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Alexandria Rizik engages readers with new novel

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

Alexandria 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 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

Alexandria Rizik

seeAUTHOR page 20

Nonprofit’s vocational program a big hit

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

As 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.

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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Though Rizik resides in Scottsdale and is an alumnus of Arizona State University, she wanted to set the book in a place she has fond memories of.

“Every year, my family goes to Laguna Beach for the summer and there’s something so magical and inspiring about Laguna,” Rizik said. “I wanted to set the story on a beach, and I knew Laguna Beach was the perfect place.”

As for the plot, Rizik knew she was taking a risk by writing about tough topics but felt that the story would strike a chord with readers who were dealing with heartbreak or loss.

“21 Questions deals with a lot of heavy topics, but I wanted something that reflects what teenagers go through in real life,” Rizik said.

She also hopes that her own experiences will offer some sort of a catharsis for readers.

“I’ve dealt with my own anxiety and have learned to manage it, so that’s where Kendra’s symptoms stem from,” she said. “I think everyone has been affected by drugs and addiction in one way or another—whether it be personally or someone you care about. There have been a few people I love that have suffered from addiction and it’s hard to watch.” Aside from her personal experience, Rizik hopes that readers find a way to connect with the main characters.

“These characters are beautifully flawed and real, and I wanted to display their issues and insecurities in a raw way,” She said.

She also wants the readers to take away a message from seeing the characters grow through their struggles.

“As humans we’re always changing and evolving, so I hope the readers take away that it’s always okay to begin again. You make mistakes and you grow from them,” Rizik said. "21 Questions" hits shelves Aug. 3, and a virtual release event at Changing Hands Bookstore will be broadcasted over Zoom on Aug. 5 at 6 p.m.

Beyond this release, Rizik has big plans for her latest literary work.

“I’m currently working on the sequel to 21 Questions, titled 21 Confessions and I’d love to adapt these into a series for Netflix,” She said.

She also has another novel and screenplay in the works as well but for the time being she is excited to see how the book is received.

“This book is something so near and dear to my heart. It feels like a dream that it’s finally being published,” She said. “I can’t wait for everyone to read it.”

If You Go

Book release event

When: Thursday 6 p.m. Aug. 5 Where: Event is via Zoom and a link with a password will be sent out 24 hours before the event Cost: $18.32-$25 Info: Changinghands.com

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As businesses have begun to resume normal operations and recuperate from a depleted staff count, One Step Beyond has found itself in a unique position.

“The pandemic provided a handful of creative opportunities for us,” Swanson said. “Now that we’re seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, we are seeing a trend of openings and we’re trying to ramp up our hiring efforts.”

Though there is a misconception that hiring employees with intellectual disabilities can be risky, One Step Beyond prides itself on the abilities of the graduates of the vocational program.

“People with disabilities are never willing to give up. They show up every day, they work hard, have a positive attitude and are always very friendly and want to do the job right,” Swanson said.

He also feels that companies can hire more dedicated employees that have been through the vocational program.

“The goal is to provide long-term opportunities and provide meaningful employment to these individuals,” Swanson said.

The program works in two steps.

First, the individual must be assessed on their learning style as well as their likes and dislikes.

From there they are placed into roleplaying scenarios where they must dress for success, learn positive work behaviors and respond to resolving interpersonal conflict at work.

The students also learn basic computer skills and how to build a resume.

From there, the students graduate to

Handwritten letters from clients have warmed the hearts of One Step Beyond staffers, making them feel like their hard work has been rewarded. (Special to the Progress) the vocational program where they attend interviews with a job coach. Once they are employed, they are evaluated every six months to ensure they are finding success in their workplace. “We want to make sure we stay connected with them and make sure that they’re still doing the things they should be doing,” Swanson said. One Step Beyond has four campuses across the Valley, including Scottsdale, which is its newest location. “We have a lot of opportunities for the people we serve,” Swanson said. “People are coming to us now with opportunities because they’ve had a really positive experience with us.” With a large radius between the campus, One Step Beyond has seen an increase in opportunities for its benefactors.

Information: osbi.org.

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