For my Baltia Brothers and sisters from NY


Being from New York is a unique privilege. It is unlike any other place in the world. Because of that, we all know these things to be true.

1. You call pizza “a slice.”

2. You call streets “blocks.”

3. A “sub” is really a “hero.”

4. The rest of the world has an accent, not you.

5. You’ve never been to the Statue of Liberty.

6. You expect people to know that “the city” means Manhattan.

7. And you don’t go to Manhattan, you go “downtown.”

8. There is at least one pizza place within a block radius of your house.

9. You’re convinced New Yorkers are the only people who really know how to drive.

10. Pizza from anywhere, but NY, is not pizza (bagels, too).

11. You start school in September, not August.

12. The Subway Series is practically a holiday.

13. Jersey is foreign territory.

14. You’re shocked when people are actually friendly.



15. You’ve experienced all four seasons in one week.

16. You know who Mr. Softee is.

17. You curse, not cuss.

18. You live “on” Long Island, not “in” it.

19. Jaywalking is a way of life.



20. You know what Regents Exams are...and hate them.

21. You have the best sense of humor

22. You say “on line” instead of “in line.”

23. You know what a bodega is.

24. You also know what a stoop is.

25. You’re always rushing.

26. Pushing past slow walkers is a favorite pastime.

27. You don’t understand why people would ever want to live anywhere but New York.

28. You refuse to live anywhere else….ever.