Índice 3
Reflection Lent
4
Message of the dean
5
ns Student Organizatio ony m re Ce n io hold Initiat
6
Ecumenical Act First Aid Center
7
Awards
8 9 10-11
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The Beginning
12 13 14-15
IAUPR Metro Campus s shine in Microbiology student the 4th Symposium on erto Rico Microbiology of the Pu ists Society for Microbiolog
Metro Campus: An International e Educational Referenc
Sapere aude! nors Experiences in the Ho Program
16 17 18 19 20
Matemathics:
A Field with Much to Investigate
¿Y cómo lo digo? eering
Environmental Volunt
anged An experience that ch my life ellers Metro Campus Storyt and Debate Society meets The 2016 LAI athletic are upon us! ts Visit International Studen Park rn ve the Río Camuy Ca with Welcome back home El Gran Combo , APAGA Y VÁMONOS eater Th ro the new Inter Met Workshop play
Calendar
Reflection “God has placed in your hands a great project that will impact your life and the life of those around you, walk in such a way that your footsteps may draw the path to others� Every beginning brings new challenges, which come loaded with excitement and expectations that sometimes intertwine with some elements of uncertainty. For everyone it is the birth of a new year, for many a new semester or the last stretch of his college career. Among goals to achieve, dreams and aspirations, we started this new race. In numerous occasions we draw a map thinking that the road will be straight and clear; however, life will unveil new alternatives. When we start college most of us already have a career in mind, others are still searching for that direction; but once here, new experiences and the knowledge acquired, drive them towards a concrete goal. Many of you have also changed direction, but every step and every move is not in vain, it brings
Rev. Ivelisse ValentĂn Chaplain
along a sum of valuable experiences that will impact your future. Through this walk capitalize every stumble and embrace each experience as part of the project you have undertaken with God as a traveling companion. Your life plan is not yours alone, it is part of everyone related to you, in the same way that our projects are born out of your hopes and needs. Look at your resources today and give thanks for them: family, friends and your family at Intermetro. Every turn and challenge faced, every experience and every resource, whether large or small, in the hands of God has infinite potential. God has placed in your hands a great project that will impact your life and the life of those around you, walk in such a way that your footsteps may draw the path to others.
Lent Many of you recognize this time of the year as the time of Lent, a period that begins with the experience of Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday. Nevertheless, the word Lent seems almost obsolete; however, it is a period that anyone, of any faith tradition can take to reduce the pace and reflect on their lives and their relationship with God Creator, with others, with himself or herself and with nature. For Christians, Lent is a time of revisiting the journey of the Hebrew people for 40 years through the desert in their way to freedom; and the 40 days that Jesus spent, also in the desert, in preparation for his work among men and women who needed a healing encounter with God.
midst. God assumed human form, has been inserted into my daily life, and has shared with me my joys and sorrows, my health and illness, so the idea of God is no longer an abstract or distant concept but a tangible reality that gives us hope as we witness his resurrection.
Seize these days of Lent and Easter to reflect on our journey through life and our relationships, to be able to awaken with Christ to a new present full of hope and possibilities.
Thus, Lent becomes for us a metaphor of solitude and wilderness that plunges us into our craving souls to recognize the need for God as the source of the water of life. But this reflection born of an intimate and personal journey, is only the preparation for the meeting with a new revelation of Godliness: God within our
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Mensaje de la Decana
Message from the dean
Carmen A. Oquendo Dean of Students
El comienzo Tus metas te esperan
Es interesante cómo el inicio de un nuevo año es considerado por muchos en nuestra cultura como una oportunidad particular para comenzar. Ciertamente, somos las mismas personas, con las mismas experiencias, costumbres y deseos. Solamente un instante separa el año que termina del que empieza, así que también el tiempo es casi el mismo. Igualmente, las circunstancias del ambiente que nos rodea son es prácticamente las mismas. A pesar de que tenemos pleno conocimiento de estas realidades, el fin de un año nos mueve a analizar nuestros logros y aciertos, así como nuestros deslices y tropiezos, con el fin ulterior de mejorar en el año nuevo. En el breve instante que pasa de un año al siguiente, nos deseamos felicidad mutuamente y una especie de optimismo colectivo nos invade. Pública o privadamente hacemos resoluciones y promesas para lograr más logros y aciertos que los que tuvimos hasta ahora. Finalmente, nos deseamos suerte y apostamos con gran alegría a un futuro incierto, pero prometedor. Las resoluciones y promesas se quedan cortas, solamente en sueños, si no vienen acompañadas por un plan. Toda vez que mejorar da trabajo y requiere esfuerzo, hay que planificar para emprender ese futuro que anhelamos. Sea cual sea tu propósito, es necesario establecer las metas y hacer el plan que te llevará a conseguirlas. Cualquier distracción es solamente eso; no hay que darle paso si no es parte del plan. El nuevo año, que en realidad puede comenzar cualquier día de tu vida, solamente te sonreirá si trabajas con empeño hacia esa meta. Gracias por ayudarnos a ser parte de tu plan de estudios y de vida.
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The beginning Your goals await
It is interesting how the beginning of a new year is considered by many as a particular opportunity to start again. We are certainly the same people with the same experiences, habits and desires. Only an instant separates the ending year from the New Year, so the real time is also almost the same, as are the circumstances surrounding us. While we are fully aware of these realities, the end of a year moves us to analyze our achievements and successes, as well as our shortcomings and setbacks, in order to further improve in the New Year. In the instant that takes us from one year to the next, we wish ourselves happiness and become overtaken by a sort of collective optimism. Out-loud or privately we make resolutions and promises to improve and succeed further. Finally, we wish ourselves luck and toast with great joy the promising, yet uncertain future. Resolutions and promises are only dreams, if they are not accompanied by a plan. Any improvement requires effort and must be planned. The planning requires goal-setting and specific steps towards their achievement. Any distraction is just that; and there should be no space in your plan for it. You can begin a new year any day of your life, and will only succeed if you are willing to work hard towards achieving your goals. Thank you for letting us be part of your study and life plan.
coquendo@metro.inter.edu
Student Organizations hold Initiation Ceremony
Dr. Carmen Oquendo Dean of Students
43 Organizaciones Estudiantiles
Over 400 students gathered at the campus Theater to hold the initiation ceremony for the Metro Campus accredited student organizations. Forty-three such organizations have been accredited for academic year 2015-16. The ceremony gave all their members the occasion to commit themselves to serve as example to their fellow students, to embody the institutional values and to work with enthusiasm and integrity, as required by the IAUPR norms and each student organization internal documents. The Initiation Ceremony was co-sponsored by the Student Council, whose president, Luciane Febles Miranda (Secondary Math Education, ‘17) gave the initiating students a message. Prof. Migdalia Texidor, Dean of Academic Affairs also gave a message. Both Ms. Febles and Prof. Texidor invited students to strengthen their commitment to the academic and extra-curricular activities as the foundation for their personal and professional development. All students took the initiation oath that ended the ceremony.
JOIN! the Metro Campus student organization that best reflects your academic and professional interests. Visit the Dean of Students office (Room 247), call 787-250-1912 ext. 2277 or 2232 or write to rfuentes@ metro.inter.edu or coquendo@ metro.inter.edu. coquendo@metro.inter.edu.
Ajedrez Inter Metro Atletas Cámara de Comercio de Puerto Rico Ciencias Biológicas Ciencias Biomédicas Ciencias Políticas Comunicación Corporativa Contabilidad Cristiana Universitaria Emprendedores Enfermería Exchange Students Association Future Business Leaders of America Future Leader and Mentor Experience Futuros Exalumnos Capítulo Inter Metro Futuros Profesionales de Cuidado Infantil Gerencia de Recursos Humanos Historiadores Huellas de Honor I.M. Tigers Dance Team Intercultural Students International Entrepreneurship Jóvenes Universitarios Católicos Justicia Criminal Latino Professionals of America MedLife Inter Metro Microbiología Música Popular Orientadores Pro Impacto de Comunidades Unidas Psicología Inter-Metro Puerto Rico Pre Dental Química RENEW (ED) Christian Roots & Shoots Inter-Metro Rotaract Sport Zone Técnicos de Farmacia Tecnología Médica Trabajo Social Trabajo Social Graduado Tutores de Escritura y Lectura
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Ecumenical act Year 2016 begins, praise the Lord. As part of Metro Campus traditions, the continuation of the academic year and the new semester were celebrated with an ecumenical service, an act that represented an invitation for unity and reflection for all members of the university community. The Campus chapel opened its stained glass doors, making the Student Center part of the event, which centered on the importance of students and their future endeavors as citizens. It was precisely some students who, in a beautiful moment of praise and communion with God, raised their voices and, accompanied by their musical instruments in perfect rhythm, reminded us the greatness and goodness
Today could be a great day…. of our merciful God almighty. Those students, our raison d’etre, made it possible for teaching and non-teaching personnel, as well as other members of the community, to make a stop in the daily routine and elevate prayers and petitions for a year full of achievements and blessings, all within a pleasant, solemn atmosphere. Participants in the ecumenical service had the opportunity to enjoy the intervention of the event special guest, Mr. Silverio Pérez, who rightly refers to himself as an “humortivador”. Making full use of his talents, Silverio invited all to reflect upon our work and its relevance to our fellow men and to the welfare of our country. He invited students in particular to become, from their respective roles, part of the solution to the problems facing Puerto Rico. He reminded them that studying is a privilege that many other young people do not enjoy, and invited them to keep the illusion of a prosperous and healthy Puerto Rico. He concluded his participation interpreting “Today could be a great day,” by Catalonian singer-songwriter Joan Manuel Serrat.
The Metro Campus First Aid Center: ready to serve The Metro Campus First Aid Center was established with the the mission to provide first aid service of the highest quality to the university community. The Center is located on the first floor, next to the elevators. It provides services Monday to Thursday from 8 am to 9 pm, Friday from 8 am to 5pm and Saturday from 9 am to 1pm. Services provided include taking of vital signs, evaluation and management of medical emergencies and referrals to health professionals. In addition its personnel provide access to the Breastfeeding Center. Staff at the First Aid Center include Mr. Jorge I. Ortiz Alvarez, TEM-B (First Aid Officer in charge) and Ms. Dee-Dee Rosado Santana, TEM-P (night shift First Aid Officer). The Firsr Aid Center telephone is 787-250-1912 ext.2398.
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Metro students receive
President’s Cup scholarship Five Metro Campus students joined other 50 IAUPR system students who were recognized by their academic excellence by receiving the President’s Cup Scholarship, awarded once a year the Board of Trustees. The five Metro Campus awardees were Ilén S. Candelario Maldonado (Popular Music, ‘17), Octavio Colón Rojas (Accounting, ‘16), Olga Cristina Fernández (Corporate Communications, ‘17), Joseph Kamal Craddock (Information Technology, ‘17) and Ariana Rosario Fusté (Biomedical Sciences, ‘16). Students were selected for this honor based on their academic excellence, financial need, participation in extracurricular activities and student leadership, career interests, and expressions about how they can help their country. All scholarship awardees had the opportunity to participate with University officers, including President Manuel J. Fernós, and members of the Board of Trustees in a ceremony held in the IAUPR Aguadilla Campus. There they met some of the donors who participate in the annual golf tournament that nurtures the fund from which the scholarship is drawn.
Redacción Huellas
nnis W. HernánSoto and Eng. De UPR Board of rio sa Ro nio to An Mr. the IA From left to right, er and President, respectively of a Rosario mb Fernández, Arian ina ist Cr dez Santiago, me ga Ol nts ndelario de Ca stu S. ; n Ilé ely e tiv ec jas Trustees, resp tavio Colón Ro Oc , d ck an do t, ad en Cr l sid ma rnós, IAUPR Pre Fusté, Joseph Ka Mr. Manuel J. Fe Students of an De us Maldonado; and mp uendo, Metro Ca Dr. Carmen A. Oq
Microbiology research student from Metro Campus receives local and national research award Dean’s list and is a reology major, who belongs to the Mr. Arnold Rodriguez, a Microbi the bacterial commuDr. Filipa Godoy-Vitorino, studies search fellow in the laboratory of ted women. For this and human papillomavirus-infec nities in the cervix of both healthy Annual Biomedical a full scholarship to participate in research, he was recently awarded ttle, WA. Arnold was Conference (ABRCMS) held in Sea Research for Minority Students ergraduate poster at in the competition for the best und also awarded the second place for Microbiologists. nized by the Puerto Rico Society the 4th Research Symposium orga research. The video of by El Nuevo Dia, explaining his Arnold was recently interviewed /locales/nota/encen://www.elnuevodia.com/noticias the interview is available at: http 07567/ didalainvestigacionestudiantil-21
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IAUPR Metro Campus Microbiology students shine in the 4th Symposium on Microbiology of the Puerto Rico Society for Microbiologists Several Microbiology students from the Metropolitan Campus participated in the 4th Symposium on Research of the Puerto Rico Society for Microbiologists. Three student researchers from the Microbial Ecology Genomics Laboratory, led by Dr. Filipa Godoy-Vitorino, presented their posters in the symposium. Beatriz Cabrera presented her work on the Microbiome of a dolphin off the Portuguese coast,
the Caribbean Genome Center, and Dr. Rosa Fernanda Martinez Cruzado, Professor of Humanities, both from the UPR Mayag端ez; as well as Dr. Margarita Irizarry-Ramirez, Professor of the UPR Medical Sciences Campus. The panel was moderated by Dr. Rafael Tosado, from the IAUPR Metro Campus.
ir
Association and the crobiology Students Members of the Mi doy (at left) mentor, Dr. Filipa Go
Gilmary Ortiz presented the Microbiome of black and red mangroves of the Puerto Rican karst and Arnold Rodriguez presented the Cervical microbiome of Latina women, for which he was awarded the Second Place on the best student poster competition.
abrera Beatriz C
In addition, the Microbiology Students Association was actively involved in promoting the Microbiology Baccalaureate program and established new interactions with other members of other Microbiology student chapters in the island. The symposium included a panel on Ethics in Genomic Research, which had distinguished guests, including Dr. Juan Carlos Martinez Cruzado, from
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Gilmary O
rtiz
Metro Campus: An International Educational Reference The Metro Campus of Inter American University of Puerto Rico offers its students many opportunities and advantages which can help them develop personally, academically and professionally. During my bachelor’s degree coursework in Managerial and Entrepreneurial Development, I was part of the Intercultural Students Association and the Entrepreneurs Students Team. Through these groups, I learned about opportunities that helped me facilitate the integration of international students, especially those from my home country, Haiti, to the campus. As an international graduate student, I consider myself an example for others at the Campus.
Julby Boutin Entrepreneurial and Managerial Development BBA, ‘15 General Finance MBA, ‘18
tionalization program and to the professional future of many young people in my country. These young people can help the University expand its local and international academic offerings, and position itself among the best in the world. They will also be able to contribute to the cultural and social diversity in campus. I invite you to become ambassadors for INTER METRO, and make possible the dreams of many young people in our respective countries.
When I started studying in METRO in 2012, fellow students, professionals and friends would always ask me: “How did you learn about the Inter American University?” This prompted me to share with other young people all the opportunities that Inter-Metro has provided me. During the Christmas holidays in 2015, with the support of Prof. Marilina Wayland, the Chancellor, I took some time in Haiti to encourage high school students to pursue college studies. In this endeavor, I was accompanied by Mr. Jean Junior Boutin, my brother, and with him I shared my experience as an international student at Inter Metro. These talks were conducted in a targeted environment in with teachers, principals and students from public and private schools, all of whom appreciated each presentation. I am grateful for the opportunity to promote the University abroad, because I feel that I can contribute to the development of the interna-
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Sapere aude! The IAUPR Honors Program is directed to students who, as the motto of our program says, “Dare to know” (Sapere aude). Our program is stimulating students to engage personally in the centuries long dialogue which shaped our culture and civilization, encouraging them exactly to “Have the courage to think for yourself.” It goes without saying that democracy needs individuals who can think for themselves, who are not easily manipulated. Therefore, encouraging students to think critically secures a better future for our democracy and better future for us as members of the western civilization. In times of globalization, it is important to be able to draw on three thousand years of our civilization, to be able to maintain our own identity in light of differences which arise from encountering other cultures. One can truly appreciate different cultures only when one is well rooted in its own culture. Given all that, the Honors Program strives to establish an academic environment that stimulates students to assume leadership in our society. It promotes tolerance and reaffirms the dignity of the human person, consequently encouraging students to achieve a full development of their potentialities as human beings. The Honors Program provides this enriching experience through its interdisciplinary Honors courses, which are offered in Spanish and English, as well as cultural and academic activities. It gives students the opportunity to become well rounded citizens. The Honors Program has had long and fruitful history in our campus. Its directors have been distinguished professors from various departments, thus providing it an interdisciplinary perspective. It started in the 80’s with William Fred Santiago as its first director. After him, professors Tomás Jiménez Méndez, Mildred Garcia, Walter Murray, Héctor Luis Ace-
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Dr. Miłosz Mariusz Jacko Honors Program Director
vedo, Edgardo Ojeda, Emily Almansa, and William Arias have been in charge of the program. Since 2011, Dr. Miłosz Mariusz Jacko directs the Program. The Honors Program is open to undergraduate students with a GPA of at least 3.50 and no less than 24 nor more than 60 credit-hours approved. It also accepts freshman students with a high school GPA of 3.50 or above and an admission index of 1,300 points or more. During academic year 2015-2016, 145 students participated in Honors Program, 54% of which had a GPA of 3.91 and above, thus benefiting from extraordinary Honors incentive covering up to 12 credits of the registration. The Honors Program offers great opportunities to achieve maximum development of academically talented students. If you are looking for an academic program that can challenge and guide you by means of an interdisciplinary and critical thinking approach, then the Honors Program is right for you!
Graduates
Neishla Mur David Corte iel and z
Experiences in the Honors Program As an Honors Program student, I’ve had the privilege of having a lot of benefits and experiences that have shaped my personal and academic life. Without a doubt, being an Honors Program student is hard, but it’s not impossible. Every Honors Program student knows that keeping up your GPA is one of the hardest things. Each reevaluation makes us really nervous, yet it’s a process that helps us be a lot more conscious of our academic performance. There’s something that I’ve truly enjoyed and that has helped me shape myself as a professional: the Honors Program courses. Even though I’ve had the opportunity to take literature courses, it’s the languages courses the ones I’ve loved the most. Today I can speak Portuguese at an advanced level and French at an intermediate level. Learning other languages has motivated me to shed my shyness and start bonding with other people who share my love of languages, even daring to speak with people whose native language is Portuguese. At the same time I’ve had the opportunity to participate and coordinate some Honors Program activities, something that has developed my leadership skills. The Honors Program purpose is to shape its students into future leaders that thirst for knowledge and that want to give something back to their country. I’m more than grateful for everything that I’ll be able to take with me from my life as a college student, all those moments of happiness and personal growth… never forgetting that it was all because I decided to join that great family of the Honors Program.
Thalía Dávila Rodríguez Criminal Justice student
From left to right, Luciane Febles, Student Council President and Honors Program student, Ms. Margarita Cordero, Program Administrative Assistant, and Thalía Dávila Rodríguez and Elainie Rojas Báez. Honors Program students.
Being part of the Honors Program has allowed me to grow as a person, as well as academically and professionally. It has given me the necessary tools throughout this wonderful experience to make my goals and dreams a reality. To be an Honors Program student is a challenge, one that I don’t regret taking on, for it has shaped me into being a best version of myself. I’ve shed all shyness in order to develop leadership skills, as well as learned to take the initiative and be confident in everything I do. Applying for the program was a very important decision for me because, aside from the benefits that come with being part of it, my goal was to enjoy my journey as a college student to the fullest. Prof. Héctor Luis Acevedo, one of the Honors Program courses professors, taught us that “It’s our job to make sure that we don’t just pass by the university, but to let it go through us.” This is precisely what I’ve been trying to do: take in all the knowledge that I can through the Honors Program activities. To conclude, Inter American University has indeed gone through my very being, and I know that when I graduate I’ll be able to say “I truly enjoyed my time as a student, all thanks to the Honors Program.” Elainie Rojas Báez Social Work student
El Programa de Honor está dirigido a estudiantes subgraduados que tengan un índice académico de 3.50 o más y que hayan aprobado entre 24 y 72 créditos. También aceptamos estudiantes de nuevo ingreso con un promedio de escuela superior de 3.50 o más y con un índice de admisión de 1,300 puntos o más. Si entiendes que eres un estudiante de honor y quieres pertenecer al Programa, escríbele a programadehonor@intermetro.edu, llama a la ext. 2440 o visita la oficina 104 en 1er piso, aledaño a la recepción del Centro de Estudiantes.
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Mathematics: A Field with Much to Investigate
Est. Luciane Febles Miranda Mathematics, ‘17
Did you know that you can discover a lot of things in mathematics? Can you imagine being in the shoes of famous mathematicians, such as Pythagoras, Fibonacci, Descartes, Newton, Euler or Gauss? I never thought I could live the process of investigating, discovering and contributing to this field.
me a mathematician, and provided me great opportunities like presenting my research last October in the Midwestern Conference on Combinatorics and Combinatorial Computing 2015 (MCCCC) in Charleston, South Carolina.
Last summer I had the opportunity to be part of the internship program Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) of the National Science Foun-
Last summer, I also had the opportunity to go to Rochester, New York to take the Summer Workshops of Texas Instruments. There I learned new teaching strategies using the latest technology in mathematics.
dation at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. I was the only Puerto Rican selected along with seven other bachelor students of Secondary Education in Mathematics across the United States to fill one of the eight available spaces. During two months, I worked with my partners, four in-service teachers and a team of university professors, led by Professor Saad El-Zanati. We conducted research on patterns used when we label graphs to create generalizations. In addition, we organized a Summer Math Camp to provide a research experience for 10th to 12th grade students of Chicago Public Schools (CPS). This experience helped me develop my teaching methods, as during the camp I had students that are considered a minority in the United States. It made
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I believe that these opportunities should not be missed. Not only do they provide us instant learning, but they also offer new experiences for the rest of our lives. Furthermore, these internships give us the chance to meet new people, share cultures, learn about history, visit important places and obtain practical knowledge in the professional field that we are studying. I want to thank God and my family for supporting me, as well as the National Science Foundation, Illinois State University, Professor El-Zanati, Texas Instruments and the Inter American University of Puerto Rico Metro Campus for giving me the opportunity to grow as a professional.
¿Y CÓMO LO DIGO?
Dra. Yasmine Cruz Rivera Departamento de Lenguas Modernas
DIATRIBA Cuando quieras hablar sobre una crítica o un ataque violento, utiliza el término diatriba. No es correcto usar “disyuntiva”, “dilema” o “disputa”. En la prensa los encontramos frecuentemente con un significado erróneo.
EMPRENDIMIENTO Es la palabra correcta para nombrar el ímpetu por iniciar algo en sentido empresarial.”Tiene espíritu emprendedor”.
ATEMPERADO Esta palabra es correcta y está aceptada por RAE como sinónimo de acomodado, ajustado, adaptado. Es correcto decir: “El hombre justo vive atemperado a los cambios de la vida”.
BAUTIZO Y BAUTISMO Las formas bautizo y bautismo son igualmente aceptadas y correctas para hacer referencia al rito sacramental cristiano. ESCRIBE TU DUDA LINGÜÍSTICA EN: @DRAYASMINECRUZ. PUEDES ESCANEAR EL CÓDIGO PARA COMUNICARTE CON NOSOTROS.
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Environmental Volunteering: A different take on community service One of characteristics of our Institution, in particular for the Metropolitan Campus, is the importance of giving students the opportunity to take part in projects that involve community service. This effort has resulted in a better quality of life and in the socioeconomic development for the communities we help. In this direction, CECIA-Metro has been promoting the philosophy of environmental community service amongst our students by creating a successful and specific program, one that has been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other organizations like Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots and the Arbor Day Foundation. In the Environmental Volunteering Program of Inter Metro, participating students have the opportunity of acquiring important knowledge about the interpretation strategies and varied techniques used by many conservation and environmental protection programs. This is all sponsored by CECIA and other allied organizations. This way, CECIA’s Environmental Volunteering program has contributed significantly to improve the well-being and quality of life of Puerto Rico.
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Prof. Ernesto Torres CECIA-Metro Coordinator
revalidates as Tree Campus USA
For the third year in a row Inter Metro received was recognized as Tree Campus 2015 by the Arbor Day Foundation. Inter-Metro is the first IAUPR campus and the first higher education institution in Puerto Rico to become part of the USA Tree Campus, a program that recognizes the campus commitment to tree management and conservation, particularly in urban areas.
CONGRATULATIONS!
We invite you to participate in CECIA Environmental Volunteering Program and
be a part of our many projects by contacting Prof. Ernesto Torres, at 787-250-1912 x-2550 or by visiting CECIA (Office 451). You can also contact us at cecia@metro.inter.edu to get more information.
An experience that changed my life
Miss. Ana Del Rosario Martínez Social Work, ‘16
Wouldn’t it be a dream to wake up
and see through your window The Vatican and the Botanical Garden? For me it became true. Last summer I studied as an exchange student in John Cabot University (JCU) in Rome, Italy. I was the only Puerto Rican and the only Spanish speaker among 172 international students there. I was at JCU for five weeks taking two courses: Human Trafficking and Contemporary Slavery and Basic Italian. In Rome my field of study is known as Social Assistance, while in this side of the world it is known as Social Work. In the course of human trafficking we discussed the real threats of organ trafficking and child labor. Sometimes the class would meet in the Vatican stairs and discuss social problems which affect all young people regardless of nationality or country. On weekends I participated in community service workshops. Providing food to the homeless was moving and even more so was teaching them English. I took advantage of all the time I was in Rome, especially on weekends; I visited Florence, Pisa and Venice. I enjoyed gelato (ice cream) after supper, walked long distances, evaded illegal taxis, learned how to manage euros and, above all, learned to love the gastronomic culture of Italy.
The opportunity to study abroad came to me in the perfect moment. I would like to thank God for opening the right door at the right time and for taking care of me while I was there. I would also like to thank my university for the support I received to accomplish this dream. I carry with me the memories of a trip that changed my life and of historic places I never knew I’d visit. I take in my heart the great friendships that emerged. JCU made it possible that I returned more empathic, bold, creative, responsible and enthusiastic to finish my bachelor’s degree and confront the challenges that my professional life will bring.
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Metro Campus Storytellers and Debate Society Visit the PONSCA Community in the Dominican Republic. Students from the Metro Campus Debate Society and the Metro Campus Storytellers Workshop had the opportunity to become mentors in each of the disciplines (debate and story oral narra-
tive, respectively) with schoolchildren from the Politécnico Pú-
blico Nuestra Señora del Carmen (PONSCA), a school located
in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. In addition, some professors from the Debate Committee accompanied the group during the intense, one-week teacher and student formative
Dr. Zulma Ayes Professor
The Inter Metro Storytellers Workshop is made up of students and alumnae from all disciplines, who are interested in promoting reading in schoolchildren. We are interested in developing excellent storytellers who can promote reading effectively. If you are interested in becoming a storyteller, please write to cuentacuentos@intermetro.edu.
experience, which took place from April 28 to May 3, 2015.
This development experience for PONSCA students and
teachers as well as for the Metro Campus students and professors closed with debate and storytelling competitions among 68 PONSCA teachers and 260 PONSCA students. The
students were trained by Metro Campus Debate Society stu-
dents José Auffant Colom, Jesús Andrés Hernández Rodríguez, Jorge Pimentel Ureña and Abner Morales Morales. Strorytelling
workshops were conducted by Ricardo Diadoné, Eva Peñalvert
Rosa, Ireliz Barbosa and Yarilis Avilés Ortiz. Meanwhile, pro-
é, Yarilis Storytellers: Ricky Diadon Ireliz and rt alve Peñ Eva Avilés, Barbosa
fessors Lillian Gayá, José Efraín Hernández, Edilberto Arteaga
and Zulma Ayes trained PONSCA schoolteachers as debaters, storytellers and jurors for the competitions.
The main objective of these theoretical-practical workshops
was to allow PONSCA students and teachers to include aca-
demic debate and reading engagement as innovative and
Eva Peñalver t and her PO NSCA storytellers gr oup
effective tools in the teaching-learning process.
Sister Nolia Alcántara, PONSCA general director, commended the excellent, voluntary service provided to them by
our students and professors. Nevertheless, we can all
assure that it was the PONSCA students who gave us plenty
of instances during which their discipline, perseverance, will, yearning for knowledge and talent came through and became
the best recognition we could ever receive. Thank you, PONSCA, for giving us such a significant experience through your diligence and attention to details.
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s, José Debaters Abner Morale ndez rná He ús Jes and Auffant er and storytellers with Sist Nolia Alcántara
At the Metro Campus Debate Society we prepare you to support your positions and voice them effectively in front of others, as well as to participate in local and international debate competitions. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Debate Society , please write to debate@intermetro.edu.
The 2016 LAI athletic meets are upon us! The 2016 LAI track and field meet, JUSTAS, which close the College Athletic Festival, will be held in Mayagüez on April 15 and 16. The Inter team, reigning LAI champions, will have a track and field delegation which includes nine Metro Campus students: Francheliz Andino Torruellas, José Donatiu Sanes, Lizyanet Cortés Galarza, Luis Rivera Rivera, Yarisel Carmons Centeno, Kensley Hernández, Anthony Ortiz, Shailimar Ortiz and Kiara Rivera. Cheer up your tigers!
If you are going to the JUSTAS, enjoy them in peace! Whether you drive or ride as a passenger to the JUSTAS, the Red Cross offers the following advice: • Give your car lights, brakes and tires a checkup before the trip. • Wear your seatbelt. • Refrain from consuming alcohol or other mind-altering substances. • Follow all medication guides. • Do not use mobile phones, as they increase ten times the chance of having an accident. • Make frequent rest stops; fatigued impairs your reflexes. • Keep reasonable distance between cars , especially if it rains. • Be careful on single lane roads. If you come across a road incident or an accident, adhere to the PAS conduct: • Protect the scene in order to prevent additional accidents. • Advise the emergency (911) services. • Support the victim; it is your moral duty.
International Students Visit the Río Camuy Cavern Park in Hatillo, Puerto RIco Great expectations cannot foretell the emotions and admiration people feel when integrating and experiencing this natural wonder. This time, a group of 29 students from UPR- Rio Piedras and UIPR-Metro visited the famous landmark on Saturday December 12, 2015. Nine of our students participated. They are international students from different countries of the world. Cultural trips and international students interaction was the goal that motivated Denisse Rodríguez and Alan Taveras to stablish BAIS group. The idea follows the Argentinian group: Buenos Aires International Students or BAIS. Also stablished as a local organization in Puerto Rico, BAIS promotes cultural Island trips, interaction and cultural awareness between local and international students, faculty and administrators. We had a great time and most of the interaction took place inside the bus and at lunch time when the tour was deliciously complemented at el Truco de Güin restaurant in Hatillo were we enjoyed the nice typical, tropical flavor of Puerto Rican food.
Kudos to BAIS for accomplishing their goals! Our thanks to our UIPR participant students.
Mr. Eduardo A. Hernández Counselor International Relations Office
Students who enjoyed the visit to the Río Camuy Cave Park organized by BAIS in Puerto Rico. At the center, wearing a white cap, Mr. Eduardo A. Hernán dez, Counselor of the Internat ional Relations Office.
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Welcome back home with El Gran Combo Anthony García, a Metro Campus Popular Music student, excelled in front of his family, fellow students and friends when he sang recently for the first time in his alma mater as part of the world-famous El Gran Combo, of which he is the newest member. The occasion was the concert the Combo offered, for the second straight year, in benefit of the Metro Campus Scholarship Fund.
Chancellor Marilina Wayland and Anthony García
In an emotional atmosphere, Professor Marilina Wayland, Metro Campus chancellor, called on the singer to share the stage with her, proclaiming that “it is a privilege to have you back home”. She also mentioned the fact that it was the first time Anthony’s parents enjoyed such a concert with their son as the star. Visibly touched, Anthony replied that “I love my parents with all my heart, and my wife and children, who are also here. This is a privilege”.
El Gran Combo and its director, Mr. Rafael Ithier, returned to the Metro Campus community one of its beloved sons, whom Mr. Ithier commended for his development within the orchestra An-
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Mr. Pedro Rabel Pérez Torres Communications
thony joined at the beginning of 2015. “We wanted to bring to the university a student and we did it. It is a pleasure to have Anthony in our group”, said Mr. Ithier during his comments to the audience. The show, which lasted slightly over an hour, included classic El Gran Combo songs like Tiene que haber de to’, and Julia, this time with Anthony as main singer. Later, Anthony sang Yo soy tu amigo, his first recording with the group, Mujer celosa, Irimó and La fiesta de Pilito.Before ending the concert, music students from the Popular Music Salsa Ensemble, directed by Prof. Ramón Sánchez, joined El Gran Combo for an interpretation of No hay cama pa’ tanta gente, a very popular Combo holiday song.
During the past two years, members of El Gran Combo have presented their talent for the delight of the university community in benefit of the Metro Campus Scholarship Fund.
APAGA Y VÁMONOS, the new Inter Metro Theater Workshop play
Dr. Antonio García del Toro School of Modern Languages and Director of the Metro Campus Theater Workshop
Apaga y vámonos (a poly-comedy in two acts)
is a funny satire about a country situation during an election year. The play, which debuted during the 90’s at the Center for the Performing Arts in Santurce, will be staged for the 2016 elections at the Metro Campus Theater under the direction of its playwright, Dr. Antonio García del Toro. The comedy will be staged by a group of talented college students and choreographed by Ms. Zaida Varas. The technical direction will be done by Mr. Luis Ramos. The play is an engaging comedy that puts in perspective the political situation in many countries, especially ours, during election season. Among laughs, all of us witness what happens when political ambitions take hold of a family: divorce, jealousy, fraud…Corruption! Apaga y vámonos will run from Thursday, March 10 to Sunday, March 13, 2016. The March 10 gala will be sponsored by the Anti-Cancer League. General public functions will be staged on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 at 8:30 PM and on Sunday 13 at 4:00 PM. After these presentations, the Theater Workshop will start its V Intercollegiate Tour, followed by its XII International Tour, visiting Panama and Peru. For additional information regarding the play, please call 787-250-1912, extensions 2371 and 2234.
as o en l del t o v a tu endo de la págin u ) i m e ter.ed vota o a través n i . o r et urnas ww.m w o t Recin PARTICIPA EN LAS ELECCIONES DE LOS REPRESENTANTES ESTUDIANTILES A PARTIR DEL 15 DE MARZO DE 2016.
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Febrero
Calendar
4 Junte de Tres Universidades Salón de Usos Múltiples 10:00am
Hablemos de ayer, hoy y mañana de los estudios de género en Puerto Rico
Galería del CAI
5:00pm
10
Servicio Ecuménico Miércoles de Cenizas y Eucaristía
Capilla Rvdo. Isidro Díaz
12:00m
11
Taller: Enamórate del Internet
Salón de Usos Múltiples
8:30am
Taller: Comunicación efectiva para una relación duradera en pareja
Sala TV
11:00am
Panel: Vivencias multiculturales en le ambiente universitario
Senado Académico
4:00pm
12
Taller: El comportamiento ético en la vida cotidiana
Salón de Usos Múltiples
8:00am
Re MAR Orientación sobre repasos NCLEX para estudiantes de enfermería
Salón de Usos Múltiples
3:00pm
13 Repaso PEAU College Board Salón 619 8:00am
Encuentro binacional Costa Rica-Puerto Rico
16
Conferencia: Métodos de Pago y Recursos Financieros en el
Salón de Usos Múltiples
1:00pm
Comercio Internacional Salón de Usos Múltiples 6:00pm 18
Presentación de libro: Agricultura, Rebelión y Devoción
de Jorge L. Nieves Rivera
18-19
Foro: EPA ante los desafíos ambientales y económicos de Puerto Rico
Sala Museo Rafael Hernández
5:00pm
en el siglo XXI Teatro 12:00m 19
Torneo Invitacional de Ajedrez
Centro de Estudiantes y Mezzanine
8:00am
Competencias Región Norte FBLA 8:00am Festival de las Artes Ágape Teatro 6:00pm
Taller: Computadoras para la tercera edad
Salón 323
9:00am
26
Competencias de la Liga de Historia y Geografía 2016
Salón de Usos Múltiples
8:00am
XII Simposio de Historia: Historia y Arqueología de la Isleta de San Juan
Teatro
8:00am
Orientación Summer in Maryland Sala TV 10:00am 27
Taller: Computadoras para la tercera edad
Salón 323
9:00am
marzo 3 Mercado agrícola Centro de Estudiantes 9:00am
Presentación libro La convocatoria de una semilla
Salón de Usos Múltiples
10:00am
Concierto Reecuentros con Dios 33dC Teatro 7:30pm
Taller: Computadoras para la tercera edad
Salón 323
9:00am
7
Orientación Internado Congresional Córdova y Fernós
Sala TV
12:00m
8
Orientación Internado Instituto de Finanzas y Economía y José M. Berrocal
Sala TV
12:00m
9 Orientación Summer in Maryland Sala TV 12:00m 10
Orientación Programa de Estudios EADA Haciendo Negocios en Europa
Sala TV
12:00m
11
Orientación Programas de Estudios, Intercambios e Internados
Sala TV
10:00am
11-13 Obra teatral Apaga y vámonos Teatro 8:30pm (11 y 12) 4:00pm (13) 12
Facturación manual, electrónica de servicios de salud a planes médicos
Salón 322
9:00am
Taller: Computadoras para la tercera edad
Salón 323
9:00am
15
Presentación de libro La Constitución Obrera... de Jorge Farinacci Fernós
Salón de Usos Múltiples
2:00pm
16
Conversatorio: Caribe Negro-Sociedad, Conflicto y Política 1900-1930
Salón de Usos Múltiples
10:00am
19
Taller: Computadoras para la tercera edad
Salón 323
9:00am
29
Taller: Estilos de Aprendizaje-Aplicación de métodos para medir la
capacidad y el conocimiento del estudiante
Salón 318
8:00am
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