What It Is Like To Be Born And Raised In NYC

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Public school

Growing up on the Upper East Side I attended East Side Middle School from kindergarten until 8th grade. Going to public school in New York City can be a unique and diverse experience, as the city is home to a vast array of cultures, languages, and lifestyles.

The diversity of the city is reflected in its schools, where students from a wide range of backgrounds come together to learn. Depending on the neighborhood, schools may have a predominantly Black, Hispanic, Asian, or White student population, or a mix of several. This diversity can enrich the educational experience by exposing students to different cultures and perspectives.

New York City is also known for its rigorous schools and challenging admissions processes, particularly for specialized high schools. Students may feel pressure to perform at a high level to succeed academically and secure a spot at a top school or college.

Overall, attending public school in NYC can be an exciting and dynamic experience, full of diverse people and opportunities. However, it can also come with its share of challenges, particularly related to the size and complexity of the school system, as well as the pressure to succeed academically.

Private high school

I went to Trevor Day School for high school. Private high schools in NYC tend to have smaller class sizes and more personalized attention from teachers and staff. This can create a supportive and nurturing environment where students can build close relationships with their peers and mentors. Private schools may also offer a wider range of extracurricular activities, such as athletics, arts, and community service, allowing students to explore their interests and develop their talents.

Another advantage of attending a private high school in NYC is the networking and professional opportunities it may provide. Private schools often have strong alumni networks and connections to influential leaders in various fields. This can be beneficial for students seeking internships, mentorship, or career guidance. I went to high school with the children of billionaires, business magnates, and hedge fund managers. I would oftentimes see their parents on CNBC and still do, to this day.

However, attending a private high school in NYC can also come with its share of challenges. Tuition costs can be high, making private schools inaccessible to many families. Private schools may also have strict academic and behavioral standards that students must adhere to, with consequences for those who do not meet these expectations. There may also be pressure to maintain a certain image or reputation, which can be stressful for some students.

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Tennis lessons

I took tennis lessons and was also on my high school’s varsity tennis team. Tennis is a sport that has a long history of being associated with wealth and status. For many wealthy people, tennis offers a sense of exclusivity and prestige that is difficult to find in other sports. The fact that tennis can be played in many different settings, from private courts to exclusive clubs, only adds to its appeal.

One reason why tennis is so popular is that it requires a certain level of skill and dedication to play well. The sport is physically demanding, requiring speed, agility, and coordination, as well as mental focus and strategic thinking. Many players enjoy the challenge of mastering the sport, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with improving their game.

In addition to the physical and mental aspects of tennis, the sport also offers a social element that is appealing to many wealthy people. Tennis can be played in a variety of settings, from casual games with friends to organized tournaments and leagues. This allows players to meet and network with others who share their love of the sport, and potentially make valuable business connections. Being in NYC, our team had the opportunity to play at a variety of exclusive country clubs, private high schools, and even have access to courts at the U.S. Open in Queens.

Tennis also offers a sense of glamour and excitement that is hard to find in other sports. Professional tennis tournaments are often held in luxurious settings, with top players from around the world competing for large prize money. This creates a sense of spectacle and excitement that can be appealing to those who enjoy the finer things in life.

Apartment Parties

Unlike the suburbs where parties would be at someone’s house, most parties were at apartments.

Apartment parties in NYC are often held in more intimate, urban settings. These parties may be hosted in upscale apartments or penthouses, with a focus on sophistication and style. The atmosphere may be more refined and sophisticated, with guests potentially dressed in designer clothing and sipping cocktails or champagne. The music may also be more upscale, with live performances or DJs playing trendy, popular music. It was actually very easy to throw apartment parties as an NYC high schooler, especially if you attended private high school because the parents of most of the students had weekend homes and if they were leaving the city for the weekend any student could elect to stay home and throw a party instead, as long as the apartment was in as good condition when they came home versus when they left.

In contrast, suburban parties are typically held in more casual settings, such as backyards or basements. The focus is often on having fun and letting loose, rather than presenting a certain image or style. The dress code may be more relaxed, with guests wearing more comfortable, casual clothing. The music is often more geared towards popular, mainstream genres such as hip hop, rap or EDM.

Apartment parties in NYC may be more exclusive, with a guest list that is carefully curated to include only the wealthiest or most influential members of society. Suburban parties, on the other hand, may be more inclusive, with a wider range of guests from different backgrounds and social circles.

Photo by Empire City Wire

Weekend homes

Having a weekend home as a high schooler in NYC can be an incredibly exciting experience. While living in the city can be an adventure in itself, having a second home outside of the bustling city can provide a much-needed escape and a chance to recharge.

For starters, a weekend home can offer a change of scenery and a chance to explore new places. Whether it's a cabin in the woods, a beach house by the ocean, or a country home in the mountains, there are endless possibilities for weekend getaways within driving distance of NYC.

In addition, having a weekend home can be a great way to bond with family and friends. It provides an opportunity to spend quality time together, away from the distractions of everyday life. Weekend trips away from the city can allow you to enjoy activities like hiking, swimming, skiing, or just relaxing and enjoying each other's company.

Overall, having a weekend home as a high schooler in NYC was an incredibly fun and rewarding experience. It provided a chance to explore new places, bond with loved ones, and recharge before heading back to the city for another week of school and city life.