To many people New York is seen as a busy city. The loud sounds of construction, sirens, and helicopters might seem alarming rather than calming to others. But for the ones who grew up here, they find calmness in the craziness of New York City. The subway, the piers, and the many cafes, there are so many events, pop-ups, police or ambulance sirens, homeless people, construction workers, dog poop, and subway stories in the life of a New York City teenager, yet they are able to find peace within the City.
As New York City students, Clintonians are unique and have aspects of themselves that allow them to unplug into the city’s nooks and crannies. The city might not seem like a place to have pockets of tranquility, but Clinton students are able to find it.
Each student has their own way of finding quiet in their busy student life. Clinton Students use their city as an outlet to find refuge from the ebbs and flows of their daily schedule. They are intertwined with the city, and even when they are gone from it they miss it. Anna Verga, a sophomore at Clinton says “When I’m away, I even catch myself thinking about the subway.” Anna says “I strangely find peace on the subway lines I know like the back of my hand. For example, not the walk, but my 4-stop train ride to school every morning is just so familiar and normal for me. I honestly find peace on it a lot, considering it’s also definitely one of the less crowded trains.” Even though the subway can be scary or nerve-wracking to others, Anna can find peace in the familiarity of her routine. She also loves to leave her house early so she can “Peacefully enjoy the walk,” says Anna.
Lucy, a sophomore at Clinton, also enjoys a good walk. She says “I really enjoy the piers in Brooklyn and walking near the water.” Walking is something any New York City teen can do. It is an alternate mode of transportation from the subway, and it is very helpful for taking your mind off of the sounds of a busy city. However, when peace can’t be cramped into your transportation, it can be found right after Friday, aka the best day of the week.
An anonymous Clinton student says, “If I can’t find time for rest during a school day, I use the whole weekend to do that which is a great time to reset.” This Clinton student uses the weekend “to go to small parks and cafes”,which is another way to find peace in the city. All the parks are surrounded by greenery and beautiful gardens. The unique cafes are super fun “and great for a peaceful spot to study or to just unwind from a busy day,” says a Clinton student.
Clinton students can also find peace in intimate things that are just between them. Lucy says, “I find peace and tranquility in listening to music and journaling throughout the day and week.” Anna says, “I love playing tennis because it’s the only thing that truly takes my mind off the most stressful thing for me, which is school. By the time l’m done, I feel like I’m ready to go back home and tackle my homework.” Each student has their own personal ways of finding time to reflect and destress in the city, but it is clear that even in a busy city, a calm exists in each person’s life.
Friends and family are valuable parts of Clinton students. It is the people they lean on for guidance and comfort. Anna says ”My friends are also going through exactly what I’m going through in terms of school, and so I enjoy being around my friends.” Knowing that you are not alone in the challenges you face can bring security to your situations. Lucy also enjoys hanging around with friends. She says “There are many things that support me including my friends and family.” Talking with friends and family, gives you a break from your thoughts and allows time for laughter.
Finding what relaxes you is never easy. Clinton students are learners. They are still trying to learn about who they are and what allows them to relax. Lucy says, “ I feel like starting High School at Clinton was definitely harder than I thought and at times it was harder for me to find tranquility.” Anna says, “it took me years to pick a purely “JUST for fun” hobby that truly relaxed my mind while challenging it at the same time. Even with friends, they come and go, and it’s hard to lock down a true friendship you can rely on.” The ways that you find peace are always changing and shifting to who you are becoming. Anna says, ”Truthfully, Clinton gets harder and harder every year. Each year I have to find a new way to balance my life with school; however, with that being said, because of it, I have definitely grown and found the things in my routine that bring me peace.”
Balancing life inside and outside of school can be overwhelming, but Clintonians use the city, friends, and family to help carve out the overwhelming things that high school shoots at them.
