What it’s like to grow up in the 305

“We slept on floors, we partied hard, we lost our minds, we danced with the devil, we faced our fears, we swallowed our pride, we gave our hearts, we tried and we failed, we followed our dreams. We are Miami, we never die.” 

Daily rituals included partying, luxury and endless excitement

Whether you are a Miami local or an enthusiastic tourist, I think most can agree that there really is no city like it. Growing up in a city like Miami Beach was quite divergent compared to your typical upbringing. The oasis of the East side, many people saw Miami as a simmer of paradise, but for me it was my rainbow of chaos.

I was exposed to a life of constant partying and luxury, which shortly turned into my daily reality by my first couple years in high school. It was easy to get lost in a city so thrilling. I knew my life was somewhat melodramatic but I didn’t realize how “crazy” my lifestyle was until I shared stories with people who grew up in places so small I had never even heard of and would see the glare of judgment in their eyes.

Cuban coffee roused me out of bed and the city lights are one of the many things that kept me alive 

When I asked others of their perception of my hometown the only thing that comes to mind is ‘party central.’ But to me Miami is a lot more than just a wild night out or a place to rage your life away. Every morning I was aroused by the vivid streaks of golden sunlight and the sounds of waves echoing on my shoreline. Cuban coffee got me out of bed in the morning and although the blaring sounds of cars would keep me up at night, I never gave a shit because it was a city I loved that was roaring with life.

Growing up in a city that moved so rapidly made me want to strive for more

The diversity of the city was inspiring, the people, art, music and talented individuals that drove me to a point of curiosity that lead me to expand my mind. A regular day of studying for me was going to one of my favorite local spots, Panther Coffee in Miami’s Art district. Surrounded by the various forms of art was moving. Summer days spent on the beach lying under the tangerine sun, and sleepless nights going out under the captivating city lights were just some of the things that made me feel alive.

Everyday was a weekend — no matter what obligations you had during the day, the moment the sun would set you knew shit was about to go down. Regardless of how draining Miami can be, it’s my guilty pleasure. A city so detached from reality but a place of serenity that captured my most memorable experiences.

“Sometimes I wish I could go back in life, not to change shit just to feel a couple things twice”

I’ve lived in other cities and I can honestly say Miami always felt like one step ahead. I tell all my friends that I feel I was born backwards. Being in my 20s and seeing my college friends today experience all the things I did back in Miami is like watching a recurring dream of a life I lived a hundred times. Growing up in a city with so much momentum made me realized I’ll forever cherish a place astonished with life.

Transitioning from Miami to Gainesville could not be more black and white; and although I found my place here in the Swamp, I know that a city that never sleeps is exactly where I’ll always be. The motivational effect of this city of dreams is what drives me to fulfill everything I hope one day to see. There are so many nights I would love to live twice just to feel a couple things that could never die out.