GRADUATION
Below are some reflections from our Fellows and graduated Bridgers about their time in the Fellowship. We want to wish a hearty congratulations to all of our graduated Seniors, it has been a pleasure knowing each and every one of you, and we cannot wait to see all that you accomplish in the years to come!
Exploring the Different Perspectives of Inequality
By Vanna Lei
Before joining YouthBridge, I thought it would just be a fun experience to learn about a prevalent issue on a topic I love: food. Growing up in an Asian family where any waste is taboo and we would have leftovers for days, I’ve always known about the issue of food waste and its importance.
The reference I hear the most is “think about all the kids in Africa who don’t have any food to eat”, yet I never thought about how widespread the issue of food inequality actually is. There are children (and people) all over the world that lack access to three healthy meals everyday, and I never really understood my own privilege of having this comfort until YouthBridge.
YouthBridge has helped me explore different perspectives of inequality, why it exists, and how food insecurity is more than just not having food on the table that night.
Throughout our workshops this year, I was able to develop my critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills.
Two different workshops that stand out to me the most are when we did the Boat Exercise, when we went through different scenarios on tight budgets, difficult circumstances, and had to survive a month. It was incredibly difficult, and not once did we win because of just how many factors influence a person’s ability to have a stable household.
I would also like to point out the time we volunteered at a food bank. We noticed how diverse the population of people who need food were, which differs from the groups of people that I see regularly at food pantries, which only fulfills stereotypes. Again, I was able to really discover how food inequality affects everyone.
I’m looking forward to learning more about food justice, how I can apply the skills I learned to the benefit of the community, and most importantly creating stronger connections with my peers.
This Fellowship Gave Me Direction
By Cipriana Salinas-Sandler
It’s hard to believe we’ve reached the end of our first year as YouthBridge fellows. As part of the Healthcare Disparities committee, I came into this experience with a strong personal connection to medicine. I want to become a doctor, not just because I’m fascinated by science, but because of what I’ve seen in my own family and community.
On my dad’s side, my grandmother Betty—who I sadly never got to meet—struggled with heart disease and diabetes. On my mom’s side, both of my grandparents in San Antonio have dealt with obesity and diabetes for much of their lives. And my mom’s cousins, who live in the Rio Grande Valley, are in a region classified as a food desert - where healthy food options are hard to find and the consequences show up in their health. These aren’t just isolated medical issues. They’re examples of how poverty, location, and culture can all shape someone’s access to care and their health outcomes. Seeing these struggles up close is what drives me to want to become a doctor - specifically one who serves marginalized groups.
Throughout my time in the Healthcare Disparities committee, I’ve learned just how systemic these challenges are. We talked about how mistrust in the medical system, especially in the Black community after injustices like the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, still impacts whether people seek care today. We also learned how living in a food desert or not having health insurance can make something as basic as a doctor’s appointment feel out of reach. Additionally, our committee got to help address these challenges by supporting For the Better Inc. through our Bridging the Gap grant.
One of my favorite sessions was when we discussed mental health across different cultures. We shared our own experiences and were surprised to learn that Asian Americans are the least likely group to seek mental health treatment. We ended the session recording mock podcasts, giving advice to a fictional teen caller—and even though it was pretend, it felt so real. We also had a powerful debate about social media and teen mental health—about whether or not it should be banned for people under 16. These weren’t just conversations about health—they were conversations about our health, as teens navigating the world today.
But what made this year so special wasn’t just the information—it was the people. From our very first retreat, when I met Mariam and Rachel, I started building friendships that grew stronger with every meeting. Whether we were discussing vaccines, preparing presentations, or laughing during our escape room trip, I always felt supported and inspired by everyone in this room.
This fellowship gave me direction. It helped me realize that being a good doctor means seeing the whole person—not just their symptoms. That’s why I’m currently doing an emergency medicine research internship, and I plan to center my project on how immigration status impacts access to emergency care. I want to study how fear, language barriers, and lack of insurance affect how marginalized communities navigate crisis situations - and how the healthcare system can do better.
Looking back, I feel like I’ve grown not only as a student, but as a future healthcare professional. This fellowship helped me understand how social disparities shape health in ways that my AP Bio or Chem class don’t always show. And I know that this knowledge will make me a more compassionate and effective doctor in the future.
Thank you all for being part of this journey with me.
Building Bridges Instead of Walls
By Nour Abdelaziz
When I first looked into YouthBridge, I’ll admit—I was a little skeptical. Every organization says they care about diversity and inclusion. But as someone who’s spent a lot of time being “the only” in a room, I’ve learned to read between the lines. So I did what any curious person would do: I went looking for proof. And it didn’t take long. I looked at the website and saw images of past Fellows and Bridgers who looked like me. Women in hijabs. People of color. People from different faiths, backgrounds, and identities—not just participating, but leading. Representing. Creating change. That was the moment it clicked: YouthBridge doesn’t just talk about inclusion—it lives it.
We explored topics like the school-to-prison pipeline, the long-term psychological impact of solitary confinement, and the racial and economic disparities deeply embedded in policing and sentencing. I listened to stories from formerly incarcerated individuals—stories full of pain, resilience, and hard truths. And I am glad to announce that at the end of it all, we were also able to support Hoodworks Inc. through our Bridging the Gap grant. With every meeting, my perspective shifted. What once felt distant and theoretical became urgent and personal.
Over the past year, I’ve grown in ways I didn’t expect. I learned how to turn my voice into a tool for advocacy—how to raise it with confidence and care. I’ve sat in rooms where hard conversations happened, and instead of backing away, I leaned in. I learned how to listen—not just with my ears, but with empathy. I learned how to challenge my own assumptions and open myself up to perspectives that were different from mine.
That mindset—of leading with empathy, of building bridges instead of walls—is something I will carry with me long after my time here ends. Being a YouthBridge Fellow has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey so far. And now, as I prepare to step into the role of a Bridger, I do so with pride, purpose, and a whole lot of gratitude.
Thank you, YouthBridge and a special thank you to Adama, Tiffany, and Karen for creating these meetings and hosting them.
Spreading Awareness, Learning, and Growing
By Zach Simon
It’s a pleasure to be able to be up here tonight and I just wanted to take a minute to reflect on this amazing community we have built this past year, and specifically show my appreciation for my committee.
In the last year, I have truly enjoyed working with the food justice committee, and looking back, it is hard to believe how much we have accomplished in such a short time. I feel immensely grateful for all the contributions, hard work, and effort we have all put into making an impact on our community.
When I first joined YouthBridge, I had no idea what to expect. I didn’t know what we would be doing, or how we would be doing it. However, when reflecting on it now, this past year has been one of the most meaningful things I have done, and this experience has been so much more rewarding than I could’ve imagined.
Throughout the past year, we have worked to help spread awareness, learn about, and grow towards the goal of making access to healthy and affordable food a fundamental right, and not a privilege. Your guys’s passion, creativity, and determination have been truly inspiring, and we have been, and will be able to do great things with the skills we have built here.
One of the things that stood out to me was from this past April, when we all volunteered at a food bank, distributing dinners to the hungry. What stands out to me most from that night was how willing each of us was to pitch in and help out, no questions asked. That, to me, is what makes this group, and not just the food justice committee, but all of you here tonight, so powerful, seeing that you all are willing to do something good without hesitation, even when it comes at no gain to you.
I also want to say how much I appreciate every one of you for how much your spirit, friendship, and eagerness have shaped me into who I am today, and how I would not be here today if not for all of you.
In that, when looking ahead to the year we have coming up, I am beyond excited to see what it will hold, to see how we will deepen our impact, and see how far we can go.
Our Efforts are Not Just Words
By Dwayne Saunders
When I first joined Youth Bridge, I was nervous about what would come since I didn’t know anybody in this program. But moreover, I was excited to participate in meetings, and eventually, I realized how passionate we teens in New York City can truly be. This year has introduced growth, learning, and connection. In my first year of YouthBridge, I met with other young leaders from across the city who had the same mission: to make a change.
By joining the food justice committee, I expected to just learn about the lack of access to food in communities, but we dove into how intricate these issues are, such as organic options and waste management. I noticed things I hadn't been aware of before, such as food deserts and a lack of fresh produce. We met monthly to examine these issues and explore solutions that could make a difference. It forced me to think about the challenges faced by so many families across NYC.
It truly feels amazing awarding money to Team Brown, Inc., as they are consistently working to make a meaningful difference. We reviewed several organizations, and even though others didn't receive the grant, their service does not go unnoticed. Our efforts are not just words, and it is wonderful to provide Team Brown with the resources to make an impact.
I have developed skills working as a team and navigating conversations that had a purpose. Throughout this year, I have had fun doing team activities at our skill-building workshops, going on retreats, and being able to take in so much meaningful information from not just our guests but my peers as well.
YouthBridge is a wonderful program, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to participate in it.
Using My Story to Make a Change
By Liba Safa
When I first joined YouthBridge, I had a narrow idea of what leadership meant. I thought it meant being loud, always knowing what to say, and standing at the front of the room. But over the past two years, YouthBridge has taught me that leadership can also mean listening, holding space for others, and using your story to make change.
In my first year, I joined the Healthcare Disparities Committee. That experience opened my eyes to so many issues, like language barriers, medical bias, and gaps in care that different communities face. I saw how unequal access to healthcare can be, and it made me realize how important it is to fight for equity, not just change. This also deepened my passion for medicine. I’ve always wanted to be a doctor, but YouthBridge reminded me that healthcare should be a right, not a privilege.
I’ve also realized that my first example of a true leader has always been my mom. She leads by example every day—with patience, strength, and kindness. No matter what, she constantly reminds me to stay humble and grateful. Watching her handle challenges with grace has inspired me to face my own challenges with the same mindset. My siblings, Huda and Shameer, have also helped me grow. Being the oldest, I feel a responsibility to set a good example for them. They remind me why it’s important to stay focused and keep pushing forward, no matter how hard things get.
My favorite memory this year at Youthbridge was at the All Stars Project, where we participated in different activities that were fun and helped us step out of our comfort zones. I also loved the networking event where I had enlightening conversations with different professionals who shared their experiences and advice. It gave me a new perspective on life and the many ways people work to create change.
I’m really proud of what we’ve done these past two years, and even though it’s bittersweet to finish the Fellowship, I know I’m leaving with new skills and a better understanding of the world around me. I’ve learned how to speak up, work with others, and look at problems from different angles.
My plans for the future are to continue my education, and I’m committed to NYIT for their BS/DO program. I’m excited to keep working toward my goal of becoming a doctor and helping communities like my own. I also want to wish my cohort the best of luck in their journeys ahead—I know they will all do amazing things.
Thank you, YouthBridge, for introducing me to people from all over the city who care about making a difference. We all had different stories, but we were working toward the same goal.
A Beacon of Learning
By Grace Kollander
Today, we gather to celebrate our YouthBridge journey that has transformed each and every one of us over the past two years. YouthBridge has been more than a program or a fellowship; it has been a catalyst for growth, a platform for challenge, and a beacon of learning that has broadened our perspectives in ways that I could have never imagined.
I still remember opening the email that brought the exciting news that I was accepted into the YouthBridge fellowship. I was sitting on the New York City bus on the way home from a long day of school, and it instantly brought an ear-to-ear smile to my face. The excitement bubbled within me as I envisioned all the knowledge and experiences I would gain.
As we reflect on our time together, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the challenges we faced. Each obstacle was not just a hurdle but an opportunity - a chance to push our limits and to step outside our comfort zones. Whether it was through engaging discussions, collaborative projects, or community service, we learned to embrace discomfort as a necessary part of growth… get comfortable with being uncomfortable and talking about uncomfortable things.
If I had to choose one thing that YouthBridge really instilled in me, I would say it was the ability to step outside of my comfort zone. Getting to engage and hold discussions with other teens from completely different backgrounds, all with different opinions and perspectives, was invaluable. Moreover, having the opportunity to connect with individual teens on a personal level was such an incredible experience.
I have a particular example of this. I’m naturally more reserved, and I very clearly remember the first summer YouthBridge retreat where everyone met for the first time - it challenged that part of me. I arrived at 520 Eighth Avenue, anxiously waiting to board the bus. This was the first time I was meeting all of you, and I didn’t know anyone beforehand. I sat on the bus, quietly observing and wondering what the weekend would bring. I was eager to meet new people, but nervous.
Over that weekend, from the aqua jump to the team exercises, I couldn’t have had more fun stepping outside of my comfort zone and meeting this amazing, fascinating, and intelligent group of teens. On the way home, I sat with the new friends I had made and thought back to just a few days earlier. It was incredible to see how much can change in such a short time, and how meaningful it was to build relationships with people, hear their opinions during discussions, and learn how they would approach different global issues.
YouthBridge has created a space where these differences are celebrated - where we’ve been encouraged to listen, empathize, and understand. Each of us comes from different backgrounds, with unique stories and perspectives. I remember one session when YouthBridge brought in their Munich chapter, and we got to discuss different international conflicts with them. This diversity has taught me that our collective strength lies in our varied viewpoints.
As I’m attending Duke University next year - and as all of us head off to our respective colleges or whichever path you choose to take - we should all continue to broaden our horizons, just as YouthBridge taught us. We should keep having respectful, intellectual discussions, being open to hearing many different perspectives, and always challenging ourselves.
I want to express my gratitude to YouthBridge for this transformative experience. Thank you for believing in us, for pushing us to be our best selves, and for creating a community where we can thrive. Here’s to the past two years and to the bright futures that lie ahead for each of us. Let’s continue to grow, to challenge, and to inspire one another.
Expanding My Worldview
By Murphy Slater
When thinking back on my YouthBridge experience to write this speech, I wasn't quite sure how to format my thoughts about the program, so I thought I would start by talking about some of my favorite memories from the last two years.
Last year, as part of the Food Justice program, we spent a lot of time talking about the importance of food and plants in our daily lives, which culminated in a couple days where we brought in cultural food dishes and planted our own seeds in little pots that we got to paint. It was a super enjoyable experience and really allowed us to connect with one another and put the knowledge we had been learning throughout the year into practice. This is just one example of the community that YouthBridge has to offer. The group format of our meetings allows us to form connections with each other, especially with people that we would not have met if not for the program, from other boroughs and other high schools. These connections allow all of us to expand our worldviews and appreciate topics from new perspectives, from issues as important as food injustice to simply conversations about which aspects of our schools are the most strange.
My other favorite memory was this year, when we had a presentation from ADAPT – which is an organization that provides services for the disability community in the city – where we had an engaging conversation about what accessibility really looks like. This presentation was very important to me as someone who wants to go into the special education field, and I ended up reaching out to the program and setting up volunteer opportunities for myself for this upcoming summer, before I head off to Wheaton College. I think this really speaks to the resources that YouthBridge has to offer – there are so many meetings and presentations on such a wide variety of topics that if any of them stand out to you, it’s very easy to reach out and get involved. All of the people involved with the program really want to make sure that we have the most possible resources available to help us in the future, which is very much appreciated.
Overall, throughout my time at YouthBridge, I’ve learned a lot. I’ve learned about what equality and equity look like in New York through the food justice lens, where we talked about food deserts and what it really means to face food insecurity. We spoke to activists about their work helping to improve access to food all across the nation, and did research on what we can do to help those efforts ourselves. I’ve also learned a lot about the professional world, through meetings about personal branding and the networking session with professionals in many different fields. I definitely feel that YouthBridge has expanded my knowledge base and given me many tools that will be useful as I move out of this phase of my life into the next. Thank you so much to everyone involved with Youthbridge for creating this experience for us, and especially thank you to Tiffany for being at all of our meetings and answering my emails at alarmingly late hours of the night. It’s been a great experience, and I’m sure that the next group of Bridgers will have just as many wonderful things to take away from the experience as we all have this year.
Thank you!
The Power of Interdisciplinary Collaboration
By Tzipora Guttman
When I first joined YouthBridge, I knew I was passionate about medicine and scientific research, but I had no idea just how deeply this fellowship would transform my understanding of healthcare—and myself.
My time in the healthcare disparities cohort helped me understand the history and ramifications of this systemic issue. Millions of people, especially in underserved communities, still lack access to basic health services. Due to inadequate coverage, poor accessibility, or a simple lack of scientific knowledge, disparities in the healthcare system plague quality care from the innovation stages to widespread implementation. Bottom line, there are far too many preventable deaths, perpetuating cycles of inequality. Through workshops, experiential learning opportunities, and group work, my peers and I learned that, while pressing, this issue is solvable. Real solutions exist, combining advancements in scientific research with critical systemic policy changes. I discovered the power of interdisciplinary collaboration—public health experts, scientists, healthcare policymakers, sociologists, and economists coming together to bridge gaps between innovation and real-world accessibility.
But perhaps most importantly, YouthBridge broadened my perspective by showing me that science and social equity must always go hand-in-hand. I experienced this myself when working on my own research project, linking gut microbiome variations and depression to neuroinflammation. Initially, I was thrilled by the data set provided by my professor mentor. However, I quickly noticed it lacked diversity—missing representation across different races, genders, and economic backgrounds. This realization wasn’t just disappointing; it was deeply problematic. It highlighted the structural inequalities built into medical research from its earliest stages and motivated me to advocate for more inclusive clinical studies.
YouthBridge gave me the tools to address these problems. Through our activities, I developed stronger skills in advocacy, leadership, and communication—abilities crucial to bridging scientific innovation with social justice.
My personal motivation comes from my father. He struggled with unresolved mental health issues that later severely impacted his physical health. A brainstem stroke left him unable to maintain balance, and neuropathy robbed him of sensation in his foot. I became his caregiver, holding his hand, reminding him to use his cane, and vigilantly looking out for his safety. Every doctor’s visit, every scan, every prescription wasn’t just medical—it was personal. It sparked my love for healthcare, giving me a front-row seat to both the marvels of medicine and its shortcomings.
Even after my father passed away, my passion only intensified. Each new research project deepens my curiosity, sharpens my analytical skills, and fuels my determination. More importantly, each graph I produce and each conclusion I draw gives me hope that someday my work will improve lives—just as modern medicine improved my father’s.
Reflecting back, my favorite memories at YouthBridge include spirited discussions with people from completely different backgrounds, learning to see issues from multiple perspectives, and the joy we shared presenting our projects together. These memories reinforce my belief that diverse collaboration is the pathway toward meaningful change.
As I complete this fellowship, I feel inspired and empowered. The sense of community and purpose I found here will stay with me forever. Next, I’m thrilled to say I’ll be studying and continuing my research at Washington University in St. Louis on my pre-med journey. There, I plan to delve deeper into the intersections of neuroscience, mental health, and healthcare equity, ensuring every study I undertake reflects and respects the diversity of those it serves.
YouthBridge didn’t just shape my vision—it sharpened my commitment, allowing me to carry lessons of collaboration, inclusion, and justice, contributing to a healthcare system that truly cares for everyone, no matter their race, gender, or socioeconomic status.
Thank you, YouthBridge, for showing me what that future can look like—and for helping me realize that I have a role to play in creating it.
