 |
DAVID
I began coming to the Riis Settlement at the age of 13. This was about 10 years ago. During my time there I participated in the Peer Program. I graduated from Thomas Edison High School in June 2001 and am currently employed by Time Warner as a Cable Technician. I plan on continuing my education by returning to college to study Electrical Engineering.
Riis Settlement has contributed to my current career by allowing me to think outside the box. I remember “Good times, good people [and] good memories” at the Riis Settlement. |
 |
DIANE
I have been involved with Riis Settlement programs since 1995 (for over 11 years). During my time here I participated in the Our Kids program, Project Excel and the Teen Program. I have been employed at the Riis Settlement for the past 6 months as a Group Leader. I am currently in the 12th grade and attend Louis D. Brandeis High School. When I graduate in June 2007 I plan on attending Buffalo State University. When I graduate I would like to become a Teacher.
I like the Riis Settlement because they help me think about what I like to do and then how to do it. They have helped me with my homework and with choosing a career. |
 |
IFTIKHAR
I started at the Riis Settlement when I was in the 6th grade, which was about 7 years ago. I participated in the after school program at I.S. 126, the Teen Program, SYEP (Summer Youth Employment Program), CYEP and Kung Fu. I also worked at the Riis Settlement for four years. I graduated from high school in January 2006 and am currently attending Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY. I plan on becoming a Pharmacist or something in the medical field. Riis Settlement contributed to this decision by exposing me to different careers. The Riis Community is like a second family to me. They helped me realize my potential and have contributed in making me what I am today. |
 |
KENNEDY
I first began the after school programs at Riis in 1992 at the age of seven. At age 15, I became a summer youth employee for the Summer Day Camp program. I was also a Teen Program participant until the age of 18. I graduated from St. John’s preparatory school in 2002 and continued on to Iona College where I graduated with a degree in Accounting. I have been working for 5 months at Blue Man Productions Inc. as a Finance Assistant. In the future I hope to be a Financial Analyst and continue to prosper in the financial field with a MBA and possibly become a CFA of an organization. Jacob Riis contributed to my career decision by instilling the skills and tools needed for me to succeed in this lifetime. After being a part of these various programs, I realize I was able to take aspects of that experience and apply it to the corporate structure from communication skills to proper attire. Growing up, Riis Settlement had provided me with the stepping stones needed to be successful and is now in many ways made me the person I am today. My experience at the Riis Settlement was one of the greatest and most beneficial. Not only was it educational for me, but it was also one of the most memorable. |
 |
MELISSA
Melissa’s experience with Riis Settlement began in 2002 during her senior year in high school. She originally participated in the ‘Tweenie” program now known as Project Excel. After her graduation from Flushing High School in 2003 she periodically worked at the Riis until the summer of 2006. “I started working in the programs at the Riis Settlement at the late age of 17. Due to [the] assistants and attention I received in the programs, I became better in math and developed an interest in computer technology and science. At the age f 18 I attended the City University of New York while working as an assistant group leader. Later, I began working as an Assistant Office Manager in the human resource department located in the Information Data Center next to the Riis. I enjoyed the intellectual stimulation from my co-workers and my former counselors. They presented me with valuable real-life insights to the world which I greatly appreciate. During this time I decided to transfer to Stony Brook University to pursue the full college experience that I heard so much about. After attending Stony Brook I would come back to work or just visit the place that made it all happen. I felt the counselors and staff took a personal interest in my inner and educational development as a student. They were always there as a positive source of support when I needed them. I pray that the Riis Settlement receives the recognition it deserves for the success of their programs. It’s refreshingly on of a kind and I’m glad I was part of it.” |
 |
QUANDA
I first began at the Riis Settlement when I was 13 years old and participated in the PEER program. I am now 23 and attend the City Tech for Hospitality Management. My current career goal includes having my own restaurant/catering business. Riis Settlement was always there if I needed anything. They gave me the extra push to be where I’m at. I currently work at the Riis Settlement as a Group Leader. It is ironic that I now work with the same after school program I once attended. |
 |
SAIFUL
I began to attend Riis Settlement in 1995 and was involved with different programs for 7 years. Originally I participated in computer, recreation and the Jacob Riis Beacon program at IS 204. I later participated in the martial arts program. I graduated from high school in 2000. I am currently employed at Staples, Inc. My current position is Sales Manager. I am responsible for a 16 million dollar sales budget and with two other managers I manage 72 employees. I do most of the hiring, training and scheduling. I have been in this position for 5 years. My career goal is to become General Manager with Staples by the year 2008.
I remember saying something like “I am wasting my time working for Jacob Riis” to my mentor Albert Pollard. He said to me “you might feel that way but working here and participating in martial arts will give you the experience you need when you decide to leave Jacob Riis.” I never realized what he meant until a couple of years ago when I got promoted twice in the same year. I became a disciplined leader, motivator and most important a fair individual. Martial arts has taught me that when you are doing something, stick with it and don’t just walk away. Keep trying until you get it. |
 |
SHANAZCIA
I started coming to the Riis Settlement two years ago in 2002. At that time I participated in the Teen Program. I graduated in June 2006 from Brandeis High School. I currently attend Lincoln University and plan on becoming a Pediatrician. I work as an Accounting Clerk on campus. Riis Settlement prepared me for the real world. For me “what is yet to come [are] new beginnings, full of growth, full of success, doing my best, achieving, aspiring, to be more, to be true, to self looking after me and no one else.” |
 |
STEPHEN
I attended programs at the Riis Settlement for about as long as I can remember. I participated in Our Kids, the Teen Program and summer camp. Eventually I became a staff member in all these programs. I graduated from Life Sciences secondary school in 2005 and joined the NAVY. I am currently a 3rd Class Petty Officer in charge of gas turbine systems as a Technical Electrician. Riis Settlement really didn’t contribute to my career decision, but more to me being the man I am today. I am hard working, diligent, punctual and precise. |
 |
TERRY
I attended Summer Camp at Riis Settlement at the age of 5 and continued every year after that. As I got older, I worked through the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) and participated in the PEER program at the age of 14. I participated in those programs until the age of 17 when I became an Assistant Group Leader for Riis Settlement. I currently work at the Riis Settlement with students 6 to 10 years old.
During my freshman year at high school, I attended the Academy of American Studies and transferred to LIC High School where I graduated in June 2000. I began college at Long Island University and now attend Berkley College. After I graduate I plan on going back to school to get my Bachelors of Science in Forensic Science. The staff at the Riis Settlement has always encouraged me to do my best and not to stop until I reach the top! I agree that Riis is not just a place to go but definitely a place to grow. |
