The United States has been long considered the land of opportunity, and right outside of our windows is Lady Liberty, standing watch over the gateway to this new land. I feel that there is opportunity here, and a chance to start a new life. It's a big step to go from the small village of Clinton, N.Y., to the island of Manhattan, but I feel that it has been a smooth transition. Although it can be overwhelming at times, there is something about this place that makes you feel that anything is possible. There seem to be no boundaries, no limits. Just as the skyscrapers project upwards to the heavens so do our hopes, dreams, and spirits.
I am excited about the experiences I will have. I cannot wait to apply what I have learned at Hamilton to real life situations. I already had a student come from Hamilton to visit, and he could not get over how refreshing it was to be out of the little bubble we call Hamilton College. I am very excited about the next few months. The first week was great. I have been around New York City since I was a little kid but I learned more about the city over the past week than I have in 21 years. There is so much more to this city than 5th Avenue during Christmas. I am proud to say I am a New Yorker. That is what this city does to you. I want to be able to navigate the subways, walk the streets with confidence, and say I "live" downtown. It has been a great experience so far, and it has just begun.
