Meet your mentor, Bernard.

Bernard is a News Assistant at The New York Times, where he works behind the scenes supporting national news while also gaining opportunities to report and write. He’s originally from Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, and has also lived in Vienna, Austria. Bernard studied Africana Studies at New York University, a major that reflects his deep interest in history, culture, and politics. Outside of work, he’s a big sports fan and enjoys writing, reading, staying active, following pop culture, and exploring new places. Bernard is passionate about college access and giving back, especially because a mentor played a major role in shaping his own academic and professional journey.

As a mentor, Bernard brings a relationship-driven and encouraging approach. He believes in the power of building connections, asking good questions, and showing genuine interest in others—skills that have helped him grow opportunities in a fast-paced newsroom. This aligns well with you, Zaire: you’re talkative, funny, relationship-oriented, and interested in building your brand and making new connections. You also share a love of sports and creativity, and Bernard’s experience with writing, media, and navigating competitive spaces can help you think broadly about your future—whether that’s basketball, social media, or college pathways. He’s excited to meet you where you are, support your goals, and help you explore new opportunities while building confidence and skills for what’s ahead.