For several weeks I have been toying with the idea of taking a writing class. A free class is what I wanted but a free class doesn't get me what I want in order to accomplish my goal.
The time arrived this morning to head out and sign up for the class I decided I needed. I wanted to be comfortable and presentable. I felt dressed appropriately for the adventure. I felt good-- kinda hip and ready to tackle the college way.
It was pouring out so I felt immediately at home as I love bad weather and seem to thrive when I'm out . The bus was full. Most of the wet passengers were grumpy and scowling. I had done my research though and knew to transfer at Lincoln Center. The bus goes east across Central Park and emerges at Fifth Avenue then proceeds on Fifth then turns on Madison Avenue. Ta Da!!! A whole new world of want opens up. Store fronts full of up scale expensive merchandise, bright colorful windows filled with designer clothing and on and on and on.
I was born and raised in Medford, Oregon and wanted to be in New York City most of my life. I've been here now for 21 years so it's not like I'm new to this but today was different for some reason. I felt like a small town girl coming to the big city for the first time.
I live in Hell's Kitchen on the west side. I love my neighborhood and wouldn't change to the east side for anything. Traveling to the east side is a change of everything in this city. But i made it and was ready to tackle Hunter College.
OMG what a deal. As i was walking in the right direction finally, I glanced in the window and saw an older, overweight, some would say, eccentric looking women, looking back. Oh dear!!! Can I really pull this off. I'm here now so go for it. It turned out that my purple nails matched the school colors and was brought to my attention several times.
Kids, lots of kids. I'm stopped by security as I try to go through the gate. "Where are you going--you can't go in there". Oops!!
The kind security man points me in the right direction with explicit directions as to how to get to the east building after you take the escalator in the west building (which isn't working) get off on floor 3 and take the bridge across to the east building then take the elevator that's down the hall on the left, up to the 11th floor and on and on and on. OMG. After several stops and pleas for help I find what I need. It's lunch--doors are closed except for a few. I walk past several and finally stop at one in which sits a man who seems comfortably set to work. He greats me and asks if he can help. PLEASE. I explain why I'm here and plead old and poor. He informs me of the senior discount and suggested a couple classes and the free lectures. The class I have chosen to take was met with his approval and the instructor was given his praise. He was fabulous at making me feel welcomed and comfortable. Thank you Lewis!
People couldn't have been nicer. When registration for Continuing Education opened, I was greeted and helped and signed up for a writing class that fits my needs and pocketbook. Thank you Nora!
Getting out of the school was almost as bad as getting in. I'm direction challenged anyway but after finally getting on the right bus (yes i got on a bus going in the wrong direction) I arrived back in my beloved Hell's Kitchen proud of the fact that i am going back to school at age 71 to take a writing class. Stay tuned for the next Hunter College chapter as I go from farm girl to city girl in NYC.
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