Get on or Waste Time
Uploaded by haley1 on Apr 10, 2024
Growing up, I remember strolling along the blocks of our neighborhood past the house of my aunt, whom I only saw when she was having an extravaganza. Past the old man on the corner who mentions he remembers me in diapers every time I walk by. Most of all, I remember the nerve-racking rattling sound you can hear for miles. The swarm of people running up and down the stairs trying to get to where they need to go, and the iconic “stand clear for the closing doors please”. Taking the train was one of those things where if I could find another way to reach my destination, no matter how much longer it took, I would. But all of that changed once I attended college. I had to realize my biggest fear was now one of my only tickets home.
Now and then, you turn on the news and there is a story about a train derailing from the track, getting stuck underground or somebody getting hurt while in transit. Every time I see, hear, or even go near a train track, these things run through my mind, hoping that I won’t be next. Taking the train is a form of transportation chosen by most people trying to get where they need to go in a timely way. My fear had me Google searching all the routes without that option no matter if it took an extra thirty minutes or an extra two hours. Originally, I'm from the Bronx where on every other street corner you see people rushing to that rectangular black sign with the colored shapes with different numbers or letters depending on the area you are in connected to the stairs that either take you up or down to start your journey. I never intended to go from such a fast-paced urban area to a rural neighborhood where most stores are closed by 9 pm and if you wanted to buy a snack, you most likely would have to drive to your local grocery store or gas station. But the snacks were the least of my worries. My biggest concern was how I was going to get back home when needed.
My initial thoughts were that I would be stuck living the suburban life until I could get it together. After hours of searching and narrowing down my options, I had...