My time at the New York State Youth Leadership Council (NYSLC) began with a slightly embarrassing mix-up. On my first day as a Community Organizing Intern, I went to the wrong office. Luckily, the office where I was actually supposed to meet my supervisor was right next door. In my (poor) defense, NYSLC has its office space in a WeWork next to Bryant Park, but there are actually two WeWork locations right next to each other. I, for one, had never been to a WeWork before, and I have to say that it creates a very different office atmosphere. There are many people working in open spaces, with different companies and organizations sharing the building while maintaining designated work areas. At first, this environment felt somewhat disorienting, but it is also a cool concept because I get to co-work alongside people whom I know nothing about and whose projects remain a mystery to me.

My work with NYSLC directly connects to the research I conducted this past summer on how immigrant identities are embodied. Now, as a Community Organizer, I get to help facilitate the very spaces in which such identities are built, expressed, and reinforced. Beyond supporting embodied identities, NYSLC champions the undocumented youth community in New York City through organizing, support spaces, and mentorship. I am very excited to work with them this summer and to learn more about community organizing and, really, about the world through the stories of the undocumented students who are part of NYSLC.

I will also have the opportunity to put some of my own skills in service of NYSLC, including workshop facilitation (I am already working on a resume and cover letter workshop) and curriculum design as I help revamp the curriculum for a summer program that NYSLC runs with a New York City high school. Unfortunately, the program's start date falls the week after my internship ends. However, since I will still be in New York City, I may have the opportunity to help facilitate the program as well.

This image was taken at a work event that I attended with my supervisor on Thursday at Tweed Courthouse, the headquarters of New York City Public Schools. The event was an end-of-year celebration and presentation for a group of students who had spent the year serving on an advisory board and developing projects to improve their schools. Listening to their presentations was incredibly inspiring and reminded me of the spirit of our time as Laidlaw Scholars: identifying problems, collaborating with others, and working toward meaningful change in our communities.

Since it is summer, I have also decided to commute home from work using Citi Bike. The rides back have been both refreshing (literally) and exciting. They have become a great opportunity to reflect on my work, process everything I am learning, and fully savor the summer.