Growing up in NYC can be difficult, but it’s also a magical experience. Many of us can recall long trips to the Bronx Zoo, countless hours spent browsing the CD racks at Tower Records, and overcoming fear of riding the subway. Having friends of all ages, races, and socioeconomic status, we learned to navigate the city without fear of breaking the law. Growing up in NYC also gave us a love of the arts and entertainment scene, and we have fond memories of visiting places like FAO Schwarz and Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. Even now, we see movies made in the city, and it makes us feel like we’re right at home.
With nearly three million children in the city, New York City is committed to ensuring their healthy development and well-being. Using evidence-based investment framework, the city has launched the Growing Up NYC initiative to address these challenges. Through Growing Up NYC, the city aims to make life easier for youth and provide them with the skills and resources they need to succeed in life. Growing Up NYC provides resources to families in the five boroughs and outlines the various City services and programs that are available to them.
“Growing Up in NYC” is a collection of stories from five people who grew up in New York. These individuals include former Secretary of State Colin Powell, a man who grew up in the Bronx where his family earned between $50-$60 per week. Author Jonathan Lethem, who grew up in Brooklyn, recounts how he would travel to Manhattan for his father’s art gallery openings, and the Upper West Side to visit his great-grandmother. Lastly, former governor Mario Cuomo was born and raised in Queens, and is now a prominent public figure in the city.
Growing up in New York is challenging, but the city has plenty of job opportunities and a wonderful public transportation system. Despite the rough reputation, growing up in New York City is generally safe. With the recent improvements in public safety, the city is a great place to live and work. The population is also growing, so you’ll never be bored or lonely. Just make sure you have a sense of humor! And remember, the world’s largest city isn’t always so friendly.
The culture of New York is reflected in its fashion and entertainment. Timberlands clothes are ubiquitous, and fans of New York Yankees and New York Knicks are devoted to their teams. Hip hop, which originated in the Bronx, has produced legendary performers like Biggie Smalls, Nicki Minaj, and Jay Z. You can’t deny the diversity of the city’s residents. Just take a moment to appreciate the city’s diversity.
Besides a busy lifestyle, teen-agers should be cautious of sexual predators. While many teens are straight-A students, they can easily be swayed by friends. If their parents remain silent about their own behavior, they might end up putting their children at risk of sexual harassment. There are also countless sexual predators lurking in schoolyards and on public transportation. It’s important to monitor the behavior of teenagers in these environments and make sure they feel comfortable reporting any cases of bad touch.
