Lisa Carter

Dare I say it: Vegas is starting to grow on me.

It’s a slow process, but every day, I’m discovering something new about this city that makes it just a bit more bearable to take on by myself.

And that’s the thing: I’m finally not completely alone all the time, thanks to a handful of hidden gems in the desert also known as “friends.” It’s something I realized after sharing a very insightful and inspiring conversation over coffee with a Twitter friend (Elyse ) I met in person for the first time.

This week, I realized I’m fortunate enough to have a job I enjoy, but I’m even more fortunate to have coworkers who are making my time in Vegas better than I initially anticipated. From UNLV Runnin’ Rebels basketball games and spending Thanksgiving with my friend Laura, to daily lunches/coffee breaks/jogs/shenanigans (and inside jokes along the way) with Lisa and Anne, I’m finally starting to make connections with genuine people with whom I share some common interests.

Lisa, Anne and I at the Downtown Cocktail Room (Las Vegas, NV)

But it’s more than that. These friends have put up with my complaints and frustration about little things and have been a source of hope when I need it most. And thanks to these women, I’ve started to create connections with their friends, which has allowed my circle to grow slowly, but surely.

I miss my support system back home, and of course it can’t be replaced, but my small circle of friends here has been exactly what I need at this time in my life, and I’m incredibly grateful.

It’s amazing what one person can do and how much he or she can truly affect your life. Thanks to these women, I’ve been able to see the city in ways I was unable to previously. I’ve been able to experience the local nightlife downtown, try new restaurants, adopt the UNLV men’s basketball team as my own and enjoy opportunities Vegas has to offer for residents. More importantly, however, I’ve been able to laugh with, cry in front of and learn from my friends here, which means a lot when most of the other people you’ve met seem cold and jaded. It’s also nice to be among people who have lived in Vegas for awhile and each have different perspectives, ideas and — oftentimes — interests. The fact these women reached out to me when few others were willing means the world to me.

Luckily, I have opportunities to see my Texas friends soon as well. Yvanna, my best friend from college, will be in Vegas celebrating my birthday next weekend, and I have a handful of close friends coming to visit in March (including Erin, who is having her bachelorette party here, and I, in turn, will be attending her wedding in Texas in April). My baby sister and partner in crime, Justin, will visit during separate weekends in April, and I’m bound to see my “big sister” JaNelle and Pat (with whom I started the Please Send Kolaches blog) at some point. So it’s safe to say things are looking up, and I’m lucky to have met truly beautiful and genuine people in this transient — and sometimes beautiful — city.

One month into living in yet another state, and I’m happy to report I’ve survived.

Really, there’s not much else to say other than the fact that I have a job I really love (and I feel so fortunate to have), and I’ve adjusted to Sin City quicker and more easily than I anticipated. Granted, I’m still trying to get a feel for my neighborhood and the areas I cover, and there is SO MUCH to take in.

Vegas away from the Strip is not what you expect. Some of it reminds me of Texas, minus the gorgeous mountains and seeing In-N-Out Burger joints all over the place. The city — and especially the area in which I live — is strip mall after strip mall. Each neighborhood city seems completely different. The types of people and the environment vary greatly in each neighborhood, and you can distinguish the differences pretty quickly. The cost of living here — even renting an apartment — is comparable to that of living in Texas, and everything I could need is three minutes away at almost any given time. Above all, what I love the most is that Vegas is ideal, not only for its beautiful scenery and hiking, but also for its opportunities for creativity. There’s something about being in the desert that has allowed me to think more creatively than I ever have before, and other people feel the same as evidenced by the really cool art community this city possesses.

My point is Las Vegas is not a bad place to live at all. But I’m sure it’s an even better place when you have people with whom to share time and explore the city.

I’m fortunate to have all I do, especially to have a job I enjoy and to know my hard work got me to a point I never imagined I’d reach. But I’m missing what I took for granted most when I was in school: My friends.

I can’t begin to tell you how difficult it is to make friends in a city where you don’t know a soul. And it’s worse when you don’t know anyone who’s been in the same situation to talk to about it. I won’t deny that it takes an immense amount of courage to put yourself out there and take a giant leap of faith by leaving life as you know it and having everything change in an instant. But I also won’t deny that I continue to learn something new about myself and my situation every single day just by taking these chances. There are so many places I want to go and things I want to see here, but it’s less fulfilling (and fun) without someone to accompany me.

I’m not really sure how to go about meeting people or making friends here, especially being a fresh college graduate. I’ve yet to meet anyone in the same boat (and anyone who isn’t intimidated or weirded out by my unconventional love for sports, especially football). I’ve never been in a situation where I wasn’t surrounded by friends or acquaintances, and watching football games alone every weekend gets really old, really fast.

So if anyone has any tips (or plans to come visit me here!), please let me know. Because right now, I’m in one of the most awkward situations of my life, and I’ll take whatever advice I can get.

After months of job hunting, complaints, confusion, decision making and chance taking, I’m thrilled to announce I have secured my first full-time job after graduating from college.

Believe it: I am now a Las Vegas resident and downtown reporter for View, the weekly publication under the Las Vegas-Review Journal.

Less than four months after graduation, I have a job, and it is so nice to be able to say that. There are very few people in my position who can make this exact statement. Even better, it’s a job doing what I love, which is reporting and writing news stories and features. This in itself is something for which I am extremely thankful.

If you’d asked me several months ago if I imagined working in Las Vegas — or anywhere in the West, for that matter — I’d probably laugh. I thought I’d stay in New York for at least a couple of years, but after fielding a couple of offers from some publications, I realized I’d be settling for the place rather than the position, and the last thing I want to do is get stuck with a job I don’t like.

In July, I spotted a job posting for View on JournalismJobs.com. They were looking for a reporter who had at least two years of professional newsroom experience, but would consider recent graduates. Given my experience with The University Star, my internships and — above all — the Poynter College Fellowship, I figured I had a shot. Turns out they liked me enough to fly me out to Vegas and spend a couple of days interviewing and getting to know the staff before I was offered the position at the end of that week.

I’d only been to Vegas once before, which was in March with my friends, Michelle and Aida, for four days. I can recall standing in a corner of the baggage claim area at McCarran International Airport in which I called the NearSay office to inform the editor I’d accepted his summer internship offer. Now, almost six months later, I found myself leaving the same airport, hoping I would be returning for good soon.

And here I am: On my way to Las Vegas to begin my professional career in journalism, which is my lifelong dream. I’m excited, nervous and terrified at the same time. But most of all, I’m anxious to get back to a busy routine and back to my biggest passion: Reporting.

After thinking long and hard about my options, I’ve decided to come back to Texas from New York on Friday, and I’m convinced it’s the right choice.

No, I didn’t fail, and I don’t feel like I have. I have opportunities for jobs here, and I’m grateful for them. But I realized my heart is in community journalism and sports — two things I can get into at an entry-level position elsewhere. Not to mention it’s more practical — economically — for me to take a job in a city where I’d be making the same salary and the cost of living in general is significantly less expensive.

I also realized a priority for me right now is being near my family and the professional network I’ve established, which includes my mentors and some of my closest friends. They’ve been the best support group in the world as I’ve adjusted to living in the city, and I can’t thank them enough.

I’m extremely fortunate to have spent the summer in the largest city in the country. As cliché as it sounds, it has been a life-changing experience, and I’ve come out of it with a strong backbone, a new outlook on life in general and finally figuring out exactly what I want to do (or where I’d like to start, at least). I’ve met some of the biggest names in the journalism industry, made friends with a handful of the smartest and most passionate people on this earth and stepped outside of my comfort zone in countless ways. I’ve become more independent, confident and aware of this world in just a matter of months, and I’m positive I wouldn’t feel the same way had it not been for the Poynter College Fellowship and my time spent here.

I don’t anticipate being away from New York for a very long time. Rest assured I’ll be back to visit, and the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism, which I fell in love with during its August Academy, is a strong option I’m considering after working in the professional journalism world for at least a year.  Right now, I’m looking forward to doing what I’ve longed to do since I graduated, which is telling untold stories, giving voice to the voiceless, honing my multimedia skills and writing about issues that truly affect people and their communities. This is what I want to do, and I believe it starts somewhere other than New York City.

I’m anxious to see what’s in store for me in the coming months. I may not know today where I’ll start my professional career, but I do know my family, friends, professors, former co-workers, Poynter fellows and others have led me in the right direction, and I’m grateful for them. At 22, I believe I’m in a position to accomplish some amazing things in my professional journalism career, and I can’t wait to start.

When you order food in New York, you’re usually asked if you’d like it “to stay” or “to go.” This statement always makes me laugh, only because you’d never hear anyone in Texas ask the question in this way.

However, one day last week, while I was with Cristina, who was visiting from Austin, I was thinking about how much I was missing home when the cashier at Ferrara Bakery asked me this question. I immediately connected my thoughts to what she’d ask and realized I’d been asking myself the same questions for weeks.

To stay in New York, or to go back to Texas…It almost seems like a no-brainer, but this decision is in no way, shape or form that easy. I love New York City. I’ve learned way more about myself than I could’ve imagined in just two months, and I’ve matured in numerous ways. I know it’s a result of tackling this city on my own and learning exactly what it’s like to be away from everything comfortable back home.

Let’s not forget, of course, everything about this city and how it factors into why I moved here. There’s almost little not to love. Numerous things to see and do, the amazing food, the interesting and passionate people I’ve met, the opportunities to do some amazing things in journalism…The few — but somewhat important cons — range from ridiculous prices for everything, from rent to food, to little things, like  subway conundrums, the crazy heat wave, a seemingly forever feeling of loneliness, the dirtiness, the cutthroat parts of trying to survive…all of the stereotypes that come with the city (and hold true, for the most part).

I think of Texas, and I think of family, friends, cheaper living, comfort in knowing people and places, Shiner Bock, my favorite food…everything. But I also think of less opportunity to start the career I want. Maybe I’m wrong, but it’s hard to tell.

I’m conflicted. “To stay, or to go?” Do I stay in New York, wait it out and see if I get the job that fits perfectly for me? Or do I move back to my home state and continue looking for opportunities all over the country? Is it worth it to stay a little longer here, try to be patient and wait this out? Or is it more practical to go back to familiarity and start from there?

I guess there’s no right answer, but I have to figure out what to do in a matter of weeks, and that — to me — is terrifying.

These four P’s best describe how my life has been these past few weeks. These months after graduation have been like a never-ending roller coaster, and this has been especially true since my last blog post.

I’ve been toying back and forth with the idea of staying in New York, going back home or exploring a new place (Because, trust me: After you get the taste of living in one place, even if it is New York, you want to see EVERYTHING), but it honestly all depends on where I get that first full-time job.

I’ve been exploring my options, applying to jobs all across the country and even devoting more time to my freelance gig with Business News Daily by leaving NearSay. I have no idea where I’m going to be in less than a month, which is terrifying, but so exciting, and that’s where patience comes in.

I’m not very good at being patient when it comes to jobs, only because I love working, and I’m ready to delve into making a difference in this industry. But I’m quickly learning that it takes a long time for employers to get back to you — if at all — and that the right opportunity does come along given time. This may all sound cliché, but it’s true, which leads to persistence.

Persistence, on the other hand, is something with which I’m all too familiar. I don’t give up. Yes, I can be negative, and I get down on myself when I didn’t accomplish something in the way I hoped to, but I’m a persistent person. It’s part of my work ethic and my character, and I don’t think it’ll ever leave me.

Lately, I’ve been more persistent than usual (if that’s even possible) to the point that I’ve probably bugged people — friends, family and potential employers alike — to get my point across. I’m passionate (hey, another P!), and someone who will throw myself into my work. I’ll continue to be persistent in my job search until someone hires me, and even then, I’ll continue striving to be the best I can be in every aspect.

Realizing some of these characteristics, mixed into a short weekend trip to Philly (yes, Philly!) provided me with some perspective. I took a train with Deb, one of my fellow former San Antonio Express-News interns, to visit our friend Alia, who’s interning for the Philadelphia Inquirer and also interned at the E-N with us last summer. We spent two days seeing all of the historic places, such as the National Constitution Center, Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, in addition to visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art, watching fireworks at Penn’s Landing and eating at the famous Geno’s, where I had my first cheesesteak.

Me at the Liberty Bell

Deb, Alia and I at Love Park

The three of us at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

While the trip was full of fun, and it was great to have some quiet time away from the always-noisy New York City, the visit — to me — was more. I fell in love with Philadelphia, and recognized that it had a feeling similar to that of Houston: a big city, but not to the point that it’s overwhelming. Philly, however, does have something Houston doesn’t, and probably never will, which is true history and gorgeous historical buildings. This is probably why I was so attracted to Philly in the first place.

So what does this have to do with perspective? Everything. This mini trip made me realize that I might have a romanticized idea of what I hope life is like. It helped me figure out that New York doesn’t have everything. It doesn’t have my feeling of home, nor my family or some of my favorite things. And it’s not the only city in which I can “make it.” I can do what I love and start making waves in the journalism world virtually anywhere. Whether that’s in New York, Philly, Houston or some other city in this country is yet to be determined, but with patience and persistence on my side, I know it’s only a matter of time before I figure out exactly where that is.

And at this moment, I’m going to continue enjoying living in a still-unfamiliar place and learning more about myself every day.

Times Square in the rain

At the High Line

I’ve been living in this concrete jungle for exactly a month, and I must say: It’s been a whirlwind, at the very least.

In the past month, I’ve learned a lot about myself and my goals. I’ve learned that I’m in the right place when it comes to my career. It is amazing to me how many people I encounter who have the same drive and passion as what they do as myself, and learning from them is something I’m trying not to take for granted. I’ve also learned that coming to this city by myself — exploring alone and fighting through personal struggles alone — is the best thing in the world for me. I’m miles away — physically and mentally — from all the people I love most in this world, and being away from them, outside of my comfort zone, is extremely difficult, but also very, very eye-opening. This city may be the largest in the country, but in my world, it is the most lonely when you try embarking on this journey alone and in very unfamiliar territory.

I’ve learned that when it comes to my career, aside from hard work and perseverance, patience is key.  I can’t — and shouldn’t — expect to get exactly what I want in such a short amount of time. This idea is something I struggle with every day, but it’s also something I probably wouldn’t have realized without being here.

I’ve also been able to pick out — much more easily than before — my likes and dislikes with this industry, my pros and cons of living in Texas vs. NYC and the good and bad characteristics of myself. This is a result of lots of self-reflection, late-night talks with my fellows and interactions with my few friends here, as well as new people I’ve met along the way.

I could talk about these realizations forever, but my point is that spending a month in the biggest — and mostly unfamiliar — place has been much more good than bad, despite that it may feel like the opposite most of the time. And nothing is more satisfying to me than trying to live my dream and overcoming every obstacle along the way, because I know now I can do anything just by doing what I’ve always done, which is work hard and believe the people I love when they tell me I can do absolutely anything.

It’s the truth: I can do absolutely anything, and I will. I am, and I’m accomplishing my goals while mixing in some fun as well.

The Decemberists at Prospect Park in Brooklyn

After camping out overnight for tickets to see "How to Succeed without Really Trying" on broadway

My best friend, Michelle, and I in Times Square

Allie and I at the NYC Pride Parade 2011

Lately, I’ve had a handful of my friends tell me that I’m living the dream.

You know what? They’re right.

I’m fortunate enough to have secured an internship doing what I love in the city I’ve wanted to be in since I was little. And not only that — I’m fortunate enough to have the means to do so through my family, my previous internships, my bachelor’s degree, which I earned exactly a month ago (wow!), and the Poynter Fellowship for College Journalists.

But what I’m also fortunate enough to have are new friends I’m making who share the same passion for life and what they do as me.

This weekend, I hung out with some new friends I’ve made in the city. Little makes me happier than intelligent conversation, and my weekend was full of just that. I’ve had the opportunity to talk to people in the same boat as me. These people are extremely passionate, hard-working, talented men and women who love life and what they do. It’s sort of like PCF, in that you finally encounter someone who shares the same passion for life, and these people are so hard to come by.

People do come to New York City to live their dreams. They come from all over the world to explore a new place and work with those who have the same drive and beliefs as themselves. I don’t think I really gave much thought to how there would be people just like me in this city, as I was just focused on coming here alone and establishing myself in the professional journalism world. But these people do exist, and it’s comforting to know I’m not alone.

After being here for just a couple of weeks, I’ve learned that it is so important to follow your dreams. As cliché as that sounds, it’s so true. If you have the opportunity to do something you’ve always wanted to do, go for it. Don’t have doubts, and don’t let anything stop you. I can tell you that once you meet people who share the same drive as you do, you’ll begin to realize that not all is lost in this world, and your hard work will pay off. It just takes some time. My fellows know exactly what I mean, and I know a lot of my friends do as well.

So chase after your dreams. Work hard. Surround yourself with people who have a passion for life and their work, and I guarantee you’ll be a happy person. I know I am.

I made it! I survived my first week in New York City, and what a week it’s been.

I have to say: Coming to New York solo is both an exciting and scary adventure. Almost everyone I know or have met here came to this city with friends or family. For me, I took this chance without thinking about being alone, and I know this is the beginning of a great learning experience.

A week into living here, I can already detect the things I like — and some I don’t like — about the city. I’m thoroughly enjoying my internship with NearSay, as it’s something entirely new to me, and I’m learning more of the business and marketing aspect of the company, which is different from my previous internships. I also like the neighborhood in which I live (the Lower East Side), as it’s close to some great shopping, Little Italy and Chinatown. Also, the view from my window is pretty sweet.

The view from my window

I’ve been exploring a lot of great places, despite getting lost multiple times. In the past week, I’ve been to a taping of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, took several trips to Times Square, went to some great bars in my neighborhood (all of this with my childhood friend, Allie), let Todd show me around the LES, ventured to Brooklyn for a music show with Brooke, stood in front of the New York Times building countless times, and so much more.

In front of the Brooklyn Bridge

Me at the Late Night with Jimmy Fallon taping

Times Square

The New York Times building at night

I must admit, however, that there are some things I’m not so crazy about at the moment. But I know this feeling can change at any given time. For example, in a city so large, you’d be surprised at how difficult it is to meet people and make friends if you’re not a local, don’t go to school here or if you’re living alone. It gets lonely, but I’m finding ways to change this feeling.

Also, I hate the subway. It is incredibly confusing to me, and I already have the worst sense of direction in the world. This combination is terrible.

But, how can I complain? I’m in the city I’ve wanted to work in since I was little. I’m not going to let something like feeling lonely or getting incredibly frustrated after being lost on the subway get in my way of continuing to pursue these lifelong dreams. I’m so fortunate to be here, and I won’t forget that. Now, all I have to do is practice patience (and we all know how bad I am at being patient).

It’s my first chance to truly breathe since before my final exams, and I figured I should use this time wisely by blogging about the craziness of these past few weeks.

I graduated from college, attended the Poynter Fellowship for College Journalists and moved to New York City — all in a three-week span.

Graduation was awesome. The ceremony was short, and I was surprisingly emotional when it was over, because I realize I’ve accomplished something huge. I had a graduation party at my parents’ house in Canyon Lake afterward where some of my closest friends were able to celebrate with me.

At my graduation

It still hasn’t hit me that I graduated, and maybe someday soon, it will. I had the absolute best college career a girl could ask for, and I can proudly say choosing to go to school at Texas State was the best decision I made.

Two days and many stressful fits later, I picked up Sarah Vasquez in Austin and set off for a 20-hour drive to St. Petersburg, Fla. We were both running on adrenaline, excited as ever to get to Poynter, and once we arrived, we both knew instantly how amazing this experience was going to be. It turns out that the fellowship was the best experience of my life (on par with studying abroad in Spain), and it’s honestly very difficult for me to articulate why it was so great. I’ve told family and friends about PCF, but it’s almost pointless, because the only people who truly know why the fellowship was so great are current and former fellows. We all became so close and learned so much from each other, our leaders, Sara and Al, Pulitzer Prize winners, like Lane DeGregory and Jim Sheeler, and the Poynter faculty. The goodbye was one of the most difficult I’ve ever experienced.

2011 Poynter College Fellows

And just when I thought I’d be OK saying goodbye to 21 of my new best friends, I drove back to San Marcos, packed up the apartment I’d lived in for two years and spent as much time as I could with my family and some of my closest college buddies. I drove back to Houston on Tuesday where my awesome little sister had my last day planned out for me, which included pizookies at BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, a last dinner at Lopez, my favorite authentic Mexican food restaurant I’ve been going to since I was a baby, and having my closest friends since elementary, middle and high school send me on my way to the Big Apple. Both laughter and tearful farewells were exchanged mixed with excitement and hope for this big change.

Friends at my going away dinner

Saying goodbye to everyone was really hard, because we’re all going to different places, and I’m not sure when I’ll see these people again. But because of their encouragement and faith in my ability to succeed doing what I’ve always loved to do, I’m so excited to start my post-graduate career, and I’m so fortunate to be able to do so in New York.