It often happens that a single moment in time changes the perspective and the trajectory of a life and a story. For me, that moment is encapsulated in a happy-go-lucky high school AP History class field trip to Philadelphia. Because of my passion for cooking which had defined the previous decade of my life, my stop in The Bourse became a representation of what my life would become three years later.
The Beginning
My introduction to Philadelphia kicked off with a less than exhilarating two-hour bus ride immediately followed by a tedious hour-long presentation at the Constitution Center. Little relief followed as we were ushered to the museum section where we were encouraged to appreciate the displays filled with images of and facts about political figures and activities presented with corresponding displays. I began to yearn to see beyond the walls of Constitution Hall.
Philadelphia: National Constitution Center by Wally Gobetz
The Adventure
I attribute much of my introduction to Philadelphia to the scavenger hunt organized by my teacher whose objective was to expose us to as much of Old City as possible. I soon forgot this assigned task as I allowed my curiosity to guide me through the neighborhood. I was enchanted by the combination of cobblestone streets, the slow walkers, the clean parks, and the historic row houses which seemed to fit perfectly into the landscape as if painted into place.
Discover Old City & Society Hill by Discover Philadelphia
The Gateway
Our hungry group ventured into the Bourse where my teacher struggled to impart the history of the building on us. I became mostly oblivious to this activity as I soaked in the essence of this place which was so clearly a microcosm for all that Philadelphia has to offer. I became rapt with attention to the expansive offerings of foods from all geographical locations and cultures under this single roof.
Philadelphia – Old City: The Bourse by Wally Gobetz
At this moment, I realized that a compilation of foods from all corners of the globe is representative of a city that appreciates and nurtures its diversity. Without realizing it then, what I was experiencing would remain with me and become a critical element in deciding where my college years would be spent and where I was destined to make my home away from home.
Now
My visit to the Bourse encouraged me to immerse myself into Philadelphia’s food culture. Prior to my arrival in Philadelphia as a freshman at Temple, I educated myself about a variety of restaurants, especially those catering to non-dairy consumers like me. Typically, non-dairy options are tedious and repetitive, but this city offers a plethora of possibilities as represented at the Bourse.
As a college freshman eager to be involved in some small way, I followed my passion for food and became a staff writer for TUTV’s cooking show, Feel Good Cooking. My thoughts went immediately to the notion that only in Philly could I be shoulder to shoulder with industry rock stars as a first-year college student writing for a television show for the first time.
As I stepped onto the bus on that spring day in 2019, I was unaware of the mental seed that had been planted about the future that Philadelphia had in store for me. So, when I consider the opportunities that are at my fingertips in Philadelphia, I think fondly of my high school history teacher whose determination to expose us to this amazing city opened the door to my landing in my home away from home.