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(After / spend) __________ my collage years at home, I was ready to set off into the world.

So, (after / graduate) __________, I flew to New York on a one-way ticket.

(In / look back) __________, I feel I became truly independent...

...(upon / board) __________ the plane.

However, (while / stay) __________ with a friend for a week, I felt the initial excitement begin to wear off.

Luckily, I had gotten in touch with her (before / leave) __________ home. But I didn't want to overstay my welcome.

I also realized, (when / go) __________ for my first job interview, how much pressure I felt. I had to find a job and a place to live quickly.

I soon found a paid internship at a design company (by / make) __________ dozens of phone calls, ...

... and shortly (after / start) __________ work, I was invited to rent a room in a colleague's apartment.

(Since / come) __________ to New York, I have felt the pressure of city living, but I enjoy it.

Of course, I've often felt homesick, but (by / make) __________ use of social media, I keep in touch with people.

I also make sense of my experience of post-college life (through / write) __________ this blog.