Transitioning West to East

April 2025
Avery Miles

Making the choice to serve as a Fellow is a big one, especially if it involves a cross country move. I moved from Southern California to serve in Newark, and it was the best choice for me. Hopefully after reading this, it can be an easy choice for you too. 

My move was seamless. I flew directly into Newark and Ubered to Fellow housing, an easy ten minute drive from the airport. And at Fellow housing there were GO Tutor Corps staff there who greeted and helped me and the other Fellows move in. 

The biggest challenge about the move was definitely being so far away from my home, family, and friends. Although there were definitely hard moments, there were so many people here in the same boat as me. I leaned on the other Fellows and created life long relationships. 

Here are a few of my East Coast suggestions: 

Best thing to buy before the move: 

A good pair of shoes to walk in! People walk everywhere here. I’d also suggest a good winter coat. 

Thing I was most nervous about: 

Public transportation. I had never used public transportation, it’s not really a thing in California, but it’s the main form of transportation out here. I am still awful at using it, but my friends help get me around. 

Thing I was most excited about: 

Getting to live in a totally new place with a different way of life. The East and West Coasts are obviously known to be completely different and I wanted to be able to experience both and see what kind fits me best. I was also excited to travel around the East Coast and explore. And meet new people. There’s a lot I was excited about! 

Biggest East Coast culture shock: 

How fast people walk. Honestly, I cannot keep up. People are borderline sprinting around, especially in New York. I also knew that pizza and bagels were huge out here, but the amount of pizza and bagel places there are is wild. 

Favorite restaurant in my city: 

Top’s Diner in Newark is the best place ever. 

Fun things to do in my city: 

• Walk around the park in the city
• Go to a Devil’s game at Prudential
• Get your nails done at Bella Nail Lounge
• Happy hour at Redd’s across from Prudential 

Final advice to a future West Coast Fellow: 

Although it feels scary, you should absolutely take the leap and move. This was one of the best decisions I could have made for myself. It showed me a whole new place and exposed me to so much, helping me grow. You’ll be so grateful you decided to move and you’ll come out better on the other side. And if the East Coast isn’t for you, that’s okay, it’s a one year commitment! 

Signing off,

Avery