In Our Village: New York City Through the Eyes of Its Youth

Baruch College Campus High School Class of 2018

Thank you to the talented Sophia Savino for creating our cover art.

IN OUR VILLAGE: NYC Elders through the Eyes of Youth

© 2016 Baruch College Campus High School All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without express written permission from the author.

Printed in New Hyde Park, NY by Arland Printing Co. All proceeds from this book will be donated to our charity of choice, Project FIND, which provides supportive housing and life services for older New Yorkers.

“Out of shared telling and remembering grow identity, connection, and pride, binding people to a place and to one another.”

Tom Rankin, Folklorist

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Thank you to the unforgettable Class of 2018 for your continued open-mindedness. I lead, you follow. I teach, you learn. You teach, I learn. I thank you for being empathetic individuals who are committed to self-awareness and social consciousness.

Thank you to Elie Wiesel, Nawal el Saadawi, and Sarah Burns, for giving us the inspiring and enlightening stories of survivors. We honor the testimonies of Elie of Night, Firdaus of Woman at Point Zero, and Kevin Richardson, Antron McCray, Yusef Salaam, Korey Wise, and Raymond Santana, of the Central Park Five. In your name, we stand united against anti-Semitism, genocide, misogyny, institutionalized racism, and hatred of all kinds.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Thank you to our elders who volunteered their time to sit and talk with the students. From you, we all learned a great deal about life and survival.

Thank you to the amazing BCCHS staff and administration, Arleen Liquori, Gisele Nassif-Hanna, and Alicia Perez-Katz, for honoring and supporting my creativity as an educator.

Thank you to my wise and earnest teaching partner, Doug Keyzer, for so readily and helpfully assisting me in my every teaching endeavor.

Thank you to our guest speakers from WEDU, for bringing into our classroom their family stories and lessons from the Holocaust. Thank you Valerie Gerstein, Stephen Black, Alyssa Erlich, Rebeka Bieber, Sharon Cooper, Rachel Kotchek, and Jilllian Ennis. Thank you Felice Cohen for coordinating these visits.

Thank you to the heroic Cathryn Berger Kaye, M.A., for inspiring me to make my service learning dreams become pedagogical reality. Thank you to Service in Schools for the continuing professional development. Thank you to Barbara Cervone and Cathryn Berger Kaye, and the In Our Village efforts to make our local story a global one.

Thank you to my amazing & kind father, Lou Di Rico, and Arland Printing Co. for creating our book, allowing us to spread the messages of our elders.

Special Thanks to our many generous donors and DonorChoose.org for making the publication of this book possible. Thank you Julie and Bob Anderson, Susan DeWitt, Ann Colby, Yaoming Jiang, Wendy Roberts, Chris Smith, Sandra Youssef, Kara Benton, Neil Nathan, Vincent Scott, Linda Huang, Colleen Franceschini, Magdalena Lubinski, Jenn Zeal, and Felix Munson.

Thank you to my wonderful husband, Luis Morales, and my delicious sons, Oscar and Luca, who motivate me to live each day with purpose, positivity and love.

, ORYH HYHU\RQH , ORYH HYHU\ERG\

,W PHDQV HYHU\WKLQJ ZKHQ \RX ORYH VRPHERG\ <RX ZLVK WKHP ZHOO \RX ZDQW KHDOWK DQG SHDFH IRU WKHP (YHQ LI WKHUH LV QR PRQH\ ZKHQ \RX KDYH ORYH LW KHOSV ,W LV RND\

&L VWD OX EHOO H OX EUXWWR (C OD YLWD 7KHUH LV EHDXW\ DQG XJOLQHVV ,W LV OLIH

FUHDWHG E\ 'LDQD 'L 5LFR

Baruch College Campus High School, Class of 2018

IN OUR VILLAGE: NYC Elders through the Eyes of Youth How do stories awaken our conscience?

What is the power of empathy?

How is history witnessed in the present?

Created by

Global Literature II, Class of 2018 Baruch College Campus High School New York, New York Instructed by

Ms. Diana Di Rico and Mr. Douglas Keyzer

201 Words of Wisdom “Qiu has made us believe that sometimes, people with the brightest smiles, have the saddest past.”

- Austin Cheng and Queenie Mei “Every time we begin a new unit, and the details of the unit are presented to us I’d internally be thinking “ah s*&%, this unit is gonna suck,” and then, as always, at the end of the unit, I find myself in shock with how much I’ve learned and how much I’ve grown as a person.” - Josh Spaet

“Push the limits. Be you.”

- Grace Ketteler

They taught us to face our challenges instead of running away To be able to adapt and accept adaptation To be fearless and embrace life And to speak up for what you believe -Julietta Cozza Cordero

“Something I learned about myself during this unit was that i should not be paranoid about sharing some of my past experiences...because others may relate to them… It may even inspire/motivate/trigger some to share something about themselves that they may find difficult to share.” - Juliana Castellanos

“The elder community had so much energy and positivity. They defined all stereotypes we come to know. Live your life. Forget your age.” - Yohana Vaughn Pollard “Overall this unit was a blessing giving each of us a chance to dedicate ourselves to society no matter of who we are because at the end we are all humans and heroes in some way.” - Richard Zheng

\ H WKH ´ HO OLN H ³ )H QR FKRLF

KDYH

\

DU

VV

HV LP HW DV \´ P G D R Z V H

N HLY QO\ Q L F R K ,³ W SHU WKH

LW¶V LQJ EH

H HF ³Q $ LO ´ HY

KH ZDV ³%XW KH HQ ´ MXVW EURN

³& ³7KH\ ZHUH Q RX RW G OG H ZHOFRPHG ED D W FN DV K´ EH OL IH KHURHV ´ RU

:DU

:KHQ , ZDV \RXQJ , KDG QR IDWKHU , QHYHU PHW KLP 6LQFH , ZDV ERUQ , QHYHU VDZ KLP , ORVW P\ PRP %DFN WKHQ ZDVQ¶W LW SLWLIXO" $W D \\ J J YHU\ \RXQJ DJH , ZDV DOUHDG\ VOHHSLQJ LQ IURQW

RI PDQ\ GRRU IURQWV (YHU\ERG\ PLQG WKHLU RZQ EXVLQHVV , RQO\ KDG P\VHOI $W , JRW PDUULHG EXW DW KRPH WKHUH ZRXOG VWLOO EH QRWKLQJ WR HDW 6XIIHULQJ LV VXIIHULQJ WKHUH LV QR KDSSLQHVV 7KURXJKRXW P\ HQWLUH FKLOGKRRG , FRXOG QHYHU WKLQN RI D WLPH RI KDSSLQHVV )URP \RXQJ WR ROG WKHUH ZDV QRWKLQJ , KDG QR PRP DQG GDG KRZ FRXOG , EH KDSS\"

$IWHU FRPLQJ WR $PHULFD LQ FRPSDULVRQ WR WKH SDVW WKH ZRUOG KDV EHFRPH PXFK EHWWHU 1RZ , FDQ VD\ ,¶P KDSS\ VLQFH ZH KDYH PRQH\ $UHQ¶W , VXSSRVHG WR EH WKDQNIXO" , MXVW ZDQW \RX JX\V WR VWXG\ KDUG EHFRPH VPDUWHU DQG KDYH SULGH LQ \RXUVHOI 7KLV LV P\ ZLVK

7KH PRVW KDUGHVW SDUW ZDV KDYLQJ QRWKLQJ IURP \RXQJ WR ROG $XVWLQ &KHQJ 4XHHQLH 0HL

²7KH URDG WR VXFFHVV PD\ EH KDUG EXW LW V DOZD\V ZRUWK WKH VWUXJJOH³ /LIH LV OLNH D JDPH DQG QRERG\ OLNHV ORVLQJ 6R QHYHU JLYH XS NHHS \RXU KHDG KLJK DQG DOZD\V VWD\ PRWLYDWHG 6DPLU %LOODQ $O

%LOO

&KL

%

WW

Sydney Kanner & Christina Everett

Gladys Kanner

Be the change you wish to see Make those doubters out there agree Whatever it may be Fly like a butterfly Or sting like a bee - Waliul Hasnat

“I think that fighting for equality and fairness requires you devote your mind to it, and spread your idea to others…” - Chi Ho Chen “Life is a dream that you’re never waking up from. Learn to love that dream because there’s no way of pinching yourself out of it.” - Alana Billan “Easiest thing to do to understand someone is sit down and talk” - Melinda Mei

“I really appreciate the love the elder gave to me. She was nice and offered me food… After interviewing her, this made me realize why she care about others because she she grew up, she had been living in hunger. She did not want others to suffer like she did...” - Li Shan Dai

“The way to fight for equality is to enlighten people.” - Chloe Blumberg “Everyone fights battles whether big or small. And through those battles, we learn more about ourselves, develop love for our weaknesses, and ways we can make ourselves stronger.” - Flora Guo

%\ 6KL/LQ &KHQ /L 6KDQ 'DL $pIg<YY Zs Z<ggQ<OI q<h < N<QYkgI G] []j q<[j Zs G<kOPjIg DI $pIg<YY Zs Z<ggQ<OI q<h < N<QYkgI G] []j q<[j Zs G<kOPjIg DI Q[p]YpIG khIG <YY Zs <DQYQjQIh <[G jgQIG Zs DIhj j] OQpI jPI DIhj jPQ[Oh j] PIg 7PI[ q<h s]k[OIg GQG []j P<pI Z][Is j] OIj <[ jPQ[Oh j] PIg 7PI[ q<h s]k[OIg GQG []j P<pI Z][Is j] OIj <[ IGkE<jQ][ q<h <Yq<sh h<G <[G NIYj gIOgIj <D]kj jP<j /] Zkhj YIj PIg P<pI <[ IGkE<jQ][ [] Z<jjIg qP<j q<[j PIg j] YI<g[ Z]gI Ng]Z <[ IGkE<jQ][ DIE<khI P<pQ[O <[ IGkE<jQ][ Qh jPI ][Ys Z]gI Ng]Z <[ IGkE<jQ][ DIE<khI P<pQ[O <[ IGkE<jQ][ Qh jPI ][Ys jPQ[O jP<j E]kYG EP<[OI PIg N<jI h] jP<j hPI q]kYG []j P<pI j] jPQ[O jP<j E]kYG EP<[OI PIg N<jI h] jP<j hPI q]kYG []j P<pI j] YQpI Q[ d]pIgjs PI<gG dI]dYI h<s jP<j ZIgQE< Qh PI<pI[ YQpI Q[ d]pIgjs PI<gG dI]dYI h<s jP<j ZIgQE< Qh PI<pI[ DIE<khI IpIgs][I Qh [QEI <[G s]k E]kYG P<pI < DIjjIg IGkE<jQ][ DIE<khI IpIgs][I Qh [QEI <[G s]k E]kYG P<pI < DIjjIg IGkE<jQ][ 9]k E<[ P<pI < O]]G YQNI PIgI 7PI[ dI]dYI Ng]Z Zs pQYY<OI E<ZI j] ZIgQE< [] Z<jjIg P]q P<gG jPIQg YQpIh qIgI Q[ jPI [Iq E]k[jgs jPIs q]kYG <Yq<sh hI[G Z][Is D<EX 0PIgIN]gI q<[jIG j] OIj gQG ]N Zs d]]g YQNI Q[ PQ[< <[G O] j] < [Iq dY<EI P]dQ[O j] j] OIj gQG ]N Zs d]]g YQNI Q[ PQ[< <[G O] j] < [Iq dY<EI P]dQ[O j] Z<XI Zs YQNI DIjjIg pI[ QN Zs YQNI E<[[]j OIj DIjjIg P]dI jPI YQNI ]N Zs GIhEI[G<[jh qQYY OIj DIjjIg

/LDQIHQJ =KX

.~]*~. H~ ]

ŬKH [QW RWV [QWT OKPF VQ KV UGV [QWT RTKQTKVKGU CPF HQEWU QP YJCV PGGFU VQ DG FQPG [QW ECP CEEQORNKUJ CP[VJKPI ŭ

Ŭ+ YCPV VQ DG C IQQF RTQXKFGT HQT O[UGNH CPF O[ HCOKN[ CPF OC[DG GXGP JCXG C NKVVNG DKV QH HWP HQT QPEG KP CYJKNG ŭ

3WQP CPF ,QUJ 5RCGV

“My name is Dimitri Rivera.”

“I keep it in my heart and in my mind, you keep the memories in your heart and remember the good times..I don't let the bad times you know.

Get to you. Yea and ruin my day or whatnot.” Rivera 2016

Hellen Lin and Winnie Loo 201

³<RX¶UH JRQQD PHHW VRPH RI WKH PRVW LQWHUHVWLQJ SHRSOH DQG VRPH RI WKHP EHFRPH KRSHIXOO\ OLIH ORQJ IULHQGV ´ +HQU\ 5RVHQEHUJ 3LODU 5H\HV )ORUD *XR

&UHDWHG E\ $OLFH :RQJ 0HOLQGD 0HL

HG XFFH V

W V 0X

³'RQ¶W EH OLNH PH ,¶P QRW D UROH PRGHO ,¶P D FRZ VODYH /HDUQ WR ZRUN KDUG DQG VWXG\ KDUG 7KHQ \RX GR QRW QHHG WR ZRUN IRU RWKHUV ´ /LX )XQJ 0HL

“We are born in a blank canvas and our experiences and social locations brings colors to

our canvases... We take what we have from the past or the present to create a better future for ourselves.” Winnie Loo “...treat your elders with respect and listen to their stories… I’ve learned that in some ways, elders are the foundation of our society.” - Austin Cheng “After the unit… I started forming a better relationship with grandpa.”

- Bessie Chen I sit in the four corners of my mindLike in an embryonic sac, lifeless in a state of non-existence.

Embellishing in the silence as I travel the deserts of a dusty mind. - Christina Everett

Drawing by Dario Oteiza, 202

202 Reflection and Introspection “We all have galaxies growing inside of us.”

- Melissa Moore

We all carry an ounce of ignorance wherever we go We can’t do anything but be aware, And hopefully it’ll become a milliliter. - Eunjoo Jung “It is our duty, as the younger generation, to take care of our elders and to learn from them.” - Nick Rodriguez

Since the interviews, I have tried not to take anything for granted because there is always someone going through a harder struggle. - Haley Hartigan

We see how history repeats itself And how it is always relevant We learned how to understand others Also how to understand ourselves We saw into our own eyes and learned We are equal - Amy Diop “To battle against stereotypes, you first got to get it out of your own head. Think twice before saying stuff and assuming stuff. Simple words can damage people.” Justin Cheung

Without these lessons… we will never advance as a society…

Our elders are the most important people in our life.”

-

Dillon Hillis

I learned the meaning of optimism from my nagypapa.

He had a doll and a jar of jam by his side.

Throughout the war, they symbolized hope.

The doll named Mische was his best friend.

Every day, Mische and Andras would have some jam.

Many months later, the jam was gone and so was the war.

-

Max Koerner-Imas

Drawing by Celeste Faraut

A little girl went up to him afterwards And told him “Mister, I don’t dream of being like you.

How can i be a hero and not go through what you went through?”

The old man chuckled and smiled “A hero is within everyone, my child.”

- Sidney Resnik YOU GAINED SO MUCH FOR LISTENING. AND THIS SKILL OF JUST LISTENING IS SUCH A VALUABLE THING TO HAVE. - MONICA RIZK

Thomas Higgins “...take what you got and make the best of it.

If you get married, be a good father or good mother, take care of your children. And that’s what life is about, about family or raising a family, taking care of your children.

And giving them a life that was equal or better than yours.”

Kera Franceschini, Eunjoo Jung, and Haley Hartigan 202

*URZLQJ XS LV KDUG :KHQ P\ bdb GLHG DQG WKDW ZDV D YHU\ WUDXPDWLF WLPH , ZDV GHSUHVVHG $QG ZKHQ , ZDONHG LQWR WKLV URRP WKHUH ZHUH RYHU D N[TJXKJ ]USKT WKHUH

DQG , WKRXJKW RK ZRZ ,ƊP QRW DORQH

/QNNKG -GNNGT -CTGP %JGP

:KDW KDV NHSW \RX JRLQJ" .Z EBVHIUFS %RWK RI P\ SDUHQWV KDYH SDVVHG DZD\ , JUDGXDWHG ZLWK P\ PDVWHUV GHJUHH

Sometimes, you need to sacrifice something for the greater good but you should not sacrifice a lot of things, such as moral and principle. - Jaesul K

Be appreciative of life itself. -Lila Tan

Drawing by Gia Deeton To have survived or to have lived through, That is the question.

Whether oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story is great enough to be heard, Or too pathetic to be told.

- Avi Grun

³2K ,¶P WXUQLQJ " , WKRXJKW , ZDV WXUQLQJ +DKD ´

6XVDQ *XR

³6R , JUHZ XS ZH ZHUH QRW ZHOO RII ´

6LGQH\ 5HVQLN

WK VW FHQWXU\ /LPLWHG

%

5

8

&

³, DP RQH RI WKH ILUVW SHRSOH WR OHDG ³ D WZHQW\ ILUVW FHQWXU\ OLIH ´

(

¶> lVh `^cY d[ VXXZei^c\ ZkZgn YVn i]Z lVn ^i lVh# >[ i]Z WdbWh lZgZ [Vaa^c\! WdbWh lZgZ [Vaa^c\# >[ lZ Y^Yc¹i ]VkZ Zcdj\] id ZVi! lZaa! lZ ViZ l]Vi lZ ]VY­ =Z hV^Y id bZ! ¸add` ^¹b cdi hiVn^c\ ^c >iVan! ^¹b \d^c\ WVX` id i]Z hiViZh# Hd ^[ lZ \Zi bVgg^ZY ndj ]VkZ id XdbZ¹# Hd ]ZgZ ^ Vb­ l]ViX]V \dccV Yd­ I]Z Zck^gdcbZci0 i]Z lVn eZdeaZ i]^c`! l]Vi¹h kVajVWaZ! l]Vi ]Vh ^bedgiVcXZ! ]dl ndj YgZhh! ]dl ndj ZVi­ > \gZl je" ZheZX^Vaan l]Zc > lVh ^c XdaaZ\Z! l]Vi ^h kVajZ ^h cdi l]Vi ndj ]VkZ! Wji l]Vi ndj VgZ#

I]Vi¹h l]Vi ^h kVajVWaZ# > XVbZ id i]^h Xdjcign l^i] ZkZgni]^c\ _jhi gdiViZY VgdjcY i]Z YdaaVg·# "H^akVcV EV\Vd

BZa^hhV BddgZ VcY GdbV 8VhZn '%'

'HQLVH (VWHIDQ

³ GRQ¶W WKLQN EHFDXVH \RX¶UH D JLUO \RX DUH JRLQJ WR EH DQ\ OHVV WKDQ \RXU EURWKHUV ´

, PLVV KLV NLQGQHVV DQG , PLVV KLV SUHVHQFH ZLWK PH , PLVV KLV VXSSRUW , PLVV HYHU\WKLQJ DERXW KLP $QG OLIH JRHV RQ

µ1RXVKNRUX ZHK QHKPHG I IDGOX ¶ :H WKDQN WKH /RUG DQG SUDLVH ZKDW KH JLYHV XV ZH SUDLVH ZKDW KH JLYHV XV 0HOD\QD /LPDUGR 0RQLFD 5L]N 6DPDQWKD 0DQ

0\ QDPH LV )X &KHXQJ 7DL DQG , DP D 6859,925 HLQJ E

H Y L DQÉW O F

X R Ë< LG Ì D U I D

Ë,W Z DV D LQ W KH S OO DVW Ì

-DHVXO .LP DQG 0LFKHOOH +R

LW W H O

W ËMXV Q Ì SH KDS

Ears sharpened Noses searched Eyes focused For the generation before us Eyes opened Minds grew Mouths spoke freely Now weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been through Hands documented Feet gently glided Legs swung Eager to hear their stories Stories flooded in, Into the deepest part The heart and the mind Prepared to go on Marching together as one We are the next generation We carry on the stories of the past

We are messengers -

Susan Guo

The definition of you is up to you And the definition of me is up to me The definition of society is up to us.

- Astrid Chadrow

NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO MAKE YOU SOMETHING AND MOLD YOU INTO THEIR VISION. - SAMANTHA Man

203 Lessons Learned

Word Collage by Micah Farquharson

You need to make connections with people because helping each other makes things easier and sharing is caring. - Xue Ao We all fight a war inside And behind this war is a story

-Leslie

Almaraz

I still remember the wise words… “I am a truth seeker.” Many people try to distance themselves from reality because they can not face the truth, however, it is better to accept the truth than to create lies to hide the truth. - Cindy Qiu I learned that survival is a process and that it does not happen instantly. - Devin Jiang

We need people to wake up and see the destruction we have carved into our society. -Ferda Tan

(PLO\ *D\OH

%\ *HHWD *D\OH DQG &KHULVK $EUDKDP

&0* 8:7* 9-&9 &8 & 1&)>ů >4: ,*9 9-* 7*85*(9 9-&9 >4: )*8*7;*I + >4: 3**) 2* &,&.3ů -&;* 2&3> 8947.*8I

&2 349 '7&,,.3,ů ':9 <-*3 <&8 >4:3,*7ů <-*3 <4:1) <&10 43 9-* 897**9ů 2*3 <4:1) 8&>ů $4: 7* '*&:9.+:1I ;*7><-*7*I

0V /LOOLDQ =DOWD

3URXG

%UDYH

Ì0RVW SHRSOH ORRN DW ZKDW \RX GR LQ \RXU FDUHHU DV RSSRVHG WR ZKDW \RX GR LQ \RXU OLIH DQG , WKLQN ZKDW ,·YH GRQH LQ P\ OLIH FRPLQJ IURP DQ XQHGXFDWHG IDPLO\ LQ ZKHUH ZRPHQ ZHUH QRW DV LPSRUWDQW DV PHQ ZKDW ,·YH GRQH LV YHU\ UHZDUGLQJ µ

6HOIOHVV

$SSUHFLDWLYH

5HVSHFWHG

+HDOWK\ ´, FDQ EH DQ LQGLYLGXDO UDWKHU WKDQ MXVW VW VRPHRQH V ZLIH VRPHRQH·V ZLIH µ ´7KLQNLQJ WKDW DV DR ZPDQ , KDG WR EH KDUVK LQ RUGH KDUVK LQ RUGHU WR EH UHFRJQL]HG µ

&21),'(17 ,QGHSHQGHQW

6N\ODU &KDX )HUGD 7DQ

I’m afraid people won’t remember me when I’m gone...

Too many relationships in my life ended Without closure

0U 5REHUW .ZDQ

0U .ZDQ ZLWK KLV 0U .ZDQ ZLWK KLV ZLIH DQG FKLOGUHQ

0U .ZDQ DQG KLV GDXJKWHU 0V .ZDQ

%\ $PDQGD 9DOORQ ;XH $R

Overall, identity is something that only you, yourself, can define, and everyone is unique in their own way. - Sophia Rubien Drawing by Madison Pappas

“Everyone has a purpose, to making the world a better place. You have to find out what it is and how you can express it.” Joan Monti “Enjoy the little things in life for one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things.”

Words of Kurt Vonnegut, shared by Diana Norat

“You are defined by how you react to the oppression placed on you.” Amanda Vallon

Being open to change is one of the biggest things you can allow yourself to do. - Lourdes Juarez

“IT TAUGHT ME THAT PEOPLE ARE MORE THAN THEIR SOCIAL LOCATIONS, THEIR ETHNICITY OR RELIGION, AND THAT WHEN WE FORGET THAT, THAT IS WHEN WAR AND CONFLICT HAPPEN.” Samantha Wing

0$5/(1( (6.(1$=,( ƚ7KH PDQ RQ WRS RI WKH PRXQWDLQ

GLGQƘW IDOO WKHUH ƛ

9LQFH /RPEDUGL -U

µCZkZg \^kZ je# BdkZ V]ZVY VcY Ydc¸i aZi dWhiVXaZh hide ndj [gdb \d^c\ Ydlc i]Z eVi] ndj lVci id iV`Z# ;daadl ndjg ^chi^cXih VcY gZheZXi l]Vi i]Zn iZaa ndj# ;daadl ndjg [ZZa^c\h! ndjg YgZVbh# @ZZe eaj\\^c\ dc# @ZZe ign^c\# >¸b egdjY i]Vi >¸kZ hjgk^kZY¬¶ n

6aZm^h 8]^c F^ 9dc\ '%(

6RQGUD %URRNV

²<RX JR RQ EHFDXVH \RXµUH DOLYH DQG EHFDXVH WKHUHµV DQ DPEXODQFH VFUHDPLQJ RXW WKHUH DQG EHFDXVH WKH FDUV DUH EXPSLQJ DORQJ DQG EHFDXVH , KDG DQ DSSRLQWPHQW ZLWK 0ROO\ DQG KHU IULHQG VR , KDG WR EH KHUH ³ &UHDWHG E\ $VKOH\ $OOHQ DQG 0ROO\ -DFREL

Ij[l[ 9[bbkc )DW )D WKHU U H QH 0XVLFLDQ L ,1'(' 0

J 1 ( 23 HQ XULRXV &

ǎ, ÏÉǑè ¦ Â è­ è ,ǑÈ áèí ¿ °É Ï ù ÿáǏǠ ǎZÏ È Éÿ 議ɧá èÏ Â ÝÉǠ a­ rÏÝ Ǒá áí ­ É °Éè Ý áè°É§ Ú ǏǠ /RXUGHV -XDUH] (OL]D &HOOXP

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The most important feeling should be love and to love unconditionallyâ&#x20AC;?

Like a Flower that is not watered - it does not blossom Leslie Almaraz and Tatiana Rodriguez Class 203

Blanca Diaz

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.â&#x20AC;?

Ephesians 4:32 Tiana Diaz and Keith Habarta

Ŭ<RX KDYH WR ILJKW WKHP ZLWK ZKDW \RX KDYH´ F R P I R U W D E O H

Ŭ+RQH\ JHWV PRUH IOLHV ŭ

Ŭ, DP PRUH FRQILQHG WKDQ L ZDQW WR EHŭ .DPL 'LOOLQ

Ŭ,Q \RXU WKLUWLHV , WKLQN \RX DUH DW WKH PRVW YLEUDQW HUD RI \RXU OLIH ŭ

'RURWK\ 'LOOLQ

5RQDOG .DW]

, DP DQ DUWLVW ,¶P VK\ EXW EHOOLJHUHQW , ZLVK , ZDV \RXQJ

³7KHUH¶V QRERG\ WKDW , IHHO WKDW , VKRXOG¶YH IXOILOOHG WKHLU H[SHFWDWLRQ RI PH , KDYH WR IXOILOO P\ RZQ H[SHFWDWLRQ RI P\VHOI´ %\ -LD &RQJ /LQ DQG 'HYLQ -LDQJ

In all my time here at Baruch, this unit is the one that changed me most as a person and was the most moving… I got to study what I’ve always been interested in and grown not only as a student, but a person too. - -Ashley Cortes-Ose

“We are born into situations that we cannot change, but we do not have to let what society labels us as belittle us…”

- Cherish Abraham The elderly have lived longer than us...they know more about life than us,... they possess many wise lessons to tell us.

- Tingyi Zhong

“Becoming aware of the problems is the first step… once you are aware… one can take action.” -Ryan Dennis I should just be thankful. - Ashley Allen

Every single person in the world has an invisible story to tell.

-Tim Pulster Ms. Diaz taught me to be more forgiving, which I believe is a really good habit to have.

- Keith Habarta

/LNH ZH DOUHDG\ VDLG , DP DQ H[SHULHQFHG SDLQWHU EXW ZKDW , DP SURXG RI LV WKDW , OHDUQHG WR JR WKURXJK OLIH DV DQ KRQHVW WROHUDQW GHFHQW DQG UHVSHFWDEOH PDQ

ƌ$QG WKHUHIRUH IRU \RX DOO D ZRUOG ZDU FDQ QHYHU KDSSHQ

0U .XUW 3XOVWHU

DJDLQ <RX VKRXOG DOO UHPHPEHU WKLV DQG ILJKW IRU LW ƍ

+21(67< ,17(*5,7< +$5' :25.

7LP 3XOVWHU 0D[ 9LYDU 0DDV DQG =H +DQ +XDQJ

Ü:KHQ \RXÚUH IHHOLQJ EDG WR NQRZ WKDW LW ZLOO SDVV Ý UH IHHOLQJ EDG WR NQRZ WKDW LW ZLOO SDVV

øDej bed[bo" Xkj Wbed[$ J^[h[öi W X_] Z_\\[h[dY[$ù

*HRUJH $QWKRQ\ )O\QQ -U $ WK )O -

Yh[Wj[Z Xo Ief^_W HkX_[d WdZ IWcWdj^W M_d] (&)

, DP P\ RZQ SHUVRQ

dčļĴººļºŝºĮŤĽãéą×ļÎčĮļŤčŅĮĴºøÎğļ hąĽ 鹼º±¯ļ ŤļĽãºļĜčéĴčąļčÎļĴčĀºļčĽãºĮļ ĜºčĜøºļŞãčļóŅĴĽļŞ ąĽļĽčļ¢čąĽĮé ŅĽºļã ĮĀļ éąĴĽº ±ļčÎļ×čč±ļéąļĽãºļŞčĮø± ąĴĽº ± čÎ ×

'RQÚW KHVLWDWH 6KX 6 )ROORZ \RXU :HQ : LPSXOVHV %H EROG ==KDQJJ DQG VWDQG XS WR

SHRSOH

7LQJ\L

=KRQJ &LQG\ 4LX

-867 386+,1* $1' 386+,1* $1' 75<,1* 0< %(67 , 75< 127 72 %5,1* 3(23/( '2:1 ,7ɸ6 $ )8// &,5&/( 0< 1$0( ,6 0$5,( 3$33$6 ,) ,7 +$33(16 ,7 +$33(16 :( +23( $1' 35$< 7+26( 35$< 7+2 26( :(5( 7+( 7+,1*6 ,ɸ0 '2,1* 2.$< 62 )$5 , 75< 7+$7ɸ6 $// , &$1 6$< , (1-2< :+$7 ,ɸ0 '2,1* , +23( , &$1 &217,18(

, :$6 0$' $7 7+( :25/' $// , :$6 0$' $7 7+( :25/' $// , +$9( , '21ɸ7 *,9( ,1 72 , +$9( $9( , '21ɸ7 *,9( ,1 72 , +$9(

72 .((3 *2,1* $/:$<6 /22.

2 .((3 *2,1* $/:$<6 /22.

$7 7+,1*6 7+( 326,7,9( :$< , 7 7+,1*6 7+( 326,7,9( :$< ,

:$17(' 025( , :$6 $17(' 025( , :$6

9(5< /8&.< %( 9( (5< /8&.< %( 1,&( , '2 1,& &( , '2 127 +$9( 0$1< IHDUV 5<$1 '(11,6 0$',621 3$33$6 5<$1 '(11,6 0$',6

204 Deliberation and Contemplation “Kindness is what will lead you to a good future.” Lillian Zheng

I received a handful of wisdom from the elderly recently I been trying to take their advice frequently They taught me about life They taught me what’s right They taught me how to chase the light even when it’s night - Quincy Washington “Survival isn’t just about breathing; it’s about making it through something you thought you couldn’t do.”- Cori Chen “My life is my life. I control how I’m going to live it and what l’ll achieve…

Be wise, but most importantly, be you.” - Emily Liang” “Cherish the people around you.

Respect others for who they are.” - Zahidul Hasan

“If your ship doesn’t come in, swim out to it.” - Shannon Li

“The key is, no matter what, to stay positive.” - Hanna Carson “We need to embrace the pain and embrace the failure. Introduce ourselves to making mistakes. That is how humans grow.

This is called SURVIVAL.” - David Zheng

“You must take care of yourself before you begin to take care of others.” - Nora Cai “You have to empower someone, when you feel powerless.”

- Zoe Quinones, using words of Blanca Blenman

WA FONG YIP “I give her more lollipop, one more. I happy, that’s it.

Everyday she come here, she takes one more, one more.”

(Nora Cai & David Zheng)

<jaX]^c 7gjchdc W HQW , G Q H

S LQGH H ZDV H U E H

K G W

H DQ VHOI QV H DORQ DOO E\ P\ Y L O HFLVLR

R G

W

H H K Z U W KW V KH G KR DNH , ZD KH ULJ WR P HDUQH W Q O

H

G N , D K

R

K Z

H R W , , W PH ,Q OLI HU EX WKLQJ EXW LUVW WL K I W

H D I K

W R DUG

G Q ZDV HU DQ WKH K LVLRQV V K F W D H R G Z

W P W QR LJK WKD WKH U $QG

H I G O H D V P\ , P WKLQN ,

G D UR

3HRSOH FKDQJH P\ KXVEDQG FKDQJHG IURP WKH 9LHWQDP ZDU DQG , FKDQJHG IURP WKH SHUVRQ , ZDV LQ 7XUNH\ WR WKH SHUVRQ , DP QRZ

, ZD V OLNH WKH +H W 7KHUH ZDV D GLIIHUHQFH LQ VR UDLQ HG P Q DQG WK ZRP H GDX H WR E UHOLJLRQ DQG SHRSOH ORRNHG DW DQ JKWH VXSS HYHQ WKR HFRPH D U RI G GLIIHUHQW , ZDV D 0XVOLP DQG

RVHG WR E XJK ZRP VWURQJ LQ WKH KRXV H IDPLO\ H GHS GHSH IDPLO\ ZDV &DWKROLF HQ LQ HQGH QGHQ

QW RQ 7XUNH\ W DQG W DQG WKH\ ZRXOGQ¶W DFFHSW PH ZHUH WKHL

U KX VEDQ GV <RX GR WKH EHVW \RX FDQ DOZD\V EH SRVLWLYH EHFDXVH DV ORQJ DV \RX FDQ \RXU KDQGV DUH KROGLQJ \RXU OHJV DUH ZDONLQJ DQG \RX FDQ WKLQN \RX FDQ PDNH D OLIH IRU \RXUVHOI

+DQQD &DUVRQ &RUL &KHQ

8]adZ N^e 6^cV Bj]Y '%)

?^bbn Ihj^ ¾:kZc i]Zn VgZ ndjc\Zg i]Vc > Vb! l]d `cdlh4 A^[Z ndj XVc hVn ^i¸h h]dgi# Ndj XVc hVn ^i¸h adc\# 9ZeZcYh dc ndjg ]ZVai]# 7n i]Z i^bZ ndj gZVX] i]Vi nZVg! ndj h^i WVX` gZaVm! Zc_dn i]Z YVn# ¾ "?^bbn Ihj^

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

DON’T LET STEREOTYPES & SOCIAL LOCATIONS DEFINE YOU. SHOW YOUR INDIVIDUALITY. YOU CAN LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES. HARD TIMES IN LIFE WILL MAKE YOU STRONGER. STAY POSITIVE. DON’T SHOW FEAR. FIGHT FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN. TELL YOUR STORIES, IT CAN HELP PEOPLE LEARN NEW THINGS. BE UNIQUE. IT IS OKAY TO BE DIFFERENT. - Jade Colby “Look at the beauty, love and passion These are the secrets the world keeps From us.

Live the life you want” - Alessia Seroff

Sonder

n. the realization that each random passerby is living a life as

vivid and complex as your own.

(vocabulary by Chloe Yip)

Keep moving forward Protect your heart Protect your spirit When the time comes I pray to the God within me that He will give me the strength to ask Him the right questions.

-

Faith Freeman, Elie Wiesel’s words in italics

%ODQFD %OHQPDQ ³, DP « 0\ KXVEDQG XVHG WR YHUEDOO\ DQG SK\VLFDOO\ DEXVH PH DQG ZH JRW VHSDUDWHG ZKHQ P\ GDXJKWHU ZDV WZR DQG D KDOI , VDLG WR P\VHOI , P HLWKHU JRLQJ WR FU\ DQG JHW RYHU LW RU ,¶P JRLQJ WR NHHS RQ JRLQJ MXVW IRU WKH VDNH WKDW , ORYH KLP DQG WDNH XS DOO WKLV >%XW@ WKHUH V QR DEXVH« VXFK WKLQJ WKDW ³+XUW LV ORYH´ +XUW LV QRW ORYH« $W , VWDUWHG XVLQJ GUXJV EHFDXVH , ZDVQ¶W IHHOLQJ JRRG DERXW P\VHOI« 1RZ QRW HYHQ LQ P\ ZRUVW GD\« , ZRXOG QHYHU HYHU WKLQN RI VHOOLQJ DQRWKHU GUXJ RU XVLQJ WWR PH LW GUXJV EHFDXVH« , DP , DP JODG ZDV µMLQ[ PRQH\¶ WKDW , IRXQG *RG

IIRXQG DQG , P LQ D , P EHWWHU SODFH QRZ ´

%\ .DLW O\ +H DQG Q =RH 4XLQRQ HV

Ми'R ZKDWHYHU \RX FDQ GR WR WKH EHVW \RX FDQ DQG , WKLQN HYHU\WKLQJ ZLOO EH ILQH -XVW GR WKH EHVW WKH EHVW WKH EHVW \RX FDQ 3XW HYHU\WKLQJ DOO \RXU WKLQNLQJ DOO \RXU HIIRUW IRU WKDW DQG \RX ZLOO GR RND\ МИ IWc B_Xel_Y^

DOHVVLD VHURII MDGH FROE\

“You know, because people can say ‘I love you’ and their actions tell a whole ‘nother story.”

“I’m going to leave you with this, something my

grandmother taught me; don’t ever compromise…if you do right to the best of your ability, you do right, right will follow you. Right will always have your back and no matter how the storms of life hit you, no matter what comes in your life, if you are standing right, when the dust clear, you will still be standing.”

-Helen West Emilee and Faith’s Elder Portrait

How do I start to describe this elder unit?

by Samantha Kishner

I think it was life changing.

I was told to be proud.

I was told to accept myself.

I was told to not change for others.

I was told to never regret.

I was told to hope.

I was told to dream.

I was told to never back down when facing a problem.

I was told to be unique.

I was told to persevere.

I was told to try hard.

I was told to have faith.

I was told to believe.

I was told to be happy.

I was told to love myself.

I was told to work for what I wanted.

I was told to inspire others.

I was told to let hate make me stronger.

I was told to be my best me.

I was told to have confidence.

I was told to take care of myself.

I was told to have courage.

I was told to smile.

I was told to be me!

Å&#x2014;:H ZHUH VXUYLYRUV , FDPH E\ P\VHOI ZLWK P\ VXLWFDVH , GRQÅ&#x2022;W QHHG DQ\RQH WR FDUU\ PH ,Å&#x2022;YH EHHQ LQGHSHQGHQW VLQFH , ERUQ DQG ZKHQ \RX ZDQW WR EH VXUYLYH \RX ILJKW IRU \RXU LQGHSHQGHQFH EHFDXVH \RX KDYH QR RQH WR OHDQ RQ \RX KDYH WKH YRLFH IRU \RXUVHOI , WDNHQ UHVSRQVLELOLW\ VLQFH , ERUQ , MXVW OLYH P\ OLIH GD\ E\ GD\ DQG VHH WKH UHDOLW\ DQG KRSH RYHU WLPH WKDW WKHUH ZLOO EH SHDFH /LIH LV EHDXWLIXO *RG JDYH \RX OLIH DQG LW LV XS WR \RX ZKDW \RX DUH JRLQJ WR GR ZLWK \RXU OLIH ,Å&#x2022;YH EHHQ SURXG DOO WKH WLPH 7UXO\ , GRQÅ&#x2022;W FDUH KRZ SHRSOH ODEHO PH ,I WKH\ FRPH WR PH RU WKH\ SRLQW WKHLU ILQJHU EHFDXVH RI ZKDW , DP , IHHO VRUU\ IRU WKHP EHFDXVH WKH\ KDYH D SUREOHP 5HDOLW\ QRERG\ LV IRUHYHU 7KDWÅ&#x2022;V OLIH VR \RX ERUQ WRGD\ \RX QHYHU NQRZ ZKHQ \RX FRPLQJ \RX QHYHU NQRZ ZKHQ \RXU JRLQJ Å&#x2DC; 5DFKHO /HY\ 6DPDQWKD .LVKQHU =DKLGXO +DVDQ

´7KH RQH FRQFHVVLRQ , PDGH LV , QHYHU ZHDU KHHOV \RX NQRZ OLNH VWUDSOHVV KHHOV , QHYHU ZHDU WKHP LI , P WUDYHOLQJ LQWR *UDQG &HQWUDO 6WDWLRQ RU 3HQQ 6WDWLRQ DQG , WKLQN LQ WKH EDFN RI P\ PLQG LW V OLNH , FRXOG DOZD\V UXQ µ

$PDULVH $OFDQWDUD 0DU\ %LQQLQJHU

Book of the World By: Kaitlyn He 204 Pass the roses and the seas, A book of the world greeted me.

White and curious, I picked up the book, I'll take a peep; a short, short look.

The first page was lit with candles, The second page was filled with scandals.

Abuse, discrimination, and rejection, Pain, oblivion, and oppression.

Letters dashed, jumped, and punched, Pictures twisted, pinched, and hunched.

This book of evil madness!

Please take it away! Make it vanish!

A mother-like voice came from above: Darling, this is the world that you know of Happiness and sadness mixed within Open your eyes and at heart youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll win.

Now you finish reading, Stop with the ceding.

This storm of reality Tests your morality.

Obedient, I read it from beginning to end.

My reality and ignorance condescend.

How can a place be Heaven and Hell?

It's all a multiple choice of matte or pastel.

ŏ Ŏ'ū*,)/ ū) ū." ū .ū ." .ū ū 'ū )''#.. ū .)ū!,)1#(!ū -ū ū "/' (ū #(! ŝ

ŏ #,-.ū) ū &&ņū ū( ū.)ū )ū ."#(!-ū." .ū , ū ' (#(! /&Ő

ŏ /.ū #&#(!ū (ū. "ū 3)/ū ū&).řūū ' %#(!ū '#-. % -ņū ().ū #&#(!ū -)ū'/ "ū -ū ' %#(!ū '#-. % -řū ( ū.,3#(!ū ."#(!-ņū (ū . "ū3)/ū ū &).ŅŐ

ŏ ( ū ū."#(%ū #0 ,-#.3ū -")/& ū ū &&ū%#( -ū) #0 ,-#.3ņū -) # &ū )()'# ņū , &#!#)/-ņū ."(# ņū , # &ņū

ŏ )ū ū%#( Ņū ( ū.)ū

! ( ,ņū

* /- ū ), ū ū

0 ,3."#(!ņ

, .Ņū ")- ū , ū

#.ū (,# " -ū

0 ,3ū' $),řū.)ū ū

/-ŅŐ

-ū%#( ū -ū ū (ŅŐ

G G=:II6 76GGDC

%\ 9LFWRULD 0RXVKLDYHVKL =KHQ +RQJ /LDQJ 6HUDWXO $PELD

%\ 6KL/LQ &KHQ /L 6KDQ 'DL $pIg<YY Zs Z<ggQ<OI q<h < N<QYkgI G] []j q<[j Zs G<kOPjIg DI $pIg<YY Zs Z<ggQ<OI q<h < N<QYkgI G] []j q<[j Zs G<kOPjIg DI Q[p]YpIG khIG <YY Zs <DQYQjQIh <[G jgQIG Zs DIhj j] OQpI jPI DIhj jPQ[Oh j] PIg 7PI[ q<h s]k[OIg GQG []j P<pI Z][Is j] OIj <[ jPQ[Oh j] PIg 7PI[ q<h s]k[OIg GQG []j P<pI Z][Is j] OIj <[ IGkE<jQ][ q<h <Yq<sh h<G <[G NIYj gIOgIj <D]kj jP<j /] Zkhj YIj PIg P<pI <[ IGkE<jQ][ [] Z<jjIg qP<j q<[j PIg j] YI<g[ Z]gI Ng]Z <[ IGkE<jQ][ DIE<khI P<pQ[O <[ IGkE<jQ][ Qh jPI ][Ys Z]gI Ng]Z <[ IGkE<jQ][ DIE<khI P<pQ[O <[ IGkE<jQ][ Qh jPI ][Ys jPQ[O jP<j E]kYG EP<[OI PIg N<jI h] jP<j hPI q]kYG []j P<pI j] jPQ[O jP<j E]kYG EP<[OI PIg N<jI h] jP<j hPI q]kYG []j P<pI j] YQpI Q[ d]pIgjs PI<gG dI]dYI h<s jP<j ZIgQE< Qh PI<pI[ YQpI Q[ d]pIgjs PI<gG dI]dYI h<s jP<j ZIgQE< Qh PI<pI[ DIE<khI IpIgs][I Qh [QEI <[G s]k E]kYG P<pI < DIjjIg IGkE<jQ][ DIE<khI IpIgs][I Qh [QEI <[G s]k E]kYG P<pI < DIjjIg IGkE<jQ][ 9]k E<[ P<pI < O]]G YQNI PIgI 7PI[ dI]dYI Ng]Z Zs pQYY<OI E<ZI j] ZIgQE< [] Z<jjIg P]q P<gG jPIQg YQpIh qIgI Q[ jPI [Iq E]k[jgs jPIs q]kYG <Yq<sh hI[G Z][Is D<EX 0PIgIN]gI q<[jIG j] OIj gQG ]N Zs d]]g YQNI Q[ PQ[< <[G O] j] < [Iq dY<EI P]dQ[O j] j] OIj gQG ]N Zs d]]g YQNI Q[ PQ[< <[G O] j] < [Iq dY<EI P]dQ[O j] Z<XI Zs YQNI DIjjIg pI[ QN Zs YQNI E<[[]j OIj DIjjIg P]dI jPI YQNI ]N Zs GIhEI[G<[jh qQYY OIj DIjjIg

/LDQIHQJ =KX

%DU 0LW]YDK -HZLVK )DPLO\

'DXJKWHU

+HEUHZ +HQU\ 6WUHHW 6HWWOHPHQW

/RZHU (DVW 6LGH

&ORWKHV

6HZ

Ã&#x2013;1R , WKLQN WKDW , KDYH P\ RZQ PRWLYDWLRQ Ã&#x2014;

7HQHPHQW (XURSH .RVKHU

5XWK 7DXEH \HDUV ROG 6FKRRO Ã&#x2013;7KH PRPHQW WKDW \RX GRQÃ&#x201D;W XVH VRPHWKLQJ ZKHQ \RX JHW ROGHU \RX ORVH \RXU DELOLW\ , VWLOO ZDON WZR PLOHV D GD\ EHFDXVH RWKHUZLVH , FDQÃ&#x201D;W ZDON DV PXFK Ã&#x2014; ,QWHUYLHZHG E\ 6KDQQRQ /L DQG /LOOLDQ =KHQJ