About Me
I am a NYC based High School student who is passionate about human rights, social justice and public policy.
I have volunteered at local non-profits like Hudson Guild and Life Story Club, and I support the Future Hope non-profit in Calcutta, India. I serve on the youth leadership council of the NYC Department of Human Rights. I am actively involved in my local community as an intern in the office of Councilman Erik Bottcher District 3 in Summer 2025.
How I got interested in Public Policy
August 2nd 2025
In 2023, I was one of two High School freshmen chosen to represent my school at the Student Diversity Leadership Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. I didn't know it then, but that experience would shape the way I think about justice, equity, and the power of policy. Over several days, I joined students from across the country in conversations about race, gender, and systemic injustice. We discussed how prejudice doesn’t just show up in personal interactions; it shapes access to opportunity, economic outcomes, and public perception. I came away with a deeper understanding of how structural inequality works and why real, impactful solutions need to be both community-driven and systemic.
That experience made me think more seriously about the role of policy in creating change. Social justice work is powerful, but I realized it’s not enough to raise awareness alone. If change doesn’t translate into better policies and more equitable systems, it rarely lasts. That conference was a starting point for me. Since then, I’ve been more involved in youth advocacy and public policy work, trying to better understand how we can make institutions more just and responsive to the people they serve.
This blog, Nysa for the Record, is where I’ll write about those interests. I’ll be sharing my experiences, what I’m learning, and what I think more people-especially young people-should be paying attention to. Some posts will be reflective, others focused more on policy and research. This blog is my way of thinking out loud, staying informed, and hopefully sharing something meaningful along the way.
Volunteering at Hudson Guild
August 14th 2025
Growing up in New York City, I’ve always been fortunate to live in a stable apartment with my family and attend a good school. Last October, I volunteered at the Early Childhood Center at Hudson Guild, a nonprofit organization in my neighborhood that provides subsidized housing, education, and job opportunities.
I specifically worked with kids under the age of two, serving as an extra set of hands for the staff. My days included helping out with circle time, arts and crafts, meals, and nap time. The center was able to provide the children with almost everything they needed, including breakfast, lunch, and two snacks, at no cost to their families.
This experience was extremely eye-opening for me. I began to realize how much these resources impacted these children and their families. Things I didn’t have to think about as a kid-diapers, formula, and daily meals are often difficult for families to afford, especially those without outside help. I saw how much these families relied on the daycare and free meals, so they could stay at work knowing that their children were safe and cared for.
By the end of the week, I had new awareness of how many families struggle to make ends meet without the help of organizations like Hudson Guild. No one should have to choose between buying their kids diapers and paying rent on time. Witnessing this reality firsthand deepened my interest in Public Policy, especially policies that address housing affordability, education, and access to essential resources.