Candlewood Student Joins Presiding Officer Gregory as Legislator For A Day

LongIsland.com

Yashita Chaudhary is the winner of an Black History Month essay contest sponsored by Suffolk County Legislature.

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Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory presents Yashita Chaudhary with a proclamation for her winning essay recognizing Black History Month. Yashita, who attends Candlewood Middle School in Dix Hills, was congratulated by Legislator Steve Stern in whose legislative district she lives.

Photo by: Suffolk County Legislature

Hauppauge, NY - May 4, 2017 - Yashita Chaudhary will tell you that her first impression of the young woman who is now her best friend was anything but positive.
 
However, she says, the friendship that they now share is built on mutual respect for the differences that helped bring them together. 
 
As the winner of the essay contest sponsored by Suffolk County Legislator and Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory during Black History Month, Yashita had an opportunity to write her thoughts on “Making a Difference: How does a role model affect your daily life.” 
 
The contest criteria was for students to choose someone of African American descent whom they consider to be a role model, discuss why this person is a positive influence, and what impact the person has had on their life. It could include a family member, teacher, pastor, coach or neighbor. The goal of the contest was for students to recognize today’s positive African American role models in their everyday life. 
 
Yashita  wrote about her best friend Miah and the impact she has had on her life once their initial misgivings about each other turned to admiration. “My animal loving, crazy eyed, wide mouthed friend Miah does not affect my daily life every day, but she changed my life so suddenly making me happy that I could celebrate life with her. She changed it in small ways that added up to a lot in my everyday life. Whenever I look at her now in our Chinese class, I’m happy because I have a second chance to know her. She is a living, breathing African American role model to me.She changed what I was taught as a kid and helped me see the world in a different perspective.”
 
As the essay winner, Yashita received a tour the Legislative Building, shadowed Presiding Officer Gregory on meeting day, and was given an overview of the legislative process.