Thankful to Perch for a Shift in Perspective

Ever since I began taking social studies and becoming aware of my surroundings as a child growing up in New York City, I’ve been fascinated by the history of the City. As a teenager, I loved poring over The Encyclopedia of New York City by Kenneth T. Jackson, visiting museums focused on the City’s history, and watching the episodes of PBS’ New York: A Documentary Film. I’ve always been more on the side of landmark preservation, a little sad when an old building is torn down, or heartbroken when a place that is near and dear to me is no longer around. Although each New Yorker differs on what New York City is, means, and could be, we tend to be steadfast in our opinion, and it can be hard to convince ourselves and each other otherwise.

From my personal experience, I often think of New York City history during my lifetime by who was the mayor, or by historical events — the City before 9/11 or before the Covid-19 pandemic, or by specific events, whether they were great, upsetting, disappointing, or just weird. Upon reflection of this, I’ve realized that I probably think too much of the City’s history and what it was, and I’m not thinking ahead of the possibilities and vision for the future of New York City. My friends and non-Perch colleagues ask me what I do at Perch and what the work entails, and it’s more than just supporting our clients with their projects, challenges, strategy, and missions.

Since starting at Perch in the summer of 2022, I’ve done more thinking and work about the future of New York City in both the short- and long-term. Whether my colleagues and I are problem-solving for an urgent issue, or planning for future long-term sustainability of the City, we are considering and having insightful conversations about all the different possibilities, risks, and visions in front of us. It’s so easy for me to get nostalgic or be on a loop of thinking of what could have been, but it’s more exciting and critical to think of the future and its potential. I’m thankful to my Perch team, clients, and work colleagues for helping me shift my perspective to thinking more about what is ahead. I am inspired by our individual and collective ideas for preparing and shaping New York City for its future!