“‘Wait, you’re really from Minnesota?’
‘Where is Minnesota, exactly?’
Come on now, don’t do me like that! I was born and raised in East-side Saint Paul, Minnesota, by my incredible Sierra Leonean mother and a Black American father from Mississippi. Growing up in Minnesota shaped me in so many ways; I wouldn’t be the person I am today. All of my education, family, friends, and comfort are here this is my hometown.
Minnesota is often subject to various stereotypes, and I’m here to tell you whether they’re TRUE or FALSE:
• Minnesota Nice (Minnesotans are passive-aggressive): FALSE
• Winter Toughness (Minnesotans can handle harsh winters and aren’t fazed by cold, ice, and snow): TRUE
• Heavy Accent (unique vowels and phrases): TRUE – “you betcha,” “yah sure,” “dont’cha know”
• Outdoor Love (Minnesotans love outdoor activities year-round, no matter the weather): TRUE
No matter what you’ve heard about Minnesotans in Minnesota, it’s a beautiful state and very afforadble. If you’re into water activities, vibrant arts, a high quality of life, and PRINCE (yes, he was born and raised in Minnesota!), you’d love it here.
However, after twenty-five years in Minnesota and surviving COVID, I felt my goals, dreams, and personal growth pulling me somewhere new—and that place turned out to be New York.
Photo By @welcomebackwrath
People who know me know that New York has always been on my mind as a place I could see myself living, at least for a while. The city had such a magnetic energy. It started to feel like a second home with each visit I’ve made over the years. When that day came it was a happy and sad transition. I moved with no family and few friends in New York, which meant I had to put myself out there and keep busy to make it stick. And here I am, two years into my New York experience, feeling very satisfied as this city revealed all the different facets of who I am.
A Few Things I’ve Learned Living in New York:
• Cost of Living: Having a roommate is the norm unless you’re making serious, consistent money. I got lucky with my current living situation in a rent-stabilized three-bedroom with just one roommate in Brooklyn. But in general, New York is expensive! I catch myself gasping for air on how much I spend living here so yes, it’s no joke. Expect to spend a lot on rent, groceries, transportation, and having fun.
• Embrace the Hustle and Convenience: There’s endless opportunity in New York, making it perfect for ambitious people who like to keep busy. The best way to thrive here is by going after a career that makes you feel alive and happy—heavy emphasis on HAPPY. When it comes to convenience New York is a place you experience outside of your home. Everything you need is within walking distance and there’s endless amount of things going on, museums and beautiful parks to explore. It’s ridicously easy to get anywhere-train, bus or plane, you’re always connected. That said, NYC might not be for everyone. If you’re not into the hustle culture and need a slower pace it can be a tough fit.
• Unpredictable Weather: I’m used to four distinct seasons, but New York has about twelve: winter, fool’s spring, second winter, spring of deception, third winter, the pollening, actual spring, summer, hell’s front porch, false fall, second summer, and actual fall. New York Mother Nature can’t decide, If you know, you know!
• Food is a Big Deal: I know how to cook and I’m happily a part of the big back community. I love eating out. New York’s food culture is incredible and there’s no place like it. Each neighborhood offering something different. To name a few:
• Little Italy: pasta, pizza, cannoli, espresso
• Chinatown: Chinese dishes, dumplings, Vietnamese, Thai, and Malaysian food
• Astoria: Greek, Middle Eastern, Brazilian, and Italian food
• Harlem: African-American and West African cuisine, including mac and cheese and cornbrea, jollof rice, egusi
• East Village: Japanese, Ukrainian, and fusion foods
• Williamsburg: farm-to-table spots, fusion restaurants, and brunch spots
• Bushwick: authentic Mexican, Dominican, and Puerto Rican food
As I reflect on my journey from Minnesota to the chaotic, fun and unpredictable streets of New York, I realize how both places have shaped me uniquely. Minnesota has taught me the importance of community, family, and resilience, while New York has set the tone for my adaptability, ambition, and passion for life. Each day in this dynamic city, I’m reminded that growth comes from stepping outside of our comfort zones. Moving out of Minnesota meant leaving the comfort of my family, friends, and routine to partaking on a journey of my own.
So, whether you’re a proud Minnesotan or a New Yorker at heart, remember that our identities are shaped by our experiences, and the journey is just as important as the destination. Here’s to embracing the unique stories we carry with us, no matter where life takes us next.