Times Square

Quote #1:“My tongue, every atom of my blood, form’d from this soil, this air,

Born here of parents born here from parents the same, and their parents the same.” (Song of Myself, 6-7)

I would use this quote from Whitman’s “Song of Myself” poem to describe my experience of Times Square because it is a place, in New York City, where we can actually meet different individuals from all over the world. Thus, It is a place to have a true experience of diversity and interconnectivity just by simply observing and interacting with individuals from different countries. Furthermore, it also reminds me of the theory “replacement hypothesis,” coined by paleoanthropology in 1980s, which explains the human evolution and claims that we all came from the same origin.

Baruch College

Quote #2: “The monkeys said, to each other, ‘we didn’t know where this water comes from. Since we have nothing to do today, let us follow the stream up to its source to have some fun.’ ‘Reaching its source, they found a great waterfall.’ (Journey to the West)

The quote from “Journey to the West” describes how a group of monkey discovered a great place where they can reside without having to worry about the immediate danger and attack from other animals. It can be used to describe my journey that ultimately brought me to New York and prompted my decision to pursue Finance major at Baruch College. My decision to follow my inquisitiveness not only led me to discover my true passion but also opened more doors for opportunities.

Empire State Building

Quote #3: “‘You will hence be given the religious name ‘Wake-to-Vacuity’, all right?’, ‘Splendid! Splendid!’, said the monkey. (Journey to the West, 436)

This quote is a perfect description of my “eureka” moment that I had when I was on the top floor of Empire State Building. That panoramic view from the top of the building gave me a sense that how large the entire city was and encouraged me to get outside of my head more often to enjoy the presence.

Click on the link below to view picture

https://www.dropbox.com/s/1dmhx9schxhdr8c/Screenshot%202015-09-10%2016.13.04.png?dl=0

Suzanne Brown

A Journey Through

New York City,

And other places.

Me-  September 9, 2015

Introduction

These pinned locations represent just some of the great distances I have covered since I left my birthplace, Jamaica. As you are well aware, time came alongside me as I journeyed toward new beginnings. I find this quote from Whitman’s “Song of Myself” to be apt. “What do you think has become of the young and old men? And what do you think has become of the women and children?” In my early days time was my friend, now he’s an unrelenting taskmaster who punishes my folly. UNABLE TO POST PICTURES.

The  pins from left to right are NJ, where I work per diem and part time, so I have an opportunity to complete my degree. From “Heart Sutra” I like these lines “[t]here is no ignorance, and no end to ignorance.”

Brooklyn,where I lived worked and gave birth.  According to “Heart Sutra”,  “The body is exactly empty”. I am still struggling with this concept.

The last pin is a doozie. Manhattan specifically Baruch college, where I attended college,met my love, got pregnant and dropped out of school…Whitman’s poem  provides a peephole of knowledge.  “The smallest sprout  shows there is really no death”.

1) “He made his companion the tiger and the lizard, the wolf and the leopard; he befriended the civet and the deer, and he called the gibbon and baboon his kin.” (Journey to the West, 424)

This quote from Journey to the West describes an eclectic group of animals who all seem to join together within their environment. To me, this is relatable to the common environment of Penn Station. Within Penn Station, there are people of a number of different races, religions, and backgrounds who all seem to join together and pass through this common point, each being on their own journey. Penn Station can also be extremely chaotic at times, similar to a jungle atmosphere filled with animals. People often run to catch their trains and ensure that they arrive to their destination on time.

2) “I Celebrate myself, and sing myself, And what I assume you shall assume, For every Atom belonging to me as good as belongs to you.” (Song of Myself, 1)

This beginning quote from Whitman’s Song of Myself creates the feeling of a carefree, “happy-go-lucky” environment. Passing through the park each day is very enjoyable as there is always something new to see and observe. Madison Square park is the one place within the city where I’ve witnessed people escape the hustle and bustle of the city and demonstrate this kind of behavior. More so during the warmer months, it is a place of relaxation for many, as well as a place where friends can meet up on and have an enjoyable time away from work and school.

3) “‘You will hence be given the religious name ‘Wake-to-Vacuity’, all right?’, ‘Splendid! Splendid!’, said the monkey. (Journey to the West, 436)

Similar to how the Patriarch gave the stone monkey the name ‘Wake-to-Vacuity’ to awaken him to knowledge, Dunkin’ Donuts is an essential stop in my morning commute to awaken me for knowledge as well. After a long commute early each morning, I have come to rely on Dunkin’ Donuts to energize me for the day, ultimately making me prepared, ready, and open to receiving knowledge in school.

Quote #1: Song of Myself by Walt Whitman related to the 23rd Street Station & Flatiron District

“… I hear the sound I love, the sound of the human voice, I hear all sounds running together, combined, fused or following, sounds of the city and sounds out of the city, sounds of the day and night, talkative young ones to those that like them, the loud laugh of work-people at their meals, The angry base of disjointed friendship, the faint tones of the sick…”

Explanation: New York City is highly diverse and populated. The second I get off the train and step onto the 23^rd street station, it feels as if I have entered another world. Walking through the Flatiron District, I steer through the rush of people whom I constantly feel are in a hurry. I walk past food carts and businesses all sharing the same streets. The distinct smells and sounds swirling around truly make this city one of a kind. I love every second of it.

Quote #2: Journey to the West, Chapter 1 related to Bread and Butter

The monkeys said, to each other, “we didn’t know where this water comes from. Since we have nothing to do today, let us follow the stream up to its source to have some fun.” “Reaching its source, they found a great waterfall.”

Explanation: This line from Journey to the West was great for the amount of times I have discovered hidden gems in the city because of my boredom. In the same way the stone monkey and the other monkeys decided to follow the stream up its source because they had nothing to do, my friends and I would walk and try to find new locations during our long and boring breaks. One day we had decided to follow a street in the city to see where we would end up and that is how we found Bread and Butter. Ever since then, my friends and I have been going there for breakfast and/or lunch.

Quote #3: Song of Myself by Walt Whitman related to Baruch College

“It is time to explain myself—let us stand up. What is known I strip away, I launch all men and women forward with me into the Unknown. The clock indicates the moment—but what does eternity indicate? We have thus far exhausted trillions of winters and summers, there are trillions ahead, and trillions ahead of them.”

Explanation: I chose this quote to relate to Baruch College. Everyone attending college, including me, are being launched into the Unknown. What “unknown” means in relation to Baruch College is that we all go to classes everyday and learn new things but are walking in without knowing our true futures. Today, we may want to go into a certain field like accounting or finance but we don’t know if that is where we will end up down the road and for the rest of our lives. In addition,we have gone through so many winters and summers while trying to obtain an education and will go through many more in the time to come.

53rd Street Train Station

“I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars” (Song of Myself)

The 53rd Street station is the first stop in Manhattan on the M & E lines, which is by my house.  I used this quote to describe it because even though the train station might seem like a small part of my day it opens me up  to so many opportunities in the city.  It allows me transfers to other trains and it’s my way back home.  Even though it may not be as memorable or exciting it is a very important part of my journey in NYC.

Baruch College

“And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.” (Genesis 1 King James Version)

I used the quote to describe Baruch, because we all go into Baruch as people wanting to thrive and grow.  We are the seeds that will grow into the trees as described in Genesis 1.  Baruch gives us everything we need to become the best versions of ourselves and it is up to us to take it and grow into everything we are meant to be.

The Theater District

“..in emptiness there is no form nor feeling, nor perception, not impulse, nor consciousness…” (The Heart Sutra)

I used this quote to describe my favorite place in the city, the theater district.  The theater district is where Broadway plays are preformed.  I used the quote to describe it, because when you go to a play you need to clear your mind of everything and focus completely on the play.  Just like the quote says when you see things for what they are without labels while watching the play you are liberated.