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The Culture of Cliques
I grew up in the heart of a sprawling Southern metropolis, where life moved with nonstop energy. My childhood was spent wandering through crowded malls, grabbing dinner at packed restaurants, and soaking in the buzz of movie theaters, busy streets, and conversation all around me.
I was constantly surrounded by motion — by people chasing deadlines, dreams, and destinations.
I still remember staring out the car window as we drove through downtown, mesmerized by the towering skyscrapers and the sense that everyone had somewhere important to be.
That fast-paced rhythm became my norm — convincing me that life was meant to race forward without pause.
As we drove through downtown, I dreamed of a future in a bustling city, with an exciting career and a high-rise apartment in Manhattan. Life would be fast-paced and glamorous, much like Sex and the City: I would work hard, play hard, and be on the go with purpose. I was raised with the mindset that I was a “city girl”. Honestly, I couldn’t even imagine living differently.
After high school, I moved to the D.C. suburbs for college. I waited tables, debated politics over drinks, and soaked up the…
