By Mike Schnitzel
Recently, the 15-year-old Valley Stream Central student was given an opportunity he couldn't pass up: the chance to serve as a delegate for People to People International (PTPI) at the second Global Youth Forum Humanitarian Conference. From July 15 to 26, Chang was part of a delegation of 76 students from across the U.S. who traveled to Russia to exchange ideas, learn about the country¹s culture and history and interact with Russian children.
"There was a lot of discussion about the future of the country," Chang said. "We talked about improving the overall health and the economy of Russia. After the fall of communism, a lot of people didn't know what to do because they had been told what to do for so long."
During his 12-day trip through Russia, Chang saw the onion domes and spires of Moscow, the wood country churches of Novgorod and the imperial splendor of St. Petersburg, which for 200 years was the seat of the ruling Romanov family. "When I first heard about this trip from a friend of mine, I knew I had to go," said Chang.
The youth delegates, who ranged in age from 15 to 18, were taken on a tour of a Russian orphanage, briefed on the G8 Summit in St. Petersburg by U.S. Embassy representatives and joined Russian youth to clean up trash along the Volga River. "There were about 80 of us with trash bags, walking along the riverbank picking up trash," Chang said. "There was a lot of it. Wine bottles, beer bottles, but we worked together with the Russian kids to do some good."
Chang brought toys to children at Orphanage Number 4 in St. Petersburg, where he saw the abject poverty that some Russian citizens suffer. "After seeing that, I have a lot more gratitude toward my parents," he said. "Now I know that there are kids who are a lot worse off than the kids in America."
The children were overjoyed when Chang presented them with some of his favorite toys from his youth, including a Rubick's Cube, dinosaurs, crayons and coloring books. He didn't come home empty-handed, though. Among the gifts he received from friends he made on the trip were a hand-made doll and bookmark and a bell from a girl he met.
"The gifts are nice, and trips like these help make me a more well-rounded person," Chang said. "I learned a lot about Russian culture and what life is like for the Russian people. There are some differences. The thing about Russia is they have freedom of speech -- there's just no one to listen."
"He comes back with more information each time," said Emile¹s mother, Carol. "I'm very proud that he's my son."
Emile works hard so he can maintain his globe-trotting lifestyle. Living up to a deal he made with his parents, his name consistently appears on the honor roll at Valley Stream Central, where he can boast of a 3.50 grade-point average.
"Our deal has been working quite well," said Emile¹s father, Emile Sr. It has to; otherwise the teenager wouldn't be able to take advantage of the opportunity to travel with PTPI. The organization was founded in 1956 by President Eisenhower to give top students the chance to experience the world. "Bringing people face to face to understand one another's culture and beliefs is the foundation of our organization," said PTPI President and CEO Mary Eisenhower, daughter of the late president. "It¹s very exciting to offer this program to this elite group of students."
Chang hopes to continue traveling throughout his high school career and beyond. "It's a lot of fun, and I learn new things every trip," he said.
Comments about this story? MSchnitzel@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 265.
