The last time I took the time out to sit here I was juggling graduate school, an internship, a job, and my friendships and other relationships.

Today I am a licensed master social worker (lmsw) and I have a career in a trauma-based hospital.  I have worked very hard to get to this point of my life. I love what I do and I don't think I could of been anything else in this world. Many people do not realize or understand the many facets of social work; there is more to it than child protective services. We are advocates, educators, liaisons, and other agents of support. I am now currently working on my clinical hours to obtain my lcsw.

I have Selma now, my german shepherd whose name I had picked out for years. She is a rescue and was found in the woods with her brother as a puppy. Sometimes I think she saved me. It sounds weird but she was born around the time when I was graduating with my MSW, I think somehow and someway we were meant to find one another.

I am also in the most healthiest relationship I have ever been in. My boyfriend is my soulmate who respects me and understands me. I am grateful I have him in my life.

Life is weird as an adult. I'm 28 years old and my life finally is starting to make sense. It's taken a while but I am happy.


-K

The Beginning of The End

“Probably everything in my life comes back to a feeling of abandonment, and this city never abandons you.” 

What I have learned from moving to New York is that certain people come and go in your life, fast. I truly believe that individuals come in for a purpose. They leave once that purpose is fulfilled and theres no turning back.  Whats the point of holding onto people who do not benefit your being or empower you? Whats life with a dull mind? There's no point. Life is so short to forgive and to hold on to people who do not make you feel like your fullest.

Throughout my entire life, I have been disappointed by many people. I didn't write this entry to be bitter or negative, but from those past experiences, it has made me a stronger being. I have built this wall so high around myself, that I force myself to block certain people and events out. That may not be the healthiest option, but for me, it works. 

On a lighter note, I am so very proud of myself for being accepted into the Columbia University School of Social Work clinical MSW program. Although, I am not planning on attending, it's still a big accomplishment for myself. I never tried in high school, I had an extreme case of "senior-itis", very much like I currently do, but now I have found a purpose for my education. I have put all of my effort into these last couple of years while obtaining my B.A and its finally showed off. I remember being called a loser for my studying habits, the person who called me that dropped out of college and is now working in retail.  I am entirely grateful for my parents, who instilled the importance of education, and who never let me take that gap year I used to talk about as a child.

Alone time is healthy, even in a city filled with nearly 9 million people. There is always something to do to distract your mind. My favorite thing is walking in Central Park (when the weather permits me), or just riding the subway with no real destination. At home, I used to lock myself in my basement and listen to music and paint.

You do not need others to define your being, nor should others become your medicine to happiness. Only you hold that value and can find that medium.

Harlem World

“New York has always been going to hell but somehow it never gets there.” 

Its my first time being home in three weeks and no matter how much I love being in the city, I miss little parts of home all the time. I FaceTime with my mom every week but something about drinking coffee at the kitchen table and staying up till 3am talking in person together is the true definition of home. Also cuddling your pets is a+.

My life has drastically changed within the past couple of months. Its kind of strange how attending college can make you fall in love with living. I guess that doesn’t make a lot of sense to people. 

Living in East Harlem has also opened my eyes up to so many new things. Hearing the word “Harlem” has always been associated with being a “bad” place. This isn’t necessarily true.  There is a certain charm in Harlem that I have never seen before. People hug each other on the streets and ask how their families are.  I’ve lived in the same house on Long Island for 23 years and I’ve never even had a conversation with my neighbors before, let alone know their names.

Every weekend my friends and I go to a new museum and try to find the best coffee in manhattan. I’m taking a social movement and change class, and as a requirement, I have to visit 5 museums this semester. Some people may find this incredibly boring, but I’ve always loved museums and learning and seeing new things. When I was in London, I went to a new museum every single day, sometimes I’d go to two (most of the museums are free in the UK if you show a student ID). There’s something about getting lost in a museum and taking it all in that I love. 

(taken at the MoMa)

(taken at the Brooklyn Museum)

(taken at The Museum of the City of New York)

My mother can drink coffee with any meal. I used to find it disgusting because really, how can you drink coffee with dinner? I used to drink a lot of tea but I’ve turned into my mom. The first thing I do when I leave in the morning is get coffee. The first thing I do when I leave for class is get another cup of coffee. I walked 83 blocks for a cup of German chocolate cake coffee. Was it worth it? Yes. Very much so. 

(Effys Café @ East 92nd St & 3rd Ave) 

I hope your weekend is filled with sick beats, love and that you surround yourself with positive vibes and cupcakes. 

xoxo 143,