During my free time, I enjoy exploring new places, trying local foods, and immersing myself in cultural art and activities. As part of my Laidlaw experience, I had the opportunity to visit the Bristol City Centre and explore the Palestine Museum and Cultural Centre, a handcrafted art space that offered a powerful reflection on my own heritage.
I also visited the city of Bath, which quickly became one of the highlights of my journey. Walking through the Roman Baths and standing inside Bath Abbey felt surreal--the walls and sculptures were painted so beautifully, along with the museum downstairs. The architecture and history walls also deepened my appreciation for how our research and community engagement intersect with the Laidlaw community.
One of the most memorable parts of the trip was sharing it with my mother and sister. We enjoyed a traditional Bath bun at Sally Lunn’s, sipped elderflower lemonade, and sampled a variety of teas. We also took time to visit the Royal Crescent and other beautiful historic sites.
I am a junior at Columbia University, majoring in Urban Studies with a specialization in Public Health, and a 2024 Laidlaw Scholar. My first summer research was with the Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Preservation and Planning Mapping Historical New York Initiative. I digitized historical maps and census data, contributing to a digital atlas of early New York settlements, focusing on Queens and the Bronx. For my second summer, I worked with WeCanMake, a community land trust, on a mixed-use housing microsite in the UK.
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It is wonderful to be able to immerse yourself in the culture and art of the place you are traveling to. Bath sounds lovely, and being able to share that experience with family makes it even more special. Elderflower lemonade sounds delicious!