The Connection

It was supposed to be a forum for teenagers and young adults to talk about their issues and challenges, so that their Virginia Delegate, Jennifer Boysko (D-86) could hear from this sector of the population she serves, before submitting legislation for the 2018 session. Instead, the event, held at ArtSpace in Herndon on Sunday evening, Oct. 29, turned into a comfortable, “kitchen table-style” conversation with a small group of mostly Nepalese immigrants to the area. Boysko didn’t mind. “An opportunity to meet with the people I serve in a smaller group and have a real conversation is exactly what I like,” she said.

The Nepalese contingent didn’t come to the meeting with complaints. “We want to inform ourselves as much as possible on every part of our community. That is really why we are here tonight,” said Guna Luitel, an IT professional living in Herndon, “but we think we need to find better ways to keep our own culture alive, share it with our new community, and learn even more about the culture around us.”

BOYSKO and the gathering discussed ways that community integration could be enhanced to the benefit of all. “The more we get to know each other, there is less fear, more trust, and we can truly enjoy each other and what we all can offer,” said the delegate.

There were a few youngsters at “the table,” including Kala Neupane, a junior at Park View High School, in Sterling. Neupane, who came to the United States without any English language skills at the age of 8, quite eloquently offered Boysko her observations on what’s great about today’s high school education system, and what needs some improvement.

“We could better use the technology than we have,” she said, “and I really think that opportunities and resources should be equally available to students at all schools in our area.” Neupane referred to the fact that her school provides students with tablets for additional research and interaction options, but that she knows that some of the schools in Herndon do not.

Another concern that Neupane raised was the need to help immigrant parents better understand the system “and what’s what at school.”

Luitel agreed, adding that he wanted to be more engaged and of more assistance to his children, but often feels lacking in the the knowledge to do so.

With a little gentle encouragement, Boysko also got Rubisha Dhungel, 11, Kuniba Dhungel, 9, and 8 year-old Sagoon Luitel, all students at Hutchison Elementary School in Herndon, to talk about their school – and after school – experiences. Turns out that involvement with Tai Kwon Do teaches more about respect and self discipline than it does about any martial arts. “We could use a lot more of that respect,” declared Boysko. “They don’t always fight fair in politics. This is a good reminder.”

A little more prompting, and the gathering was treated to a traditional Nepalese dance by the youngsters.

Boysko credited attendee Joe Plummer with the idea for a youth forum. Plummer is the organizer and the driving force behind TEDXHerndon, an annual TED Talk event in Herndon dedicated to bringing together the community for education, discussion and engagement. Before the evening concluded, networking was underway, with Plummer and several of the Nepalese group looking for ways to share their messages through TEDXHerndon.

THE EVENT may have taken an unexpected turn from its original objective, but Boysko and the attendees declared themselves pleased with the outcome.

“This has been great,” said the delegate, in closing. Boysko continues to believe that the more voices that can be heard, the clearer the message and the more focused she can be in representing the people of her district. “The more I hear from you, the better I can fight for you.”

Del. Boysko can be contacted at info@jenniferboysko.com and online at www.JenniferBoysko.com.