Maheen Ghuman joined Open House New York in the summer of 2023 as an intern via the Bloomberg Arts Internship. As a rising senior in Midwood High School from Bensonhurst she hopes to learn more about the city that surrounds her. As part of her responsibilities, she works alongside with Rezeea to conduct research on past weekend events at Open House New York and utilizes different social media sites to find the best fit for OHNY’s specific needs. As part of the program, the interns and Maheen go on field trips where they write field notes so that OHNY is able to learn more about the perspective of teens on visiting certain establishments in NYC. Through the program, Maheen has learned to better communicate with the other interns and have good time management. Outside of OHNY, Maheen likes to spend time with her friends and family along with exploring different interests of hers like music, cooking, and gardening.

What excites you about interning at Open House New York?

What excites me the most about interning at Open House New York is getting an opportunity to learn about and explore the city where I was raised. I want to be able to know all the places that surround me and take my family or friends there. I don’t want to feel as though I am a tourist or a foreigner in my own city. I hope to be able to connect with my fellow interns who I am able to find a lot of surprising commonalities with and build bonds through the mutual need to know more.

What’s your favorite neighborhood or place in New York?

Coney Island is my favorite neighborhood. It is not only where I grew up but it was where I first confronted the identity of being a New Yorker by living in a diverse and vibrant environment. One of the things I loved most was the accessibility to a variety of things including amusement parks, beaches, trains, stores, etc. Now, through my work with OHNY, I hope to continue to expand the broaden the scope of that feeling of exploration.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years, my vision is to be doing something that brings me joy and makes me feel content. Currently, I have lots of uncertainty about my future and the career path I want to take. However, as I explore this city, I am reminded of the many possibilities that lie ahead. Although the future is very daunting, I hope that in the next five years, I will have a bachelor’s degree, be surrounded by supportive people, and trying new things.

If you could ‘unlock’ any building in New York, what would it be?

I would choose to unlock the City Hall Subway Station. I have always had an appreciation for trains because they make transportation for me easier and open up the city. Therefore, being able to see the train station and the unique architecture inside would intrigue me.

Bloomberg Arts Internship

The Bloomberg Arts Internship (BAI) program offers rising public school seniors summer internships at cultural non-profits to provide skills and experience. Since 2012, the program has offered New York City students (at participating CTE high schools) paid opportunities to try out arts careers; hone workplace, career, and communication skills; and sharpen their writing. Bloomberg Arts Internship is sponsored by Bloomberg Philanthropies.