Category Archives: personal

Despite the Flaws

By: Gabriela Yareliz In the Bible, we see men and women presented with all of their flaws and beauty; in their darkest moments and in their highest points. Why so? “But seeing where they struggled and fell, where they took heart again and conquered through the grace of God, we are encouraged and led toContinue reading “Despite the Flaws”

2014

So I won’t give up; No, I won’t break down; Sooner than it seems life turns around. And I will be strong, Even if it all goes wrong; When I’m standing in the dark I’ll still believe; Someone’s watching over me. By: Gabriela Yareliz 2014 was a rollercoaster year. For some, it came with bigContinue reading “2014”

Waiting for Fahd

“I grew up in Guantanamo, and now that you’ve heard my story, you cannot turn away.” I had the privilege of being with the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) team as it talked about and brainstormed ideas for its media efforts with Fahd’s story (over the summer, at the Radical Lawyering conference). I met the attorneys who have traveled back andContinue reading “Waiting for Fahd”

Winter Ambles

By: Gabriela Yareliz I am going to be taking a break from the city soon. I am going to drain Fifth Avenue from my veins for a bit. Going home is a detox. Slowly, I stop wearing black structured clothes, pretentious city makeup, and I breathe a little more deeply; my adrenaline levels become normal;Continue reading “Winter Ambles”

Weekend Inspiration

“‘I want to write a novel about Silence,’ he said; ‘the things people don’t say.’” Virginia Woolf, The Voyage Out [If you need to, have a Barbra Streisand moment] A late-night epiphany brought to you by: Gabriela Yareliz You are entitled to make decisions in whatever way you decide to do so. Some people mistake wisdom andContinue reading “Weekend Inspiration”

Human Rights Day at the UN

By: Gabriela Yareliz There is no place I would have rather been today, on Human Rights Day, than at the United Nations for the Hague Talks. A big thank you to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the American Bar Association, the UN, and the International Criminal Court Consortium for being such gracious hosts and for theContinue reading “Human Rights Day at the UN”

Reflections Before Bedtime #2

[Me, probably eight years old, being ridiculous at my abuelo’s house, wearing my grandmother’s nightgown.] By: Gabriela Yareliz Several people who were once closer to me (friends) have noted that I seem different but the same. It happens around the holidays, when people see you after a long time and when you are my ageContinue reading “Reflections Before Bedtime #2”

Friday Motivation and Glee: December 5, 2014

By: Gabriela Yareliz It’s time to prepare for Sabbath. Friday means cleaning and jamming around my apartment (lots of Fifth Harmony, guys). I just received news that something I worked on with a colleague over the summer was extremely successful, and I am here celebrating that victory and blessing. The feeling you get when you are able to change someone’sContinue reading “Friday Motivation and Glee: December 5, 2014”