It’s true, I <3 NY

These past few weeks in NYC has been unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. I’m so unbelievably grateful to be participating in such a wonderful program and be a part of such an agency that produces so much inspiring work.

Times Square

It all started last September I was handed an application for the Multicultural Advertising Intern Program as I was one of two people qualified from my department. The application consisted of answering essays, obtaining two letter of recommendation, submitting a portfolio and completing a creative assignment. I passed the first round, then succeeded in acing the phone interview…then months later, our resumes and websites were released to hundreds of agencies part of the 4 A’s community all over the U.S. The day came where we would be notified of what agency picked us. I was visualizing “New York” in my mind everyday preceding the date. Finally I received an email saying “BBH NEW YORK,” then got a call asking me if I accept the internship. I think that may have been the most exciting moment of my young adult life. 

The view from BBH, we’re on the 19th floor

MAIP has 106 interns in different agencies across the U.S., with NY having the most, 65, who live in NY or in Educational Housing Services.  MAIP took care of my flight and my housing (for a small cost) at EHS in Brooklyn Heights. I would also like to recommend the Education Housing Services if you’re thinking about taking an internship in NY in the future. The rooms are dorm style but there are spacious lounge areas and a modern kitchen where you can cook whatever you like. EHS also hosts events where students/interns can meet the people they are living with and make friends or go on tours together. I attended one networking event and met people that were interning at big name places like MTV, ESPN, Good Morning America, and it was really inspiring to know I’m surrounded by driven, like-minded individuals. 

My surrounding area

Where I live!

My neighborhood is great, not too crazy but still modern and family friendly and only about 20 minutes from Manhattan. I am interning at BBH or Bartle Bogle Hegarty, located in Tribeca. My first impression was: disbelief from how different everything was from my prior internship in Michigan. The layout, the culture, the atmosphere, all has a distinct NYC quality. If you haven’t heard of BBH, you have for sure have seen the amazing work they have produced.
 

There are 6 interns in “The Barn” who are all fabulous and unique. We’re split into two teams who will be working on a special project along with working on BBH accounts. We’ve been having fun so far getting to know all the talented people that work here and enjoying the free snacks and coffee from our in-house barista. : )

After everything I have eaten so far in NYC the exclamation is usually, “This is the best thing I’ve ever had!!!” Apparently the food sucks in Detroit. The other night I had the most glorious grilled cheese sandwich that has ever entered my mouth. I had the Taleggio/Fontina/Crimini & Shiitake Mushroom on organic peasant bread…I’m still thinking about it. The place is called Little Muenster. If you’re ever in the Lower East Side hitting up some bars, or just taking a stroll, I highly recommend you stopping in. 

My other obsession for the week is the ice cream I had from the Cool Haus truck. My fellow intern and I were about to head back home when we saw the truck. You can choose your own cookie with flavors like, double chocolate w/sea salt, vegan chocolate truffle banana, potato chip & butter scotch and pair it with an ice-cream of your choice, like, candied bacon, nutella almond, or sweet potato and marshmallow. I had the snickerdoodle cookie with fried chicken and waffle ice cream…delicious! 

Even though I’m practically in bliss, there are a few things I miss.

1. Family/Friends

2. Driving my my car / blasting music in my car

3. Soft clean furniture

4. My bed

That’s about it.

On a side note:

- Guys wear really nice shoes here.

- People kept telling me no one wears flip flops here…are you kidding that’s all they wear. 

- I have never been in an empty subway car.

- I had added the word “ya’ll” into my vocabulary due to the amount of Texans in my vicinity.