STAR OF BROOKLYN: Shirley Chin

Shirley Chin – Co-president of the Parents Association forIntermediate School 239, former President of the Parent TeacherAssociation for Public School 104, Member of Community Board 10,Committee Chair and former Den Mother at St. Anselm Church for CubScout Pack 313, former Vice President of the Presidents’ Councilfor District 20, Girl Scout Troop Leader for Troop 2332.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: One of the newest members of CommunityBoard 10, Chin was appointed to the organization in June. She saysshe is excited to continue the board’s tradition of great work inBay Ridge. It’s already a great community, but I want to be partof making it even better – a great place where everyone would wantto live, Chin said. The Bay Ridge resident also relishes her roleas co-president of the Parents Association for I.S. 239. She saysit gives her the ability to keep parents informed about what’shappening in their children’s school. This year, Chin says shehopes to think of other new ways we can raise funds and help theschool because of all the budget cuts – not just programs for afterschool but books for the kids — anything that helps them. Shealso hopes to offer workshops for parents on contemporary issueslike Internet safety and cyber bullying.

PERSONAL: Chin was born in the Philippines and came to the U.S.in 1994, arriving in Bay Ridge where she has stayed. She creditsthe quality of life in the neighborhood as a big reason she hasmade her home here. It’s a very nice neighborhood, Chin said.I’ve never had any big problems. It’s very quiet and everybody isvery friendly. Every year, there’s always an improvement. Marriedfor 16 years, she and her husband have two sons and two daughterswho range in age from six to 13. My oldest son is in Boy Scouts,my second youngest is in Cub Scouts and my two girls are in GirlScouts, the troop leader said proudly.

BIGGEST CHALLENGES: Although there may be extensive challengeswithin the field of education, Chin says she doesn’t notice them.Because I put my mind into whatever I’m doing and love doing it, Idon’t see any challenges, she explained. I just try to doeverything I can to help people. If there is any difficulty I willtry to solve it.

INSPIRATION: It is the simple joy she derives from helpingpeople young and old that drives the work that Chin does. If I seechildren having fun, that’s a great accomplishment for me, shesaid. Chin also describes the reciprocal respect that comes whenparents take a more active role in their children’s schooling. Itreally helps the kids, she explained. When they know we areinvolved in school, they will do well in school. If they are proudof us as a parent, then they will do well as a student and we’ll beproud of them.

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