10 Weeks in NYC
By Zoë Punjwani, Media Production, Management, and Technology junior
Zoë Punjwani participated in the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications’ CJCxNYC Immersive Fall 2024.
Week 1: A Million Days in One
Living in New York City feels like living one million days at once. This first week has been transformative, shifting my emotions and thoughts so drastically that I can’t help but wonder what lies ahead. I set out with the goal of learning about myself and building my future—and so far, I’m on track.
I’ve felt an immense amount of growth in such a short time. New York City has a way of making each day feel like a lifetime, yet the weeks fly by. I’ve surprised myself by stepping outside my comfort zone. Saying “yes” to new people and events has not only helped me bond with classmates but also reconnect with old friends. Solo time, though initially challenging, has brought me unexpected joy. From yoga studios to cafes and flea markets, I’ve learned to enjoy my own company.
Our first visit to the World Trade Center and meeting with market and research firm The Harris Poll opened my mind to career paths I hadn’t considered. Managing Director Rob Jekielek’s insights on blending traditional research with digital analytics left me inspired. At strategic and creative communications agency HUNTER:, meeting a food and beverage account executive resonated with my aspirations for my career in PR. This week reminded me that persistence is key, even when goals feel daunting.
Week 2: Learning to Balance
This week was all about priorities. While planning the perfect itinerary for a visiting friend, I felt torn between being a student and enjoying New York City. I prioritized getting a reservation at the perfect Italian restaurant for a friend, but I felt overwhelmed as I balanced leisure with academics. However, I learned that being a student and enjoying the city aren’t mutually exclusive.
For example, while trying Blank Street’s new banana bread matcha on the way to a Hispanic Public Relations Association panel, my friends from the program and I stumbled upon Blank Street’s $2 matcha discount for students. NYC is one of those rare places where work and fun blend. Whether it’s attending a marketing talk at SUMMIT One and enjoying skyline views or connecting with inspiring professionals, the city simultaneously offers lessons in life skills and career skills.
Week 3: Full-Circle Moments
Time is flying. October is here and my time in NYC feels fleeting. This week brought special moments with my sister and dad who visited and got a glimpse of my life here. As a kid, my dad made us memorize subway maps and boroughs; now, I’m guiding him through subway lines and sharing my favorite spots.
I also visited family friends in Harlem, whose home is filled with antiques and stories that reminded me of the city’s rich inspiration. On the professional side, visiting Google and meeting CJC alumnus and adjunct lecturer Bryan Ruiz, a global head of ad incentives, reinforced the importance of work-life balance. His advice, “Stop overthinking and just do,” shifted my perspective. Now, every time I pass a bookstore, I hunt for the book recommendation he shared, The 4-Hour Work Week.
Week 4: Slowing Down
In NYC’s fast pace, slowing down can feel counterintuitive. But this week, I chose to prioritize self-care. In a city that operates on high energy, it’s easy to feel pressure to constantly be productive. From indulging in comfort foods to window shopping, I reminded myself that it’s okay to take a breath.
The Ad Club of New York event stood out as a highlight. Interviewing Ad Club Fellows for our group project with the organization revealed that even the most successful women started where I am now. I learned that everyone starts somewhere – there’s no secret formula for breaking into the industry. My self-care week reminded me to be kinder to myself instead of stressing about future goals. The fellows’ journeys reminded me to give myself grace. Visiting the Natural History Museum was another grounding moment. Walking slowly through exhibits and noticing the details taught me to appreciate the value of taking life at my own pace.
Week 5: Celebrating Milestones
This past week was so special because friends and family came to visit for my 21st birthday! Sharing my life here was so exciting because they can only see so much from photos. I loved exploring my favorite spots and introducing them to my program friends. Meeting Gabriela Ringvald, senior social strategist at advertising agency Pereira O’Dell, inspired me to look into agency internships because she emphasized valuable life skills gained from working in an agency.
Professionally, meeting Gaby inspired me to consider more agency internships, while Katelyn Wendling, CJCxNYC alumna and brand manager at Pereira O’Dell, reminded me that size doesn’t define opportunity as she transitioned from a large agency to a small one.
Week 6: Rediscovering My Neighborhood
This week, I needed a break from the city. I wasn’t feeling my best this week and chose to prioritize my rest. I realized that just because I’m in NYC doesn’t mean I need to constantly be moving. I explored parts of my neighborhood that I had yet to explore and gained a new appreciation for the city. I strolled around Gramercy and discovered my new favorite local smoothie spot, which I’ll definitely be returning to.
In the absence of our usual busy week filled with visits and speakers, I got a much-needed rest, which let me come back with a fresh attitude. As time flies, I understand how important it is to make intentional connections. I’ve been getting increasingly nervous about earning an internship this summer, which is so important to me. With each agency visit, I see myself in the field more and more, and I’m so eager to get there.
Week 7: Inspired
This week brought clarity and excitement. A coffee chat with the L’Oréal team and our lecture with Veronica Mingrone, corporate vice president at New York Life Insurance Company, about giving great presentations solidified my career aspirations. For so long, I doubted my path. Should I have chosen a field with clearer steps, like medicine or law? This program has shown me there are many paths available.
Visiting Chobani was a career highlight. Hearing about others’ journeys made my own goals feel less daunting. My dream of working in-house for a health food brand like Chobani feels within reach. Now, I’m ready to dive into networking and learning, armed with the inspiration I’ve gained.
Week 8: Finding My Place
As the weeks wind down, I finally feel at home in the city. I’ve found comfort in navigating NYC’s overwhelming pace. Balancing the city’s chaos with moments of calm has been a journey, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come.
Working on our Ad Club presentation with my team has been so rewarding. It’s exciting to see our ideas come to life. This week’s visit to travel marketing firm MMGY stood out—I loved participating in real brainstorming sessions and realizing the skills I still need to develop. As I plan for my future, I’m excited to take courses that refine my abilities and prepare me for the field.
Week 9: Reflecting on Growth
With only one week left in this program, I’m filled with gratitude. This semester has been a time of growth—personally, I’ve learned to cherish my own company, and professionally, I’ve discovered my strengths and areas to improve.
Visiting Havas and the Empire State Building this week was inspiring. Standing alone in the observatory with NYC’s skyline stretching out before me, I felt at peace. It was a reminder of how much I’ve grown and how much I have to look forward to.
Week 10: Looking Ahead
As the program ends, I can’t help but reflect on how much these 10 weeks have shaped me. NYC has challenged me, taught me and inspired me. I’m leaving with a clearer sense of who I am and where I want to go.
From making lifelong friends to uncovering my career aspirations, this experience has been unforgettable. While I’m sad to leave, I’m excited to carry these lessons with me into the next chapter of my life. NYC will always hold a special place in my heart as the city where I grew, dreamed and discovered myself.
Posted: January 9, 2025
Category: CJCxNYC Blogs
Tagged as: CJCxNYC, Zoe Punjwani
