At a pivotal moment in my life a few years ago, I had an honest conversation with myself. I said, “Shantae, if you want to see change—within yourself, your community, or beyond—you’re going to have to go out there and make it happen.”
With no rigid rules or expectations, I set out to engage with people, places, and experiences that sparked joy and reflected the vision I held for my life.
Because charity begins at home, there was no better place to start than my native borough of Queens—Rockaway, specifically. I began attending local community events and connecting with organizations such as Garden by the Bay and the Bridge Family Enrichment Center. Through volunteering, I was able to contribute skills I already had, including teaching culinary and gardening programs, as well as supporting community initiatives like a neighborhood tree lighting.
As beautiful as Rockaway is—and as well known as it is for its beaches—many areas remain underserved. Portions of the shoreline have been closed off to local residents, leaving limited access to aquatic recreation for the community.
While going down a research rabbit hole, I came across +POOL and immediately wanted to learn more. I signed up for their newsletter, and later received an email outlining opportunities to support their mission—from river cleanups and lifeguard training to learn-to-swim programs.
One opportunity stood out: a call for citizen scientists to collect water samples from the river. Driven not by a background in science but by curiosity, I signed up. Being involved offered a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of creating an innovative project like +POOL, and reshaped my understanding of what aquatic access can look like across New York City.
Through my experience with +POOL, I am always ready to dive in.
With no rigid rules or expectations, I set out to engage with people, places, and experiences that sparked joy and reflected the vision I held for my life.
Because charity begins at home, there was no better place to start than my native borough of Queens—Rockaway, specifically. I began attending local community events and connecting with organizations such as Garden by the Bay and the Bridge Family Enrichment Center. Through volunteering, I was able to contribute skills I already had, including teaching culinary and gardening programs, as well as supporting community initiatives like a neighborhood tree lighting.
As beautiful as Rockaway is—and as well known as it is for its beaches—many areas remain underserved. Portions of the shoreline have been closed off to local residents, leaving limited access to aquatic recreation for the community.
While going down a research rabbit hole, I came across +POOL and immediately wanted to learn more. I signed up for their newsletter, and later received an email outlining opportunities to support their mission—from river cleanups and lifeguard training to learn-to-swim programs.
One opportunity stood out: a call for citizen scientists to collect water samples from the river. Driven not by a background in science but by curiosity, I signed up. Being involved offered a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of creating an innovative project like +POOL, and reshaped my understanding of what aquatic access can look like across New York City.
Through my experience with +POOL, I am always ready to dive in.
