This piece was written by Eniola Adebule, a 24 year old BMCC student who came to the United States three years ago from Nigeria. She is a Liberal Arts major and is doing her internship with the New York Public Interest Group (NYPIRG) in Albany. She calls her life’s journey not just “challenging” but “truly worth it.”
I want to become an international Lawyer, specializing in politics and public interest in general. That explains why I am doing my internship with the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG). NYPIRG is a public interest group, focusing on sensitive political issues, laws, and everything that interests or benefits the public.
I started this internship in January and I feel really lucky to be here. I feel that way because I’m the only sophomore at NYPIRG. Other interns are either juniors or seniors and American citizens. I know I have a lot to learn considering the fact that I am from a different part of the world where everything seems the same compared to the United States. This internship is a huge opportunity to really know the legislative system in New York State, and it can be a real short cut to understanding both New York State politics and American politics in general.
I am ambitious and have given a lot of thought about running for office or to become a government official. While I’m not ruling out the possibility, my real intent is to know a little bit of this and that, since international law and politics are intertwined. I believe being here in the U.S gives me a better view of the world and its politics, but we’ll see how it all plays out.
The NYPIRG experience is like getting front row tickets to the unfolding political events in New York. I get to attend legislative sessions, press conferences, send memos, and meet with legislators, but most importantly it gives me a lot to think about and a lot to strive for in my life. It makes me think it’s actually possible to change the world, as opposed to how I was raised, where the belief is that political change can only come at a high price.
It’s my sincere hope that Africa can change and that there can be a true dialogue between those who run countries and the people who want change. My intention is not to sit on my hands and only repeat what fellow Africans say, “Africa is bad,” and have no thought about going back home to help the continent that gave them their unique identity.
I know my last statement might sound really harsh, especially if one of my fellow Africans get to read this, but “the truth is bitter” as like we say, and every continent or country has its own obstacles and issues; but let’s not turn our backs on our homeland. There must be a way to mend whatever damage is done, and until we find that middle ground, where walls can be mended, we may never reach what we all preach, and that is world peace.
I face a lot of challenges daily, but like I said, they are all worth it. The fact that I am relatively new to the United States and actually trying to understand this new world is a real struggle. Everyday I try to make people understand the words that come out of my mouth– you know my accent– which I must say makes me proud of whom I am. In all, I am really grateful for this internship opportunity, for being able to go to BMCC, and for having my dreams come true. For example, the experience of this internship and the fact I am the first BMCC student to experience it may encourage the college to provide more credits for a semester long internship. I only say this because it’s as good as being in class and having a regular job at the same time.
Just a final thought. I truly hope that I am able to reach out to other women regardless of their race and background, making it clear that yes, it is possible to reach your goal or to achieve that dream. Those dreams come with challenges, but it is truly worth it for those that can endure all obstacles, because they are inevitable.
