It's almost been a month since I came home for the summer and while I'm tremendously grateful that I'm no longer at school, I can't help but feel bored every single day. Every summer I find myself sinking back into the horrible cycle of not doing anything, complaining that I haven't done anything, and then not trying to make plans to actually do something.

Having a job –and sharing a car with my sister who also has a job– has also really limited my free time and energy to the point that when I come home from work, I always just end up taking a long nap and watching Netflix and Youtube videos for the rest of the day.

This cycle has already become intolerable considering I have dreamt about this summer break for the past semester; I wrote list after list of all of the fun activities I wanted to do with my friends and the places I wanted to travel to, but instead I have ignored all of the bullet points and resorted to my bed. I'm fully aware that I'm the only one that can break this cycle so when I overheard my mom discuss her upcoming trip to New York City with my dad, I immediately began researching the cheapest flights.

If you've never been to New York City I wholeheartedly apologize, but if you have been lucky enough than you will understand what I m about to say: NYC changes you for the better. I'm not sure if its the beautiful buildings, delicious food, or the bountiful boutiques that do the trick, but whenever I visit the city I truly feel happier, more energetic and confident, and most importantly, more like myself.

19 years ago, I was born in the heart of the city to two wonderful people; I lived in a cramped apartment for the first two years of my life until my parents decided to leave the city for good after the terrifying ordeal of 9/11. My parents miss the city every single day, but know in their hearts raising a family in that environment wasn't meant to be. However, whenever my family gets the opportunity to go back, we take it. And that's exactly what I did.

For four days in June I will be accompanying my mom to my favorite place in the entire world; I will be able to visit my favorite places in the city while reclaiming some of the energy and happiness I have lost over this summer. I will be able to wear the outfits I have been wanting to wear but too scared to in my hometown, and I will be able to walk on the same sidewalks as some of the coolest and most confident people I will ever see. I am so glad I jumped on the opportunity to escape reality –even if it's only for a couple of days.