In New York City, it’s not uncommon to run into upset commuters. Whether you’re on a train or walking up a busy street, New Yorkers are always counting the minutes. Time is money. That is why New Yorkers have adopted the “fast walk” in an effort to be as efficient as possible. Growing up in New York City I’ve practically had efficiency engraved into my mind since the moment I was able to walk. That is why the routes to school that I have outlined emphasize time efficiency. New York was not built for efficiency, but New Yorkers have found ways to maximize their efforts. Just like many New Yorkers before me, I have found three ways to get from school to home, to make the best use of my time.
The first route is by far the fastest way for me to get home. When I am in a rush to get home for dinner, homework, or family I always take this route. The route begins by leaving through the NAMM building exit. Out of all the exits in City Tech, this is the most accessible, and closest to the Jay Street Metrotech station. Once you exit, you make a hard right onto Jay Street. First, you cross the street to the supreme court. Wait at the corner of the Supreme court to cross the street on your left. This street light is the only bottleneck because you must wait for the light to change. Then, you make a right until you reach the A, C, and F entrance to the Jay Street Metrotech Station. The only aesthetically pleasing thing you’d see is the “Balanced Cylinders” statue. Most of the time you are walking under scaffolding. This route is all about timing. Sometimes you’re lucky and are able to catch the light at the corner of Tech street, sometimes you have to wait. The route is also the most physically straining, because weaving through people and running is exhausting.
The second route is for when I want to get food on my way home. The corner of Adams Street and Fulton Mall is home to many fast food restaurants. If I’m going to be home alone, I tend to get food before I get on my train ride home. I usually get Panera bread, or food from the Thursday Street Market (they have wonderful italian sausage sandwiches). I first exit the building by walking down the Atrium stairs to arrive at the Adams street exit. Then I exit the building and make a sharp left. I walk past the all girls engineering high school, and the marriott hotel. There are many food places past the hotel, so this is where I begin thinking about what I want to eat. Usually I am craving a certain food, but sometimes I am just hungry and begin to wonder around. This route does not maximize my time. When I am hungry, there is no time, there is just food. After obtaining food from any such establishment, I begin my journey home. I could end up in any place after getting food, so from there, it is really a gamble on how long it takes me to get to the Jay Street Metrotech station.
