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"Since I was little, I have loved to cook," said Miss Allen, as she waited for the afternoon performances tobegin.Alana Hamm, a student at Curtis High School, wants to be a pediatrician or obstetrician. For her, themorning workshops emphasized that her goals were within her reach, but that it would take work to getwhere she hopes to go.Her classmate, Vielka Clardy of West Brighton, took a similar message from the workshops."You can do whatever you want, if you put your mind to it," Miss Clardy said. "But you're the person whohas to do it. You can't wait for someone to do it for you."Almost as important as the messages about community service was the venue itself, said Ms. Landry."It's an opportunity to bring people to the campus and show them that college is not a scary place," shesaid. "This showcases the campus, opens doors and shows them exactly what we have to give."PAY NOW OR LATERThe morning started with a keynoteaddress from Gregory Dickerson, a StatenIsland resident and author of the book,"Steven," a short story that explores theuse of the "N word" in today's society."He is from the community," Ms. Landrysaid. "He writes about today's society andThe event drew more than 300 young people and their parents, all ofwhom were invited to partake in various workshops and scheduledperformances. (Staten Island Advance/Hilton Flores)appreciating where you come from. If youdon't know your history, you can't goforward."After the keynote address, morningworkshops and lunch, the event featured awards, entertainment and a fashion show. Among those inattendance for the afternoon performances was state Senator Diane Savino (D-North Shore/Brooklyn), whohas supported the event since its inception."The organizations involved in this event are doing good work with the youth of Staten Island," she said."These are the types of programs that mentor the leaders of tomorrow."Page 129 of 157