"In 1997, I applied for the Summer Youth Employment Program and was placed in QCH's Neighborhood Intergenerational Chore and Errand program. Nine years later, I applied for the secretary position at their Pomonok Community Center.
“My middle school [J.H.S. 157] introduced me to the Summer Photography Program at QCH last year, and then through that I was introduced to Access For Young Women.
“I’ve lived in Forest Hills for as long as I can remember, so I was excited to be hired recently as a program aide for QCH's new Friendly Visiting program.
“In September, I turned 105 years old. Because of my age, I can’t really go shopping anymore. So for the last five years, maybe even longer than that, I’ve been receiving meal-on-wheels and case management assistance from QCH.
"I first came to QCH back in 1983 when I was 13 years old. I was recruited into the Advice through Athletics program by Steve Pullano, who was my teacher at the time.
"I was born in Mexico and my family and I immigrated here when I was just 2 years old. I actually haven’t been back there since we left 26 years ago, so when an opportunity came up to study abroad at the biggest university in Mexico, I knew I had to take advantage.
"I learned about QCH when I was dealing with my possible eviction, and a Human Resources Administration representative told me about their Eviction Prevention Unit.
"I worked at John Adams High School for 18 years and I was Dean for six of those years. But I had to retire early to work on recovering from cancer. I was depressed, but then I found the Pomonok Senior Center and I started feeling really inspired.
"As the Assistant Dean for Student Development (at Queensborough Community College), I work with QCH’s College Access and Success Program staff to let them know how their students are doing. I also help the students find what they need.
"I’ve been coming to the Pomonok Senior Center for 31 years. I came specifically for the art classes. I never did any art before this. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to do real art, but now I’ve made more than 100 paintings.
