Manhattan Madness

  

As part of Summer Discovery, we visited Manhattan! I had already visited Times Square but this time was with my new found friends. I didn't really see anything new, with the exception of the M&M store and MoMA (Museum of Modern Art). After experiencing New York two times, I can confidently say that I do not like the big city. It definitely feels too busy and the rushed taxis do not help. There were many things to do and experience but it was not worth the hardship of sweating and walking.

Last year, one of my friends Muhan attended the summer program at Columbia so she was familiar with the Times Square area. This was especially helpful because I have a terrible sense of direction and time so she helped make sure that we did not get lost. I traveled in a group of four and with their presence, it made the trip so much more worth it. I had already visited Manhattan so I didn't expect anything new. Because of this, I didn't really want to go on the trip but it was mandatory. However, it was about the social experience not the attractions. 

I think I found my identity in Summer Discovery. Through these past four days, I threw away my pride and regrets and talked to anyone that I saw. Through this, I have developed certain groups that I "hang out" with. I have friends that play sports, friends that are in physics, and friends that are a part of my everyday life in Penn. I believe that I'm the string in our group. They all have common interests and activities but they didn't really communicate with each other before. I made connections with many groups and built the primary group off of the small connections made between them and me. I'm so happy to see that everyone laughs and has fun. Also, I have a personal connection with them. Coincidentally, most of our group is composed of Chinese-Americans that have become accustomed to the American life and culture. At first, I felt disappointed and embarrassed that I lost small bits of Chinese culture. I quit Chinese school for speech and debate and I wasn't fully educated in the traditions of Chinese culture. As a result, I asked my mom questions everyday but I still feel that I haven't become fully "Chinese". But through the interactions of my new-found friends, I became more proud that I am Chinese-American. It's culturally wonderful to be a part of two interchanging cultures. I receive traits from both sides and without them, I could have turned out differently. I'm proud to be who I am and I don't want to forcefully change that. Although, I am still trying to become more involved with Chinese culture. 

We visited the M'&M store which had 3 floors devoted to M&Ms. How much creativity can there be involved with chocolate candy? I'm not a fan of chocolate so I wasn't interested in anything. However, the amount of tourist items never ceases to amaze me. Seriously, kids go crazy over $20 M&M dolls. After walking around for 3 more hours, we visited MoMA 20 minutes before it was time to board the buses. We took a quick peek at the artistic and creative creations of society. Through these visits, I got a sense of New York is like - a bunch of attractions with millions of tourist items. I don't really like this feeling, New York is not the place for me.

So far, the experience at Penn has been phenomenal. I'm not saying this because I'm obligated to do so, I truly mean it. The chance to live like a college student has gave me insight to what being a college student really means. At first, I was afraid to live in a dorm because it requires people, such as myself, to step out of

our comfort zones. I had already taken steps to get out of it through various school events but to live in an actual dorm for a month is way beyond that. We have to trust our dorm mates when we shower, leave our doors open, and go out. It's not a simple matter of trust, it's actually being able to live with people that we have never met. To build this relationship and status in two days is mind-blowing yet amazing. I've had no problems with my floor so far and everyone is incredibly friendly. This has been pondering my mind because I've been casually taking showers in the same room with people. It's just been four days but building such a relationship is at the pinnacle.