My first steps in NYC
Written by Daria Kurdyukova-Pillot
I’ve been already living in NYC for two years. I remember my first days with my husband here. We arrived in January 2016. It was cold (a snowstorm came right after our arrival) and our neighborhood was not as cute as I had expected. My husband had a job and he started it the next day, and I had to manage what to do during these long days. I didn’t have any friends, and moreover it was my first time being in the States.
When you move here, you can feel frustrated and powerless at the beginning. That changes once you go out and discover the city and its people. I did some research about free sport classes and English classes. I discovered so many things to do for free in NYC! I was impressed because life here is so expensive, but you can find opportunities if you want.
Reading Room, NYPL Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. Flickr/Travis Wise
I found my free sport classes at Athleta on 5th Avenue. I went there three to four times per week and followed yoga, Zumba, and Masala Bhangra classes. Now, I don’t have time to go there because of my two jobs, so I try to find activities near my home instead. As time passed, I also found different opportunities at the New York Public Library: English classes, NWNY, and even help with my resume at the Science, Industry and Business Library.
I had three months to wait for my work permit. I decided to be very active and not lose any time. I used this time to prepare myself for a battle. I think this word is the right one, because you face a lot of challenges when you are new in a city, in a country.
I registered for the NWNY LEAD session, I participated in English classes where I found friends, I had my sport classes. I kept myself busy and encouraged myself. I applied for IDNYC and I started visiting all of the museums in the city.
All those small efforts paid me back. I can say that I won the battle: I have a good job, and I continue to make progress and better organize my life here. I hope you are living the same or an even better experience here. If you are not, then try to take some time to make some changes.
Find more information about the NWNY LEAD program here.
