Taking videos and photos were key in capturing the walk's essence. I had side conversations with people with different perspectives that I didn't document but that also helped me resource information about the current status of the area. This method of research is also good for your social health because it allows you to go outside of your comfort zone and make connections with people's stories and connect with the area around you so that you can have your own individual perspective.

While walking around this area I felt a special connection to everything around me. I felt the chipped concrete below my feet every step of the way. I smelled the garbage and that boarders every strip of concrete. I even bought a drink from the local deli and I drank a sip of Arizona. I was looking out for potential danger, while also admiring the graffiti. To the common eye, people will look at Little Italy and view it as what it "used to be" and feel bad about its current state. But the reason why I chose to make this project about this place is to show people that this place has beauty. Everything needs to be viewed in the right perspective but the only way to experience that perspective is to take a walk. I took this walk with my cousin who currently lives there. Although he walks these streets everyday, this was an eyeopening experience for him as well because he never placed himself in the moment to truly take in all of the elements of his surroundings. One of the greatest examples of that is how the Fordham students view Little Italy. The students are outside, laughing, drinking, smiling, but most importantly they are living in the moment. We, the locals have forgotten where we are and are in the constant search to escape the place that gave us life and made us who we are. Why is it that the place that made us become who we are is the place we want to abandon? It is kind of poetic when you think about it because human nature is very contradictory.

I hope that everyone who hasn't been to Little Italy and everyone who has been there takes a 15 minute walk to view what the real Arthur Ave is like. Maybe we shouldn't reminisce on "what was" but focus on "what is", I believe that we will find more happiness that way.

(MY UPTATKE ALSO INCLUDES THE PARAGRAPHS THAT WERE IN THE OTHER SECTIONS)