Project 25 (2018-2020)
Before turning 25, I wanted to create a series of self-portraits to represent my childhood memories while also expressing my growing maturity. This project was put on hold, when at 25; I took a risk and moved to New York City. Thus, this series is a testament to how I spent my time in New York City. These photos show everyday victories, solo trips and unique activities, that I opened myself up to experience. Blasting out of my comfort zone and becoming financially independent in New York City is an accomplishment that makes me proud.
5/25/18: Before moving to New York, in May of 2018, I decided to visit. This is my first view of Manhattan. Visiting New York City was also my first solo trip. Three months later, I moved to New York.
Before my first flight out of New York City, I took this selfie, to celebrate completing my first solo-trip. I took this photo before leaving my Airbnb. After this trip, I felt a boost of confidence for being able to navigate a large city on my own.
When I moved to New York City, I had seven weeks to find employment and housing. Thus, I was successful; I obtained two part time jobs and two theatre opportunities. In that time frame, I also found an apartment. My New York City apartment was also my first apartment. I moved to New York, with a book bag, suitcase and camera. I later purchased an air mattress.
This photo was taken in December of 2018. I went to Times Square to take a photo of myself in-front of the numbers that get displayed throughout the year in Times Square. Thus, this became my New Year's tradition, along with writing my New Year's resolutions on confetti, which would be dropped during the New Year's celebration.
In pink lipstick with a bantu knot out, I felt cute and decided to snap this selfie. This photo was taken in my first apartment.
In June of 2019, I visited St. Louis for the first time after being in New York for about 7 months. This photo was taken during an outing with my cousin and brother to the Moonrise Hotel.
In the summer of 2019, I took a tour of Radio City Music Hall. There, I was able to take a photo with a Rockette.
While touring Radio City Music Hall, I was fortunate enough to stand on the Rockette stage.
After an audit of an acting school, I ventured down to the Highline, for an evening walk. The Highline is an elevated park on abandoned train tracks.
To celebrate my birthday, I went to Coney Island. There I explored the New York Aquarium, and saw firework displays.
I took this selfie while exploring the New York Aquarium.
A week after my first trip to Coney Island, I returned with my roommate to once again watch fireworks on the beach.
In October of 2019, I was lucky enough to attend my first hockey game.
In November of 2019, I set out to work with co-workers from different departments in my company to participate in an Gingerbread House contest. Sadly our house fell apart. But I was glad to participate in the contest.
In November of 2019, I traveled home for a 20 hour trip, to visit my grandmother for her 80th birthday.
In November of 2019, I attended the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. Wanting to be present, I didn't take any photos during the event.
In October of 2019, I was able to attend my first professional basketball game at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks (Pre-season).
In December of 2019, as suggested by the book, The Artist Way, I took myself on an Artist Date to the Oculus. There, I watched an ice skating performance.
Keeping with tradition, in December of 2019 I ventured down to Times Square to take a photo of myself in front of the numbers that are displayed throughout the year.
On my last day in New York, I snapped photos of my belongings. After much debate, I decided to move home due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 Pandemic. As pictured earlier, these are the belongings that I originally took with me to New York.
Feeling accomplished and a bit sad to leave my first apartment and New York City, I took selfies of myself with my belongings as I prepared to depart.
On my flight to St. Louis, I looked out at the New York skyline one last time, (for the foreseeable future). I felt sad to leave the city I had come to love. I shed two tears, one for each year. Until we meet again, New York City.