This video follows the story of Farrukh, a former professor who talks about his difficult life in Russia and struggling in America because he couldn't speak English.
“I’ve been in Queens for more than two decades and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I’ve always been a history buff and love living in the historic district of Jackson Heights with my husband Jeff Simmons, who works with nonprofits and is a host on WBAI 99.5 FM.
"In my early years, social work was never something I thought I’d be interested in. I have close to twenty years of experience in the field of science. I left the lab and jumped into social services.
"I learned about QCH through the SYEP program and my school. I was surprised I didn’t know about the organization sooner since it’s located in my local neighborhood. I joined SYEP at the age of 15 in hopes of getting some pocket cash but most importantly work experience.
“I was born and raised in Jackson Heights for 11 years before I had to move out. Since then, I'd been longing for an opportunity to come back home. Then I came across QCH's Beacon Community Center at PS 149Q.
"Having grown up in a small town in rural Pennsylvania, I never thought the sense of community that defined my upbringing could be replicated in a city like New York.
"I’m a 5th generation Forest Hills resident and Chair of Rego-Forest Preservation Council, which takes great pride in documenting the neighborhood’s architectural and cultural history.
"I just completed my freshman year at the High School for Arts & Business. During the early part of the school year, I kept hearing great things about the impact of QCH’s Access for Young Women program on adolescents and young adults, so I decided to join.
“I was with QCH Queens Center for Gay Seniors when it began, back when it was in Astoria. I’ve been coming outside to celebrate lgbtq+ pride since the first parade in Queens. This might be my last one, hopefully not, but here I am.”
