Statement from President of Manhattan Student Council at Boricua College 2011-2012

Photography by J. Wesley Beeks

Center Image: David Correa-President Manhattan Student Council Campus

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Student Council of the Manhattan Campus for electing me as their new President. This responsibility has a lot of weight to it and I welcome the challenge that comes with it. I will also like to congratulate all the students that were elected to various positions in the student government for the 2011 to 2012 year cycle.


I will like to say thank you to the departing President Xavier Martinez and former Education Coordinator Wesley Weeks, who shared his expertise, creating the blog and enlightening the committees on how to plan and execute the events, Wesley you will be missed. Both have come to the end their academic journey with Boricua College and will be graduating in the summer. Congratulations in achieving this milestone in your lives good luck in your future projects.

This election took place and the end of Fall Cycle which did not gave us much room to plan as many activities as we wanted to. However this year the Manhattan Campus Student Council is going to work very hard to support the students’ needs. We plan to continue to bring activities to Boricua College to educate and create awareness into our community and I am planning to work very closely with all the committees to insure we maintain a standard of quality that you the students deserve. Last but not least I am looking forward to having students become more involved in giving us feed back in upcoming events such as the Student Council Mixer, Health Awareness Forums and the Talent Showcase.

As always we need your support with fresh ideas and your commitment to making our institution brighter and better. I am officially welcoming all in our community to attend our meetings held on Wednesday’s at 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the Dean’s office on the third floor.





Thank you,

David Correa-President Manhattan Student Council

Scholarships and Grants by J. Wesley Beeks

“Education is not a privilege but a necessity”-WB

Education is a vital tool to increase prospects in the job market and is not an impossible goal. Many academic institutions are offering opportunities at substantially reduced cost in lieu of outreaching to disenfranchised populations. As with most things in life we must put one foot forward and take the step.

J. Wesley Beeks - Education Committee Coordinator for Manhattan Student Council 2010-2011

African American & Hispanic Resources

1. Wake Forest University has an opportunity for minority students to attend its MBA program for FREE, and so far, the response has been very poor. Please pass along this opportunity to your friends, families. This is a great school and a tremendous opportunity to attend a top graduate school. See the details below, the contact person is: Derrick S. Boone, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Marketing, Rm. 3139 Worrell Professional Center , Babcock Graduate School of Management – Wake Forest University_ WINSTON_SALEM N.C 27109-8738
email: derrick.boone@mba.wfu.edu  or visit http://www.wfu.edu/
phone# toll free (866) 925-3622


2. Black Male Teachers needed. Do you know any Black Males who are seniors in high school who want to go to college out of state for FREE? The CALL ME MISTER program offered by 4 historical black colleges in South Carolina , Benedict College , Chaflin University , Morris College and South Carolina State University – visit the www.callmemister.clemson.edu/index.htldetails
online application or call 1.800.640.2657

3. Harvard University is offering free tuition to families of HONOR STUDENTS and their income is less than $125,000 per year. Visit http://www.fao.fas.harvard.edc/  or call 617.495.1581.


4. Syracuse University School of Architecture is desperately seeking young women and men of color interested in pursuing a 5 yr. professional degree in Architecture. Contact: Mark Robbins, Dean School of Architecture, 201 Slocum Hall, Syracuse , NY 13244-1250 (315) 443-256 www.soa.syr.edu/indes.php



5. A free pair of eyeglasses from Target for any child ages 12 and under brings a valid prescription for glasses from their doctor. You can find stores with optical departments at http://www.target.com/

6. APPLY NOW - If you have/know young adults between the ages of 18-31 with a High School Diploma. Can earn up to $100,000 and earn benefits. The Federal Aviation Association is taking application for Air Traffic Controller School visit the website
www.faa.gov/jobs_opportunities/airtrafficcontroller/



Special thanks to Brendal Maclin- Georgia Department of Labor for providing this information and her commitment to education and self efficacy.

Walde Tandia -Co-Editor Makes Changes by Keeping the Computer Resource Room Open for Extended Hours

   I want to say thank you for the student body for electing me as their new Co-editor of the newsletter on the Manhattan campus. I would like to hear from students and the community. In order for us to do better we must be better. Let us begin by sending in articles on your concerns. I want to help our community. I will be in the computer room on Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays to keep it open for longer for us. You asked for it and I am here on those days to keep the computer room open longer.

    As the Co-editor of the newsletter this year I really need your help and want to support you. Let's work together and support one another. We can start by everybody submitting articles on how we can improve our community and share the good things as well. If you need help let me know I will be available in the computer room at the above listed times. Let's have a better year and make the best out of it.

Photography by J. Wesley Beeks-Education Committee Coordinator

Sorry I Didn't Say that to Hurt You- by Amber Zia Khan

Freedom of speech is a basic right of every person but sometimes this right can be taken advantage of in many negative ways. American colleges host a diverse mixture of ethnic, racial and sexual groups students who come together to study and learn about life. Students should exercise freedom of speech on campus to make their voices heard to showcase and discuss educational, social problems and curricular activities not to abuse this right without disparaging others.


At my academic institution you can speak about many topics including education and school activities. In my experience you can freely talk about other ethnic backgrounds, politics, religion, sex, status, color, gender and race and this has a positive effect on for many people. For those who have biases for other person’s religion or background can offend others feelings by saying what beliefs they hold inside. The other result might be that it turns out to be a huge fight if they both disrespect each other by saying negative comments which could tarnish school’s reputation and increase misunderstanding between communities.

One situation to consider would be elections and how freedom of speech from campus students can affect which candidates will win. In my opinion freedom of speech is highly neglected in educational institutions and often their opinions are not considered or valued.

I would suggest that having open forums on race, ethnicity, color or religion are discussed on campus would provide an opportunity for open discussion of different viewpoints. Having these open forums would create a focal point for people with different views on race, religion, sexuality and ethnicity to speak freely and encourage freedom of speech with respect for others.

Therefore in my opinion freedom of speech is better exercised when we use the adage “sometimes less is more.”


Amber Zia Khan has been elected is Editor at the newsletter for the 2011-2012 Manhattan Student Council in December 2011. We look forward to posting more articles from her as the year continues.

Photography by J. Wesley Beeks

 

Reflections on 911 Ten Years Later by J. Wesley Beeks, Jr

When the 911 event happened I was scheduled to work as a production assistant on a television show. I was originally to have that final interview at 8:30 am and the studio was located one block from the Twin Towers. The day before I decided to reschedule the time to the afternoon as something in me urged me to do so. I awoke that day to the cries and shock of the tower being hit by one plane and then another one. I had a god sister who is a chef and did her apprenticeship at the restaurant on top of the tower. She did not go that day as we both decided to reschedule. I was in disbelief at what happened and what was still to come. I had friends and family who worked at Port Authority in the vicinity. The phone lines were jammed and little information got through. Using a secondary network I was able to relay information on who was okay. Our neighbors all work together to share information and much needed comfort. Everyone I knew was well and survived. My god sister did experience trauma as she walked over the bridge over the slew of dead bodies and appendages that the news did not want to cover. She had trouble sleeping for weeks and I was able to convince her to see a therapist.

After ten years have passed I have been aware of the greater need for humanity as a collective to reach out to one another. Kindness was increased a thousand fold and people actually stopped to speak to one another. It was as if the society was reconnected and the technology took a backseat to humanity and we embraced one another again. Strangers became less distant and family members not spoken to in years reconnected. This time has increased my awareness that mental health is a primary concern in our society. The trauma experienced by those directly in 911 opened other repressed trauma and the flood gates were pouring out. I counseled more actively and looked within the dark parameters of myself and found that the simple acknowledgement of this was profound. My relationships changed. What was not functional and healthy I removed and only kept what was substantial in my life. Neighborhoods became smaller and less distant by class, ethnicity, economics and status replaced by general awareness and compassion. Faith was tested and what endured was the foundation of love, good character, simplicity, and graciousness. I am thankful that I listened to my inner voice and did not go at the original time, doing so would have had a different ending. Embracing the compassion and duty of our fellow civil servants was astounding as their stories traced how fundamental it is to serve with devotion, duty and simple caring.

Yes after ten years the humanity remains and there is less disconnect and profound acceptance that mental health has to be ingrained in our society. I am thankful that my friends and family were protected and we remain stronger today. In summation my family extended past blood relations to those who lost family members and we became family.

A Boricua Tradition: Perseverance and Education

By Carletta Joy Walker

Manhattan Library and Learning Resources

June 17th, 2011 marked the thirty-fifth commencement exercise for Boricua College. Another year of commemorating and celebrating the women and men passing through the campuses to receive recognition for their achievements. Associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees were ceremoniously conferred upon the classes of 2011 after which each graduate's name rang through St. Bartholomew's Church as they walked up and across the stage to receive their piece of paper, their handshakes, broad smiles and hugs.


September 2011 welcomes the new and the continuing students in their march toward commencement. Perseverance and Education: Pillars of Democracy, an accurate theme for this year's graduation, as it would be for any previous or future year. The descriptive I would confer to accompany that solemn intonation is jubilant, because there was indeed much triumph and delight walking with the consistency and discipline required of each individual to achieve their goal. Family, friends, faculty, administration and all staff being ingredients in the triumph and sharing in the delight of another year of obvious success.

The delight at times barely containable, as smiles percolated into wide grins and gestures expressing the happiness felt at the completion of this milestone in the journey. A solid core of the graduating class are people familiar with journeying, college coming while already working, and after one or two or three or more children now reached an age that allows for school. Some of these students come as part of a progression, a rotation—first one spouse/partner then the other.

And the younger graduates a mix of those beginning to uphold a tradition, they being the children of graduates—what a smile that is—as well as other students of the Puerto Rican/ Borinqueños dispersion, the Spanish speaking students from the Americas and also in the mix African American, African immigrants, Whites and Asian immigrants recognizing and wanting the tradition of learning that is the "Boricua system of instruction, based on a fundamental humanistic principle of educating the whole person to become self-motivated, independent, life-long learner, with awareness and commitment to maintain a healthy symbiotic relationship with their environment."

Jubilance come with the grand story and with the personal stories contained within the class. Jubilance, pride and triumph to Pomp & Circumstance as the Academic Procession begins with President Alicea in full intellectual, physical and Boricua College historical splendor leading the procession of trustees, vice presidents, faculty, administration and graduates in this pinnacle cyclical event representing Boricua College achievement .

Tone set, an unfolding of choral excellence, keynote exuberance, professional recognition inspiration, academic award honoring, presentations and farewell from student continuing to carry the baton follows. Within the many special honors bestowed, the remembrance of Jose "Pepe" Morales, Jr., former Chairperson, Board of Trustees, with the In Memoriam: Lifetime Achievement Award holds particular poignancy. His wife of fifty year accepts this lifetime honor …

Consistent with the founding Borinquen values, the overriding message of the president, honored guests and students is one of conscious learning, community well-being, service, active citizenship and participation. A humbling message needing to be appropriated by those local and national companies and politicians infested with greed and fear. And, a fitting launch, aspiring to provide inspiration to the graduates in their next steps, as well as to the academic procession and other staff working tired and tirelessly in support of a community and a vision rather than the highest pay or greatest individual accolades.

La lucha continúa, pero la felicidad está aquí. Welcome.

MEANINGFULWORLD PRESENTS : Stage III Cultivating A Meaningfulworld View & Seeds Of Forgiveness

MEANINGFULWORLD PRESENTS

How can you make your life more meaningful?

Attend an all-day training on

Stage III:

Cultivating A Meaningfulworld View & Seeds Of Forgiveness

Saturday 19 Nov, 2011

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

185 East 85 Street(corner of Third Avenue) Second fl of professional entrance

Utilizing Dr Kalayjian’s Seven-Step Biopsychosocial & Eco-Spiritual Model

This training will provide multiple tools to understanding shadow emotions, post trauma growth,

resilience, transforming intergenerational trauma, learning to be compassionate to self, forgiveness, gratitude, discussions on sacred activism, types of leadership, cultivating inner healing, environmental healing, integration of mind-body-spirit-soul-connection, psycho-spiritual healing, and meaningful exchanges.

Recommended for those seeking greater understanding of anger management,

working with difficult people, managing partner-relationship issues, diffusing conflicts, peace building, assertiveness, meaning-making and transcendence.

Training Program Includes:

Welcome breakfast, Introductions. Process and didactic ppt presentation by Dr Kalayjian, Sacred Interfaith Altar, collective healthy home-made lunch, viewing a DVD on related topics, guest speaker from the field and discussion.

Afternoon experiential workshop: Biopsychosocial & Eco-Spiritual Model.

Chakra cleansing-balancing- Meditation, physical release, aromatherapy, Bach remedies,

collective gratitude, interactive growth exercises and celebration of sacred activism.



CEU: Attendees qualify for CEUs in these professions: Marriage & Family Therapy, Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Creative Arts Therapy, Psychoanalysis

Opening remarks and meditation – Jennifer De Mucci

Visionary Speaker – Caroline Banks, MS, Nutritional Health

Fee: $110 includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, MHOP folder research articles,

handouts, celebration gift, and a certificate.

Special rate for undergraduate students $50; graduate students $60, groups of 4+ 20% discount

First come first register to ensure an intimate interactive group.

Kindly send your fee made out to: ATOP

135 Cedar Street, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010-1003

RSVP is essential, kindly E-mail Ann: arizzuto1@fordham.edu Phone: 201-941-2266

http://www.meaningfulworld.com/

ATOP is a not for profit 501 c (3) with international recognition as a leader in training humanitarian outreach professionals as well as responding to two decades of global and local disasters. ATOP is committed to global health through education promoting state-of-the-art scientific theory, peace and consciousness research, and the development of technical skills to train mental health professionals, teachers, psychologists, art therapists, nutritionists, alternative medicine practitioners, clergy, nurses, mediators, interfaith ministers, and lay persons committed to service & heal thyself. Meaningfulworld Humanitarian Outreach teams make a daily difference in people's lives helping to transform tragedy and trauma into healing through post trauma growth, guidance and meaning-making through a new world view.

Ask yourself...Ask your friends...What makes your world more meaningful?