Classmate Profile: OJ
When Eniola Oshiafi, OJ, first moved to New York City at age 16, she thought she would live in the city forever. Being in her last semester at New York University (NYU), she remarked that she is no longer thinking of staying in New York forever. Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, OJ moved to New York City four years ago to start her college life at NYU.
When she first moved to New York, OJ said that many aspects of the city appealed to her — the noise, the people, the proximity to everything and privacy despite little space.
“There are just a lot more options and a lot more independence,” said OJ. “I was also intrigued by the ‘mind-your-business’ attitude everyone has. It’s difficult to find people in your business because everyone’s got troubles of their own.”
Along with what she was impressed by the city; however, her first impression was not much different from other cities she lived in when she first moved to New York: The partition in cities that divides people based on their socio-economic status could also be seen in Manhattan.
Just as much as how much the city gives to her, OJ pointed out what she doesn’t like about the city: “Now I don’t think I’m going to stay in New York. I love the vibe and the heart of the city and of course, the freedom, but it is too expensive and for so little space. It may not be worth it. Also, it’s too cold here,” she said. “It’s always dirty, crowded and too expensive,” she added.
OJ hasn’t lived in other places in America, but she did visit many places on vacation. After recalling some visits, she picked San Francisco as one of her favorite places.
“I’m not sure I have a favorite city because I’ve visited so many places but if I had to choose, I would say San Francisco,” said OJ, recalling the places she had visited. “In San Fran, everyone needs cars which is one thing I hate because I hate driving and I don’t have a car. But in New York City, who on earth has a car?”
Despite such cost of living and the weather of New York, OJ likes to visit places occasionally where she can enjoy the foods and views of Manhattan and Brooklyn, along with many places including museums and bakeries.
“I don’t like eating out all the time. I only like going once in a while and I choose places for the proximity,” OJ said. “I live in Harlem, so I usually eat closer to Harlem. Also, Williamsburg has the best brunch spots as well as Smogasburg,” she added.
Whenever OJ hangs out with her friends, parks in the city are her go-to destinations.
“Usually parks like Washington Square, Marsha P. Johnson Park in Williamsburg and just around campus in Manhattan,” she said.
As a senior who is expecting to graduate, OJ doesn’t know where her life would take her. But her college life in New York sounds unforgettable.
“Everyone and everything comes here, so I never have to worry about things getting boring,” she said.
