Brewster High School students Jayron Sandoval Sola, Mariana Miguel Mendez,Shirlyn Guerra Guzman, and Ashley Guerra are participating in the Puerto Rican / Hispanic Youth Leadership Initiative.
The leadership initiative seeks to empower students to become leaders by learning about the state legislative process, developing partnerships and interacting with positive role models.
This week, the students traveled to SUNY Purchase to meet state Assemblymember Karines Reyes from District 87. Reyes, the chair of the Puerto Rican / Hispanic Task Force in the Assembly, spoke to the students about her life and work and how they could become involved in the future.
“The experience of meeting Assemblymember Reyes was memorable,” said Ashley Guerra, “because she explained her job and her responsibilities as an active member in the NYS assembly–representing people of Hispanic backgrounds like me. A highlight was her personal advice for us to use in our future and realizing our goals.”
Shirlyn Guerra Guzman said, “It was fascinating hearing about how Reyes took a stand in her nursing job, which later led to her becoming an Assembly member.”
“Assemblymember Reyes is associated with the bills that we are working on,” said Jayron Sandoval Sola, “It was really interesting asking her questions about the bills.”
The students ended the session with a lively debate on the Language Access Bill after feeling empowered.
“I feel proud for us, Latinos, for rising to prominence and having a voice,” said Mariana Miguel Mendez. “I'm excited to be able to develop far more compelling arguments in the upcoming session to defend the rights of Hispanics. Through the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute, I am able to grow as a leader, learn how to communicate better with my peers, and—most importantly—leave my comfort zone. Those in my community who don't believe they have a voice or are too afraid to stand up for what they believe is right, are the people I want to continue helping the most.”