9 years. 3 months. 22 days. 81,642 hours. 4.8 million minutes.
That’s how long I’ve been in New York, actively chasing my dreams. Last week, I got my first official agent. In September, I secured stable housing. It takes a while.
First time in NYC-2015
Most Recent, Hells Kitchen-2024
✨9 Years
This journey is one baby Aidan could never have imagined. Back then, I knew I was going to be famous by 15. When 15 came, I pushed it to 18. When 18 came, I moved it to 22. When 22 came, I said, “DAMN,” stopped setting unrealistic deadlines, and told myself, it’ll come when it comes.
A common phrase I’ve heard throughout my time here is, “It takes 10 years to become an overnight success.” My literal brain took that as law. Now, as I near my 10th year here, I realize the hope and naïveté baby Aidan had is still alive. And while I’m glad it’s still there, adult Aidan has to be realistic—and that sucks.
I’m so grateful for everything I’ve accomplished, but I can’t shake the lingering question: “Is this still worth it?”
✨3 Months
During COVID, I took a job as a life insurance agent. It cost me at least $600 for training and equipment. I lasted two months—1.5 of which was training. It was awful. Cold-calling strangers to sell life insurance made me feel so yucky. It was awkward, and New Yorkers are MEAN! (Rightfully so when a stranger calls to sell you something.)
I’ve waited tables, worked as a delivery boy, handled coat checks, catered events for shows like Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, and SNL, worked at art installations, opened my own sticker store, became an "influencer," and recently started the process to become a Broadway usher.
Out of all those jobs, the only thing I’ve done that left me feeling truly fulfilled and happy was being on set. Whether it was Garnier, Izze, or background work on TV and film—it’s the only things.
Well, summer camp counts too, but that’s because I get to spark other people’s joy for acting. I want MY dang spark lit.
These last few weeks have been a whirlwind: I lost a job, booked a background gig, got an agent, started the usher job (then didn’t), and finished my Field of Light job. A lot. The point is, I’m still trying to figure out how to keep these bills paid while loving what I do—and it’s hard.
✨22 Days
I’ve moved eight times since coming up north. While that might not seem like much, eight moves in 9.3 years is A LOT. I moved back to Texas twice, lived in Jersey for four years, Manhattan for two, Brooklyn for three, and now back in Manhattan.
Thankfully, I’ve ended up here. I got incredibly lucky to score low-income actor housing in Hell’s Kitchen, close to Central Park. I live next to a hospital and a parkway, so it’s definitely not glamorous—but it’s worth it.
Roommates? Oh, I’ve had plenty. Some were psychos, some phenomenal humans, and some a mixture of both. I’ve lived amongst mice, drug addicts, dealers, and rich kleptos. One was my best friend, several became family, and one is suing me (but that’s a story for a different day).
I also want to add: though moving in NY/NJ is stressful, chaotic, and expensive, I’m a phenomenal U-Haul driver. I thrive on these bustling NYC streets. After a particularly chaotic moving day, my girls looked at me and said, in reference to my defensive driving, “That was hot.” And I wear that with pride. ✨
✨81,642 Hours
The hours I’ve shared with amazing friends throughout this journey have been priceless. From work besties to classmates, strangers I’ll only meet once to lifelong friends in the making—these relationships mean everything. Believing in myself opened the door to meeting so many incredible people who I get to call my friend.
My light draws people to me, and I’m able to see the light in others. Sometimes my judgment is hazy (I blame my Southern roots), but overall, I’ve met incredible people who’ve helped me grow in countless ways. I’m lucky to have a diverse friend group in terms of age and ethnicity. Gender? Not so much. I don’t have many male friends—a few, but not many. But let’s be real: women run the world, so why not fill your life with them?
But seriously, I’ve learned how to prioritize my wants, goals, and health. I’ve been inspired, guided, and pushed to keep fighting for my dreams. I’ve been given opportunities to showcase my talents and believed in time and time again. Reassured that I am enough, that my light shines with a pure heart, I'm talented and I have endless love to give.
At the same time, I’ve been reminded that not everyone has pure intentions and that keeping my guard up just a bit is okay too.
I believe the key to good friendships is having people who believe in you, root for you, and know you’ll do the same. No jealousy, no drama—just love, accountability, and sometimes hard truths. But also understanding that we all have different brains and views of the world.
Friends are crucial when you’re making it on your own in a big city. Be yourself, be kind, and make lots of friends. Not all friendships will last, but you’ll leave an impression—and hopefully bring some love and light to someone who needs it.
✨4.8 Million Minutes
This is probably the amount of time I’ve spent grieving here. From the loss of my mom, grandma, and childhood pet to the distance between me and my family—and let’s not forget the lack of good Tex-Mex and catfish. It’s been hard. It’s been very sad at times. But I pushed through, and somehow, I’m still here, able to write about it.
Is it still worth it?
I believe so.
I’ve achieved so many amazing things—not on my own, but with hard work and support along the way. I’ve made best friends, been in a wedding, and now have a view that overlooks the ocean. Sure, I still stress about rent, don’t have a significant other, and haven’t auditioned for a network show yet. But I know, with time, everything will work out.
It always does. ✨
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