Developing Webs Of Connections

by Nis Frome

There is a famous saying, “A recession is when you are out of a job. A depression is when I am out of a job.” The irony in the phrase is that a depression is most effectively avoided when everyone, including the employed population, acknowledges and combats the economic downturn early before it spreads. In essence, a depression is caused when people who are immune to the weak economy do nothing until everyone becomes affected by a terrible economy.

It is understandable that many people, especially teens, feel disconnected for two reasons from the ongoing economic decline. The first being that many teens and some adults are not considerably affected by the recession. As far as I know, none of my friends have suffered a decline in their allowances. Therefore they find it difficult to relate to those who are negatively impacted by the economy.
The second reason is that many people feel that there is nothing they can do to impact the economy. While a large portion of the country shoulders the significant burden of the recession, others seem virtually unaffected. However it is absolutely essential that the country should not divide, but rather work as a unit — from teens to retirees — to battle the economic downward spiral.

In the past few months, several friends and I have worked to produce an online publication for our school. The publication, suitably named “Frisch off the Press,” aims to be a 21st century publication in the broad spectrum of news we cover — from breaking news feeds to opinion and editorials — as well as in the innovative way we broadcast it, namely through a Web site. Due to the popularity of our site, many outside parties, including restaurants, construction companies and even students from who want online publications for their schools, have asked us build sites for them.

As the summer approaches we have decided that we need to use our creativity and ability to impact the economy. Our idea is to build Web sites for local, small businesses and individuals at discount prices.
In addition to working with local and small business owners to create affordable Web sites to advertise and drum up commerce, we plan to help unemployed and underemployed people by building customized Web sites to market their skills and make professional connections.

“We are in a position to help people find jobs,” said Yair Aviner, lead Web designer and a junior at The Frisch School. “It is very rare that anyone — especially teens — receives the opportunity to perform one of the highest forms of tzedakah in enabling others to find work.”
We don’t see this as the noblest act of philanthropy, however, just something we can do to give back to the community to the best of our ability. Although our aspirations are astronomical, if we help only one person obtain a job or profit in a small business we will have contributed more to society than the disconnected onlooker who sat idly by.

There is always something that one can do to contribute to and impact the world in which he or she lives. Any talent which one possesses can and should be positively employed especially during times like these. It is absolutely necessary to recognize that the key to preventing a depression is acting during the recession.

For any questions or comments I can be reached at

E-mail: nmfmets92@yahoo.com

Nis Frome is a junior at The Frisch School in Paramus, N.J.

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