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Alexandria Rizik engages readers with new novel BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer
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lexandria Rizik prides herself on having a creative mind. As an author of two previous works - a poetry book titled “Words Written in the Dark” and a children’s book titled” Chocolate Milk”- her latest displays her versatility as a creative writer. "21 Questions" takes place in Laguna Beach, California, and is centered around a 16-year-old girl named Kendra Dimes who finds herself struggling with anxiety after losing her brother to a drug overdose. She discovers what helps her cope with her grief is surfing competitively and the comfort she finds in her romantic interest, Brock Parker. It is later revealed that Brock is the son of drug dealers and is struggling with the
Alexandria Rizik
internal conflict of how to keep his parents happy while striving for a life of normalcy with Kendra. The book reaches a climax when an accident puts the couple’s future in jeopardy and leaves readers on the edge of their seat until the last page. Though Rizik is no stranger to having published works, "21 Questions" explores her personal side. “The idea behind the book stemmed from my own breakup when I was seventeen. My ex-boyfriend’s family were very reserved, private people and I thought they were kind of weird,” she said. “Being a writer with such a wild imagination, I concocted this story that they were drug dealers. In hindsight, I sound crazy, but it made for a good storyline,” she said with a laugh. “Some of the
see AUTHOR page 20
Nonprofit’s vocational program a big hit
BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer
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s companies face shortages of labor, One Step Beyond has seen an increase in demand for members of its vocational program. One Step Beyond is a nonprofit organization that offers comprehensive programming and services for adults who have intellectual disabilities but it is its vocational program that has seen the most success recently. “We believe that people with disabilities should be included in all aspects of our community, and we provide them with opportunities for inclusion and give them the sense of satisfaction of having a job,” said Jeff Swanson, One Step Beyond executive director of Arizona development and communications.
Jeff Swanson, holding the “We are One Step Beyond” sign, poses with members of the vocational program who have been able to secure a job. (Courtesy of Jennifer Schwegman)
Through its vocational program, One Step Beyond has helped place countless people with intellectual disabilities like Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism and traumatic brain injuries with jobs. The program has seen some of its beneficiaries land jobs in various fields but some of the companies who have hired staff from the program have included BW Parks, Larry Miller Hyundai and Top Golf in Glendale. “We look for organizations that embrace the opportunity to hire people with disabilities,” Swanson said. For individuals who may not be interested in working in the service industry, One Step Beyond also has a culinary and catering program where individuals can get hands on training in the kitchen.
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