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The life lessons living in a big city taught me

Toronto

Living in a big city is a handful of stress but a spoonful of excitement. Living in the hustle and bustle of a city is one of those things every girl seems to want; all the trains, the shopping, the higher than high buildings, and the sophisticated lifestyle. I haven’t lived in New York or Chicago, but I have lived in a big city which provides a similar way of life. That being said, living in a big city has taught me a few things.

Firstly, don’t get lost in a crowd – literally and figuratively. When you live or move to a big city, you rarely run into people you know. You walk down the street and see strangers staring at you almost like they know your whole story. So, take advantage of that and make a name for yourself. Get to know your neighbors and walk with a sense of confidence. You have a story to create and it’s exciting to show the world what it is.

It can also swallow you up whole, if you let it. Like number one, city life can get pretty lonely if you lose who you are in the hordes of people. Most times, people are only looking out for themselves, so make sure you trust only certain people.

Take advantage of the resources you have. In a big city, there are a lot more things you have access to compared to a small town, like public transportation, a great variety of shops and stores, and multiple employment opportunities. Try and use all these resources to your advantage. In the city I’m in, I am steps away from so many different opportunities that I can’t help but try something new on a daily basis.

Always be prepared. I learned very early on while living in a big city that you can get lost faster than a NASCAR race. You think you are going one way and find yourself in the depths of an unfamiliar neighborhood. With that in mind, never leave the house unprepared.  Know where you are going, plan your mode of transportation, and use technology to your advantage. In a small town, you can always find your way around because you either run into someone you know or you only have a few streets to go through before you realize where you are again. A big city can swallow you up whole; I’ve definitely spent my fair share of time on the opposite side of the city than I was supposed to be. You learn quickly how to work your way around an unknown place.

With all of that being said, living in a big city is something I think every twenty-something should experience. You learn how to stand on your own two feet, how to make a name for yourself, how to gain the confidence of being on your own, and the sense of pride from learning things on your own. You will make-new friends and explore uncharted territory. From the eyes of a twenty-something who has done the big city life, embrace the lessons you learn from a big city and enjoy every minute of it!

About the Author

Keenyn Bijou

Keenyn graduated from NAIT Business School where she majored in Marketing and Advertising. She enjoys sports, photography, and writing. She hopes to make a positive impact in a company through her expertise and ethics.

Website: Keensider.blogspot.ca