 | |||
| Top of the Dream Downtown Hotel, NYC |
I am just a small town boy with big city dreams. Growing up I always knew there was something different about me. I have always been attracted to things that were big, bold, and fancy. I knew that I didn't belong in the small conservative town that I grew up in (although I love visiting now). Moving along, I just recently graduated college and moved to New York 15 days following. I'm in Manhattan and I'm loving the hustle and bustle of this crazy place. I often thank God because I feel so blessed and privilege to be able to follow my dreams. I'm currently at Jones magazine and I'm learning so much there plus loving it as well. The publication has great potential to go far, and I'm glad I'm able to be apart of it. I'm a social and lifestyle writer, but I'm able to work on other projects as well. It was so coincidental when my editor asked me to produce the society section of the magazine, "Keeping Up With the Joneses" for the summer issue. While growing up my mother used to always tell me"Carl, you can't keep up with the Joneses." lol and look what happened. I'm excited to see my work published in a national magazine that will hit newsstands at the end of this week. I have always dreamed of working for a magazine since I was younger, but it wasn't a career that was really encouraged in my hometown. Most people become teachers, nurses, working in the medical field, criminal justices field, sales of some sort or a coach (not that there's anything wrong with that). I can not see myself doing a job that I hate for the rest of my life. I understand that the world of media doesn't come with the highest payed salary, but I am HAPPY!! (That's all that matters right?) I feel as if I'm more on the creative side and I belong here. Each day on my commute to our office (on Fashion Avenue) I get this tingly feeling that I'm dreaming. It's so surreal to be in this city where dreams come true (and I'm able to work towards mine). I can say that I miss the southern food and economic standards, but this is what I wanted. I wanted some of my aunts barbecue today, but because I'm in New York this also another thing I had to sacrifice. If I said I didn't miss the south I'd be lying because I do. I was talking to Jamari (my nephew) on the phone the other day and he just thinks I'm the coolest uncle ever. It really made me smile as well as reminded me while I was here. I had to follow my dreams so that when he gets older I can help him follow his dreams.
Since I've been here I must say my favorite places are Williamsburg Brooklyn, Chelsea, The Meatpacking District, Harlem, and Soho. I've noticed that in each neighborhood you can find the good, the bad, and the ugly. Which makes this city so unique. I'm going to start exploring those areas a bit more for restaurants (I'm a foodie), vintage boutiques, and potential apartments. Just wanted to catch you guys up on my summer so far. Thanks for reading!
-Cheers from Carlton
Photo Credit: Vogue.com
