Nusrat Alam
Myself Third Spirit of New York 2002 Scholarship Winner
Francis Lewis High School
Queensborough Community College
"Nusrat has devoted her time in the last four years to both the school community and the larger Jamaica community in which she lives. In our school, she is a leader in several clubs where she contributes both knowledge and time to preparing the school yearbook and to engaging in cultural activities with other students. As a member of the Future Leaders Club, she has devoted time to caring for patients in nursing homes and in raising funds for the March of Dimes. She has also worked in the Eastern Queens Democratic Club during elections in order to enhance the candidacy of local Democratic nominees. Nusrat is an outstanding member of our senior class and is a role model who our younger students aspire to emulate."
—Joyce Prenner, Assistant Principal
Work, Volunteer, and Extra-Curricular Activities
- Ancient Philosophy Club
- Theology Club
- Job Express Pharmacy
- Department of Environmental Protection
- Assistant for Councilman David Weprin — 23rd District
Excerpts from Nusrat's Essay
As a child growing up in my family, I have always been surrounded by politics. My father, a pioneer of the Southeast Asian community, has always been active. As I am his eldest child, he has always tried to influence and teach me the importance of civic responsibility. Like my peers, I was caught up in my own world and didn't think I could make a difference. I couldn't fully comprehend why it was so important.
Two years ago, my dad took me with him to the Democratic Convention of 2000… For the first time, I really listened and became "enlightened". I tagged along to every other meeting. Everything was so fascinating. Sightseeing was out of the question… It wasn't until the Presidential Election of 2000 that I realized that every vote did count. I had friends over the age of 18, or parents of my friends that I knew didn't vote. That enraged me.
By 2001, I was ready. I convinced some parents and friends of mine to go out and vote. That was not nearly enough. I put together a group of around 20 friends to come help me, prior to and on Election Day. I must be frank, it was not an easy task to accomplish. Teenagers are not too willing to give up their Saturday mornings. Yet, I'm persistent and was able to convince them. We went around several neighborhoods, telling people to go out and vote. By the end of election night, everyone really seemed to be enjoying themselves and didn't complain.
Recently, I have become even more involved. I work part time after school for a councilman. I like to know what's going on and I try to learn as much as I can. After a lot of contemplation, I've decided that I want to pursue politics as a career along with law. I want to target those potential voters that others don't. I may not be able to reach everyone, but I want to try and make a difference.
