 Nuzhat Anchal |
High School |
Born in New York, I moved to Bangladesh at the age of 2 and my life became chaotic as I had to move back and forth between my home country and the U.S. It is also not a hidden fact that it affected my social and educational life until I came to my final destination - Queens, New York City. Studying at Long Island City High School I realized what it feels like to be in a community. Knowing that I am one of the many juniors at my school gives me a sense of belonging. It also has given me opportunities to explore and enjoy the last couple of years before adulthood. Being a dancer for 11 years, the dancing club is my safe place. I am fond of global literature. I am also the editor-in-chief of our Newspaper Club. |
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 Matthew Bernabe |
I was born in Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan to Filipino immigrants and am currently a senior at the High School for Environmental Studies. Additionally, I’m a member of the National Honors Society, Secretary-General of Model U.N. and on the varsity basketball team. I am extremely passionate about international affairs, and I hope to become a U.S. ambassador in the future. History has always been my strongest subject. I have always been very passionate about learning about the cultures and traditions of others–analyzing political and social events that have molded our respective societies into what they are today. And I hope to learn plenty during my tenure as a Project Bridge Youth Ambassador. |
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 Hidiai Baidas |
I was born in Palestine and emigrated to the U.S at the age of 5. I am currently a junior at Bronxdale High School where I participate in as many extracurriculars as I can. I firmly believe that the best way to make connections is to be compassionately engaged in your community. As part of the School Leadership Team, I represent student body concerns to the administration and help mediate issues we face. Anime, Culinary, Youth Court, and Dance are only a few of the other high school clubs with which I have been involved. Currently an area I believe fosters expressive and vibrant connections is the sustainable fashion industry. Through fashion and language we can teach each other about our cultures and encourage empathy within our communities. Project Bridge represents this very idea and through it I hope to actively apply my beliefs and learn more about what it takes to break down walls and build bridges on a whole new level. |
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 Christopher Karundeng |
I am a senior at Lavelle Prep Charter School in Staten Island. Music is an area I have been exploring. I have played guitar for three years and have practiced harsh vocals for almost two years. Throughout high school, I have done many musical performances. I’ve maintained a high GPA throughout my academic career and am the 3rd highest ranked student in my grade. Currently my three career interests are computer science, cosmetology, and dog training. After having lived in Staten Island my whole life, I am just getting used to commuting to “the city” (in other words, Manhattan). I am excited to learn of new opportunities that I can take advantage of. |
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 Sophia Lupton |
I have grown up in Harlem for the majority of my life and believe in giving back to my community. I am a part of the Ascension Church Youth group where we volunteer at the local food pantry and homeless shelter, and I also volunteer at Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital. I am a senior at Columbia Secondary School where I am a member of the CSS Green Team and School Musical as well as an art and writing contributor to the CSS literary journal. Recently I have joined the cross-country team. And, I have founded our school’s first Morse Code Club. I am honored to be a part of Project Bridge and am eager to work with the other Youth Ambassadors to not only learn more about Korean history and culture, but to rise up as leaders and teach others in our own communities about Korea as well. |
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 Cherie Pereria |
Growing up in the Bronx, but being born in London to two Angolan parents, meant I have had multiple homes. As a child of three different countries my loyalties reside in more than one place. Which is why I became a co-director of the youth-led volunteering program called ReBronx. Recruiting students from all over NYC to distribute resources to the Bronx’s homeless improves my local home. And as I learn about Korea and connect to a land that is not my own through Project Bridge, I hope to foster the skills needed for my social involvement in my other two international homes. I am currently a senior at Beacon High School. | |||
 Diego Ruivola |
I was raised in New York and grew up in different parts of every NYC borough. While it is Brooklyn that is home to me now, I am a junior at Landmark High School in Manhattan. My family is from Ecuador and I have learned as much as possible about my country's culture which has led me to become interested in culture as a whole. It's one of the main reasons I wanted to join Project Bridge and learn about Korea. I enjoy doing anything for the first time and if it has wheels and an engine, I will love it even more—especially if it goes fast. I love working on vehicles and taking them apart in order to learn how they work. I plan on building a car from scratch one day. |
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 Marjona Rustman |
I was born in Qarshi, Uzbekistan but grew up in Hells Kitchen in mid-Manhattan for the past 14 years. I am an outgoing and charismatic individual with an old soul who isn’t afraid of standing up for my beliefs. I currently study at the High School for Environmental Studies as a senior. After graduating, I plan to major in Business Marketing and International Relations. I have had the opportunity to do many things including interning at a Wall Street investment company, attending a six-week intensive program about our environment with ConEdison, and launching a school club to bring awareness to our generation’s social problems. During my free time, I enjoy reading young adult novels and going to art galleries around the city. While I value friendships and family, I don’t mind being alone. I live by the statement - “live so you’ll never regret.” |
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