Canal Street

Every time I visit New York City, my journey always begins at the Canal Street subway station, just like the tile sign captured in this photo I took. For me, this stop is the absolute center of my world in the city. As an immigrant from Southeast Asia, my first destination is always Chinatown, where I can find and enjoy authentic Asian food that brings back comforting memories of home. Once I am fed and energized, I step out of the station and begin walking the vibrant streets of New York, camera in hand, ready to capture honest, candid moments of people living their lives.

On these streets, I see people from many different backgrounds coming together. I watch street vendors working hard to make a living by selling everyday essentials. I see middle-class workers rushing to their jobs, alongside corporate professionals heading to their offices. Every class of society can be found right here on Canal Street, all contributing to this country. To me, Canal Street is a living, visual story of how this great nation was built by people of every background working side by side.

Over time, Canal Street has transformed from a simple transit stop into a powerful symbol of exploration and creative freedom. The moment I step off the train here, I am instantly filled with a feeling of friendliness, belonging, and a powerful desire to conquer the day. It is my ultimate symbol of creative joy.