9 GUERINCATHOLIC.ORG When I took a leap and moved to New York right after graduating from college, I felt constantly sick to my stomach. Why did I let myself move here? I hate it. There’s too much commotion, too many people and too much competition. But then I stopped in the Westsider Rare & Used Bookstore one random night and emerged with a copy of “Let the Great World Spin” by Colum McCann. The novel follows an array of characters living in 1970s New York City, the most memorable of which is a young Irish monk who makes his home amongst prostitutes in the Bronx, offering hope and nonjudgmental love as often as he can. The paths of each of the novel’s characters cross during a real-life event, centered on high-wire walker Philippe Petit’s daring trek across a cable strung between the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers in 1974. As each character balanced their own challenges in life, one of the biggest takeaways from the book was recognizing the valuable role each person plays, regardless of their background and beliefs, in making this great world spin. That book led me to one of the best decisions I’ve made since moving to New York. Shortly after finishing it, I started tutoring K-5 students in reading at the South Bronx’s Mercy Center on Saturdays. Traveling there was a step outside my comfort zone, but the hope and beauty of the people who run and participate in the program is one of the best gifts I’ve gotten since moving to the city. Because there was such an emphasis on going outside your comfort zone at Guerin Catholic, I gained the confidence to try things that have no guarantee of working out, while focusing on finding the beauty in the experience. I’m not sure what will come from my time working in television, nor do I know that it’s my ultimate calling. Moving to New York was a big risk, and it may not ultimately be for me, but I’m learning a heck of a lot about others and myself by being here during this chapter of life. Sometimes risks work and sometimes they don’t, but there’s always something you can learn. Most importantly – that each person plays a unique and valuable role in this world, and there’s always something to be gained from giving what could be a great opportunity a chance. writer: Good Morning America Grace Pratt visiting her daughter on a recent visit to New York.
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