it is only known to those who had to experience it first hand, who had to get hit by the reality of this dream and stumble upon their face losing the last bit of energy to stand up on their feet. There were times when my family and I were ready to pack our luggage at any moment and kiss the “American Dream” a final goodbye. There also are moments when I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to study at one of the best engineering schools in New York on a full bright scholarship.

New York City,  New Yorkers and its dreams are so puzzling, so contrasting, so contradicting, so complex, so elusive and so deceptive yet so mesmerizing and seductive that makes an irresistible and impossible appeal refuse.

During the harsh winter in the west, migrating birds flock thousands of miles to the east to get rid of the harsh coldness of their home, to find the warmth of summer in a new country. Some reach their destination, some die on the way fighting against the harsh environments. The flock doesn’t stop for the ones that fall behind. They keep flying. Their eyes deluded with the warmth of summer.

–Reaz Rahman