Immediately after the 2016 election, people began to post messages of hope and encouragement (and sometimes crap) on colorful post-its and sticking them on the walls of various subway stations around the city. We later learned that this was an extension of a project called Subway Therapy by artist Matthew “Levee” Chavez where he invited people to express their feelings with these little square pieces of paper.

In the confusing and disheartening post-election days, these post-its provided a kind of catharsis for New Yorkers and allowed us to support one another even if we’ve never met. We might seem cold and hurried to outsiders, but we secretly have the biggest and kindest hearts. It is in these kinds of moments where I am so proud to be a New Yorker.