Article April 28, 2008 Issue

NYC, A $20 BILL, AND HOPE

BY AMANDA CASWELL

AFTER COLLEGE, I MOVED TO NEW YORK CITY TO begin a career working for the marketing division of a record label. I was mesmerized by the thrill of living in a thriving metropolis and landing an exciting job that included lots of social opportunities and free concerts. What I didn't realize at the time is that I would soon be embarking on a more important journey out of hopelessness that would put God at the center of my life.

Shortly after I arrived, I started dating a guy I met at a rock venue who was in the music industry as well. About a month into our relationship I discovered he was a regular user of recreational drugs. But I figured it went hand-in-hand with a career in the music industry. We got along really well, and I found him so charming and attractive that I didn't give it a second thought.