New York, New York. The city so nice they had to name it twice. Also known as the city where it’s easy to get stuck on the crowded platforms of the Times Square train station, or caught up in the beauty of the lights that shine down on the concrete jungle. I know from experience how easy it is to get wrapped up in the reality of living in the epicenter of cultural diversity and to be moved to a very different environment. Adjusting can take time but once assimilation is complete, life goes on.

This is the reality for not only myself, but also other students within the walls of North Atlanta High School. Transitioning to a much slower state when an up-tempo life was all she knew, freshman Jalen Williams has grown to call Atlanta home. She has especially grown accustomed to the southern hospitality. “New York has a faster pace but some New Yorkers are rude,” she said.

Fellow New Yorkers turned ATLiens share this same belief. After becoming accustomed to Atlanta’s ways, they’ve come to realize how different the two are. “New York is very different and the diversity is far greater but some New Yorkers are far meaner than ATLiens,” said junior Noelia German.

The key word “some” must mean that there exist New Yorkers who are nice and approachable people, I mean look at me, right? But in all seriousness, other students have described New York as being better than Atlanta. While it might be biased, all opinions are respected. Junior Skigh Jones is one who agrees with this idea and added some of her insight. “They don’t speak correctly down here and there are more opportunities up north which makes it much better,” she said. “New Yorkers know how to interact with one another yet mind their own business. “

As for me, I still miss New York and definitely wouldn’t mind moving back. But I will admit Atlanta has been good to me so far. However, New York will always have a special place in my heart and that’s “facts b.”