<p>what do you guys think? i’d really appreciate any advice.</p>
<p>Admittedly, when I first realized that I would yet again tackle the collegiate essay process, I knew that I would have to once again labor over the unique essay topic provided by Johns Hopkins University. When I had previously applied, I spent a long time deliberating over what to write about, and this time was no different. </p>
<p>When I first began to write this essay, I took an approach that was quite unusual for me, as I usually being my writing in front of a computer in my room. I began writing the essay with a pad of paper and a pen, abroad the F train of the New York City Transit System. I began to think of the different ways I could turn a ten dollar bill into an entire days worth of activities. It then dawned on me; the subway system itself could provide me with enough activities to keep me occupied for well over twenty-four hours, and within my budget. </p>
<p>I would begin the day by purchasing a seven dollar all-day Metro Card. I realized that this would be the perfect way to spend my day, and for many reasons. With the Metro Transit Authority celebrating the 100th anniversary of the subway line, it made me reason that there is a great amount of history behind the subway system that helps millions of people navigate their way across New York City every day. Spending an entire day using the subway system would be a good way for me to better appreciate New York City, and in an way, say a final farewell to the Metropolis before I leave. I would begin the day on a southbound 6 train, riding it until its last stop at City Hall Brooklyn Bridge. I would not, however, depart from the train as all of the other passengers would, but rather, I would stay on the train, ducking under a seat if necessary, in order to avoid being spotted by a conductor. The train would then make its U-turn within the station, and at that moment, I would peer out of the windows, to see the first station built for the New York City subway system. The City Hall station was built in 1904, and was closed during the 1940’s. There are very few people that are aware of the stations existence, and many of those who do remember the station do not remember what the station looks like. It would be a very memorable moment to see the station that started it all, from which an entire network was formed. </p>
<p>I would then take the 4, 5 or 6 train (most likely the 4 or the 5, as the 6 is a non-express line) up to 59th Street. I would exit from the station, and I would trek towards Central Park. Admittedly, the entire day could be spent there, but I would most likely only spend a few hours there. Running, in-line skating, picnicking, or perhaps just sitting down and playing the guitar, I would be able to spend hours there, breathing in the (relatively) fresh air, and enjoying the day, along with scores upon scores of fellow New Yorkers. I would then walk towards the west side of the park, and enter the 59th Street station of the 1-2-3-9 line. I would take the 1 or the 9 up to 116th Street, the site of Columbia University. I would most likely not enter the campus, however. I would instead go to Columbia Bagels, located on Broadway and 115th Street. The bagels there are perhaps among the best in all of New York City, and the price very low, so I would be able to buy enough bagels with the remaining three dollars to sate my hunger for the entire day. </p>
<p>I would then take the 1 or 9 train to 42nd Street, known to the world as Times Square. I would not spend hours browsing around the shops around the Square, as tourists usually do, but instead, I would instead pass through one or two shops, for a few minutes, and head to 48th Street. This area, 48th Street just east of Broadway, is perhaps my favorite area in the city. The entire block is primarily music shops. I have often spent entire days moving from shop to shop, playing handmade one of a kind guitars, and rare vintage guitars from the 1950’s. In a way, visiting this shops help inspire me to become successful. I want to one day be able to pay the high prices that these beautiful instruments command. However, for today, I can settle on playing them. </p>
<p>To end the day, I would take the A train down to West 4th Street. While it is the stop for my dorm, and for my University, New York University, I have no intentions of visiting either location. I would instead walk to MacDougal Street, and enter Cafe Wha, the music club where James Marshall Hendrix, known to the world as Jimi Hendrix, was discovered. As there is no cover to enter the club, I would be able to spend the rest of the night in the club, listening to live music, and in a sense, saying goodbye to New York City.</p>