Summer at a Glance

Summer at a glance…

Below are some reflections from our new Fellows and second-year Bridgers about their time in the Fellowship this past summer at our annual orientation retreat and the teens’ participation in Engaging Workplace Diversity.

---

Outside of My Comfort Zone

by Osmar Perez

At first, YouthBridge-NY’s overnight retreat seemed a bit daunting: traveling all the way to the middle of nowhere with mostly unfamiliar folks didn’t look like my safest expedition for the summer. As I trickled down the bus’s steps to collect my luggage, I didn’t have the slightest clue of the amount of fun awaiting me.

The first few hours of the retreat were full of ice breakers and discussions that launched my peers and I outside of our comfort zones; in fact, one of the ice breakers required us to devise memorably silly handshakes with other participants we hadn’t acquainted with. There was one overarching sentiment between my peers and I by the end of the first day: we all felt as if we spent an entire week or so at URJ Kutz Camp even though it had only been a few hours since our arrival. I’m pretty sure our fear of the unknown caused our bonds to strengthen as we all tried to help each other out in adjusting to the rural environment that was Warwick, New York. Speaking of bonds, by the time the sky began to dim, the staff, Fellows, and Bridgers gathered in the Fishbowl Lobby to begin “Show and Tell” where each of us presented one item from home and explained how it relates to our identities. After everyone shared out, I developed a deeper appreciation for everyone there because I began to see them in a light that strayed from the superficial, and I thought that was pretty cool.

If you really want to know the activity that definitely pushed me outside of my comfort zone, then you’re probably going to want to ask me about the Alpine Tower, a not-so-climbable, 50-foot wooden structure. The task seemed pretty straightforward: step on all its rocks until you get to the top. Not long after, this naïve idea of rock-climbing surely stung me by the time I was halfway up the tower because I soon came to realize that the rocks’ sizes dwindled as you climbed further up. The cutthroat scent of pine trees and the encouragement from my peers concocted the perfect recipe for an atmosphere of pressure; I was grateful for the fact that nobody heard my incessant panting climbing up the tower. Lunging myself off a swaying log, I successfully became the first Fellow to reach the top of the Alpine Tower. Although this may seem like a cliché takeaway that revolves around perseverance, the lesson I learned from such a nerve-wracking experience is that commitment is easier said than done. I could’ve quit by the time I lost my balance on one of the rocks, but I already promised myself that I would reach the top. I could’ve quit by the time I felt anxious over the fact that all the staff members, Fellows, and Bridgers scrutinized my every move, but I kept climbing because I wanted to prove to myself that I could rock-climb on my first try. That arduous half-hour helped me visualize the results of resilience and grit.

My Feelings of Uneasiness Faded

By Tara Mavinakere

After an endless one and a half months of SAT prep and sleepless movie nights, I finally ventured out of Queens to go on the overnight orientation retreat at the URJ Kutz Camp. I was truly dreading this trip; I wasn’t sure if YouthBridge would be the right place for me. While on the train ride to the office, I started questioning every decision I had made up until that point. Is it too late to call out sick? Had I over-packed? Had I under-packed? Would I make friends?

Once I got to our meeting place in Midtown Manhattan my feelings of uneasiness faded as I saw familiar faces. The people I had met at the interview welcomed me with a hug and I felt relieved. I instantly connected with many of the Fellows, and eventually got to know some of the Bridgers as well.

The YouthBridge staff had many icebreakers and activities prepared to help us get to know each other better, and feel more comfortable with the rest of the group. One of these activities was the show and tell, where everyone brought in an object to describe themselves. Each person had an opportunity to talk about what makes them who they are, something we aren’t asked very often. However, my favorite part of the retreat was the free time we got at night before lights out. The bonds I had already formed strengthened as we relaxed together, enjoying each other’s company.

By the end of the retreat, I no longer wanted to go home. I loved my time at the camp, and I loved the new relationships I had formed with other members of the group. I had barely known these people for two days, but I felt as if I was parting with friends I’d had for years. The retreat made me eager to see what’s to come with this group who would soon become my family.

All We knew Was the Hard Work We Put into This Project

By Jessica Gruboy

Walking into the board room on the day of our presentations with my partner was exciting and nerve-wracking all at the same time. We had just spent an hour solidifying our speeches in addition to the six weeks of preparing our business plan for our room of friends, family, and of course, intimidating adults who we admired and hoped to impress.

We had no idea what to expect nor what the environment in the room would be. All we knew was the hard work that we had put into this project- and that was calming enough. Seeing Karen and Sam full of passion and confidence in ourselves was inspiring. We watched our peers present their projects- we watched with so much overflowing pride because we saw how far they, as well as the rest of us, had come this summer. We started off with nervous rhetoric and a lack of information on our projects. In the blink of an eye, we became entrepreneurs with a vast sea of knowledge and confidence to boost our speaking. Nevertheless, walking up to the podium made my heart pound and my skin crawl.

Once we began our presentation, though, the reality of the situation became crystal clear: we were in a room full of peers and mentors who solely wanted us to succeed and who had the utmost trust in and respect for our hard work. The Q&A session was by far the most reassuring- judges, friends, and adults alike were asking us genuine questions and giving us feedback that made it obvious our work could actually have an impact- being told by a business owner that we could develop our plan into something tangible was so rewarding. By the time the results of the day had come, we knew that no matter what the outcome, our efforts were prize enough.

I Managed to Make More Direct Connections

By Jocelyn Tang

From the site visits I experienced with Engaging Workplace Diversity (EWD) this summer, I managed to make more direct connections with the professionals there and get a sense of the working environments. I was encouraged to ask questions which had once been a personal challenge for me, as I felt intimidated to approach adults or I felt my questions weren’t “good enough” or “not worth their time.” Asking questions allowed me to not only reflect on what they were saying, but it also built my confidence and motivated me to allow my curiosity to shine through.

Visiting the Facebook office blew my mind just like I thought it would. I got to see the unique working environment that encourages collaboration and creative thinking without the limitations of separation or a ranking system. It was clear to me that this facilitates the free and progressive nature embodied in Facebook. I now have a better understanding of the work environment and people who make the company successful.

I also got to visit the MasterCard tech hub. Not going to lie, I didn’t think this visit would interest me as much as it did. Before learning about the tech hub, I would have envisioned it to involve complex coding and programming that I would never understand. However, the MasterCard Tech Hub exposed me to the extent of technology and its impacts. I learned you don’t have to be a computer science genius to be involved. The tech hub’s use of virtual reality to make new products puts into perspective how these new innovations can benefit countless people. Regardless of my skill level or experience, I recognize the value in exploring technology.

The EWD site visits allowed me to learn about others’ experiences through colleges and various career paths. Most people reassured me that it’s okay that I don’t 100% (or not even 50%) know what I want to do in the future. This helps me live more in the present without constantly worrying about my potential careers. The workers have encouraged me to get out there and talk with people about their experiences (who doesn’t enjoy talking about themselves?), to have an open mind, to not be shy, to speak my own mind. After the site visits, have I completely figured out my future? No. Have I taken the first steps to understanding that future? Yes. Did I learn? Definitely.

---

Summer 2018

Special Feature 

Graduation 

Below are some reflections from our 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. 

---

Finding a Different Type of Family 

by Abisola Akinfenwa

Abisola is a graduating senior at Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics in Manhattan.

YouthBridge has been a gateway to opening my eyes to so many different ways of life and ways that people think. Through YouthBridge I met amazing teenagers like myself who work hard, have fun, and inspire those around them on a daily basis.

I went camping for the first time in my life and I was away from my family. But being around the other Bridgers and instructors did not make it seem like that at all. I was with another type of family, the type that even though the moments with each other were not long, I felt comfortable around them because they knew what it meant to be respectful and open to people.

I hope that everything I learned will go with me through college, and that the family I see here today will be a family I will always cherish with all my heart. Thank you guys for being as amazing as you are and never change the ability to be fearless. If I have learned anything from my peers over these years is that you gotta be the biggest cheerleader and a great hype man.

There was not a day that when I came to YouthBridge that I did not learn something new. Knowledge is powerful and overwhelming, but I learned here how to make what I know benefit my community as a whole. To end this off...there is more to the world than what meets the eye, but once you have learned to walk on the bridge to knowledge, you never know how much you may learn.

My New York City Moment 

By Michael Zheng

Michael is a graduating senior from Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan

I know this is cliché but in my time at YouthBridge:

• I have had the chance to meet extraordinary people, not only intelligent but diverse

• The people I met have become not only friends, but family.

• The list of connections from YouthBridge has not only expanded my personal network but my professional network as well (Yay Engaging Workplace Diversity!)

• The opportunities I have taken through YouthBridge are unmatched anywhere else.

Many of you may know, or not, but I moved to New York City from Alabama at the beginning of high school. Freshman and Sophomore year, I was a socially awkward, immature child. I did my work at a subpar level, went home, and played videogames for a couple hours.

Then I joined YouthBridge-NY and I had my New York City moment.

YouthBridge has shown me how to be a real person. It motivated me to change my life, to find my passions and my hobbies, and to create a personality out of myself. YouthBridge gave me one of the most important abilities to have: the ability to talk. For that, I could not be any more grateful, and I could never imagine what my life would have been without it.

For four years, I may have had lived in New York City. But my two years at YouthBridge have earned me the honor of calling myself a real New Yorker.

YouthBridge-NY Made Me Who I Am

By Ceyda Guleryuz

Ceyda is a graduating senior from Princeton High School in Princeton, NJ

YouthBridge-NY let me become who I am today. A mature, proud, brave, and strong woman who knows how to talk, how to meet and greet in a professional environment not without feeling shy, but despite feeling shy.

We have had so many great workshops, met incredible people, learned amazing things, and traveled to most fascinating places that we wouldn’t otherwise travel. We came with our most incredible memories to the retreat and now we are going to college with all the great ones we have collected through YouthBridge. 

One memory that still shines in my mind is when we were talking about feeling shy while making a speech and Karen told us, “sometimes I get scared to death, but everyone gets scared in front of people, the most important thing is not showing it.” And like lots of other great knowledge I gained through YouthBridge, I took it with me. These things came very handy during my internships, then my college interviews, daily life, and when I started my business. Yes, I started a business with the help of the skills I gained through YouthBridge. YouthBridge helped me to grow and I became a board member of One Project, which is a non profit organization in New Jersey that aims to connect people to help others.

YouthBridge has  taught me how to have courage to do things that I didn’t know, showed me how to step into a path I have never seen. But above all, it made it possible for me to build great relationships with most amazing people, who helped me through my life.

So, I wanted to thank all of you for making it possible for me to be a part of YouthBridge and for who I am today. Thank you.

My Favorite Place

By Brittany Mendoza

Brittany is a graduating senior from Midwood High School in Brooklyn

Everyone has their place or hobby that they can look forward to. No one ever needed to guess mine... YouthBridge and singing. All my friends would see me in a great mood those days and I'd get to explain that I was going to that monthly Youthbridge meeting. It was funny to me that no matter how much I gushed it didn't stick in their brains like their phones stick to their hands.

Before I joined the fellowship I was a debater and on student government, but despite having public speaking skills I was quiet most times. I was just following the motions of others without being enough of a leader myself. Of course look at me now and I'm a lot less quiet but I still like to listen to those around me before speaking.

Being surrounded by so many strong minded teens made things diverse in ideas and methods. I will always remember the boat exercise we did with Don Kao. In brief words we had 14 people to save and a boat that could fit 10. Well some groups just chose who was the “most worthy” and moved on. Not us. The group I was in managed to somehow not save anyone.

These meetings allowed me to meet some of my best friends. My two foodie friends know who they are. There was also someone that I knew from College Now but became friends through YouthBridge showing me just how important connections are and how long they last.

My time here has been amazing and even though that WhatsApp chat didn't work out I have no intention of losing contact with you all. It’s a "see you later" type of send off not a goodbye. I can't wait to see where all of us end up.

Stepping out of the comfort zone

By Amy Ren

Amy is a graduating senior from Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan

The first time I felt out-of-this-world proud of an accomplishment was last summer, when my Engaging Workplace Diversity partner, Netanel, and I won the Entrepreneurship Competition. It was such a big deal to us. We spent hours video-chatting trying to come up with a solid business plan, hours rehearsing our pitch, hours picking out a nice outfit for the big day.

The second time was at this year’s Youth Summit, where I surprised myself by signing up to do opening remarks. It was a short speech but I was proud.

YouthBridge has done this magical thing to me. It has given me so much experience and so much more confidence. Four years ago, I wouldn’t have volunteered to give a speech and I didn’t have anything I was super proud of. Today, I am standing in front of a room of incredible and lovely people, teens like myself and adults I look up to. It is so crazy to me.

I wanted to thank my fellow Bridgers for being a part of this program with me. You guys have influenced me and moved me in unforeseen ways. I go to a high school where 70% of the student population is Asian. It was always comfortable, but sometimes comfortable isn’t the way to go. YouthBridge has introduced me to students from all over NYC, all different socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, and ethnicities. I always look forward to learning about how different yet alike we all are. The people I have met have taught me so much, things that I wouldn’t have learned within the four walls of a classroom.

I am so incredibly grateful for this program, the people I have met, the opportunities it has opened up for me. And so, with all that said, I wish you all the best of luck, the best of health, the best of street snacks and happy days, and the best of the best. Because you all deserve it. Thank you.

Our Graduates:

Abisola Akinfenwa
Christy Atangana
Ashley Bisram
Margalit Braginsky
Eliyakol Djokoto
Alyssa Garraway
Ceyda Guleryuz
Ayelet Kalfus
Netanel Kamel
Ishika Kasliwal

Markia Neufville
Victor Podvalny
Amy Ren
Matthew Roberts
Nickala Stephens
Jia Yi Sun 
Dell Wednesdae Tangente
Ellery Weiner
Jaclyn Wildes
Michael Zheng

Davida Krauss
Wendy Lau
Marcus Lerner
Eric Li
Jada Lindo
Jared Lopez
Caden Macdonald
Bilitte Mana
Charlize Marinez
Brittany Mendoza

Fall 2017

A busy beginning...

We have started off the programming year with a bang! Beginning with our orientation retreat in August we welcomed 30 new eleventh grade fellows into the Fellowship and 31 twelfth grade Bridgers into their second year.  Fellows and Bridgers have been busy attending skill-building sessions, committee meetings, hearing from our alumni, and joining together for team building and bonding activities.  Read more below and check out some photo highlights of the year so far!

---

Spotlight on....

Shared Resources for a Shared Future

By Nicole Nieto

Nicole is a Junior at Northside Charter High School in Brooklyn

Grant-making: this was all I thought about when I saw the words Shared Resources for a Shared Future. Going into this committee I didn’t really have any expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised after the first committee meeting. Three committee meetings later, the Tuesday of the month on which the SRSF meeting is held has become one of the highlights of my month.

The first committee meeting was a bit nerve-wracking, but throughout the meeting it became more comfortable and less scary. The ice-breaker exercise that we used to learn names really helped us ease into the meeting. We were given a series of questions which related to how we got our names and what we like to be called. It made me realize I do not know that much about my name. The icebreaker was also our first task in active listening. We partnered up when answering the questions and when we regrouped we had to tell everyone our partners answers. After the icebreaker we came up with our goals and expectations for the committee year, and a group agreement. Following that, we discussed the basics of grant-making and answered the question, What would you do with 10 million dollars? It was really difficult to answer. I didn’t really want any money for myself, I wanted it all to go to different charitable organizations. The difficult part was not being able to give money to everyone. We shared what we would do with the money and then listed different causes we cared about. We started to decide what causes we were going to discuss in our next meeting.

Our second committee meeting was really interesting. We started the meeting with a communication icebreaker. Someone from our group read instructions aloud and we had to draw the image he was describing. We folded a paper and made a design with our eyes while someone gave us instructions on what to do. I personally liked the paper folding activity because it turned out more like the description than the drawing exercise. After that we paired up with someone we hadn’t partnered with before.  We discussed our feelings on school this year and what we find difficult about this school year, this was another active listening activity. Consensus building is very important in our grant-making process. The committee split into groups of three and determined our grant priorities. I felt it was a very productive meeting.

But overall, my favorite meeting was the third committee meeting. In our third meeting we individually chose which issues we were most passionate about. We broke into small groups which slowly got bigger as we completed the task of eventually deciding on the three causes we would be focusing on while making our grant. This committee is really special and I can't wait to see what the rest of the year will bring!

---

Bridgers confront Bias

By Brittany Mendoza

Brittany is a senior at Midwood High School in Brooklyn

Throughout our past meetings I have learned and expanded on many skills. One that stands out the most is looking at things in a new perspective.  On October 26 we looked at homophobia and heterosexism.

Whenever we stepped into Project Reach and saw Mr. Don Kao and Ms. Katherine Chambers we never left with the same ideas on the topics presented during the trainings.

Bridgers take some time for one-on-one discussions during their session at Project Reach

During this training in particular we began by discussing our first memories of when homosexuality was not a problem. We also discussed why heterosexism is so prevalent. However, we found ourselves presented with a challenge to not use certain words in our discussions. As always, it was refreshing and surprising to see how easily we say certain things that can alienate someone else without a second or ill intended thought. Furthermore, looking at a ratio of how many heterosexuals are in America vs otherwise (in the closet or not) was different from what I expected based off of what I see in society today.

My favorite part was when we created a safe space circle. By this point we had learned more about each other from memories and discussed why we thought certain stigmas existed. We were able to describe how people are treated differently due to heterosexism but also how it changes depending on gender. It also gave anyone in the room the ability to disclose something about themselves without the usual fear of judgement, sexism, or other confrontations.

Overall, by exploring the root causes of homophobia and heterosexism and their links to sexism and misogyny we were challenged to see things in a new light.

---

Alumni reflections

By Khadija (Molly) Bhuiyan                                                                                                            YBNY Alumna '13

Below YouthBridge-NY alumna Molly Bhuiyan reflects on her participation in our alumni college round table.  The round table is an annual event where our 12th grade bridgers hear from YouthBridge-NY alumni about how YouthBridge-NY has impacted their college experience and their view of the world. 

Molly and YouthBridge-NY Managing Director Karen Lander pose for a photo after the event. 

On Tuesday, September 12th I was given the opportunity to come back as an Alumni panelist to an organization that has given me so much. I wasn't born to be a leader, I was trained. I truly believe that. If you met me when I was younger, you would have never guessed. I was shy, lost, and confused. Fellowships like YouthBridge, changed me and turned my life around. I didn't realize back then, but I see it now.

An accomplished panel of alumni gave advice to our 12th grade Bridgers

YouthBridge New York taught me that diversity is an asset in every organization. Look at me, I am a Bangladeshi immigrant, first generation college student in business school, studying to become an Actuary. I am a Bangladeshi GIRL in business school.  My culture tells me that women are meant to be home cooking, cleaning and taking care of kids. I strive for more. I can and will be a leader in my respective field. YouthBridge gave me the confidence to defy gravity. YouthBridge drilled in me the very leadership skills I use every day now as a campus leader at Baruch College.

I can say hands down, that anything I've accomplished since is because of the skills I gained at YouthBridge. So I wanted to take the time out and say that I was incredibly humbled and honored to have been given the chance to talk to the next generation of bridgers and tell them what I know now.

Thank you Karen Lander, YouthBridge New York and everyone at the Jewish Community Relations Council! 

---

winter retreat at Chelsea piers

On Sunday, December 10, YouthBridge-NY teens enjoyed a day of team-building, sports, and games at Chelsea Piers! We worked on communication, strategy development, and even conquered our fears on the rock-wall! Our teens had an amazing time and we are so grateful to Ian Lane for organizing and John Swist for his incredible facilitation of the day's activities.  Check out some photos below!  

Spring 2017

Special feature

graduation

Below are some reflections from our 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!

---

from retreat to a world of opened doors

By Hawa Drame

Hawa Drame is a graduating Senior at the Beacon School in Manhattan. 

YouthBridge-NY is a nonprofit leadership development organization that convenes, trains, and prepares young people to meet the challenges of an extremely diverse New York City"  and it did just that! 

I remember the first day of the retreat. I came in upset because my bagel wasn't toasted and I was starving. Once we got on the bus I automatically placed my headphones in my ear and the bus drove off. We started with ice breakers but I wasn't in the mood to participate. I remember Jelani asking me, "what's your favorite movie?" "I don't have any." I said annoyed. "What's your favorite song?" He asked. "I don't have one," I said, annoyed again. What a bus ride.

Once we arrived at this unfamiliar area I knew I had to put the bagel aside. My first friends were Chaaya and Justin and we complained about the lack of service. But if it wasn't for no service I would have never met Amya, Baldino, Eric, Tahany, Matt, Jordan, Samantha, Roland, Arifa, Gabi, Hannah, Emily, Zarif, and Molly, and soon after, Kristina, Ethan, Celine, and Michelle.

Build bridges and not walls, that's what YouthBridge is all about, where diverse teens become tomorrow's leaders. I live in Harlem, a neighborhood where everyone knows everyone, when I came to YouthBridge, it was like these doors opened up to a world with endless opportunities. I came from a middle school where people like me were the majority, then transitioned to a high school where I was the minority of the population; it wasn't an easy transition. For freshman and sophomore year without YouthBridge I realized the school was very cliquey, but the moment I joined YouthBridge, attended the group workshops, and filled my body with the sugary snacks, I knew there had to be change. I helped organize student councils,  town halls, forums, a place where everyone can share their grievances and trust each other. Implemented cultural day into spirit week so everyone can appreciate and observe other cultures. Last summer I visited the major buildings of Washington D.C and without these workshops I would've never seen myself sitting in the White House, the House of Representatives, meeting senators from around the country, asking questions to the dept of education. Youth bridge gave me skills, inspiration and hope. 

From that first retreat until this very day and into the future, I learned that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and that every door has endless opportunities. I just want to give a special thanks to Karen, the founders and everyone  that helped  built youth bridge  for allowing me to fulfill my body with sugar but most importantly for the help of shaping me into this young black young lady that I am today.

---

Its not goodbye...

By Amya Stewart

Amya is a graduating Senior at Summit Academy Charter High School in Brooklyn.

There was this feeling, one that I would get twice a month. This feeling of solace and content. Every conversation, every question. We all brought something to the table. We fellows built a bond. One that led to plenty of laughs and inside jokes, snap streaks, and commencements of standing in front of buildings.

YouthBridge sparked a change in my life. The start of an affinity. That feeling that I got as a beginning fellow, has followed me the last two years. I thank YouthBridge for the friendships I've made that I hope will last my lifetime, for introducing me to other non-profits that stand and advocate for the same things I do, and for expressing the importance of networking and character building. But what I thank YouthBridge most for, is making me realize the importance of connection. I have connected with individuals here I never would've met. All from different backgrounds, boroughs, religions and ethnicities. We've come together. Now we're Bridgers and the time has come for us to say not goodbye, but until next time. 

---

Three words, countless memories: 

By Baldino Baldeo

Baldino Baldeo is a graduating Senior at Alfred E. Smith Career and Technical Education High School in the Bronx.

I want to  express my enjoyment as a YouthBridge Member by using 3 words.  I know we’ve been in the program for two years and you may think that I can do better than three words, but trust me on this. Those words are Growth, Family, and Future.

Before being apart of YouthBridge I struggled with myself, I simply knew I was different, which at the time equaled bad, weird, or whatever word a high schooler could come up with to belittle me. Shortly after being apart of YouthBridge I came to know that I was different, and that’s just the way I wanted to be. I was strong leader, and YouthBridge allowed to see that. 

Family came naturally, we helped one another grow and even saw a little of ourselves in each other. Although we are a big family, we work on ourselves.  We understand there is no “I” in team, but that the chain is only as strong as the weakest link.” I love my whole YouthBridge family, but I found my sister, best friend, soul-mate, someone who makes me feel whole, happy and complete, and I would even do this journey all over again just because of the awesome times we’ve had -- Amya C. Stewart, you’ve played the most important part in my growth so lets see what our future holds.

Talking about future, every single moment in YouthBridge has paved the path towards my future.  I’ve been introduced to and equipped with the skills of public speaking, human rights, self-exploration, and networking, just to name a few. I am no longer afraid of the future because of the amazing valuable skills and trainings that I’ve received from YouthBridge-NY and once again I would like to say thank you, thank you, thank you to you all.  

---

YouthBridge Taught me to choose love

By Celine Agard

Celine Agard is a graduating senior at Midwood High School in Brooklyn.

There is so much YouthBridge has done for me in terms of networking with inspiring leaders, making the most lit friends I’ve ever met, exploring different parts of NYC and supplying me with food from all those meetings. But becoming a member of  this diverse family has taught me that accepting others and choosing love over contempt is a vital characteristic that many people in this world don’t have.  It’s unfortunate that every time we listen to the news, acts of terrorism, violence, and prejudice, whether international or domestic, engulf our lives. People fail to open their eyes and accept a changing world, they stick to their own perceptions instead of observing all aspects of a situation, and that ignorance develops into hate, which ultimately leads to destruction.

Before YouthBridge there were many things I wasn’t open to and simply didn’t know. However from the first meeting I was eager to let YouthBridge make a change in me and open my eyes.  But, as I became friends with my many peers I learned that yes, people may be different than me through culture, race, religion, sexuality, but by listening to them, the struggles they go through, the circumstances they’ve overcome, dreams they have, their talents, the way they want to drive our generation in a better direction, it made me realize that at the end of the day it doesn’t matter what you were taught at home, because we are all the same.

Our monthly sessions at YouthBridge with Karen, Rebecca, and Don Kao, just to name a few, gave me opportunities to take part in engaging activities, speak about my personal insecurities, learn how to look at every perspective before judging others, and  converse about different issues that engulf our communities. YouthBridge has made me realize that we have to give back to our communities by loving one another, lending a helping hand, standing up for what’s right, accepting people who are different and combating hatred through understanding and peace.

Soon I’ll be entering college and I don’t know where life will take me, hopefully you’ll see my name on TV and I’ll be making 6 figures. I know entering the real world will bring about many challenges, but with the great skills that YouthBridge has taught me I hope to strive to be an influencer of peace and tranquility, always remembering that no matter how different people are, we must choose to love if we want to combat the social challenges of this world.

our graduates:

Arifa Abid                                       Jordan Chan                                 Matt Indar
Celine Agard                                  Lydia Diebel                                 Eric Krebs
Kristina Bajic                                  Hawa Drame                               Emily Ma
Baldino Baldeo                              Roland Fang                                 Zarif Mahmud
Ethan Benedek                              Samantha Gendler                      Tahany Moosa
Molly Blaustein                             Chaaya Grazette                          Michelle Padilla
Gabriella Cantor                           Jelani Green                                  Justin Spears                                                                                      Hannah Hoff                                 Amya Stewart

 

To see more of these photos and pictures of our graduation, click here.