STAMFORD, Conn. The Aussie term, Good on ya meaning a job well done certainly applies to Kristina Duarte. This past summer, Kristina, a senior at the Academy of Information Technology & Engineering, was one of four Stamford students who went to Australia on a three-week People to People Student Ambassador leadership program.
Forty teenagers from Fairfield County went on the trip. Student ambassadors represent their school and community while traveling abroad and learning about other cultures.
During the trip, Kristina snorkeled on the Great Barrier Reef, explored the iconic outback and visited the thriving Sunshine Coast region, including cosmopolitan cities such as Brisbane and Sydney. She even challenged herself by rappelling down a 200-foot cliff in the Blue Mountains and tasting cooked crocodile and kangaroo meat.
The students encountered Australia's unique wildlife such as koalas, kangaroos, wombats and crocodiles. They also met with Aboriginal people and learned how to throw a boomerang and play the didgeridoo. Kristina, 17, said the trip was a life-changing experience.
"If you really want something, try your best and never give up, she said. This program helped enhance my confidence and leadership skills, which will help me to become a more proactive leader in my community. Learning about another culture has expanded my view of the world."
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and breast cancer survivor Laura Augustyn, property manager of the Wormser Congregate Senior Housing on Vine Road, and 98-year old resident Ellie Wahen are going pink. To celebrate eight years of being cancer-free, Laura will participate in this weekends Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in New York City. Later this month, she will take part in Making Strides for Breast Cancer at Sherwood Island in Westport.
From her sunny apartment, Wahen is also doing her part for the cause. She spends up to 4-1/2 hours crocheting pink bracelets she gives out for a minimum donation of $10. The bracelets are $20 online or via mail. Wahen has made more than 200 bracelets since she began.
For Augustyn, the cause is very personal; This is not just for me. I am also walking in memory of those that lost their battle to cancer this year my friend Marlene Stern, my uncle Stanley Bienkowski and my cousin Peter Dombrowski. Anyone who donates $20 or more through Lauras link will receive one of Wahens original bracelets. To donate, click here.
To submit information for this column, send an email to Juli at [email protected].
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