Anna

Coming to the United States from Poland five years ago was like climbing up a steep mountain. When I arrived, I had to learn not only a new language, but a new culture.  The language barrier prevented me from meeting people and speaking with them, and it was the first time in my life that I had to confront people of a different skin color, background and religion. However, I learned a lot from this experience, and by learning English I was able to understand the meaning of “a level playing field”.  I felt like I was on a level playing field because we all spoke the same language, and by far, I consider my greatest achievement to be learning how to work with people who have different cultures of their own. 

These experiences have inspired my goal to work in the International Criminal Justice field for two reasons.  First, I want more people to be able to familiarize themselves with many different cultures so that they can appreciate them.  Second, I want to use international laws to protect people’s rights in countries where discrimination, racism, genocide, cultural warfare, and religious wars exist. To do this, I want to go on to graduate school after college, and to go even further to receive a PhD and become a professor at a university.  I would like more people to hear about issues that our world faces now and to inspire others to take action. Although the road to my dreams may be challenging and full of hard work, I know that it will also be filledwith passion, hope, and the feeling of success.

NYNY gives me financial support for new opportunities like going abroad to experience other cultures, but more importantly, it helps me overcome my weaknesses.  As a naturally shy person, it makes me more confident in public speaking.  By working on networking, resumes and the interview process, I am being prepared for future challenges and opportunities.  I feel honored to be an NYNY Fellow because I am having a chance to work with amazing people whose lives inspire me. We learn a lot from each other, and I believe that with that knowledge, we all will be able to make a difference in the world.