I am beyond grateful for my start in schools such as Spackenkill, a public K–12 school that is ranked among the top 100 in the country, a ranking it has gained due to shutting out our city, which used to be connected until 1974. Nevertheless, and because of that, it has given me a great start on my educational journey in trying to help the people around me.

Being Middle Eastern (Jordanian), the contrast between my worlds couldn't have been more stark. Through this, I felt excluded and misunderstood in most areas of life. But this struggle, combined with the passion for helping everyone—the majority of people—has helped me refine a perspective that sees the reality of things.

It has shown me that Poughkeepsie has been the product of this "investment." The future of Poughkeepsie is in the air. We have been drained of so much money, so much time—our lives limited to "how much can this number (YOU) generate me in wealth." We must remember that the only way forward is together. I believe that wholeheartedly.

My mother has instilled unwavering morals into my heart. I am blunt and crude when I find offense or when someone is treated unfairly. I have spent days going through what our City Council has passed—most notably, giving a substantial amount of money to two real estate firms in 2021 for a building that has remained vacant since.

Our community deserves better. 

Our community deserves respect from its leaders.

Our families deserve to stay here in Poughkeepsie and not be pushed out due to rising costs.