|
|
Learning Life
Lessons through a Neighborhood
Ankur M. N.
“We aren’t afraid to meet new people.”
Laura Dolce and Rachel Dolce are
sisters who, having lived in Jackson Heights for all their lives,
recognize and cherish the vibrant diversity that the neighborhood
entails.
THE SCHOOL
Both the teenage girls are or have
been students at St. Joan of Arc School at some point in their lives.
They have met and befriended so many students of different ethnicities
that interaction with diversity has become an integral part of their
lives. Laura, who is 15, and Rachel, who is 13, claim that this level
of interaction has prepared them to meet all kinds of people later on
in their lives. In addition, it has broadened their horizons in the
sense that they are more open-minded about various cultures and have
become a lot more aware of the world.
“HOME”
The neighborhood is very cheap and
all kinds of services are available in close proximity. The sisters
also feel that Jackson Heights is a very safe and secure home. They are
always learning new things, exploring different cultures and maturing
as world citizens.
back to the top
Sanskriti Mishra
" Jackson
Heights is fairly integrated, mostly in all aspects. You see everyday
people conversing with people
of a different race/culture in a friendly way, not violent or anything of that nature. You see children
going to schools that are filled with
various cultures, and that
strengthens the bond of diversity as the future goes on."
Alan Yau, a Jackson Heights resident
of 10 years, regards his neighborhood as a hub of interaction,
integration and assimilation. A freshman at CUNY's Hunter College, he
feels his "home" is "a peaceful area with some friendly people around,
who would make good friends."
"HOME"
Alan lives in a block where his
neighbors include a mix of Asians, Hispanics and blacks. "I have
Filipino, Black, Irish,
White/Caucasian, Islamic, Vietnamese, and Chinese friends," he
immediately says when he is asked about the diversity of his friends.
The neighborhood has an eclectic collection of restaurants, shopping
malls and stores, schools, recreational and artistic insitutions and
religious institutions. Everything is cheap; the neighborhood is safe
and it certainly feels like home to Alan.
back to the top
|
