It's hard to have a car in New York City, and I have found that a car is not a necessity. The subway is great for traveling within the city, and there is also Amtrak for getting out of the city. Despite the loss of the privacy of one's own car and risk of not-so-pleasant encounters, I like mass transportation. With a car, one rarely thinks of the endless opportunities for travel. With the train, I actually do this. I think about all of the places that the train goes and the places I could go very easily without having to plan it or look up directions. The other great benefit of the train is people watching. Being from Boston, another great city with a more than efficient train system, I am rather skilled at this. The number and diversity of people in New York City, however, is a whole new experience. There is endless deep thinking and entertainment to be had in people watching. Whether it's imagining yourself in another life or contemplating the complicated lives of others, it's fascinating. And so one can see the many benefits associated with the lack of a car in a city like New York. It can open up a new door of self-discovery.
Help us provide an accessible education, offer innovative resources and programs, and foster intellectual exploration.