Leah McCann Smith | Writer & Editor

Almost a week in, and I already feel more at home than I ever thought I could in a brand new universe called New York City. In the place that challenges you mentally, emotionally and even physically, moving here was a true moment of evolution for the girl who grew up spending 90% of her life in North Carolina (the other 10% traveling on soccer tournaments and summer weeks spent in Alabama).

I live in Bushwick, Brooklyn, and I—have mixed feelings—about my neighborhood. It’s gritty and rusted, yet I find myself enchanted by the charming street corner with a funky name and hip, young group of Bushwick heads to accompany it.

The restaurants here are legit. I could devote a whole blog to the foodie culture in Brooklyn. I love good food, though.

I’ve already met so many amazing people here. Each with their own weird and intriguing goals and aspirations. Each with a spunky personality that makes their story unique, as they chat away about the people they’ve met, the places they’ve been and the places and people they want to know. Each with a story to tell and a dream to live, just like me.

My two cents of advice (because let’s be real, I can really only spare two cents….I’ve got a hefty rent payment to take care of now, OK?): for a place to start an adventure, for a place that will frequently test you and your sanity, especially when it starts snowing out of the blue and you are NOT dressed properly for the declining temperatures, for a place that, at times, makes you feel truly infinite and truly empty at the same time, New York City, y’all.

Out with the old, and in with the new. I think I’m finally ready for the new.