BCC New Student and Parent Orientation Simplifies In This Issue: Campus before Start of New Semester
Outdoor information and registration tables at In the country three years, Ahmad studied in the CUNY Meister Hall, attended by student reps in green shirts with Language Immersion Program (CLIP) to improve his lan- multi-colored balloons attached to their wrists, greeted new guage speaking, reading and writing skills before he transi- students and their parents at morning and evening Bronx tioned to core requirements for his major. Community College’s new student and parent orientations two Isaac Oppong, who used to work as a fire safety Page 5 days before the director for a start of the new Hilton Hotel, A Rose in Texas and semester. also wants to get Bloomed in New York The his radiological goals of the ori- technology entations were degree. to introduce new Martinez came students and to Bronx parents to the Community campus and to College to earn Page 6 what to expect in her degree in Student/Professor Team the upcoming human services. semester which She brought her Venture to Chicago began Friday, son, Angel, who August 28. is seven-years- Conference Audrey Rose- old. She also Glenn, coordi- has a 10-year-old nator of plan- son. “I am com- ning for the ori- ing to college entations, said, because I need “An informed better skills to Page 7 student is a help my children knowledgeable and to help CUNY’s Role in the student. The myself,” said Development of Global new student and parent orientations help students to navigate Martinez. the campus and to demystify the first-time experiences of Sung Ryen Seo, came to Bronx Community College Citizens going to Bronx Community College, experiences such as to obtain a degree in recreation therapy. “It’s the only CUNY buildings, departments, faculty, administrators and guidelines. College that offers this degree,” she said. Here two years from The 500 students who showed up for the two orienta- Korea, Seo enrolled at Hunter College’s ESL program to tions in Gould Memorial Library, at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., had improve her speaking and writing abilities. completed their registrations and chosen their majors. Excitement was on the faces of the following new freshmen Page 9 students: Akherul Ahmad, who is from Bangladesh and drives continued on page 3 Health and Fitness a taxi, plans to obtain his degree in radiological technology. with Dr. Wayne Welcome to BCC Early Childhood Center
Providing child care services to the children of BCC teaching staff in the classroom are: Safiyah Ali, who has an students has been a long standing commitment of the College. Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education; Salina Page 11 Beginning Fall 2009, our child care facility, located at 2205 Williams, with an Associate’s degree in Human Services; Campus News Sedgwick Avenue, has a new name, new look and new staff. Erica Rosa, who is currently working toward her Associate’s Ms. Jitinder Walia, Executive Director, comes to degree in Early Childhood Education; and Rosey Gallant, BCC after having started several child care centers in Queens who plans to attend BCC to pursue an Associate’s degree. and Manhattan .She has extensive experience working with families and has been in the field of Early Childhood continued on page 15 Education for 23 years .She has a Master’s degree in Education and Administration and Page 12 Supervision Certification. Ms. Walia CUNY Trains its New is responsible for providing the edu- cational program for the children and Student Leaders administering the Center. The Center is staffed by highly-qualified and nurturing teach- ers who are excited to provide a healthy, safe and developmentally appropriate environment for young children. The teaching staff includes: Kate Osovskaya, who holds a AND MUCH Master’s degree in Education; Rosa Baxter, with a Bachelor’s degree in MORE! Education, who is also currently enrolled in a Master’s program; Barbara Thompson, who expects to graduate in December with a Master’s degree in Education and a certification in Special Education; and Meenu Pankaj, with a Master’s degree in Education. Assisting the 2 The Communicator Ð September 18, 2009
BRONX COMMUNITY COLLEGE SECONDHAND SMOKE PROGRAM Letters to EFFECTIVE: SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 The Communicator Editorial Policy and PROGRAM INFORMATION SHEET Disclaimer BACKGROUND The Communicator urges students to respond to Effective September 1, 2009, Bronx Community College will start a new program on the articles and editorials found in this newspaper. prevention of the exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) throughout the campus. This new We also urge you speak out on issues that matter program is based upon many years of science proving that major health problems are to the college community, as well as your neigh- caused by secondhand smoke. Bronx Community College is responsible for providing a borhood, the city, state, nation and world-at-large. healthy environment for its entire community, which includes visitors as well. The program The views expressed in published letters are sole- will promote the health of both our college community not challenged by health problems ly those of the writer and do not necessarily rep- and our special needs members with asthma, diabetes, emphysema, cancer, cardiovascu- resent the views of The Communicator. lar conditions, etc., as well as children and seniors whose systems are not functioning effi- ciently. Precedence for this program has been established with the implementation at many ¥ We reserve the right to shorten any letter sub- mitted due to space considerations. colleges throughout New York State.
¥ We reserve the right to refuse publication to any PROGRAM letter due to space considerations, as well as Smoking will not be permitted within 40 feet of all building entrances and air intake vents. those letters deemed inappropriate because of profane language, non-verification problems Signs will be posted at all entrances and air intake vents. Designated comfortable smoking and/or slander. areas, with outdoor ashtrays and tables, will be located at specific areas throughout the campus. Smoking area signs will be posted at these areas. Individuals should smoke within ¥ No letter will be published unless the author these areas and be sure that they extinguish and dispose their cigarettes into the ashtrays. submits his or her name, and telephone number.
Submissions should be emailed to The PROCEDURES Communicator at [email protected]. This program will be implemented with a friendly reminder procedure that will rely on the thoughtfulness, consideration, cooperation, and positive interaction of both smokers and The Communicator nonsmokers. All members of the college community will be requested to remind individuals Submission Insertion Dates (including visitors) to please smoke within the designated areas. The Campus Public Safety Officers will remind the smokers of the new program by showing them the signs and indi- Fall 2009 cating where they can smoke within the designated smoking areas.
If you are interested in having an article, EDUCATION, SUPPORT AND CESSATION PROGRAMS editorial, letter or announcement included in This new program will periodically be publicized through all campus media to remind the The Communicator, entire college community of its purpose. The education, prevention and cessation programs it must be received by the following dates: of smoking will be included in courses within various Departments such as the Department of Health, Physical Education and Wellness in conjunction with special programs imple- Deadlines mented by the College Health Services. Individuals who wish to stop smoking will benefit from these courses and special programs. These individuals will also be referred to off- October campus resources such as the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Friday, September 18, 2009 Association, as well as encouraged to contact 866-NY-QUITS (697-8487) or visit November www.nysmokefree.com. Tuesday, October 13, 2009 EVALUATION December Emerging scientific research will be reviewed periodically to determine if new program rec- Tuesday, November 17, 2009 ommendations will be needed and the goal of promoting a healthy environment is fulfilled.
Please email all submissions to: Co-Sponsored by the Department of Health, Physical Education, and Wellness, BCC Health Services, and BCC Student Government [email protected]
Contributors Jerdene Allen Raya Bayor Muhammad Jalloh Chris Minaya Omar Murray Margie Y. Rodriguez
Faculty Advisor Andrew Rowan The Communicator Ð September 18, 2009 3 continued from cover ¥ Strategies for college success That is our commitment to you. We will provide you with A married couple, 44 and 46 years old, who both ¥ Campus services available to students every opportunity Ð and it is our hope that you will grab had enrolled at the same time, said they wanted to earn ¥ Co-curricular programs that include honor societies, those opportunities and make them work for you. As I their paralegal associate degrees. They selected BCC social activities and student government. said before, we are a family and we have to work togeth- based on the sincerity of the verbal and written communi- Five professors presented the highlights of the er. cations of BCC’s enrollment administration staff. The information sessions: Dr. Luis Montenegro, chair of “Be confident of the choice you have made,” husband recalled that he had dropped out of Penn State Physics and Technology; Professor Diane D’Alessio, added Dr. Williams. “At Bronx Community College, University in 1982. After working in construction, he Education and Reading; Professor Jeffrey Wisotsky, you will find dedicated and professional faculty, coun- said that he had always intended to come back to college Media Technology; Professor Lois Augustus, Nursing and selors and support staff. They are all experts in their but the years had passed quickly. Now he and his wife Allied Health Sciences; and Jeanine Kelley-Williams, the respective areas and are there to provide you with the sup- are focused on earning their paralegal degrees so that they Art and Music Department. port that you need. Know that you are in the right place. can specialize in writing construction contracts. The stu- The most important thing that Lopez urged stu- “Use the services that BCC provides,” she added. dents preferred to remain anonymous at the start of the dents to do was to make the most of their college oppor- “We continue to make improvements in the classrooms semester so they could concentrate on their studies. tunity by being committed to doing their best in their stud- and in public areas, including providing technology for At the end of the opening orientation, Manny ies. your benefit. Student support services run the gamut Lopez, assistant director of Student Life and chairperson President Carolyn G. Williams welcomed new from tutoring to psychological counseling. We are here of the New Student Orientation Committee, told students students and said, “Enrolling in college in these tough to help you.” they would travel to departments to meet with professors economic times is a hard decision to make but a very for four information sessions: smart decision. In a global world that is rapidly changing, ¥ How to choose a major that can lead to a rewarding your education and skills are your investment in the future career and we are here to see your investment grow and prosper.
DID YOU KNOW?
¥ Every year, elections are held in order for BCC students to choose fifteen students that will be their voice for a whole year? The fifteen students go through training sessions during the summer and they are prepared to work with the administration in order for them to have students’ perspectives on the issues dealt with on campus. The group of the fifteen people you vote for is your Student Government Association. We sit on committees, plan events that every student on campus can attend and we represent BCC students whenever and wherever we get the chance. Our meetings are open to the public and to you guys. You can come and hear about what we do at the meetings. If you have a JOIN suggestion or a presentation that you would like to make, you can contact the secretary and ask her to put you on the agenda for our meetings. Remember, we are fifteen and we all have different perspectives on issues but we still need your presence and participation. ¥ You can get leadership training and get involved in every event we have in the Student Government. Join our support team and show your leadership skills. We meet often and plan for events together. Being a SWAT (STUDENTS WITH ACTION TODAY) team member, you will experience some A wonderful times and you will help us achieve a lot of things. For more information, stop by our office in Meister 212 or 214 or the Student Life Office in Meister 202. ¥ You can sit on committees and contribute to making important decisions for students. If your GPA is above 2.0 and you are a student at Bronx Community College, you can have your input in the decisions made for us students. Hurry and come grab and application in the Office of Student Life or in our office. You will get a great leadership experience, it will look good on your resume and if you are planning on bringing some change on campus, it will be a great place to start. CLUB
Have a successful and pleasant year,
Raya Bayor 4 The Communicator Ð September 18, 2009
JOIN A CLUB The Communicator Ð September 18, 2009 5
Beyond the Quad A Rose in Texas and Bloomed in New York By Baruch Obama
If you had asked music manager Emily go see that new show, just seems like a life sentence,” says did end up going down the promoter route … I probably Rosenblum, back when she was attending Southwestern the petite Texas native. would not like it very much actually.” University, about the music industry, she would have Emily, who gets excited by [established] indie Trying her hand at management was, at first, sup- replied with curiosity: “There is a music industry?!” artists and also loves listening to [long-established] coun- posed to help find a role in the industry that appealed to “I had this idea that if someone made good music try artists, graduated without changing her major, as she her, yet, after joining forces with her first client out of his that it somehow reached the right people,” says Emily as tried to determine a way to get her foot in the door of the frustration of not being able to set himself apart in the she breaks into a laugh. “Of course, now I realize that it competitive industry, Emily found out that the role most does not quite happen that way.” appealing to her was the one she had. In Café Grumpy, the 28-year-old manager of “I love management because you get to do a lit- artists drinks tea while dressed in calm gray jeans and a tle bit of everything… It’s never boring,” says Emily. traffic-light-green sweater, which is the type of attire you Since falling in love with the versatility of a career in can catch Emily sporting in her office. management, Emily, at the moment, is trying to come up Being a young music manager in New York City, with ways to get her artists recognized while working as Emily loves that, “There’s always some fun event happen- part of the team at Tony Margherita Management in New ing and interesting people to meet.” York. Furthermore, she also enjoys that, “Managers An acquaintance forwarded her resume to interact with just about everyone in the industry, from the Margherita a few years ago, and Emily is still there. The person working the door at the club to lawyers and record thought of venturing off to start her own management executives,” says Emily. company does not cross her mind. “I have absolutely no She notes that, “Out of any the jobs in the indus- desire to do that at this point in my life,” says Emily while try, I would argue that it is the most personal [and] the laughing. Having said that, she does have one desire. “I most one-on-one.” Her reasoning is based on the close- would love to be someone who thought of an idea that ness, she feels, that must be maintained between an artist helped a lot of different artists, that kind changed the land- and manager. music industry. scape,” she says. The Southwestern alumna discusses everything After being enticed by a family friend, Emily Emily loves music as much as she did when she with her artists, from the album cover to how was their decided to try to become a promoter while living in was 4 years old and listening to Julian Lennon’s Vallote week. London and gave her resume to one of the top promoters album on her Fisher Price cassette player. As a result of the industry’s fast pace, Emily is in Austin, Texas, when she moved back. She called the “I’m really lucky because since live music has always planning her next move, which you can see based promoter every day after she submitted her resume to see always been the thing that I love, love, love, whenever I on how often she checks her blackberry cell phone. While if an intern position had opened up; one day, a current see a band live that just blows me away”, says Emily… “it majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry, she real- intern answered her phone call and told her that no other makes me really excited again.” ized she wanted a career that involved music because it intern positions would be available for months. was something she had a passion for since her youth and “I was so frustrated at that point that I asked him *Reprinted from Baruch College blog (March 26, 2009) was something that would give her mobility. if I could ask him some questions about his experience as with author’s permission. “The idea of having to be in one city [attending an intern, and he said, ’sure’,” says Emily. “He turned out medical school] for several years, or not being able to to be a singer/songwriter… and he ended up being my travel, which is a huge deal to me, or not having time to first management client. It was really random, so I never $40 Million South Bronx Greenway Project Moves Forward
The Hunts Point Economic Development Wolf Real Estate Service and co-developer of The Corporation (HPEDC), the Hunts Point Chamber of BankNote. “The South Bronx Greenway project is just Industry and Commerce, the NYC Economic further evidence of the city and community commitment Development Corporation and the Bronx Chamber of to making the South Bronx a desirable destination to live Commerce recently hosted a South Bronx Greenway and work.” Information Session on June 18th at The BankNote. Community leaders, construction companies and contrac- tors gathered at the pre-bid conference to gather informa- tion and prepare for the Greenway RFP, which will be dis- tributed this summer. Construction is scheduled to begin in the fall of this year. “The South Bronx Greenway plans are a key component of economic development efforts in the South Bronx, and will bring much-desired amenities for workers and community alike. The BankNote was the perfect site for this meeting, as it is very much part of a new wave of development in Hunts Point,” said Josephine Infante, HPEDC President. “After raising the initial $2.1 million with the help of NY State Assembly Members Arroyo and Diaz Jr. and with federal transportation funds, the HPEDC is proud to start the bidding process and see this project through to fruition.” The South Bronx Greenway is a key component of the Hunts Point Vision Plan that will vastly improve access to the waterfront, provide recreational opportuni- ties, improved transportation safety and enhanced bike and pedestrian paths. The $40-million, multi-year, multi- phase construction project will create 1.5 acres of public open space, 2.3 miles of green streets and encompass 1.5 miles of new waterfront greenway. Construction areas will include the streetscapes of Hunts Point Avenue, Lafayette Avenue and Spofford Avenue; Hunts Point Landing, a mini-park near the fish market on the water- front; and greenway along the Bruckner Expressway and down a pedestrian bridge to Randall’s Island. “It is an exciting time to have a project like The BankNote at the onset of such an incredible city greenway project,” said Jonathan Denham, principal of Denham 6 The Communicator Ð September 18, 2009
Student/Professor Team Venture to Chicago Conference By Ada Diallo-Bolly
Our trip to Chicago for the chemicals are attractive because they are ANTEC @ NPE (National Plastics generally regarded as safe, are renewable Exhibition) annual plastic s conference resources, and can be made readily avail- event was one of the nicest college experi- able at competitive pricing. Interest is ences I have had at Bronx Community focused on isosorbide which offers molecu- College. The adventure started when I took lar geometry and chemical functionality a chemistry class. The unexpected benefit compatible with many existing commercial of being a member of the Society of Plastic chemistries. Engineers was I get to attend SPE confer- But, as a non-expert, I found the ences. exposition to be more exciting and colorful This time I went to Chicago to than the presentations. It was the biggest attend the planned student activities at exposition I had ever seen that began with ANTEC, the word’s largest plastics event. I my first stop at the Bottenfeld booth and was the only participant from BCC, so I continued throughout many exciting and traveled by myself from New York. When I informative booths. got to the hotel, there were different presen- This trip was possible thank to the gener- tations, but I was not signed in for any pres- ous support of Mr. Russell Broom from entation that morning so I took a bus tour of Polyone and Mrs. Barbara Genet form downtown Chicago. SPE’s On Monday I went to several pre- New sentations and to the exposition with my York professor, Dr. Vicki Flaris. section. One of the presentations I attended was chemistry based on corn sugar (Iowa Ada Diallo-Bolly and Dr. Vicki Flaris. corn). The research was done by a professor and Ph.D. students from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and it focused on corn-derived chemistries. Corn-based
Make your voice heard. Register to vote.
On November 3rd New York City will elect a new Mayor. You must be registered by October 9th to vote in this elec- tion.
Use this form or come to SGA Office, Brown Student Center, Room 102, or SGA Office RCBSC 201, or call (718) 289-5154 for information. The Communicator Ð September 18, 2009 7
Writers of the Month A Childhood Memory… By Raya Bayor Dedicated to everyone that can relate to this going to tell her what it is. They are just going to call her down on her bed, in the night and cries all those tears that story, especially the person I am talking about in this names. Beat her up and if she is not lucky at all, they will she forbids herself to cry those days. She doesn’t believe story. You know the sun will shine very soon; be strong ground her. in the faithfulness of the human race. She does not trust girl… Her father stood up and looked at her; then he any man that tells her about love. And she does not rely on She was just a teenager, fragile and innocent. She started coming her way and looked at her in the eyes with anyone: “It is me or no one else… nobody can understand believed in a charming prince; she was convinced that par- his usual scary face. The next minute she found herself me and make me happy… on this earth, in this life selfish- ents always loved they kids, no matter what. kneeling down, her face full of tears. Her father just ness is the best weapon against heartbreaks.” The people Even though hers did nothing to convince her of slapped her. She did not see it coming, and she did not she cherishes the most hurt her so she tolerates whoever that, she still wanted to believe that they were doing it on have her balance so her head went straight to the wall. hurts her. She does not blame them because humiliation is purpose. They wanted to get her ready for the real life out Her mother was sitting there, looking at her. She her lifestyle. She laughs, she obeys, she loves but not with there. could read disappointment on her face but also an all her heart because most of it has been damaged. She Doesn’t she want to be a doctor or a director of a immense sadness. She walked toward her. The little girl believes true love, success in her life and the time will heal field? Well, she is not going to be loved and cherished by could not take any other pain. There was nothing more her but still she is scared of the future. What if she never her employees. So she better submit herself to the training painful than crying for something she knew nothing gets over her tragic childhood? What if once she got her that her parents Ð her father Ð about. So she covered her head with her arms and waited own children she is tempted to make them go through the was giving her. to feel the pain. But nothing touched her so she stood up same things she has been through? What if her disappoint- A responsible person, ready to rule should not and got ready to leave. Her mother, standing few distance ment and her frustration against her father are transferred expect people to hug her and congratulate her. away from her finally said something: on the man she will choose to spend the rest of her life Those fathers that they show on TV, hugging “You want to show us that you are growing up. I with? What if? What if? What if? That is all she has in their children and dancing with them; those mothers that used to cry over you because you were my only child. mind when her eyes are away… kissed their teenagers and tell them they love them are Now you have siblings. Let me warn you: if you mess She believes she owes her mother all the pain she nothing but actors. Those kind of parents never existed but around I will let you down, I am serious and mark my made her goes through. She believes she has to save her as in the imaginations of those who write the scenarios. words: if you mess around I will let you down. Stupid much as she did with her and that is going to take a life- She was upstairs that afternoon, reading her girl!” time. books though her mind was wandering; she was trying The housekeeper was passing by; she stopped As for her father, he never changed. He certainly hard to concentrate; the exam was around the corner, and until her mother left the room and asked her what was does not slap her anymore or insult her as much as he she could not afford a bad report. going on. She said she did not know and wiped her tears. would love to, but he is still that unpleasant man you She was thinking on what other argument could But then she looked at the housekeeper and she who wit- could never trust, never like and never laugh with. But she explain the fact that her parents could not breathe the nessed everything in that house. She: she who always took believes she will take her time and choose a father for her same air she breathed without taking it away from her. A her to a safe place to give her comfort with her wise kids. She will choose a father that is going to put food on tear was coming out of her left eye when she heard her words. She broke down that day and cried her eyes out. the table for her kids, wait until they finish before he eats father call her. The next thing she heard from that lady was “don’t worry, his own. She will marry a man that is going to carry her As usual, she could hear her heart beat. It was so you will be ok.” children and cover them with an unconditional love. She loud that she could hardly see the stairs she was walking That teenage girl grew up. She is twenty today. believes in a man that will make her children jump with on. She could feel trouble coming her way and at an inde- She has never been so proud of herself and she has never excitement when he comes back from work and scream “I scribable speed. It has always been trouble that made her believed in a brighter future as hard as she does right now. will miss you” when he leaves for work. She dreams about parents call her. But there are some things that cannot be erased from her a man that will make her forget her past. When she got in the living room, there was a life. One of those things is what happened that day. heavy and noisy silence. Though she is always smiling and trying hard to see life at She knew it was something bad. But they are not the bright side, sometimes she just can’t help it. She lies
CUNY’s Role in the Development of Global Citizens By Daniel Torres
The term “global citizen” is inherently oxy- well as formal education pertaining to global citizenship. City is the center of the world. This statement does not moronic. Where “global” means to encompass the whole Many college and university brochures make it a point to only stem from the economic infrastructure that, until the world and a “citizen” is one who claims allegiance to a advertise the diversity of the student body in their respec- transpiration of recent events, has been quite successful specific country, it at first seems virtually impossible for tive schools which shows the importance of a diverse stu- but also from the quantity of immigrants to the United there to be a reconciliation of the two words. However, it dent body in education. The City University of New York States who chose New York Harbor as their initial destina- is possible for one to be a global citizen. Global citizen- possesses many of the factors needed for the encourage- tion. From 1855 to 1890, Castle Garden in the Battery ship is not about being a literal citizen of the world, or at ment of global education. Global education is not just the recorded roughly eight million new immigrants (The least, it is yet to be. Global citizenship is an ideology or a process of learning about and understanding the variety of National Park Service). Throughout the nineteenth centu- concept that defines people who seek to unify humanity. cultures in the world. It is a type of learning that creates a ry, many emigrants from northern and western European A global citizen is cognizant of the world outside his own student who is fully functional in this twenty-first century countries faced political and economic hardships and the immediate surroundings. He notes the tremendous diver- globalized and interdependent world. Due to CUNY’s influx of immigration to New York became too great for sity in the world and cherishes it while understanding that location, diverse student body, and curriculum, a suitable Castle Garden to handle. The federal government com- viewpoints which differ from his own are not necessarily environment is in place for the development of a global pleted construction of the world-famous Ellis Island in wrong. Global citizens also seek to establish a peaceful citizen. 1892 to address the large numbers of people who sought coexistence among the various peoples of the world and The City University of New York is comprised of entry into the United States. Over twelve million people also between the entirety of humankind and Earth’s envi- twenty-three schools. There are eleven four-year colleges, came to the United States for the first time through Ellis ronment. According to Oxfam, an international organiza- six community colleges, and six honors colleges and grad- Island from 1892 to 1954. Even though this port of entry tion whose goal is to decrease poverty, as referenced in uate and professional schools that make up the CUNY has been closed since 1954, both legal and “illegal” immi- Coming of Age in a Globalized World: The Next system (CUNY). CUNY students come from many differ- gration has not ceased to take place in NYC as millions Generation, global citizens also “take responsibility for ent backgrounds. “They collectively speak 131 native lan- more have landed on its shores and airports. their actions” (Adams and Carfagna 99). guages in addition to English and represent 172 countries” The process of becoming a global citizen is (CUNY). The student body itself makes for an ideal envi- continued on page 8 ongoing which a person usually begins without being ronment in the promotion of global citizenship. Simply by aware that it has taken place. This process begins with attending classes where dialogue is encouraged, students learning. A global education is not limited to the class- are exposed to the ideologies, customs, and historical room, and those who seek it originally do so informally. backgrounds that differ from their own. The lectures of Some environments are more susceptible to birth global professors alone do not account for all of the learning that citizens than others. Regions that are more culturally takes place. diverse will naturally encourage the beginning stages of In order to understand the reasons why New York join a club what it means to be a global citizen. New York City is one City is an ideal city for one to learn about the cultural vari- such region. Post-secondary schools such as colleges and ety in the world, it is important to briefly note the history universities are also ideal places to continue informal as of immigration to NYC. It is often said that New York 8 The Communicator Ð September 18, 2009
With immigration reaching a high point in the (221). The author states that being educated in “The West” take into consideration the importance of gender in devel- past decade, some people associate many problems in does not force international students to accept Western oping effective education in college. “While much of the New York City with immigration. The Federation for culture or values because those aspects have already been discussion about diversity in higher education focuses on American Immigration Reform claims that since the grad- introduced to students prior to them seeking education in specific institutional context and the number of individu- uation rate in American secondary schools was eighty per- “The West.” Most Westernization has already taken place als from various backgrounds who participate in these cent in the 1960’s, when immigration rates were much due to colonialism. Therefore, international education can environments, there are opportunities to transform the lower, and now that immigration rates are higher and the only help to improve upon the maladies brought about as entire landscape of higher education in discussions of graduation rate is only seventy percent, then higher rates a result of colonialism. “International education…has gender. Specifically, gendered realities in higher educa- of immigration cause lower graduation rates. This fallacy clearly become a force that helps reshape student identi- tion intersect with many other identities of the self, and doesn’t take into consideration many other factors that ties, their cultural tastes, and professional aspirations, but discussions to understand these constructions outside of might cause a drop in gradation rate. Two events that in ways that are neither uniform nor predictable” (221). our current institutional norms may lead to more effective occur in succession of one another does not necessarily New York City is a focal location of global exchange avenues for inclusion in education” (Allen 200). Women denote causality. which allows international education to occur informally and men as well as people of various gender schemas and Unfortunately, it is a widely held belief that as well as in the classroom. For learning to take place, one sexual orientations have as much to learn from one anoth- waves of immigrants come to the United States and over- only has to be curious enough to explore NYC and inter- er as do people from different cultural backgrounds. New run the country. With regards to education, some people ested enough to converse with its diverse peoples. York City is a very liberal city where most people gener- believe that immigrants come to the United States on F-1 Considering the establishment of those separate, ally have an understanding for cultural as well as sexual visas with the intent to attend school for a period of time yet non-exclusive communities based on ethnicity, and diversity. Equality between men and women is also more and leave, but never go back to their home country, hence- how they affect the development of a person’s multi-cul- profound in NYC than in many other parts of the country. forth draining resources that could be used for “native” tural knowledge, a time comes when a child of an immi- The population of CUNY is somewhat equally balanced students. Proponents of immigration reform state, “rather grant graduates from secondary school. Up until this time, in terms of male-female ratios. There are, however, more than being used to improve the quality of education for it is usual for such students to attend local schools, where- women than men in the CUNY system. Approximately 60 current students, communities’ limited tax dollars are by he or she will be surrounded by peers who are similar, percent of students in both community colleges and four- instead being diverted to build new schools to accommo- either socio-economically, culturally, or both. College, year colleges are women (CUNY Office of Institutional date population growth and to meet the special needs of however, has a tendency to introduce unfamiliar people Research and Assessment). immigrant children. Including special programs such as and ideas. There is generally more diversity in post-sec- CUNY students learn from fellow peers during bilingual education, which can cost nearly 50 percent ondary schools because there are more institutions of class time, and are also encouraged to spend time with more than regular schooling, immigration costs the tax- higher education in the United States than there are sec- each other outside of the classroom. The 2008 Student payers over $24 billion a year in education costs” ondary schools. A graduating high-school student seeking Experience Survey from The City University of New (Federation for American Immigration Reform). The to attend college close to where she lives will not only find York—Office of Institutional Research and Assessment, Institute of International Education takes a different students from her local high-school, but students from charts the percentage of CUNY students who strongly approach to the fiscal factors of foreign-born students liv- other high-schools in the wider region. The college of agree, agree, feel neutral towards, disagree, or strongly ing in the United States. “Each year, international students choice for regional New York City is the City University disagree with statements such as, “my college encourages contribute billions of dollars to the U.S. economy through of New York where “68 percent [of first-time freshmen] students to study together,” and, “my college encourages their tuition and fees and living expenses. In 2007/2008 attended New York City public high schools” (CUNY). participation in campus activities.” Of the community col- the net contribution to the U.S. economy by foreign stu- By simply attending school in New York City, one is over- lege students who took the survey, an average of thirty- dents and their families was $15,543,000,000.00” whelmed with the many different cultures represented in nine percent “agree” that their “college encourages stu- (IIENetwork). Even if $24 billion dollars a year was the different neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs. dents to study together.” Among the four-year institutions, being spent on education for foreign students, there is still In addition to students from various cultural forty percent of students felt neutral and thirty-one per- $15 billion dollars that are contributed to the economy. backgrounds who were born in the United States, many cent agree that statement. Thirty-eight percent of students Also, the societal contribution made by these educated international students travel to the United States to attend at CUNY’s four year schools agree that their “college immigrants and children of immigrants is often over- post-secondary school. According to a November 17, encourages participation in campus activities,” and thirty- looked by proponents of immigration reform. Ironically 2007 press release by the Institute of International nine percent of community college students agree to the enough, on the Federation for American Immigration Education, there are 623,805 international students in the same statement (CUNY Office of Institutional Research Reform website, which has a strong anti-immigration United States. This is a seven-percent increase from the and Assessment). If these numbers are accurate, then stance, it is stated that over one-third of all people in previous year and a total increase of ten percent from two interaction between the students who differ from one America who have Ph.D.s are foreign born. years ago. It has been found that the leading host state for another is not only existent, but inevitable. There is ample evidence to prove that foreign these students is California with 84,800 international stu- With CUNY’s broad curriculum, students find them- students who achieve high levels of education are more dents, the majority of them attending the University of selves studying the world with a new perspective. There productive in American society than those who are gener- Southern California. New York State has 5,000 less inter- are about 1,400 programs at CUNY with over 200 bache- ational American citizens. One example of this is the national students, but New York City is the leading city in lor and associate degree majors and over 100 degrees rapidity in which immigrants learn the English language, the nation chosen by international students (IIENetwork). available for graduate degree study (CUNY). For a con- graduate from high-school with regent’s diplomas, and go These international students largely attend CUNY. Of the scientious student, links can be found between many of on to study physics and become extremely proficient in students who attend its senior and community colleges, 45 the courses taught on CUNY campuses. What is learned in their field. This process is shown to be true in a March and 50 percent respectively were not born in the continen- a human geography class can very well be utilized in an 2009 New York Times article which states, “Former tal United States (CUNY Office of Institutional Research English course on globalization, and vice versa. More English-language learners have a graduation rate of 71 and Assessment). than forty percent of all CUNY students feel that their percent…compared with about 64 percent for students The question of identity management in higher “college encourages [them] to make connections between who enter the system proficient in English” (Hernandez). education is important in the discussion of the role college courses (CUNY Office of Institutional Research and It may take slightly longer for an immigrant to develop plays in a developing global citizen. Rizvi noted the cul- Assessment). proficiency in advanced coursework in American schools. tural exchange between various groups of people as being That is because these people must first be proficient in mutual and multi-faceted. The authors of Institutional continued on page 9 English to understand these subjects as taught in Change and the Transformative Potential of the University American schools. Even still, foreign students do grad- uate and often achieve high grades in school. International students are not a hindrance to the American education system. The Communicator Taking into account the history of immigra- tion in New York City, one reason many international Insertion Dates students choose NYC as their destination lies in the expansive human networks that have already been Fall 2009 established. One of the many cultural nuances one finds dispersed throughout the boroughs of NYC is the con- October glomeration of people from a specific ethnic back- Friday, September 18, 2009 ground in a given neighborhood. Chinatown, Little Italy, and Spanish Harlem are some of the more well- November known examples of this not-unusual phenomenon. The many ethnicities represented in New York City make it Tuesday, October 13, 2009 an ideal city for an American student to learn about the world outside of what is “typically American.” It is also December ideal for a foreign student to not only learn about Tuesday, November 17, 2009 American culture, but about cultures from other parts of the world that he might not be familiar with. Author Fazal Rizvi, calls this concept of amalgamation of cul- Please email all submissions to: tural variety “Global Imagination.” Rizvi states, “The suggestion that international education represents an [email protected] accelerating trend toward Westernization is unfounded” The Communicator Ð September 18, 2009 9 Recurring Features
curiosity. An active mind is essential to wellness; it detects Health and Fitness with problems, finds solutions, and directs behavior. 4.Spiritual Wellness is to possess a set of guiding beliefs, Dr. Wayne principles, or values that give meaning and purpose to your life, especially during difficult times. Spiritual wellness involves the capacity for love, compassion, forgiveness, altruism, joy, and fulfillment. It is the antidote to cynicism, anger, fear, anxiety, Wellness: The New Health Goal self-absorption, and pessimism. Wellness is an expanded idea of health. In the past, many people thought of health as being just the absence of physical disease. But wellness is largely determined by the decisions you 5.Interpersonal and Social Wellness means learning good make about how to live your life. Wellness means the ability to communication skills, developing the capacity for intimacy, and live life fully Ð with vitality and meaning. cultivating a support network of caring friends and/or family members. It means participating in and con- tributing to your community, country, and The Six Dimensions of Wellness world. We need to have mutually loving, sup- No matter what your age or health status, you can optimize your portive people in our lives. health in each of the six following interrelated dimensions which must be developed in order to achieve overall wellness. 6.Environmental Wellness involves our personal health depending on the safety of our food, the degree 1.Physical Wellness includes eating well, exercising, avoiding of violence in society, and threats to health from radiation, air harmful habits, making responsible decisions about sex, getting and water pollution, lead in old paint, and second hand tobacco. regular medical and dental checkups and taking steps to prevent How about recycling? injuries.
2.Emotional Wellness includes optimism, trust, self-esteem, Next month, Stress Management and Your Life If you have any questions or comments, please email me at: self-acceptance, self-confidence, self-control, satisfying [email protected] relationships, and the ability to share feelings are just some of the qualities and aspects of emotional wellness. Be well. Dr. Wayne Health, Physical Education and Wellness 3.Intellectual Wellness includes an openness to new ideas, a capacity to question and think critically, and the motivation to master new skills, as well as a sense of humor, creativity, and
Many classes that are offered at the colleges are through education. Learning about the differences that ex.html>. applicable to global citizenship. For each college, there distinguish humankind’s many cultures will ultimately CUNY Office of Institutional Research and Assessment. are a couple of areas in which that particular college is bring us together. This goal of a humanity that works 2008 Student Experience Survey. New York most notable for. These strong suits attract students for together for the betterment of society and the planet can City, 2008. study in a specialized field such as engineering at City only be achieved if we first become aware of the massive Federation for American Immigration Reform. Tech at The City College, business at Baruch, or music amount of diversity in the world. A formal education, such "Extended Immigration Data for New York." 9 performance at Queens College’s Aaron Copland School as that provided by CUNY, can lay a foundation which May 2008. of Music. Any of these fields can be applied to the enrich- students can build upon. Without someone to first open
The BCC Faculty Council has initiated an exciting new scholarship. Funded primarily by faculty, the Faculty-for-Students Scholarship is designed to recognize and foster academic achievement of BCC students by the people who proudly teach, advise, and otherwise interact with them. The purpose of the scholarship is to remove financial obstacles to graduation for full-time students who have completed 24 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.0. More specifically, the scholarship has been cre- ated to assist students who are not eligible for traditional sources of financial aid. The first recipient of the Faculty-for-Students Scholarship is Mohamed N. Rinaz Ahamed. The following faculty and staff mem- bers contributed to this scholarship. Fundraising will begin in the 2009-10 academic year so that this worthwhile scholarship can continue. John P. Athanasourelis Carolyn Liston David R. Blot John R. Morales Celeste Bullock Stephen P. O'Neill Nan Clark Georgene Osborne Grace Cukras Stephen Powers Diane D'Alessio Donald Read Patricia Favale Phyllis Read Monte Gray '62 Julia Rodas Mary Healey Jean Shaddai '94 Joseph Hollander Sylvia Simon Leslie Hurley Montrose Spencer-Bushrod Howard Irby Jacqueline Swainson-Thompson Jean Keizs Joseph Todaro Doreen La Blanc Gerard Weber Joan E. Wilson
The Communicator Insertion Dates Join Fall 2009 October Friday, September 18, 2009 A November Tuesday, October 13, 2009
December Club Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Please email all submissions to: [email protected] 14 The Communicator Ð September 18, 2009
Going Global
BCC Students in Senegal: The Brothers We Left Behind By Jerdene Allen
The very thought of visiting the continent of my much alike. Even simple superstitions and common reme- the recycling efforts that were been executed on campus. ancestors ignited an excitement in me that is unmatched. dies were very much the same. The Senegalese people Hence, Gene, Tim and I decided it would be great to help One can only imagine how excited we were by the news were very welcoming and warm. The hospitality that I the students develop their project. that I was chosen by to visit the continent for an educa- received was amazing. I had an opportunity to work with the eleventh tional/cultural experience. The project was sponsored by I was intrigued by the similarities between graders to develop research and practical projects in order the Men2 Male Initiative which is affiliated with Black Senegalese young people and young people in the U.S, to educate them about the steps they can take in making Male Initiative (BMI). Weeks of planning almost went in and the Caribbean. The Senegalese young people had a Senegal a “GREEN” country. I will be following up with vain when a minor mishap almost erased my chances, but very active social life. One that consisted of similar activ- them over the upcoming school year to see how they are ities that we enjoy progressing with the assigned projects. Secondly, I had an in the U.S Ð hang- opportunity to visit a local vendor that sold electronics ing out at the mall, powered by sustainable energy, and equipment such as going out to dinner, solar panel to harvest the energy. Remarkably, the entire hanging out at the building was powered by wind and solar energy. The beach. water supply was supplied by an underground well. This Music is a was fascinating because it showed how Senegal is already very important part making efforts in reducing their combined carbon foot- of the Senegalese prints. culture. Every Thirdly, and perhaps the most riveting part of my genre of music trip was my trip to Goree Island. This is a tiny island about from rap, reggae, 2 miles from Dakar. Goree Island is significant in the jazz, R&B is per- transatlantic slave trade because it is said that slaves were formed by sent from here to the Americas. The slave house which Senegalese artists. serves as the main attraction is said to have housed thou- I had an sands of slaves. With rooms partitioned for men, women, opportunity to boys and girls; Slaves were fed, and held here. The stories attend a concert told there is enough to break one’s heart, to think that our where local teens fore parents endured such conditions. Most African and young people American or people from the West Indies are unsure of performed. The where their exact origins are from in Africa. However, energy at the con- standing there I couldn’t help but wonder if any of my cert was electrify- direct ancestors were held in the rooms. Leaving Goree ing, and, although a Island emotional and full of thoughts, I suddenly realized lot of the music that I wasn’t in a strange land, I was in the land of my true was in a different beginnings. I was urged to connect with my past and sort language, the art of out the truth behind my culture. music has the abili- My trip to Senegal was an eye-opening and an ty to reach across educational one. The connections I made will last for a language barriers lifetime, and I know Senegal hasn’t seen the last of me. and captivate any- The Senegalese people are very warm and friendly. Dakar one. Not only was is a beautiful city that is home to many different groups of the music great, but people within the Senegalese culture. I saw a people com- through persistence and optimism I was able to make my the food enjoyed in Senegal was delectable. Traditional mitted to life, and an improved standard of living. From a journey to the motherland. Armed with pre-conceived Senegalese dishes plus those with slight French influences business perspective I saw a booming city that will join Western ideologies of Africa eight hours after departing create dishes that are tantalizing. I do recommend the the global market with inconceivable business opportuni- JFK Airport in New York I was in Dakar, Senegal; it was pastry to anyone visiting Senegal. ties. But most of all, I saw the brothers we left behind. about 5:30 am. I didn’t see wild animals running in safaris, nor so called “primitive” tribes living in dirt huts. Persistent Economic Problems I saw shops, stores, banks, hotels and beautiful beaches, However, with all its glories, Senegal, like many Join just to answer the reoccurring question, “is it like what we African nations, suffers from high unemployment rate and see on NAT-GEO?” poverty. Senegal has a total population of estimated 13 A mixture of fear and excitement lingered as I million people, and about 3 million people live in the cap- The held my breath to absorb the very culture from which my ital Dakar; but about a 3rd of the population live below the origins began. To my surprise the fear suddenly subsided poverty line. Senegal battles an unflattering 48% unem- as I was greeted with welcoming smiles, and suddenly I ployment rate. With about 100,000 young people entering Communicator felt at home minus the fact that I didn’t speak French. I the tight job market each year, this gives Senegal’s met up with Timothy Roulhac (fellow BCC student) who President Abdoulaye Wade a daunting challenge to ease was the second person to be chosen to make the trip, but the burden face by the expanding young population. Team! had gone a week earlier, and Eugene Adams, who was the Currently, Senegal is capitalizing on the global market organizer and our chaperone for the trip. I was introduced expansion with exports and invitations to foreign to Stephanie Kane, who was the host while staying in investors. Some problems that jeopardize the economic See your name in print Dakar. My first day was mostly filled with introductions and social expansion of this country are pollution, over Express your views as I met and greeted the staff of the Senegalese American populated cities, exploitation by foreigners and none the Put your finger on the pulse of the Bilingual School with whom we would be working with less internal corruption amongst government officials. BBC community. to share our experiences. Also that night Tim, our host, They say progress is painful and harsh, and Senegal, like and I went downtown Dakar to get a taste of the night life most developing and developed countries, is paying the The Communicator is looking for in the city. price for this “progress.” However, the Senegalese people Writers, Graphic Designers, are passionate about advancing their country and are com- Photographers, and New Cultural Experiences mitted to preserving their culture. Over the next five days I indulged into a cultural Advertising Representatives. experience that not only blew my mind, but helped find Making Discoveries Use you writing and reporting skills. apart of myself that seemed unexplained. I was able to There were three things that stood out the most understand my culture and even black customs and tradi- about my trip, besides the food, the music and the social Become part of our team. tions. The unseen culturally rich bridge that connected experience. Firstly, I was to work with the students of the Join The Communicator today. West Africa, the Caribbean, and the U.S. materialized in Senegalese American Bilingual School on an environmen- front of my very eyes. Growing up in Jamaica and living tal project. The students at the school had a project called Come to Colson 605 to fill out in the U.S. for a number of years, I was able to draw sim- “SABS GO GREEN” which interested me because here at ple relationships between black cultures and traditions. BCC we were making tremendous strides in our sustain- an application, The food we ate, the dance, dress and culture were very ability efforts, from the “GO GREEN BCC” project, to or call us at 718.289.5314. The Communicator Ð September 18, 2009 15 Bronx Community College Administrator Helps Education Collaboration in Senegal Bronx Community College’s Director of University of Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD) faculty to visit On June 24, SABS held its annual graduation for Collaborative Programs Eugene Adams has higher educa- the Bronx campus. Cheikh Anta Diop is Senegal’s most pre-K, sixth grade, and high school. Over 400 family tion in his blood. Whenever he can, he’s figuring out how well- known university. According to Adams, many U.S. members and friends attended the well-known and unusu- to strengthen education models that expand learning colleges and universities actively recruit Senegalese math al celebration, which was held at the UCAD. Adams says opportunities. As the director of Collaborative Education students who demonstrate an aptitude and mastery of the occasion was a mix of traditional graduation ceremo- Programs at Bronx Community College, nial speeches augmented by sponta- Adams oversees partnerships with over neous performances by contemporary 25 schools and serves 2,000 students Senegalese hip-hop artists. As the annually. He is a specialist in education- featured speaker, Adams urged grad- al partnership building and curriculum uating students, family and friends to design. continue to build strong African and Soon after BCC completed the American educational partnerships. semester with our graduation, he took He emphasized the importance of off for another graduation almost 4,000 Senegalese students who attend miles away with two Bronx Community American universities to apply their College students -- Jerdene Allen and skills and knowledge to further devel- Timothy Roulhac. oping Senegal and other African This graduation was for the countries. Before concluding, he Senegalese-American Bilingual School added that “Bronx Community (SABS), a small pre-K through twelfth College is hoping to strengthen its grade school in Dakar that serves 700 educational collaboration with SABS students. The school is headed by and the University of Cheikh Anta Stephanie Nails-Kane, an African- Diop.” American living in Senegal with her Allen, Roulhac, and Dara Senegalese husband and four daughters. Adams, Adams’ daughter and a stu- “I met Ms. Nails-Kane 10 years dent at Howard University, volun- ago when I was on vacation with my teered at the SABS graduation, par- daughter who was seven-years-old. ticipated in a workshop for eleventh Nails-Kane had just started SABS. She Bronx Community College Director of Collaborative Education Gene Adams congrat- and twelfth graders on education at was enthusiastic about building her cur- ulates Senegalese-American Bilingual School graduate. U.S. universities, chaperoned the riculum. We had a few discussions ini- SABS high school prom, and took tially. The discussions soon became an informal collabo- mathematical skills. part in some of the SABS teacher professional develop- rative partnership. I suggested some educational ideas that Today, SABS has more than 700 students from ment sessions on environmental education at the Nguero she might explore,” says Adams. over 25 countries. The school has graduated six senior Mangrove Biodiversity Center. “Now, 10 years later, when I went back I saw that classes. SABS is the premier international school in “The audience was literally singing and dancing she had implemented some of those ideas and others to Senegal with a dual Senegalese and American academic in the aisles. I’ve attended scores of graduations in New build an intellectually engaging curriculum,” he contin- curriculum that meets the learning standards of both coun- York, but I’ve never seen one as colorful and community ues. tries. interactive as this,” states Adams. He and the two BCC Adams became a supporter of SABS and an adopt- What started out as a design for a private interna- students agreed that their trip has changed how they look ed member of the Nails-Kane family. In collaborating tional school is now being considered by high level gov- at Africa. Because of their experiences in Senegal, they with Nails-Kane and her predominately Senegalese teach- ernment officials as the trend for future education in say, their perspectives on education development have ing staff, Adams shared many of his Bronx strategies -- Senegal. SABS graduates are currently attending U.S. changed. learned while managing very successful academic enrich- universities that include Howard University, Towson ment models such as Upward Bound, Liberty Partnership, University, Morgan State, Florida Memorial University, College Now, and GEAR UP -- to assist in the develop- and The City University of New York. Of the 30, 2009 ment of SABS’s middle and high school curriculums. SABS graduates continuing on with their higher educa- Over the years, BCC has brought SABS and the tion studies, 22 have been accepted in U.S. universities. Mary Kate Pappas: The Go-to Person for BCC Study Continued from cover and Volunteer Abroad Information The School Age Program is staffed by Georgia While an undergraduate at Salisbury University I am passionate about traveling abroad and expe- Alexatos, who holds a Master’s degree in Education and in Maryland, I was given the opportunity to study abroad riencing other cultures. If you would like to learn more Mr. Akshit Kumar, who is currently attending Queens in Scotland. That semester was the best six months of my about the opportunities that BCC has to offer, please come College. The Administrative Assistant, Shauna Harper, life. I traveled all over Europe, emerged myself in other by the National Center for Educational Alliances (GML, comes with solid experience in office management, and is cultures, and even managed to learn a thing or two. A1), or call me directly at 718-289-3139. responsible for making sure the overall operation runs After I graduated, I got a job working in television. After smoothly and efficiently. a few years, I realized that my dreams had changed and At present, the hours of operation are Monday that TV no longer excited me. I started thinking back to through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for children the happiest time of my life, and suddenly an idea struck. between the ages of 2 to 5. The After School Program is Which brings me here … open between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 9:45p.m. for In 2008, I entered the Master’s program in children ages 6 to12. Higher and Postsecondary Education at Teachers College, Looking to the future, one of the Center’s many Columbia University. I intend to use this degree to goals is to provide full service for student/parents on become a Study Abroad Coordinator at an undergraduate campus while they attend class and participate in campus university somewhere in the US, helping other students life with the ultimate aim of achieving a higher educa- gain the amazing experience that I myself had. While in tion. The Center is exploring options to expand services the program, graduate students are given the opportunity including increased hours and children served. to work at a college or university in the area to gain work The director, staff and many support staff from experience. the College worked diligently over the summer to insure This opportunity has brought me to BCC, where that the Center was open to welcome children at the start I am privileged to be working in the National Center for of classes. Bronx Community College Early Childhood Educational Alliances, in GML, room A1. I am here to Center staff is looking forward to becoming a vital part help any and all BCC students, should they want to learn of the campus community. Student/parents are invited to more about studying or volunteering abroad. If you are visit the facility, meet the staff, and learn about the edu- interested, I will work with you to look at different pro- cational program and services of the Center. grams, scholarship opportunities, or grants to get you an Please do stop by to tour the facility. You will Mary Kate Pappas tours Eilean Donan find it vibrating with the sounds of children laughing and experience abroad. Some programs last less than three Castle while studying abroad in Scotland. weeks-perfect for those of you who may not be able to get learning. away for long. The Center may be contacted at [email protected] or 718-563-KIDS (5437). 16 The Communicator Ð September 18, 2009 The Communicator Ð September 18, 2009 17 18 The Communicator Ð September 18, 2009
Join A Club The Communicator Ð September 18, 2009 19 20 The Communicator Ð September 18, 2009