From New York to New Self

How Isabella Gibbs Found Belonging in an Unfamiliar Place

By Margot Murphy

Isabella Gibbs relocated to Boca Raton from New York to earn her bachelor’s degree. The

experience sent her on a journey of self-discovery, challenging stereotypes in an unfamiliar

environment.

“After actually living in Florida, there’s definitely so many differences than just coming here to

vacation because you don’t really get to spend that much time with the people,” said Gibbs.

“Even going to the grocery store, like every little thing is different.”

One of the most significant adjustments was the lifestyle pace in each city. “When I first came

here, I noticed like the speed of things is definitely different than New York,” she said. “[in New

York], there’s no side conversations, no time for conversing. It’s more like, ‘Alright, I came into

the store, I want to go in, go out.’”

Since moving to Florida, Gibbs explained that she has felt the weight of stereotypes placed on

her before people get to know her.

“Just because they're from New York with that idea in their head that they are rude or mean or

standoffish,” Gibbs said. “I’ve experienced that so much, not even from students but teachers

too, which is kind of weird.”

While many Lynn University students come from the Northeast, Gibbs still felt stuck between

two worlds.

“I feel like it’s hard because there’s so many of us here to where locals like you or other people

from here have that immediate thing of like, ‘Oh, they’re coming, and they’re standoffish and

this and that.’”

Despite the similarities among students, she found herself struggling to belong. Her time in

Florida has changed her significantly, and personal growth has reshaped her outlook.

“My area, Staten Island, New York, is like self-contained. Everyone is only kind of interacting

with each other,” she said. “But I did a 180 to completely change myself physically and mentally

and be someone that I never thought I’d be, but in a positive way.”

The transition from New York to Florida forced her to reevaluate her personality and how she

presented herself. Adjusting to a new social environment made her feel pressure to change her

personality to fit in more.“1000 percent it’s not necessarily the school,” said Gibbs. “I think it was my own mind of like,

‘Okay, I came here not knowing anybody, I need to, you know, kind of cool it and feel [out] the

room.’”

Family heritage remained a source of comfort during the transition. Memories of her great-

grandma and heirlooms from Italy have helped her stay connected to her roots.

“My great grandma came to America trying to make a better life for herself and her kids,” she

said. “I just want to never forget what she went through and like how hard she worked to get

where she is.”

Friendships played a key role in her college experience. However, as relationships evolved, she

found herself struggling with toxic dynamics that forced her to end friendships.

“Even though we had a falling out, like, I’m forever grateful for those memories, and those

people for that time being, because I needed them, and it was nice when it was good,” said

Gibbs. “But once it started getting toxic, it just ruined it for me. I felt really alone and ashamed

like I was going crazy.”

Gibbs wrestled with feelings of loneliness and self-doubt about her decisions. The sacrifice of

moving away and leaving her family weighed on her heavily, and she wanted to ensure she

succeeded.

“I was very upset because I feel like I sacrificed so much to be here,” said Gibbs. “Whether it

was money, my friends at home, my family at home, I already sacrificed so much and feel I was

selfish.”

Over time, she learned to embrace the change and appreciated how her experience coming to

Florida for college shaped her into a stronger and more self-aware person. Gibbs plans to

continue her journey of self-discovery and, after graduation, prepares to take the lessons she’s

learned back home to New York.