Student Embraces Diversity, Raises Social Awareness

By Larissa Lytwyn

Newtown High School sophomore Alexandra Doniger was initially uncertain of spending her entire winter vacation working from 8 am to 5 pm.

Ultimately, however, she chose to be a part of the first-ever “Youth Leadership Greater Bridgeport” program, sponsored by the Regional Youth/Adult Substance Abuse Project (RYASAP) in partnership with Leadership Greater Bridgeport, an affiliate of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council (BRBC).

“It was one of the best experiences I’ve had!” Alexandra said. “It was a very diverse environment. Everyone got along really well — I made a lot of new friends.”

Alexandra was among 17 students from ten schools statewide to participate in the program. Applicants had to submit an essay explaining why they wanted to be a part of it.

“I had to write about what changes I wanted to make in my school and community,” she said. “I wrote about the lack of [ethnic] diversity here in Newtown.”

Other students, she said, particularly those from urban environments, wrote about violence.

“One thing we are lucky for in Newtown is that we don’t have to worry about a lot of violence,” Alexandra said. “But there are other issues. We have drug problems here.”

She speculated that the community’s problem was the result of various factors, including the town’s location near major highways and cities as well as its growing affluence.

“It was great talking about these issues,” she said. She’s talked about them before.

Alexandra is actively involved in “Conversations On Race,” an ongoing program connecting Newtown High School students with students at Bassick High School in Bridgeport.

“I think the biggest thing I’ve taken from these experiences is just how well everyone gets along,” Alexandra said.

Highlights of “Youth Leadership Greater Bridgeport” also involved guest speakers including Bridgeport Mayor John Fabrizi and State Senator William Finch (D-Bridgeport).

“Another great thing we did was spend the night at a homeless shelter,” Alexandra said, “and serve dinner to the homeless. I think we all felt pretty positive about ourselves that night.”

Another major project the group worked on was Cultural Fun Day, a community-building festival scheduled for March 13.

 The group plans to volunteer its time operating games and activities throughout the day, including face painting and faux henna tattooing. They are also scheduling a roster of guest speakers, mostly local community leaders. “It’s a day to bring everyone together,” said Alexandra.

Both merchants such as Stop N Shop and program members will provide refreshments. 

“One of my friends from the program, who is Indian, will be bringing Indian food,” Alexandra said.

Alexandra’s mother, Nancy Doniger, said she was proud of her daughter. “It’s a fantastic program, too.”

Alexandra said her involvement with the “Youth Leadership” program, especially Cultural Fun Day, reinforces her belief in the positive power of youth.

“I think that if we all work together we can change the world,” she said.