Youth Press Team Article by Valentina Cuza

On a remarkable day, May 23, 2024, at the Javits Center’s 13th Annual Youth Conference, I had the privilege of an unexpected interview with Hillary. She was there to present her work on cleaning dirty tap water in her Union City, NJ, neighborhood, a project that has undoubtedly inspired many with its impact and significance.

One of the things that Hillary mentioned was that many people buy harmful products without realizing that it harms water. When interviewing Hillary, I asked her a question: “Do you speak from personal experience?’’ since it would be surprising if she had. It turned out, from her answers, it seemed as if the main reason she had chosen the topic was because she spoke from personal experience. And she had wanted to instruct people on the correct things to do. To make things even more surprising, Hillary had chosen to do this on her own time, not as a school assignment, a testament to her personal dedication and initiative.

Reflecting on my numerous interviews, one discovery stood out as the most significant. Hillary’s journey and dedication to her cause left a lasting impression. This unexpected insight not only surprised me but also enriched my understanding. It was a valuable learning experience at the Javits Center.