Hello, to the person reading this, my name is Jose, a musician from Ecuador, and this is the reason why "Welcome to New York" by Taylor Swift is my favorite song from "1989". This song resonates deeply with me, inspiring me with its message of hope, perseverance, and acceptance of one's uniqueness. It describes New York City as a place of infinite possibilities where dreams can come true. I long to study music production and engineering at an American university and become a successful musical artist. Given the complex political and economic situation Ecuador is going through right now, New York represents unparalleled opportunities and a thriving artistic community that my country lacks. The song's second verse conveys the idea of starting over and leaving behind the emotional burden and difficulties of the past. You see, My childhood and adolescence were not the best; when I was born, my country was going through a tremendous economic crisis, and a lot of people had no choice but to emigrate to other countries in search of better opportunities; that's why my father was not so present in my childhood; I couldn't access to an excellent education; and in my teenage years, I experienced for a few years my family's rejection of my becoming a professional musician and for being gay, so New York symbolizes a place where one can shed one's old self and embrace personal growth and liberation, which resonates with my desire to break free from the limitations of my current life and forge a path to a better future. The song celebrates freedom and individuality, especially in lines like "And you can love whoever you want." As a gay man living in a country marked by conservatism, I have suffered discrimination and insults because of my sexual preference. I still remember the pain I felt when my classmates teased me at school or how once, a person yelled at me and a friend on the street that we were going to hell for being sinners. But the infectious melody of the refrain encourages me to embrace my uniqueness and pursue my dreams. It reminds me that everything we love will bring us challenges but that we wouldn't change a thing as it shapes who we are and fuels our determination. And all of this resonates with my current self because there are moments of doubt where I question the uncertainty of my future; Even though I have secured a scholarship from the prestigious Los Angeles College of Music, which saw something in me as a musician; I am still trying my best to raise the remaining funds. However, I refuse to give up. As the song suggests, the fate of our dreams may change, and the journey may be difficult, but I value the sacrifices made and the personal growth achieved along the way. My love for my dreams drives me forward, and I will have the opportunity to study in New York and create a better life. "Welcome to New York" has a message that should resonate in today's world, marked by intolerance and division. It serves as an empowering anthem that celebrates the diversity within every human being. It embodies resilience, hope, and the pursuit of dreams. It speaks to the ability of the human spirit to persevere in the face of adversity and find strength in uniqueness. As I walk my path, I carry the song's message in my heart, reminding me never to give up, to keep pursuing my dreams, and to keep believing that new beginnings are possible for everyone.