The Week as IDEA's "Only Child" Intern
It was quieter than normal this Monday, and I arrived to find a sweet note and mug filled with different assortments of tea on my desk as a goodbye present from Jule. But I didn’t have much time to stare sadly at my friend’s empty desk, because being the only intern this week meant that I was quickly immersed in engaging work. Within a few moments I was called upon to compare post-coup constitutions in Chad, Mali, and Burkina Faso. I spent many hours combing through a new publication for IDEA, paying meticulous attention to detail and channeling my rapidly developing understanding of constitutional law. Pivoting between my two monitors, I felt like a seasoned legal professional as I tracked various articles within the constitutions, ensuring their accuracy and relevance. It was akin to a comprehensive cite check, a skill I’ve learned well from my last year on William & Mary's Bill of Rights Journal.
One of the highlights of the week was continuing my work on the Bonavero Notes on the Status of Constitutional Reform Processes, an exploration of the significant constitutional changes in numerous countries. For instance, I delved into Barbados' transition from a constitutional monarchy to a republic, marked by the appointment of Sandra Mason as the first president. Their establishment of the Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC) emphasizes the importance of broad public engagement and the need to incorporate diverse perspectives into the new constitution. In Belize, the wide-scale constitutional reforms spearheaded by the People’s Constitution Commission (PCC) has been fascinating to analyze. The focus on inclusivity and transparency, especially regarding representation from various cultural and ethnic groups, was a reoccurring theme. Debates surrounding new social and economic rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental protections are part of the dynamic nature of constitutional reforms in the Caribbean and African countries. Several times, my heart filled with excitement when I thought about meeting these drafters in a few weeks and hearing their personal experiences in constitutionalizing these pressing areas.
My work has intellectually taken me to exciting areas around the world, and living in The Hague has been an adventure in itself. I love exploring the city, from the beautiful Peace Palace to the hidden gems in quaint neighborhoods, every corner of the Hague has something special to offer. Everyone I’ve met has shared a long list of recommendations that’ve kept me busy, from the best places to watch tennis, bike rides in forests, beach clubs, and scenic walks. One of my most delightful discoveries is a bakery near my flat, Bro, that sells the best croissants. The catch, however, is that they’re only available on Saturdays. It’s impossible to forget, I can smell them wafting through my open window in the early morning.
I’m living in a Dutch fairytale, in beautiful flat overlooking one of the canals. My landlord, Rune, renovated the entire flat but chose to keep a peephole on my backyard patio, where I can peer into the Michelin-starred French restaurant below and watch the chefs at work. After getting my tenth photo, my family started calling me Remy from Ratatouille. I’ve made friends with the owners, waitresses, store clerks, and small business owners along the canal and my route to work. Everyday, we smile and wave at each other as I pass by and stop to exchange pleasantries. I love my neighborhood, and it’s really begun to feel like home. Exploring the city on a bike is both exhilarating and a bit scary due to the bustling bike traffic, but it truly makes me feel like a local. If you don’t bike in the Hague, you aren’t doing it right. I’ve also found a fantastic gym that’s helped me stay grounded and happy. TrainMore subtracts a euro from your monthly fee every time you visit, as a method of incentivizing their members to workout more often. It’s such a wonderful concept, and one that embodies the ideology of the Netherlands. The country values health and well-being, and I’ve really loved being around such balanced mindsets. It’s a worldview IDEA shares as well, and one that has made this significant milestone in my legal career that much sweeter. This week as an “only child” intern at IDEA has been wonderful, and I can’t wait to welcome the new arrivals, Kirby and Jared on Monday.
