Six months in New York City have shown me what it really means to live inside a city that never slows down. I am currently completing my professional internship as a graphic designer at Luminary. During this time, I have developed new skills in content creation, learned how dynamic and fast-paced startup environments can be, and experienced professional growth in ways I had not imagined before. I also had the opportunity to travel for work to Dallas, Atlanta and Washington, D.C., creating unforgettable memories with my colleagues along the way.
Beyond work, New York has offered countless personal adventures. Having a clear timeline of 11 months has encouraged me to make the most of each day in a city full of never ending opportunities, museums, events, and everyday moments that I will cherish for a lifetime. From walking the entire length of Manhattan and biking through Central Park, to attending different concerts, and enjoying brunch in diners that feel straight out of a movie scene – every day holds something special. One of my favorite parts of being here has been witnessing the seasons change in the city – from a hot and humid summer filled with runners, bike rides, iced coffees, and busy streets, to a calm and colorful autumn with fewer tourists and beautiful scenery, and finally into a snowy winter with endless art galleries and museums to explore.
What makes these experiences truly meaningful are the people I have met through BAFF. During my time in the USA, this community has become a second family. There is always someone ready to join a last-minute plan, explore a new neighborhood, go to a concert, or discover another corner of New York City together. These shared moments are what have made life here feel so full and memorable.
For future BAFF fellows, my biggest advice is to stay open to spontaneous plans and new experiences, and to build routines and hobbies that make the city feel like home. The United States offers so much, and the more you say yes, the richer your experience will become.