Modules: A Preference for Cognition? by J. Wesley Beeks

Before you start the modules choose which of the skills your favorites are. Then write down the ones that you have the most difficulty with. Place each in a column and then review why you like some more than others, indicating the pros and cons. You will begin to find characteristics of associated with skills and then have some insight into how you think. Understanding how we think and learn leads us to recognize our natural talents and from that point we can then advance and build better mental infrastructures.

In regards to simplicity the modules focus on five cognitive methodologies:

1. Comprehension

2. Application

3. Analysis

4. Synthesis

5. Evaluation



Everybody thinks and we have our own preferences for a value that leads one towards an organization of a value. What makes people unique is their characterization for a value and how that value is expressed in cognition or how we think. Identification of each of the five primary modes of cognition can be swayed by our personal styles and approaches. Each one has its characteristics and by virtues of one’s profession, culture, customs or beliefs we may show an unconscious preference for one over another. All are important and any stigmatization should be avoided in attributing values to either one.



There are some professions that require a greater need for some at tasks as opposed to others. We have three primary degree programs and each will utilize these cognition skills. Our proficiency depends on us being open to identifying which cognition skills are needed and some of the tasks may require a greater frequency of certain skills but not to the exclusion of any of the rest.



In the Human Services program one may have to integrate clients within the community either on a program level or direct service level. Awareness of which cognition we use will have an impact on the contract deliverables. Human Service professionals will operate both independently and with groups thus necessitating analysis and synthesis to identify client needs and agency requirements with a view towards a successful partnership. Treatment plans demand the mastery of application and evaluation with realistic probabilities.





The business administration program graduates may work with many departments such as marketing, finance, public relations, community service, advertising and legal to name a few. Often times you may work with one or more departments on tasks and it is at this time a willingness to receive and respond are critical in cohesion. How one interprets information is directly related to comprehension. Some tasks may have multiple deadlines that will require comprehension and a solid grasps on synthesis.



The Early Childhood education program is more than just helping children to increase their self esteem and increasing their test scores. It is here that awareness becomes pivotal in recognizing how students think and cognition skills becomes your asset in outreach and curriculum implementation whether state or federal. Educators must prepare for comprehension, synthesis and evaluation to facilitate unbiased and flexible approaches.



Regardless of the program whether associates, bachelor or graduate all will require cognition skills. The profusion of synthesis and evaluation will be permeated in the final outcome of your module experience. Your own evaluation is most important in assessing the value of and execution of the modules. It is your preferences that create the environment for learning how to utilize the modules for greater effect. Through trial and error we learn which of these skills we are strong in and those that we need to strengthen. Eventually you will experience a generalized set from learning how you think and why you decide to utilize specific cognition skills. The modules are just tools and we have an opportunity to become masters of each cognition skill as opposed to a jack- of- all trades.

2010 Study of Cognition and Curriculum at Boricua College© by J. Wesley Beeks, Jr.

2010 Study of Cognition and Curriculum at Boricua College©


By J. Wesley Beeks, Jr.

In recognition of the multitudes of students who have requested assistance in contracting and completing the modules I was inspired to create a study to measure the student’s cognition preferences for the primary cognition skills and identify areas that needed the most help. The scope of this study was to identify quantitatively the students that would be open to tutorial assist stance in their modules in addition to their individual class. In addition gathering qualitative data from their responses on the affect the modules had on their writing and thinking provided key points in the student’s measurements and values.

As a student council representative and elected Education Committee Coordinator officer it was incumbent to ascertain the student’s feedback on how the curriculum and cognition were received. The most genuine results would come from the students themselves and outreach to the student population would be integral in establishing a tool to utilize in creating strategies for cohesion.


The following is a study of cognition and curriculum at Boricua College that indicates possible trends and correlations. This study was conducted at the Manhattan Boricua College campus and questionnaires were distributed to students and tabulated to generate the possible trends. The study included students from the Associates, Bachelors and Masters Program to track the attitudes, cognition preferences and challenges and tallies the student population that would be receptive to tutorial assistance with the modules.



These are the following cumulative results from the Manhattan campus indicating possible trends:



Tutorial service request for modules:

83% answered Yes and 17% answered No





Cognition Skill Preferences:

Comprehension- 34% Application-28% Analysis-16% Evaluation-13% Synthesis-9%





Most challenging and Time consuming cognition skills:

Analysis-40% Synthesis-26% Comprehension-21% Evaluation-9% Application-4%





Feedback on the benefits of the modules on writing and thinking: (see addendum report for detailed response analysis)

Positive 63% Negative 13% Blank 19%


Trends and Correlations:

The majority of students have expressed a need for tutorial assistance for the modules. This is does not denigrate the individualized class professors but serves to illustrate the importance and commitment the students have articulated in their responses. In opposition those who did not request tutorial assistance represent a minority in all three degree programs as documented in the study. The overwhelming trend suggest that this as an important variable to review in the retention of student matriculation and the advancement in degree programs.

The five primary cognition skills are required for the completion of modules and each cognition skill is an important barometer in the mastery of Taxonomy of Affective Domain. The identification of cognition preferences provides an insight onto how the student population thinks in general and their cumulative strengths. Comprehension and Application emerged as the primary preferences noted with Synthesis placed in the last position. One cannot ignore the position of its placement in the category of most challenging and time consuming cognition skills in the secondary position. The cognition skill of Analysis however was placed in the highest percentile with a fourteen percent increase over Synthesis. Overall the trend appears to lean towards Analysis as the most difficult cognition with Synthesis and Comprehension not far behind. Comprehension was identified with the greatest preference and yet was still placed in the third position for the most challenging and time consuming with only a five percent difference from the secondary position. The trends by degree program display the intricacies of cognition as well establishing correlations by degree program and proficiency.

In evaluating these trends one can identify the areas of strengths and challenges of the cumulative student population and commence to shifting an emphasis on those areas. The Taxonomy of Affective Domain is the tool used in the curriculum and the emphasis in on how one thinks. The trends in this study can guide one towards how one thinks and conceptualizes and with a proactive approach can augment the challenge areas of cognition. The desire is documented in the student’s positive willingness to respond and receive for tutorial assistance. It is my recommendation to create supplemental academic support through interactive workshops that integrate multi media presentations to capture those who learn in various sensory methods: visual, audio, tactical, olfactory.
The positive response from this study reveals a trend towards active participation in the continual mastery of all cognition skills. I look forward to creating programs and workshops to address these areas with your support, commitment and creativity.

Acknowledgments:

I want to thank the Student Council at BORICUA College for their outreach in this study of cognition and curriculum. Their willingness to receive and respond has been exemplary in the commitment of education. As an officer in the student council I have to acknowledge and honor their dedication and volunteerism towards creating a positive environment for students in lieu of individual challenges of academics, family, work and personal challenges we all face.

I would also like to thank Associate Professor, LAS/Generic Studies Doris Mills for her engaging, compassionate, and outstanding introduction to Taxonomy of the Affected Domain developed by Bloom and Kratsworkth. Your approach integrated humanistic and scientific methodologies to facilitate my learning a new language. Your feedback has been immeasurable.

Assistant Professor, LAS/Generic Studies Jose Angel Figueroa for demonstrating that the affective skills can be transferred to literature and creative expression. The only limits that exist are those we accept.

Professor Daniel Argote and my colloquium class for surpassing the expectations of the standard colloquium experience.

A special thank you for the students who participated in the outreach of questionnaires. There are so many who have helped and I want to list these student with consideration. Thank you to everyone who participated. You have demonstrated that we do care and are committed to education and the advancement of our cognition skills.



Martha Garcia                                                             James Brown
Shayne Williams                                                           Perseveranda Cruz
Jomayra Fandel                                                            Yulissa Mejia
Yentel Pichardo                                                            Jason Garcia
Janet Gonzalez                                                              Stephanie Estefan
Joanny Corsino                                                             Altagracia Olivero-Cardenas
Kadija Camara                                                             Kashema Bryant
Edward Gomez                                                            Derek Horne
Erick Moralez                                                              Fatima Reyes
Dahiana Rodriguez                                                       Olga Cabrera
Alberto Cruz

2010 Student Council Elections November 24, 2010

Using Social Marketing to Increase Social Responsabilities Through Marketing, Branding, and Media Technology-Student Council Lecture Series

Women of Strength and Goodwill in Humanity Program -Celebrating Women

Student Council Members 2010-2011

Rethinking & Adjusting Roles of Health Care Professionals Servicing the General Public in DIverse Environments-Student Council Lecture Series

Healthy LIving on the Go

On Site at Boricua College Vice President of Admissions and Enrollment Management Abraham Cruz

Letter From the Editor

Table of Contents

Our Voices Volume Two Issue One

Student Council Meeting for 2010 Year

The student council representatives have been elected by their colloquiums and the first meeting was today at 4"30 pm. The next meeting is next Thursday at 5:00 p.m. If you are interested in  joining the student council then stop by. We will need all members to submit a bio on themselves with a brief description of their goals for the year. We will be taking pictures at the next meeting. Please think of any ideas or plans to work on as well. We need your creativity, talent and drive.

Health Awarness is Important and everybody can make a difference. Keep your Health and Get tested.

TIME FOR FALL REGISTRATION

Registration for the Fall Semester 2010 will begin on Sept 2, 2010. Make sure to be prepared. Don't forget that classes will begin on Sept. the 7th.  Have a successfull school year. Now is the time to think about joining the Student Government Association. If you want to make changes or introduce ideas speak to you professor and make it known.

To the Graduating Senior Class of 2010

Who's Who on the Student Council at Boricua College

Who's Who of the Student Council at Boricua College

Who 's Who of the Student Coucil at Boricua College

On Site with Director of Admissions Abraham Cruz

Letter from the Editor

Celebrating Women's History at Boricua College with Master of Ceremony Asst. Professor Jose Angel Figueroa

Healthy Living On the Go!!

Student Council Sponsors The Professional Lectures Series with Mrs. Frances Garcia-Newsome

Student Council Presents The Professional Lecture Series

Summer Semester

Summer School Registration

Get Ready to Gear Up for Summer School! Registration Begins  next week!!!! Time to prepare for 8 weeks of matriculation !!

For those not going to summer school have a good summer and we hope to see you in the Fall Semester!!

During the summer don't take time off from finding money for school. Go to the Foundation Center and learn how to research for money for school.

Legend Hip Hop Artist Guru Passes Away

Keith "Guru" Elam died Monday as a result of cancer-related causes, MTV reports. He was 43 years old..He was hospitalized in March, and while some outlets reported that he suffered a heart attack, it was never confirmed. Guru was a prolific artist who used Hip Hop as his medium. Conscious, Crafty, and Dangerous are used to describe his lyrical and prodution talents. Hip Hop was able to transcend the mundane booty shaking, on the corner bouncing images now seen more and more with his talents. Using jazz riffs and  working with mega talents like Chaka Khan and others. If you want to know more then google him or go You Tube and learn about this man and his legacy. He was also the founder of Gang Starr which lead to opening many doors for Hip Hop artitst to work overseas to get the recognition they often did not receive in the United States as "real " artist.

 Everything in this world is not free and if you want the knowledge you go to the source. Guru would have wanted it that way.

Guru's Jazzmatazz feat. Chaka Khan - Watch What You Say

Make Up Schedule for Classes

Make up  days will follow this schedule:

Monday classes will meet Saturday,  March 13th from 12:00 pm -2:30 pm to make up for Martin Luther King Day (1/18/10)

Monday classes will meet Saturday April 17, 2010 from 12:00 pm -2:30 pm to make up for President's Day (2/15/10)

Wednesday classes will meet on Saturday March 27th, 2010 from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm to make up for the day of the snowstrom (2/10/10)

Friday classes will meet on Saturday April 10, 2010 from 12:00 pm -2:30 pm to make up for Good Friday (4/2/10)

Black History Month: Fashion Forward with Andre Leon Talley

     If you think judge Simon Cowell on "American Idol" caused  contestants to crumble and cry then get ready for another titan to emerge on reality television.  Andre Leon Talley, Vogue Editor at Large is a juggernaut in the Fashion World  who will be shearing and stitching Cycle 14 model wannabees  on America's Next Top Model. The show has needed a face lift  and at six feet seven foot this Giant has the final word on who works and who walks the runway.  Not since self proclaimed "the first super model" Janice Dickerson left the show has there been a heat surging on the set. Mr. Talley is the status quo of Fashion  and is known for his visionary insight to break out the new "IT" statements with his eclectic mix of wit, drama, intelligence and razor sharp insights.

   Infusing " haute" standards and classic structure have been his trademarks. As an African-American he is a pioneer in the Fashion field for holding the highest post at Vogue second only to Vogue Editor Anna Wintour. Known as the dynamic and dangerous due these two have led to many first in Fashion. Italien Vogue magazine has been the only fashion bible to feature an All Black  issue for women of color who have been sidelined by designers for decades. Needless to say he was involved in this momentous project. We must not forget that while some walked in marches  he marched into the office and brought in legions of Ethnic beauties and talents to work in the Fashion field in front and behind the camera.

   Graduating from North Carolina Central Univerisity and then receiving his masters from Brown University in French is a statement to his pursuit of education and the finer things in life. Blessed with the visionary foresight to choose new designers  and herald them before the  world  has been a staple in his careeer. He is a source of inspiration that with education , committment , and faith one can reach the top of  their chosen field.

 

Black History Month: From Insurrection to Integration by Wesley Beeks

Black History Month: From Insurrection to Integration
                                                                                                                     By Wesley Beeks
 
       “Some of the greatest minds operated under the radar to level the oppressor. Their Hall of Fame lies in the intuitive compassion and strength inherited by their children.^{”  Wesley Beeks}
 
      It could be said with certainty that the human soul is not meant for captivity. Humanity is its own historian. Many have lamented at the desensitization of violence in our society that endures with receding protest. Technology has become a personified enigma, handing out violent and misogynistic candies through media, legislative practices, virtual reality games and multi-media streaming, a continuous loop of unabridged culture. Granted   September 11^th and the tragedies of fallen planes hijacked not only our personal and national safety, but the paradigm of morality itself. Black History Month is an apt time to come together and accord value to an alleged “oppressed peoples”.
     Slavery like motherhood has been a long standing tradition within cultures, nations, families and businesses. Inherently one or more groups feed off the transparent underclass of another group. Slavery extends past the targeting of a group to share at its board of directors Poverty, Lack of Education, No Healthcare, Self Denigration and Cultural Assassination. With slavery’s articles of incorporation it seduced nations, continents and peoples to sell and barter slaves of its most precious “humanity”. Some religions were the union for slavery keeping everything in alignment while closing off the curtain of malicious deals under the table, spouse swapping, free labor with no restrictions, “imaginary moral rallies “ to invigorate those faltering towards equality and liberty; finally compromised servitude to a “higher power” that censored  Universal Rights. As the saying goes, “Somebody has to dig these ditches!”and that job usually went to the underclass and those without citizenship. Slave insurrections were far more prevalent in the Americas than what has been taught and espoused by “authorities “in traditional education.
     Black History Month is a celebration not only for the recognition and validation of a population that contributed heavily to  construction of the United States, but a necessary reminder and opportunity for  “checks and balances” for a nation, its people and communities. Due to the approval of Black History Month legislation, it has paved the way for National Hispanic Week signed by President Gerald R. Ford in 1974 to proclaim one week beginning September 10, 1974 and ending September 16, 1974. Finally on August 17, 1988 enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States the week became a month. This was signed in proclamation September 13, 1988 by President Ronald Reagan officially heralding “September 15^th to October 15th “a month to honor the contributions of Hispanic Heritage. Later May was named the month of observance for Asian and Pacific Islanders and March the month for the recognition of women which was long overdue.

          Indomitable, willful, resourceful Africans who were enslaved became insurrectionist to dissuade the strategic and enforced cultural assassination of their homeland, name, traditions and self efficacy.Brazil, Jamaica, Cuba, Panama, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic) were some of the nations in which slave insurrections were orchestrated and executed with dangerous proficiency. Major slave rebellions in Jamaica with the Maroons lasted from 1730 to 1739. Cuba’s racial war of 1868-1876 abolished it through bloody battles. In North America during the Revolution and War of 1812 many bondsman fought for the country while others escaped to freedom behind British lines. The most well known slave revolts were the Amistad and Creole incidents of 1839 and 1841. Jacob Lawrence, prominent artist  who happens to have been of African ancestry did  a well known painting, “Amistad”, which actress, director, choreographer, activist Debbie Allen fought tooth and nail for the Amistad film to be created. This marked a milestone in American cinema of a large scale slave insurrection in modern cinema.
    Planted firmly on the surface layer are the famous 1831 slave revolts of Nat Turner, a fiery orator and visionary who set plantations sprawled across the South aflame in blazing effigy. Another well known slave revolt was John Brown’s, with white and Black Guerrillas faction for his invasion of Virginia in 1859. Through out it all African slaves in North America suffered a debasing physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual cruelty, a course navigated from “Colonial and Imperialistic” establishments. I would be remiss to not include the Gabriel Conspiracy of 1800, in which Gabriel who was a twenty four year old artisan standing at six feet two inches. We should take special note that he was a skilled laborer thus destigmatizing the “ignorant charming” propaganda imagery used to describe slaves and freedmen as unintelligent and incapable.
      Black History Month celebrates the unique tapestry of America by honoring the traditions and cultural, scientific, theological, agricultural and political contributions of people of African descent. Migratory travels of Afro-Cuban, Afro-Brazilian, Panamanian, Puerto Rican, Haitian, Dominican and Caribbean to name a few provide an integral part of our story. The Taino, The African, and the Spanish are the emblem of Boricua College and to fail in the recognition of one is to dishonor the contributions of the founding forefathers and foremothers of this institution.
     Without education, skill, discipline, respect and temperance this country would not be honoring any month or week of the peoples who built the nation. Black History Month provides a template for the recognition and offers social justice to those peoples who have been disenfranchised, relocated unwillingly, abused with a proliferation of psychological, sexual, physical, spiritual abuse and in general being betrayed by the social mores in favor of “segregated acceptance”. This provides a proud moment in our global lineage and an opportunity to augment and advance the consciousness of a nation of families working in tandem towards  “Humanity”

All Classes are Canceled due to the Weather

All classes are canceled today due to the winter storm. Classes will resume on  Saturday as scheduled. For any additional information or changes please call  the school.

Expressions of Love: Strange Valentine's Dance by Edward Gomez

Expressions of Love: Eros by Wesley Beeks

Expressions of Love: Ballon by Edward Gomez

Expressions of Love: The Unicorn's Ride by Eward Gomez

Expressions of Love: A Wish by Tiffany Thompson

Love and Superstition

Our Voices Cover

Upcoming Events

Letter from the Editor

This month highlights the themes of amour or simply put love. We also celebrate Black History Month this month, which has become more ingrained in the culture just as Kwanza has begun to take its place aside Christmas and Hanukah in the holiday registry.

Commercial folklore would have us believe that the bubbly cherub images of Cupid along side a coquettish Venus had them basking in the playful and sometime mercenary plotting of “Love”. Closer examination of the archetypes demonstrates the depths of “Love”. Cupid personifies Eroticism and Venus is love expressed from adolescence, to maturity. The merging of Cupid and Psyche produced the synthesis of love and eroticism with enduring intuitive psychic rapport. Their union went past the physical and merged their inner souls from which passion and commitment were so deeply intertwined they could finish each others thoughts. Venus was the expressive embodiment of “love” and what we will do for it. At times that has lead to adultery, promiscuity, dalliances, benevolence, malevolence, exhilaration, betrayal, and marriage. If the Gods had an eternity to harness the expression of love then we should give ourselves a break. Sometimes it takes more than a lifetime to let love unfold in its expressions.

Learning to love one self is paramount in the receiving and giving of love. During this time I wish all of us clarity, self respect, and the strength to endure the lessons of love. For some this will be the time to acknowledge love in our lives and be willing to let go of unhealthy relationship that strip away ones respect, dignity and ability to trust. Other must endure those we love wit people we may not care for. As long as they are not being abused or denigrated then we must use temperance another product of love. I know you may not like him or her with your sister, brother, father, brother, friend. Take a breath and just say, “You like it I love it!” and know that our idea of happiness is not always the same as someone else’s.

Black History Month is this month and it is no surprise that it is nestled inside the of February. It took great sacrifices mingled with perseverance, indomitable will, resourcefulness for Africans who weathered the malicious migration from continent to continent to survive with their souls intact. Black History Month is woven into fabric of Boricua College, shared with the Taino and Spanish history and to not celebrate it would be a dishonor against our founding charter. We are Boricua College and we walk with the pride and honor of our peoples.

Revolution brings change and Boricua College has endured tumultuous upsets and consistently changing political climates al due in part to an uncompromising love for humanity. If you do nothing this month at least is an advocate for love by showing respect, open communication and consideration for others. Love begins in our hearts and is confirmed through genuine acts of kindness and respect. We also extend our love and thoughts of kindness out to the Haitians who suffered a tragedy. May you be reunited with your families and find comfort from every resource?

Black History Month Profiles: Jasmine Guy Actress, Director, Performer

 Some may know this talented actress from the 90' s sitcom " A Different World" in which she played Whitley Gilbert, a spoiled, willful yet sensative college student who comes from generations of money. She played against a stereotype that African Americans were impoverished and lacked education.  In fact her character's  family owned slaves marking an historical point in the perception of African Americans as destitute and not owning slaves.Delivered with wit, charm  and sass she made this character a favorite for the several years the show lasted.

    That is only one phase of her talent. She was also a dancer for Alvin Aily as well and performed in many productions in New York that took her overseas as well. Taking on Broadway to new pursuits of directing  Ntozake Shange’s groundbreaking 1975 choreopoem, “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf” at Atlanta's 14th Street Playhouse.  Some may also remember her for role she played in Spike Lee's Skool Daze stepping  and showing the inside lives of college students on an traditional African American college.

   She blazed trails again as a dangerous contender on "Melrose Place" ,who booted famous villan Amanda off her throne, proving that despite the scarcity of roles for ethnic women in network television she could still deliver the goods.

   Most recently she was Sheila, the grandmother and head witch, on the Vampire Diaries for the character Bonnie who just comes into  her powers. According to  the storyline Sheila comes from a line of Bennet witches that crossed paths with the vampires skulking around in the show. Sheila was a professor of Occult studies at a college and guided her granddaughter Bonnie into her ancestry and powers. This show is another popular genre integrating vampires, witches, werewolves, etc into populare culture. Jasmine Guy proves that talent can always find work and most importantly create it!

Black History Month Profiles: Shani Davis 1st First African-American to win an individual gold medal at Winter Games

Dynamic, Powerful, Independent all describes this premier athlete. Making history as the first African-American to win an individual gold medal has inspired many to throw off the stereotypes and consider the possibilities never dreamed of. Winning the gold at the 2010 Winter Games has catapulted him into the spotlight and a precarious position of “role model". All in all he is man who followed his dream fueled with ambition to create his own “Manifest Destiny"

Black History Month celebrates the accomplishments and dreams to show diversity is a reality. Bravo!!

School Closing for Feb. 10th 2010

Due to the blizzard on the way the school has announced it will be closed for all classes Feb. 10, 2010. Check your emails and voice mails as your professors will be making calls to the students as well. Please inform the student body.

Events

The Importance of Charity by Noemi Valentin-Student Council Treasurer

Have you ever wondered why is it important to give? Why are there are so many people who organize food drives, coat drives or even have soup kitchens? I challenge the readers to take this moment as you read this article and reflect on your growing up. Think about the times when you lacked something that you have desired so much, whether it was a pair of sneakers, food after coming out of a long class, warm clothes because it is bitter cold outside or your own room because your house or apartment is overcrowded with your siblings and other family members. All of these experiences just mentioned, have been someone’s experiences growing up or even now as I write this article. Due to challenging financial situations it is almost difficult to obtain most of these materialistic things that at some point we long for. Notice I said almost impossible to obtain, because although we may lack of money or lack in materialistic items, some way or another there are people in this world who extend their helping hand to meet the needs of those less fortunate. The importance of giving is to provide stability and unity within our communities and around the world.
As a member in the student council and Treasurer. .I was given the privilege to write about charity and one of the most important factors of charity is that you can bee a supporter and motivator to someone who may not have a home or enough clothing or even have food. Hence, the more we give to those struggling for one reason or the other, we are setting an example of “Giving” back to our community because we too have been able to relate to these difficult moments that we once faced. Around the world we see people giving, organizing charity events but still it is not enough because everyday someone makes a poor choice and is in need, or someone is born into the realm of poverty and needs our assistance . The student council came together to organize a food drive because we felt that reaching out to the community was a way of saying that we care and are concerned for those in need.

Our mission of collecting cans and non-perishable items was to give to the North Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, NY. This Church organization has fed hundreds of people in the community in what they call a “Soup Kitchen “where they provide meals for the hungry twice a month. One of their missions is “Giving” and they they plan to open a food pantry so that they can give to those who are in need food supplies through out the year. In hearing their missions I found it to be a great idea that we will help them by donating to their vision to help the less fortunate. Readers I encourage you to be a part of the vision of charity because even those who have all the money in the world always need something whether it is a hug a smile or a cup of coffee by a generous give. Charity can be expressed in donating money and time to a Church, a research group, or giving needed items such as clothes, school supplies and food to those that need it.

In conclusion when you give back to the community that you live in everyday benefits from the joy of “Charity”

Welcome to Our Voices -Letter from the Editor

I am  honored to have been elected to serve as the editor for the 2009-2010 Our Voices Newsletter. This is my first semester and I have been welcomed with unconditional support. When elected by my colloquium for student council representative I was reminded of my past position of Sergeant At Arms for the student government in high school, which afforded me the opportunity to outreach to my academic community and peers.


I now want to reach out to the Boricua College community to include everyone from the faculty, students, building services and administration and welcome you to our newsletter. This year we begin our foray into electronic publishing and incorporating multi-media as well in our format. I look forward to our partnership in creating a template for mentoring, community awareness, multi-cultural expression and global activism.

Everyone who crosses the threshold to enter Boricua College passes the historic bronze doors encored with symbolic imagery becomes a part of the living history. With focused tenacity we create a link bridging the heritage of Charity, Philanthropy, Academic Excellence and Cultural Diplomacy that Boricua College was born from.

This is the time to take those thoughts darting in your head or the expression of your unique essence and share them with our community. Your contributions are the lifeline of the community from which prosperity flows. I personally invite the Boricua College community to become involved in shaping and defining our diverse and prolific cultural and academic heritage through the medium which we identify with.

This month we are contemplating “Charity” within ourselves, our communities, and our personal values. Charity is a special grace that fills the cup of the receiver and giver. True charity is not limited in its expression. It can be comforting words, providing an opportunity where none existed, shelter, food, a bright smile providing cover from a down pour of pain, or the gentle touch on your shoulder reassuring that this too will pass. We are spearheading a Food Drive and want everyone to contribute either by volunteering of dropping off non perishable foods. The seeds of our charity take time to grow but once they have blossomed we have created a new landscape of hope in our communities.

Please enjoy the first issue of our news letter and I look forward to hearing from you. You can leave comments and suggestions on our email at boricuacollegesc2009@gmail.com or let your student council representatives know. Thank you for an auspicious start.



Wesley Beeks-Editor

Our Voices -Many voices for multiple solutions