Reverse Manifest Destiny: Vague Volition to Head East

How I Got Here

It all started after another terrible day at work. Some customer had been rude, or a big family had taken forever in line, or a bum had tried to change his dirty quarters for bills. Who knows. The point is, something had made me dislike people, and I hated how my job made me dislike people. I decided to look into other options. I thought about what I liked doing. I love reading, browsing books, going to used bookstores. Of course the dream would be to write a book that sits on the shelf next to F. Scott Fitzgerald or William Faulkner, i.e. one that defines and changes the American literary cannon. I realize, however, that I possess neither the talent nor the productive pain which make a great writer. But, I could be capable of finding these great books and helping them reach wide audiences. It's the next best thing. So, I landed on publishing. It seemed a perfect fit, and had been in the back of my mind since the day I declared an English major.


I began researching publishing programs, and found three: Columbia, Denver, and NYU. I missed the deadline for the other two, but luckily I was accepted to New York University's Summer Publishing Institute. It's a six week program covering the ins and outs of the industry and it provides excellent networking opportunities. Plus, it's in New York, which is where all the major publishers are located. (At this point I've just finished week four). After much internal struggle (I'll miss Carlsbad!) I decided the opportunity was too great to just give up. I made arrangements and the next thing I knew I was packing a bag for six weeks in New York City!


My plane landed in Newark at around 11:30 p.m. After the train to Penn Station and a cab to the dorm*, it was 2 a.m. The security guard at the desk called up the R.A. on duty to get me keys and show me to my room. I threw sheets on my bed and passed out, only to be woken up four hours later by my two new roommates. They were really helpful and kind to get me up in time for class, help me through the subway, and usher me to the Woolworth Building where classes are held. Walking to class that first morning, I knew I was in the right place. New York is more amazing than I could have imagined! I love all the people, the giant buildings, the convenience of the subway, the delis and bagel shops with coffee for $1.25, the list goes on. That's how it all started. More to come!


*I have nothing to do with this video, but the creator does a nice job showing off the features of the building and rooms. I'll post pictures of my room.