Teens’s A Dynamo – Plans on a career of public service

It was at the early age of four that Gabrielle Gonzalez, now 12-years-old, decided that she wanted to become greatly involved in her surrounding community. With a 99 percent grade average and a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, this go-getter is well ahead of the game.
&#8220When I was four, I decided I really wanted to get involved in a lot of different things. The Tae Kwon Do instructors did not want to accept me into the class because I was too young, but after I tried out they liked how I was motivated and determined to keep going.”
Gabrielle has done exactly as she intended. As a seventh grader at I.S. 93Q, located on Forest Avenue in Ridgewood, she has successfully tackled a variety of activities. These feats include winning the first prize in a Lego robotic scientist competition, singing in the choir, participating in a fashion show and playing on the school basketball team.
Other achievements include her admittance into the Arista Honor Society for her top-notch grades, &#8220The Class Acts Award” given by the Daily News, and an honorable mention for her team's participation in a web-page design competition.
Out of all her commitments, her favorite activity is her involvement in a local little league where she has been playing, as the only girl on the team, for eight years. Luckily, gaining male respect has never been an issue for this female heavyweight.
Modest, yet self-assured, Gabrielle has never stopped challenging herself. She proudly attributes her inspiration to achieve to both her mother and grandmother.
&#8220My mom and grandma have always pushed me to do all my schoolwork before playing with my friends. They taught me that this was the only way I could amount to something when I got older.”
She also recognizes that her schooling has had a profound effect on the way she views her surrounding community. &#8220Our teachers show us that there is a good way to make change without harming others. You can do things with respect.”
As a peer educator at I.S. 93Q, Gabrielle has demonstrated a natural inclination to help others. &#8220I like defending certain causes. I want to learn how to stop problems before they become dangerous; that is what really interests me. I want to be able give back to Ridgewood one day.”
As both her Language Arts teacher and mentor, Cheryl Rizzo has encouraged Gabrielle to utilize her gifts and pursue a future in law.
Not only has Gabrielle achieved many of her short-term goals, she is also excitedly working toward her dream of becoming a lawyer, where she plans to dedicate her career to public service.
Rizzo explains, &#8220She has this inner drive to reach her full potential. Aside from her credentials, she is very humble. Many students are hung up on being the best and Gabby is not like that. She realizes the importance of getting along with everyone as well.”
In her free time, like any other kid her age, Gabrielle loves playing outside with her friends. Gabrielle Gonzalez is blazing a path straight to success.
&#8220I see other kids around me not doing anything to help themselves for when they get older. This shows me that I am making the right choices and doing the right things for my life.”