The New York Experience

Second day in NYC and everything seems amazing here! We are at the honeymoon stage once again. Passing through the World Trade Center, we took some great pictures there, the day started with a visit at NYC Small Business Services. It is a very interesting place. They have informed us about how SBS supports entrepreneurs and business owners. They offer free services (no cost) because of the city’s high taxes. Some of the business services that they provide are: business courses - marketing, business plan, legal assistance, financing assistance, women/ minority support with subsidiaries. I was amazed by the strict government regulations that a business should pass through in order to be able to operate legally. It has to be reviewed from the following 7 different departments – NYC Building, NYC health, NYC fire department, NYC department of consumer affairs, NYC environmental protection, NYC DOT, NYC landmarks preservation commission and NYC planning.

After eating lunch at the infamous Joe’s Pizza, the day continued with another compelling experience. We have had the chance to go at a tour at the United Nations headquarters. It was amazing that we were at one of the centers where leaders from all around the world meet and discuss problems of the global community. United Nations was founded right after the WWII in 1945 with just 45 member countries and today has 193 members. UN contributes to the prosperity of our world by working on the 17 sustainable development goals. Currently, climate action (no.13) is one of the priorities in the UN agenda that had to be discussed and a meeting will be held at the general assembly this month for this. United Nations tour was a worthwhile experience.

This day we learned a lot. However, it was special for one more reason. Today was Archuthan's birthday and we celebrate all together at breakfast time as a group with a cake and a “happy birthday” song. Something that I am grateful about this group is the positive people. Also, I really appreciate the work that mentors devote for us in order to implement the program in the best way. Can’t wait to enjoy the last day in New York tomorrow. Feel the same excitement about Washington too!