The holidays. This being my first holiday season in New York, I was excited to experience all that winter in the city had to offer. I forgot to take into account that I would be swamped with finals. Although I have had some time to explore New York further, it is becoming less and less exciting. True, it's the most exciting place on earth but I think I'm really starting to become a New Yorker... just another 9 and a half years and it will be official. As first semester draws to a close, I feel i've learned a lot so far, not only in school but so much more than I expected. Who knew a year ago what I would've experienced by now. One thing that I've learned is telling the real from the fake and i'm not talking about handbags. Back home, it was easy to tell, for me at least, who i clearly liked and did not like. There was no second guessing. I had my best friends that I've had by my side for 10 years or more. In this new situation, it's a lot harder. Being at a design school, the vast majority of people i'm surrounded by seem cool and unique people I'd like to know. However, there are just as many fake people devoid of genuine personality, it's just harder to tell. Luckily, I have those close few that I know will always be there and until I find more friends like that, I guess i'll just have to stay true to myself, however cheesy it may sound.