“Why does New York have to suck so bad?” I walked down the crowded street, wondering if anyone had heard of personal space. My iced coffee wasn’t even iced anymore, and I had already started to sweat through the clothes I’d put on to face down one of my greatest fears. Public speaking.

“Because New York isn’t Maine, and you’re not home.” My mom’s voice echoed in the earbuds that I never left home without. “...