'I Was 24 and Working Illegally'
Briefly

The article reflects on a young immigrant's experience arriving in New York City in October 1975. Initially planning to make films, financial pressures led to working as a busboy. Inspired by the film "Klute," the allure of New York was heightened by its unique 24/7 lifestyle. The author highlights how the reality of New York exceeded cinematic expectations, emphasizing the comforting notion of possibility, even if unrealized. This sense of availability, often accompanied by the city's notorious dangers, played a pivotal role in shaping his early experience in the city.
"The odd thing about experiencing New York for the first time was that it seemed more like the films than the films themselves."
"Knowing I can do something, without necessarily doing it, is vital for me."
Read at Grub Street
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