How Growing Up In Weehawken, NJ, Shaped Me Into The Person I Am Today | The Odyssey Online
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Politics and Activism

How Growing Up In Weehawken, NJ, Shaped Me Into The Person I Am Today

Weehawken: A place where you learn so much, and where you learn to love so much.

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How Growing Up In Weehawken, NJ, Shaped Me Into The Person I Am Today
Butterfly Diary

Being able to grow up in a town that resides about eight minutes from New York City, the corner stone of the world, was an absolute privilege. The hustle and bustle, the people, and the action happening right outside my window always fascinated me. I can genuinely say that being raised in Weehawken, has helped build me into a well-rounded, knowledgeable, and adaptable individual.

Weehawken is located directly across the river from Manhattan. Living in close proximity to the city and being able to enjoy the perks without having to actually enter Manhattan is quite thrilling. We have the best view of the skyline! Great restaurants, and numerous things to do recreational wise, and, of course, the people! There are so many people. As for myself, people fascinate me, and always have. Since Weehawken is so close to the city, many people live here due to jobs they have right across the river. With the fast commute due to various forms of transportation (bus, train, cab, ferry, etc.) and the short distance, Weehawken accommodates so many people.

By being surrounded by people all the time, one can really become adaptable to different ways of living. Having so many people concentrated in one area, you never know what kind of person you are going to run into. You have tons of people, all of whom are of different nationalities, are part of different social classes, and have different personalities. I feel you learn the most from other people and experiences, and living here really opens you up to that.

The more you know about a person or subject, the easier it is to make knowledgeable opinions. There are so many people in today's world that form opinions about subjects that they have no clear understanding of. That is why ignorance is a common trait among people today. As for myself, I'm fortunate to have been opened up to such a diverse community, from which I've learned so many amazing things. I'm well rounded with society and the way it functions just by walking out my front door. Not too many people can say that for themselves. That's why people who have been raised or still live in Weehawken are so blessed.

With having so many people in such a small town, you can really feel the sense of community. I can walk down the street and know most of the people I see, all of which always say "Hello!" You are never alone either. If you were ever put in a situation that you knew you couldn't get out of on your own, someone was always there for you. I can truly say that even outside of my house, I always feel at home.

Weehawken is great solely based on the history that the town contains! On July 11, 1804, the duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr took place on the coast, where Alexander Hamilton was fatally shot and rowed back across the Hudson River to Manhattan where he died. Our town also played an enormous role during the terrorist attacks of 9/11, due to the short distance away from where the attacks occurred.

Being able to be raised in an area like this was something I will never take with a grain of salt. I appreciate this town for every ounce of what it has to offer. The diversity, history, and community make this town one to stand out. No matter where I go in life and no matter what I do, Weehawken will always be home, and a place that I truly learned so much from.

I can sit here for hours and talk about Weehawken, but to really feel the love I have for this town, you're going to have to visit it for yourself!

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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