New York City is a living, breathing organism—overflowing with energy and complexity. Moving there felt like becoming part of a vast, intricate system. Every day, I took the subway, moving through the veins of the city, immersed in the hum of voices, each carrying its own hopes, dreams, and aspirations. The constant honking of cars, the sounds of construction, and the rumble of the subway beneath my feet felt like the city’s heartbeat. The air was filled with the scents of roasted nuts, sizzling hot dogs, and unexpected aromas, occasionally interrupted by a whiff of something less pleasant as it quickly disappeared. New York never sleeps, never quiets down, and living there meant doing your best to keep up with its relentless rhythm.
New York summers are notorious for their oppressive heat and humidity, with the city’s concrete amplifying the effects. By the time I arrived, the city was in the grip of an unyielding heatwave. The subway was like a sauna, with sweat dripping from every brow. I found myself constantly battling beads of sweat on my upper lip—a spot I’d never paid much attention to before. It was the kind of heat that made you question every life choice that led to standing in an underground furnace, waiting for a train that seemed to take forever.
Living in Hell’s Kitchen, just a short walk from Times Square, was both a blessing and a curse. The energy and excitement were evident, with New York’s mayhem on full display. The constant hum of activity, flashing lights, and crowds of people created an electric atmosphere, but the thrill quickly became overwhelming. The city’s nonstop pulse was exhilarating, but it wasn’t sustainable long term. I found myself searching for calm, an escape from the relentless buzz. New York had a way of both drawing you in and wearing you down, making moments of peace essential. It was chaotic, sometimes overwhelming, but undeniably beautiful in its unpredictability. It challenged me, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and ultimately became an unforgettable part of my internship, shaping my experience in ways I never anticipated.
The fast-paced environment was a fitting backdrop for my internship, where the stakes were high and the work demanding. Yet, unlike the bustling city outside, the office at Human Rights Watch (HRW) in the iconic and storied Empire State Building was eerily quiet—a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic shifting most of our work to remote settings. This emptiness underscored the global nature of our mission. We were a team united by a shared purpose, yet physically dispersed across continents. Our in-person gathering during International Justice Day at the UN was a rare and valuable moment that brought our virtual collaborations to life.
My colleagues’ deep passion for international justice was contagious, fueling my own dedication. Despite the emotional toll of confronting the darkest aspects of humanity—war crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity—the IJ team maintained hope and resilience. Small victories in justice brought immense fulfillment. The unspoken understanding that we were all in this together, with collective strength, carried us through the toughest moments. This sense of purpose, of being part of something larger, is a lesson I will carry throughout my career.
The conflicts and crises in places like Darfur, Gaza, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ukraine are stark reminders of how easily conflict can escalate into violence, potentially leading to atrocity crimes and underscoring the fragility of justice and the urgent need for accountability. Encountering efforts in Guinea and Liberia provided hope, as both countries are making significant strides toward justice for past atrocities. Additionally, advances in universal jurisdiction cases, such as those in France, and the upcoming prosecution of Michael Correa in the U.S., reflect a growing commitment to global justice.
Working on issues related to the International Criminal Court (ICC) during such turbulent times reinforced the need for a strong and independent international justice system. The ICC stands as a beacon of hope for victims of the world’s gravest crimes, holding those in power accountable when domestic systems fail. Yet, it is constantly under threat as global politics shift. The unpredictability of U.S. lawmakers’ stance toward the ICC was a constant concern. These concerns were heightened as U.S. lawmakers considered imposing sanctions on ICC officials, amplifying the uncertainty, and underscoring the threats to the court and its mission. The rapidly shifting political landscape, marked by former President Trump’s guilty verdict, his subsequent attempted shooting, and President Biden’s decision not to run for re-election, made everything feel even more unpredictable and unsettling. Every day brought a new headline, a new twist—much like the city outside my window, always changing.
Amidst all this, pizza became my go-to. As a student in one of the world’s most expensive cities, it was the perfect economical choice. New York’s sheer abundance of dining options can be overwhelming—in fact, it is said that the next time you’ll eat at the same restaurant could be 86 years from now. With so many choices, there were times when I just couldn’t decide where to eat. But pizza was always there—reliable, affordable, and just around the corner. No matter how overwhelming the day or decision, I could always count on a hot, cheesy slice. In a city where everything else was constantly changing, that slice of pizza became a small but vital piece of normalcy.
The lessons I learned in New York—about adaptability, resilience, and finding stability amidst chaos—will guide me as I continue my career in international justice. Just as a slice of pizza grounded me in the city’s unpredictability, I realized the importance of consistency in the fight for global justice. My time at HRW showed me that while the world may change rapidly, the pursuit of justice remains constant. In the end, my internship wasn’t just about the work—it was about learning to navigate a world in constant flux. New York, with all its quirks and challenges, was the perfect teacher, reminding me that even in an unpredictable world, there’s always a way to find your footing, sometimes in something as simple as a slice of pizza.
