From The Peopling of New York City

How I Became a New Yorker

I was born in Brooklyn, New York, on January 5th, 1991. I have lived and continue to live in the neighborhood of Sheepshead Bay. I have been a New Yorker since birth – I haven’t lived in any other state. I identify with New York because I have experienced most of its cultural institutions, such as the many museums and theatres. I have visited all five boroughs, even though I am mostly familiar with Brooklyn. I am constantly aware of the differences in other cities and how New York has a unique feel to it. I can identify with the many people who rely on mass transit as their main way of commuting. I appreciate some of the staples of the area, especially the variety of cuisines, such as Indian, Turkish, Japanese, etc… The variety of restaurants found in New York is difficult to find in other cities. This also relates to the diversity of the city and how many of the people who live and/or work here are immigrants. Although I was born here, my family comes from Poland, Russia, Iran, and Turkey. It is a somewhat odd combination, but I’m sure that there are plenty of New Yorkers with a diverse mixture of ancestries. I believe that New York is a special place because it has something for everyone. I believe that the variety of activities in this city is unparalleled. I don’t think that it is truly possible to experience every part of this city. I feel that I am constantly learning something new, especially in terms of the environment. For example, I recently discovered that New York has a high percentage of farmland and that it is possible to find local food sources across the five boroughs. Finally, I identify myself as a New Yorker since most of the people in my family are New Yorkers. We share similar stories and lifestyles.