Mark Istvan Ledeczi-Domonkos

When my parents arrived in this country, we had nothing. Two pairs of underwear and a few shirts were the only possessions accompanying us to a brand-new land. Despite our humble beginnings, my family managed not only to survive but to thrive.

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This journey was marked by hard work, dedication, and the generous support we received from fellow Eastern European-Americans in the Tri-State area—Russians, Greeks, Poles, and more. Also, multiple family members contributed, and everyone played a role in building our life. As my father established his own metal distribution company, I, as a pre-teen, learned to weld, operate a forklift, handle sales paperwork, identify different metals, operate various machinery, all while still attending school on Long Island.

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Though I may not have fully appreciated the hardship, discrimination, and responsibility at the time, these experiences had a profound impact on my life.

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Surrounded by a distinct Eastern European community, I grew up immersed in tales of Attila the Hun, Peter the Great, and Saint Constantine. This early exposure evolved into an obsession; at just 5 years old, I began reading every history book at my local library. Inspired by the values of communitarianism, religion, and hard work displayed by our community, I was determined to fight for their livelihood and interests, sparking my love for law and politics. The community's profound love of sports, cheering on national teams and finding leisure in its embrace on weekends, inspired my own love for sports. Without the support of the community around me, I wouldn't be who I am today.

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Upon entering New York University, I seized the opportunity to hone the skills related to my passions. I learned to write and publish comprehensive policy research essays, historical analyses, and feature articles. My public speaking and activism improved, earning me the Perkal Family Political Citizenship Award for academic work, advocacy, and community volunteering. I continued developing my legal skills, publishing articles on Constitutional Law, winning multiple Moot Court competitions, and working extensively in legal jobs and internships, culminating in winning the Ray Richardson Award for Legal Studies.

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Beyond academics, I lived for extended periods in my homeland of Hungary, spent a semester in Germany, and was an exchange student in Denmark during high school. Working with academics from over 30 different countries on various projects provided me with a deep understanding of diverse cultures and backgrounds. Additionally, I worked as a freelance tutor for over 5 years, gaining experience in mentorship, teaching, and small-scale business dealings.

 

In summary, my diverse set of interests, skills, and knowledge stems from the rich and varied upbringing I experienced. I am forever thankful to my Eastern European community, my family, friends, and everyone who helped shape who I am. Their care and hard work have had a distinct impact on me and everything I do, so I am so thankful that they have enabled me to share my work with the world.

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