She Strengthens

Embracing the Unknown: My Journey to Adulthood in the City

As I navigated the unfamiliar streets of New York, my stomach churned with anxiety. I had lived in six different places before, but this move felt different. I was no longer a student, and the pressure to succeed was mounting. I needed to find a job, become independent, and prove to myself that I was capable of making it in the city.

Finding a Home

After accepting a part-time internship with a TV development company, I scrambled to find a short-term living situation. My parents urged me to consider a women-only residence, given the uncertainty of my job prospects. I stumbled upon a company that owned several residential buildings in Manhattan, converted into women’s dorms. One building, in particular, caught my attention – its central location, bubblegum decor, and roof access seemed like the perfect solution.

Living with Strangers

My new home was a tiny room shared with a stranger, complete with an en suite bathroom, common area, and furniture. My housemates were an eclectic mix of students from various universities, and I was one of the few residents who weren’t in school. We had a resident advisor, Emily, who attempted to organize events, but her presence was scarce. The owner of the building was even more elusive, leaving us to fend for ourselves when things broke down.

Rules and Restrictions

As a women-only residence, we were not allowed to have male guests in the building. While others ignored this rule, I adhered to it, paranoid of getting evicted. This made things difficult for my long-term boyfriend, who had to book a hotel room when visiting. I felt guilty making him pay for a room when I had a perfectly fine bed just blocks away.

Feeling Stuck

Living in the dorms a few months after graduation made me feel like I was taking a step backward. I was supposed to be cooking my own meals, paying my internet bill, and making my own rules. Instead, I was stuck in a microwave-reliant, roommate-dependent existence. I felt like I was back in freshman year, trying to forge relationships with strangers and storing my belongings under my bed.

Breaking Free

About halfway through my stay, I was itching to escape the dorms and start my “real life.” I knew I needed to find a full-time job to stay in New York, so I asked for help. I approached my supervisor at my internship, and she offered to pass my resume along to someone at a talent agency. A month later, I received a call inviting me to interview for a spot in the mailroom. Two weeks before I was supposed to move out, I got the job offer.

A New Chapter

When moving day arrived, I couldn’t leave the Pepto pink building fast enough. I was ready to start my new life, free from the restrictions and uncertainties of dorm living. As I looked out at the city, I knew I was finally taking control of my life and embracing the unknown.