The Arts in NYC

3

Just Plain Awesome

Just two hours ago, I was still sitting in Lillian's living room helping (or attempting to help) Andrew edit our final project for class. I sat there staring into Andrew's computer while my mind flashed back to the previous week. We had spent countless amount of hours drafting the script, editing, shooting, acting, procrastinating, and laughing that it hardly felt like an assignment at all. Truly, I've never laughed so much or so hard in my entire life. Every time someone passed by us shooting a particular scene they would always ask, "What is this for?" We always replied, "Oh, it's for this class called 'The Arts in New York City'." Then before leaving, they said, "Oh cool, sounds like a fun class."

That comment resonated with my mind. I've come to realize how awesome this class is. Reflecting upon the events of this semester, I notice how culturalized and appreciative of the arts I've become. How many freshmen in college can say that they've been to a dance show, an opera, a comedy club, a classical concert, a broadway show, and several art galleries all in one semester? The only bunch that can boast of such accomplishments (that I could think of), is Macaulay Honors kids. How priviledged we are as students to have such grand opportunities to be exposed to all New York City has to offer! I mean, I've discovered more about New York in these past few months than I have all the previous years of my life living here.

Growing up in Queens, I always thought that New York was overrated. The "cultural capital of the world" and the proverbial "streets of gold" were myths to me. I never understood why people wanted to go to "the city" to hang out. Manhattan was just a conglomeration of apathetic people, monotonous buildings, and expensive price tags.

This semester's experiences exposed my ignorance. Now I get what the hype is all about. New York City offers art, and art in its various forms, produces sublimity and creativity through interpretation.

Never again will I make egregious claims such as, "Opera is boring," or "art is stupid." Because I know better than that. Broadening my horizons started with this class, but it certainly won't end here.

-Cherry H.