2014
THE LIBI LOG COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY 2014: President’s Speech Good evening Graduates, Families, and distinguished guests!
There are some very special people here tonight who I would like to acknowledge before I begin. Graduates – please give a round of applause to all of the important people – parents, grandparents, spouses, children and friends in your lives gathered here tonight without whose support this day may not have been possible. I’m also certain that you’ll agree that today would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of your faculty. I believe they also deserve to be applauded. Let’s not forget all of the staff and campus employees who are here tonight to see you walk across this stage. Their efforts to help you get here should not be forgotten. But ultimately we are all here today because of YOU! You did it!
Class of 2014 – This evening, you’ll close one chapter of your lives and you will begin another chapter. Let me start by congratulating you—you picked up the pen (or, in the case of our court reporting students, your writer) and wrote the most recent chapter, the chapter of college. I bet that on some days, it may have felt like an adventure novel, and on other days, during the toughest exams, it might have felt more like a horror story. Either way, your hard work and your perseverance got you to the next page, a page you will be well equipped to write. Think back to the first moment you got to LIBI—then, too, you were opening a new chapter in your life, and the choice was yours to write that chapter. Tonight, I will have the honor of handing each of you the piece of paper that commemorates that choice. Class of 2014, you’re all adults of many different backgrounds and circumstances. Some of you entered LIBI fresh from high school, others of you returned from work, from raising families, and from the battlefields. All of you have different stories that got you here—but tonight your chapters end and begin on a happy note. You persevered and you did it! Tonight, just like when you started LIBI, you can ask yourself “What’s next”? And in both cases, you are the author of the answer to that question. By choosing to continue your education when you started here at LIBI, you picked up a strong tool kit to help you author the coming chapters in your life. This tool kit is far superior to what you would have had if you’d chosen to stop, or to quit, or to give up, and for each and every person who achieves something like what you all come here to celebrate tonight, there is ALWAYS that voice, somewhere, saying “give up”, “take the easy path”. Congratulations for telling that voice “NO”. You’ve quieted that voice with your education, and now you can move on to that next exciting chapter. However, as you receive your diplomas or certificates, remember that education is ongoing - the education you received at LIBI is not simply a means to an end. Education is an ongoing process. It’s not just gathering information, but it is digesting knowledge and being able to understand it fully. We function in a world where technology and information are growing at an incredibly rapid pace; we must be introspective and proactive enough to know that we all must continue to learn in order to maintain relevance in the workforce. So…Never, never, never stop learning. As you make your career choices, remember that money does not equal happiness- so -- do what you love. I urge you to find something that
excites you, keeps you motivated and engaged, and to search for ways to make it into a career. And above all, remember these words -- it is very difficult to become successful at something that you do not enjoy doing. On a personal note, a great aspect of my son’s life this summer, and I’m sure a lot of you watched as well, was the World Cup in Brazil. I watched him get ready for the matches, accumulating pictures of the players for his sticker book, and sharing player stats with his friends. In many respects, this competition shares a lot of attributes with your life tonight. First, diverse cultures and backgrounds come together, just like at your LIBI education. Second, perseverance in each match, getting the ball down toward the goal, scoring, all of these things are metaphors for your college life. Yes, there were agonizing let-downs, missed shots, and certainly, all of you had these things happen, but you didn’t give up, and, just like those in Germany last Sunday, you got to the end and were declared champion. The World Cup comes every four years. Four years ago, this graduation day was the “distant future”. Think ahead to the next World Cup, in 2018. Where do you think you will be in four years? It is an exciting proposition. Hopefully, you’ll keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. And—perhaps, we’ll be celebrating further educational achievements, professional achievements, maybe even a U.S. victory in the world cup. While that US victory is something we all WISH for, I have no doubt YOU all will be celebrating future successes.
Tonight, you get to hoist your world cup trophy —your degree.
Class of 2014, all of you have the responsibility to pass on a work ethic
and an intrinsic sense of excellence that made it possible for you to be here today. To be role models for your brothers and sisters. To be mentors in your communities. And, to pass that sense of an education’s value down to your children, a sense of personal responsibility and self-respect. I and the faculty and staff of LIBI have been fortunate to sit in the front row seats as you commenced on your journey. We hate to let you go, but we do so knowing you are READY. Go forth and live well, be someone who can always be trusted and do what is right. Be a person of integrity, and persevere. Always remember that nothing worthwhile is easy. No one of achievement has avoided failure. Learn from your mistakes and keep going. Don’t indulge in self-pity. Making a mark in the world is hard. It takes patience and commitment. It comes with plenty of setbacks and plenty of failures. But whenever you hear that voice that tells you that you can’t make a difference or to set your sights lower – I hope you will remember the way you feel right now-and keep at it. When the world says, “Give up,” Hope always whispers “Try it one more time.” I hope you will always listen. Congratulations and best wishes for all of your tomorrows. Warm regards,
Monica W. Foote President
LIBRARY WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY: THE CAMERA WITNESS
HISPANIC WRITERS “VISITED” LIBI LIBRARY
By Adriana Arguelles
Stories can be told in different ways: orally, in writing, through photographs, or images in motion. The Women’s Suffrage Movement actually began in 1657, when the founder of the Religious Society of Friends, George Fox, supported the movement, and it ended in 1926 when the cause, having been led by strong, determined and intelligent women, culminated in the ratification of the Amendment XIX. To commemorate the battle to obtain women’s right to vote, LIBI evoked this journey through photographs and posters. This exhibition allowed our community to see events in ways they never imagined.
SEPT. 17: CONSTITUTION DAY: A BIG COMMEMORATION
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By Adriana Arguelles
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By Adriana Arguelles
Time is the substance from which I am made. Time is a river which carries me along, but I am the river; it is a tiger that devours me, but I am the tiger; it is a fire that consumes me, but I am the fire.
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- Jorge Luis Borges -
The list of our special guests for the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration included the following magnificent, pre-eminent Latino writers: Gabriel García Márquez, Colombian novelist, short-story writer and journalist. Márquez is one of the most prominent Magical Realists and significant Latino writers. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1982. Gabo (another name by which he is known) displayed his works One Hundred Years of Solitude, Chronicle of a Death Foretold, Love in the Time of Cholera, and Of Love and Other Demons. However, he did not come alone.
I agree to this Constitution with all its faults, if they are such, because I think a central government is necessary for us… I doubt too whether any other Convention we can obtain may be able to make a better Constitution.
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- Benjamin Franklin “Fascinating” is the word that comes to mind when we think of the creation of the Constitution of the United States, the very document that established the national government and its fundamental laws, and guarantees basic rights for citizens. Being part of and listening to the debates at the Constitutional Convention in Independence Hall, Pennsylvania, where representatives from 13 states met secretly to avoid pressure, must have been delightful.
The Argentine poet, essayist, and short story writer Jorge Luis Borges came with him. Borges is considered a master of fantasy and fable and the most influential writer to emerge from Latin America in the 20th century. Borges brought his Collected Fictions book. We will soon receive The Aleph and Ficciones, his most famous books.
To commemorate the date, students, faculty and staff signed the Constitution on the poster entitled “Who Wants to Sign the Constitution?” and participated in crossword puzzles, word searches and other activities. The students received a copy of the Constitution as a gift for their participation.
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Isabel Allende joined them. She brought The House of Spirits, a book with elements of magical realism, and Inés of My Soul, a historical novel based on the real life of Inés Suárez, a seamstress who was born in Spain and had a tough life. Inés of My Soul relates the hope for a better future, as well as Inés’s adventures on the New World continent where she travels to find her husband. Once Inés arrives in Peru, she meets Pedro de Valdivia, a war hero who changes her life.
Mario Vargas Llosa, a Peruvian writer, was accompanied by Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter, and The Bad Girl. In 2010, the Nobel Prize in Literature was conferred on Vargas Llosa. He was well known for his realism which deals with such controversial issues as political corruption, race, class and violence in Latin America. Junot Díaz was born and remained in Santo Domingo of the Dominican Republic until he was 6 years old, then moved to New Jersey. He now lives in Harlem, New York, and Cambridge, Massachusetts. In 2008, his work The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao won the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Critics Circle Award. The library was honored to receive this book and This is How You Lose Her, a New York Times best seller.
Paulo Coelho, a Brazilian novelist, brought The Alchemist which tells the story of a shepherd boy who journeys to Egypt to search for treasure in the Pyramids. Coelho’s books are motivational, and they present the reader with new ways to look at life. The Alchemist is still on the New York Times best seller list and has remained there for 327 weeks.
HANDWRITTEN NOTES VS. LAPTOP NOTES By Terry Canavan
Presumably, college students sitting behind glowing screens pecking away at keyboards are using the computers to take notes, so they better remember the course material. But new research shows that if learning is their goal, using a laptop during class is not a good idea. It’s not just because internet-connected laptops are so distracting. It’s because even if students aren’t distracted, the act of taking notes on a computer actually seems to interfere with their ability to remember information.
Pam Mueller and Daniel Oppenheimer, the psychologists who conducted the new research, believe it’s because students on laptops usually just mindlessly type everything a professor says. Those taking notes by hand, though, have to actively listen and decide what’s important — because they generally can’t write fast enough to get everything down — which ultimately helps them learn. When done with pen and paper, that act involves active listening, trying to figure out what information is most important, and putting it down. When done on a laptop, it generally involves robotically taking in spoken words and converting them into typed text. Science and common sense are both pretty clear here. If you want to learn something from a class or lecture — or, for that matter, a meeting, conference, or any other situation where you’re basically sitting and listening — you’re best off taking notes with pen and paper.
Last but not least, Julia Alvárez, a Dominican-American poet, novelist and essayist, was present and had decided to bring How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents and In the Time of The Butterflies, books that enjoyed critical success. Julia Alvarez created books for children as well.
A NOTE TAKING SYSTEM that is frequently recommended for university students is the Cornell method, which was developed by Dr. Walter Pauk of Cornell University. The Cornell method is an excellent study system for organizing and reviewing your lecture notes to increase your comprehension and critical thinking of course material, which typically results in improved test scores.
It was terrific to have them all, but it is even more important to keep their works in the college. If you didn’t meet with them, you can still come to the library and enjoy your autumn or winter with these fantastic authors and a hot drink. It will make for an enjoyable season.
Excerpts from Source: Why you should take notes by hand — not on a laptop by Joseph Stromberg June 4, 2014 Source: Here’s a secret to better recall by David Gooblar, The Chronicle, September 26, 2014
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U.S. CONSTITUTION DAY ATTRACTS SCORES OF STUDENTS IN MANHATTAN By Eugene Ritchie
Did you know that the word “democracy” does not appear in the 4,400-word U.S. Constitution?
This and other interesting facts entertained scores of students participating in U.S. Constitution Day at LIBI’s Manhattan campus. Faculty member Patrick Kavanagh presented an informative look at the Constitution to those students passing through the library on September 17. Patrick, who holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in history, told the assembled students that “A constitution is a blueprint for government that distributes sovereignty.” He explained further, “Sovereignty is the right and power to rule.”
Poetry Corner AT SOME POINT… By Eugene Ritchie
When you have a student body representing several different countries around the globe –China, the Caribbean, Pakistan and Bangladesh as well as other nations – generating interest in the U.S. Constitution, much less interest in reading the document, seemed an impossible dream. Yet 15 students eagerly participated in a reading of, yes, the entire Constitution. Later that day, students read all the amendments to the Constitution.
The first Constitution Day at LIBI’s Manhattan Campus, the brainchild of LIBI President Monica Foote, attracted scores of students to special events held throughout the week of September 15, culminating with the Sept. 17 U.S. Constitution Day in the library at 408 Broadway. Assembling such an event was the work of a U.S. Constitution Day Faculty Task Force lead by Arts & Science Chair Eugene Ritchie. Members of the task force, which created lesson plans, pre- and post-tests about the Constitution, portraits of all the signers, and an attractive PowerPoint presentation with colonial music, included faculty members Robert Nester, Mariele Hall, Linda Buncom, Ana Cedano, Caroline Halstead along with Library Staff.
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At Some Point the day’s work is done and you go home. At Some Point years of study end, you graduate. At Some Point the worries you had dissipate like steam. At Some Point you change jobs because the people… no, just because. At Some Point the train you’re on reaches your destination. At Some Point you get to your vacation spot and chill. At Some Point you finish the book and wish there was more. At Some Point you return home with sunburn, tan, or none. At Some Point you face the mirror of regrets and own them. At Some Point you let go of the rage that consumes you. And so it goes, on and on. If you were to connect all these points what would it look like? What would it say? Nothing?
Eugene Ritchie © 2014
STUDENT LIFE ENGLISH & ESL WORKSHOPS By Emely Payano
Professor Jesus Chan lit up the workshop scene in September and October with his well-attended “Citizenship” and “How to Talk to Your Child’s Teacher” workshops. Both workshops were held on the last Monday of the month during the 12 - 1 p.m. “common hour.” A total of 20 students attended the citizenship workshop and learned about the step-by-step process of preparing for U.S. citizenship status. Students who attended also received one Career Service Unit (CSU) credit to add to their graduation requirement total. The “How to Speak to Your Child’s Teacher” was attended by 18 female students, which did not surprise Professor Chan. He noted that he usually has only mothers in attendance every year for this particular event. The workshop focused on English communication skills vital for appropriate understanding between parents and faculty members at their children’s schools. The workshop’s
attendance tripled this year compared to last which is perhaps due to the addition of the “common hour.” The question that must be answered before the workshop is repeated next year is “How do we get more fathers to attend?” English and ESL workshops like these are great opportunities for students to practice skills learned in the classroom and to begin the transformation of those skills into real life tools. If you are concerned that you missed out on these workshops, there is always next year. With Professor Chan’s strong following growing, students are sure to see these annual workshops repeated next fall. Students can also take advantage of free weekly writing workshops hosted by Professor Christopher Lobo held every Friday from 12 – 1 p.m. in Room A127. These weekly writing workshops will run until Friday, January 30th. For more information, please visit the Academic Success Center in Room M420.
NATIONAL CAMPUS SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH By Jhonatan Aybar
National Campus Safety Awareness Month (NCSAM) received the unanimous support of Congress in 2008. Each September, colleges, universities, and other agencies offer campus safety programs to educate the community on the matter.
Long Island Business Institute is very concerned about the safety issues that post-secondary educational institutions face nowadays. Some of the issues impacting college campuses include: sexual assault, relationship violence, high-risk drinking, illegal drug use, prescription drug abuse, stalking, hazing, hate crimes, and fire safety. Fortunately, we can say that LIBI has very safe campuses. In our Annual Campus Security Report 2014, the crime statistics of the College reflect a very low crime rate – indeed, one of the lowest in the country. Although our community has a very diverse population, LIBI has managed to educate its members on safety and security issues to prevent incidents and promote wellness. This approach by the administration has had a very significant impact on the College statistics. We are proud to say that our student body, staff and faculty are very educated on the matter. During the National Campus Safety Awareness Month, LIBI sponsored several events to educate the community in various topics concerning campus safety and security.
The NCSAM program included class assignments organized by the Title IX coordinator:
Class Assignments for National Campus Safety Month • Research and analyze a poem on sexual/domestic violence or stalking. • Ask students to write one or multiple paragraphs on how to deal with sexual violence/stalking on campus. • Visit the LIBI library and research information on sexual violence or stalking. • Prepare an annotated bibliography with three entries on sexual violence or stalking. • Ask students to read and discuss the information provided by the Title IX Coordinator. Assign comprehension questions or another project based on the information: emergency preparedness. • COLLEGE ENGLISH II ASSIGNMENT: 1. In keeping with all the attention that has been given to violence against women and the enactment of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), ask students to write an essay on the question of whether there should be a VAMA (Violence Against Men Act). i. Information on VAWA is attached and more information can be found online. ii. The best essay will be displayed, placed in the library, or included in the LIBI Log.
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COMMENCEMENT 2014 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
By Sheila Baldwin
Long Island Business Institute celebrated its graduating class of 2014 during its Commencement Ceremony on July 18. Each candidate who traverses the stage at Queensborough Community College is a star. They have worked hard to earn their degree, certificate, or record of completion. It is truly their day of honor. They have worked tirelessly garnering much support and encouragement from family members, friends, loved ones, and fellow students. After all, isn’t this the day we ALL strive for? Faculty, staff, and the students themselves? It is the fruition of all the work that goes into that coveted credential. The ceremony was honored with heartfelt addresses from the Salutatorians and Valedictorians from both the Flushing and Commack Campuses. All speeches were both genuine and profoundly sincere. The Salutatorians, Shannon Bevin of the Commack Campus and Linda Hua Zhang of the Flushing Campus, both expressed their thankfulness for the outstanding faculty who not only support and guide their students, but also counsel and mentor them. Both noted the discipline that is necessary in order to achieve goals and fulfill dreams. Without the continuing support and guidance of faculty, staff, and fellow students, outcomes would be so much different.
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The Valedictorians, Pamela Zurl of the Commack Campus and Army Sergeant Beatriz Cruz-Villanueva of the Flushing Campus, gave exhilarating and inspiring addresses based on their dedication, commitment, and adherence to their chosen studies. They inspired others to reach their goals through perseverance, dedication, and tenacity.
The Keynote speakers, Costa Constantinides, Council Member for New York City Council District 22 and Ron Kim, NYS Assembly Representative of the 40th District, both made inspiring remarks to the class to always continue growing in their academic careers. Each motivated and roused the audience with their continuing intellectual accomplishments. They congratulated all on their achievements.
Mr. Leon Lee took the podium to address the student body and congratulate them on a job well done. He implored the candidates to continue their hunger for knowledge and strive to be the very best. He then addressed the new roads that LIBI will be following and how the Institute will continue to grow in the months and years to come.
As with all commencement ceremonies, President Foote addressed the student body eloquently with enthusiastic words of encouragement and reassurance that they had accomplished their goals and they would be moving out into the world not only to represent themselves but to epitomize their accomplishments. It was now their duty to go out into the workforce and prove to all that they
had done it. They had accomplished the first step of their dream and now they needed to step forward and inspire and motivate others to follow in their footsteps.
There is not a single person who is a part of the LIBI family that does not feel the pride and admiration for each graduate from any program in Long Island Business Institute. It is the willingness and effort that all graduates place on their own accomplishments that is the backbone of any University. Without the tenacity of each and every student in the student body, a college would be just that – a college. At LIBI the faculty and staff strive to reach all students and help them accomplish those dreams and make a better life for each and every one. It is with great pride that we all wish them great success and, above all, an ebullient congratulations for their realization of a life-long dream.
CONGRATULATIONS to all!
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LIBI ART EXHIBITION 2014 By Jhonatan Aybar
Thank you very much for the overwhelming support of the 2014 Art Exhibition – especially to Adriana Arguelles, Emely Payano, Jonathan De Leon, Anna Venturino, Ashley Guo, Sylvia Zheng and Jeffrey Luciano for their tireless effort putting together this event. I also want to thank all the participants who turned in 140 gorgeous pieces of art and those who motivated them to do so – like Ronald Murray, Laura Peoples, and Sheila Baldwin. Last but not least, I want to recognize President Foote’s strong support of the arts and our community’s talent.
Ms. Foote originated the idea of creating a College Art Committee in 2012, which today remains active and even stronger. In the first art exhibition, we had around 25 submissions, in 2013 we had 83 and this year we reconfirmed that LIBI has lots of talent.
The Art Committee opened the gallery on Wednesday, September 3rd, through Friday, September 5th. There were 2 rooms full of poems, paintings, decoupaged clocks, hand-painted jewelry boxes, colored photographs, black and white photographs, drawings and many, many more pieces in a variety of art media. Students, faculty, and staff provided a fine assortment of art representing the unbelievable amount of talent the members of our college community possess. On Friday, September 5th, we hosted the closing ceremony at 2:30 pm when President Foote handed certificates of participation to all participants. The winners of the contest were announced the following week after all votes were computed.
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Winners of LIBI ART EXHIBITION 2014 1st Place
Harry He
- LIBI Flushing Student -
2nd Place
1st Place: Harry He
Zhen Wei Li
- LIBI NYC Student -
3rd Place
Reify Gonzalez
- LIBI Flushing Employee -
Painting Category
Gloria Kim & Mahek Qamar - LIBI Flushing Student -
Photography
Valerie Aldea
- LIBI NYC Student -
2nd Place: Zhen Wei Li
Craft Category
Patricia Santana on behalf of Jose Santana - LIBI Flushing Employee -
Literature & Poetry Sheila Baldwin
- LIBI Commack Employee -
Congratulations to all our winners and thanks to everyone who participated. Next year, I hope to see more submissions and all the talent LIBI has to offer.
3nd Place: Reify Gonzalez
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CAREER SERVICES HOMELAND SECURITY JOB FAIR: AUGUST 2014 By Jason Chyu & Jonathan Bernard
On August 27th, 2014, Long Island Business Institute held its semi-annual Homeland Security Job Fair. With a combination of both private and public sectors to choose from, the opportunities were endless. Students came “dressed to impress” with résumés in hand, ready to gain information about opportunities available at each company and pitch to those of their choosing.
While attending the job fair with my fellow peers, I could feel the nervous and excited energy of students eager to gain the experience of interacting with employers and creating contacts that can last a lifetime. Although students were committed to walking away with a business card or two, you could sense the lack of confidence of students not quite prepared to engage in a professional setting, but it was a start. This job fair gave us a glimpse into our future, and the practice left us better prepared to face the next job fair with more confidence, professionalism, and flair.
COLLEGE TRANSFER FAIR: AUGUST 2014 By Tishely Ortiz
Long Island Business Institute is proud to announce four new articulation agreements that were established in 2014 alone: St. John’s, St. Francis, Metropolitan College of New York, and Southern New Hampshire University. Keeping in mind the future goals of LIBI students, the LIBI staff has worked very hard to create relationships with well-recognized four-year institutions so that our students can easily transfer LIBI credits and obtain their bachelor’s degrees with LIBI’s 2+2 program.
On August 21st, 2014, LIBI hosted nine of the ten affiliated colleges at the semi-annual College Transfer Fair. A total of 37 students attended the fair, gathering information from each school regarding transfer credits, majors, student services and activities, and transcript evaluations.
Below is a list of the companies Homeland Security Students had the honor of speaking with:
• • • • • • • • • •
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International Protection Group Metro One TSA / DHS MTA NYCT U.S. Postal Inspection Services Customs & Border Protection U.S. Coast Guard U.S. Marines PA State Police NYPD
The opportunities for success are endless, but, unfortunately, resources are not. This is why LIBI works with each student to ensure we do our best to help them achieve their goals, and College Transfer Fairs are an important aspect. This one resource provides students the opportunity of connecting with someone from each college who will answer the questions needed in order to make an informed decision about the future. And Long Island Business Institute’s greatest investment is a student’s future.
INTRODUCING LINKEDIN AS A CSU
MOCK DEPOSITION
By: Tishely Ortiz
By Kim Dellecamelie
On August 18th 2014, a new Career Service Unit was introduced at Long Island Business Institute – Introducing LinkedIn. It was held by our Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs Coordinator, Mark de Vera, who clearly demonstrated the benefits of having a LinkedIn account.
With technology growing at an exponential rate, it is important for our students to be aware of the opportunities available, especially when it isn’t so apparent that they are. If I had to guess, I’d say AT LEAST 99% of LIBI’s student body hold accounts with a social media website, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, etc. And yet, a whopping 0% of the students who attended the workshop held a LinkedIn account.
As with any other social media site, LinkedIn’s main purpose is to connect with other people. However, your LinkedIn connections can, and should, differ from your Facebook friends. LinkedIn provides the opportunity for you to remain in contact with your professional network: colleagues, supervisors, former co-workers, professors, and so on. It also allows you an opportunity to expand that network by creating new connections right from your keyboard. Have a contact who’s connected to the HR Manager of that company you’ve been dying to work for? Ask them to virtually introduce you! It’s as simple as that! Not only will LinkedIn allow you to grow your professional network, but you can market yourself to potential employers and companies you’re interested in gaining an employment or internship opportunity from. With LinkedIn, your profile page is your virtual résumé. You can post a summary of your professional accomplishments or ideal endeavors, employment and internship experiences you currently hold or have held in the past, honors, awards, and achievements, and you can even have a current connection post a recommendation for everyone to see! Now when you connect with that key professional contact who can help you to land your dream opportunity, they are able to quickly search your qualifications and get feedback on the kind of person you are from people you’ve worked with in the past.
As technology continues to grow, people are demanding their information faster, and even sending an email, is becoming a thing of the past when one could so easily check your profile page for all of the information they need. Having a LinkedIn account will only serve to benefit your professional career; and knowing this, the advisors of Career Services have taken it upon themselves to make sure LIBI students take advantage of every professional opportunity by being well-informed of LinkedIn.
On September 22nd, 2014, students from both the day and evening court reporting classes at the Commack Campus were invited to participate in a mock deposition workshop at a prestigious law firm in New York City. Ashley Saba from Alston & Bird worked with the Career Services office at the Commack Campus to enable four students to participate in the workshop.
The purpose of the workshop was to provide training for newly-hired associates at the law firm. The students were separated into four groups in a conference room with a new associate, a supervising partner, and actors who were hired to act out the parts of the plaintiff and the defendant. The new lawyers were given the facts of the case ahead of time so they could prepare how they would like to try the case. Our students were asked to act as if they were participating in a real deposition and act in the capacity of the official reporter. In their roles as official reporters, the students were responsible for swearing in the witnesses, marking exhibits, taking down the testimony, and reading it back when needed. The exercise provided an excellent hands-on training opportunity for both our students and the new lawyers. The students who participated were Teneja Thweat, Chanelle Stracuzza, Monica Saparito, and Erica Jones.
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LIBI NEW FACES
LIBI SHINING STAR: Mr. EUGENE RITCHIE By Jhonatan Aybar
Mr. Michael Talarico
Director of Admissions, LIBI NYC
Mr. Michael Talarico joined LIBI as the Director of Admissions at the NYC location in September. Mr. Talarico is well experienced in the enrollment process. He has more than 30 years of experience in higher education, and extensive expertise. Some of the positions that he has held include Director of Marketing & National Sales Director, Director of Admissions, Director of Student Management, and Vice President of Enrollment in different schools in the past 30 years. He is an expert in sales/marketing areas, including planning, organizing, directing, staffing, training, evaluating, and supervising multiple school Admission departments. He graduated from Bethel College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and Economics. Michael’s jovial attitude and his expertise in the industry will be certainly an asset for the College Admissions Department. Please join us in welcoming Michael Talarico to the community and wish him a thriving career in his new position.
By Jhonatan Aybar
From the moment you meet Mr. Ritchie it is clear you are in the presence of someone who has the unique combination of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. These qualities are only surpassed by his obvious sense of empathy. This combination is rare for any individual. Needless to say, to have them in an educator is a surefire recipe for excellence! One only needs simply to ask any of his students. Their endorsements are living proof.
His willingness to consistently contribute to the greater good of the team makes him an MVP. He is unfailingly kind and lends credence to the old saw: People don’t care what you know until they know that you care. This resonates with students and they respond.
If one were to ask: What makes LIBI; LIBI? The answer should include the qualities that Mr. Ritchie demonstrates day in and day out. A true professional in every sense of the word. He carries himself in a humble and approachable manner. I am proud to have the opportunity to be a teammate of his. The LIBI community is a better place because of him.
OPEN LETTER TO OUR READERSHIP As an editor of our Log (and a novel you can find in our library: Nights with Tito’s Grandson) I give every article at least three readings, and amazingly an error sometimes slips by. This is a phenomenon that teachers often address when explaining to students the importance of proofreading, and the need for doing so more than once.
Ms. Shuting Huang (Celia) Admissions Representative, LIBI Flushing
Ms. Shuting Huang joined LIBI as an Admissions Representative in August. She graduated from Stony Brook University with a Master of Arts Degree in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL). Ms. Huang has extensive experience in customer service. Please join us in welcoming her to the LIBI Admissions Department.
In our minds, we know and, therefore, often see what is correct although it isn’t really on the page we are proofreading. This is similar to the mental process that enables us to correct subconsciously substandard grammar and variant pronunciations we hear. This ability enhances our comprehension. This same reflex, however, can hamper our ability to spot errors.
LIBI LOG - Published on January 2015 Editors: Fran Magarelli & Frank Leone Manager: Jhonatan Aybar Art Director: Mika Lee
Since this paper is ours, all of ours, and even English teachers miss the mark (on the rarest occasions, of course), I thought it would be a good idea to invite the entire LIBI community to participate in the editing process. Practice your editing skills by “looking over my shoulder” so to speak. I will be pleased to hear from anyone who spots an error at libilog@libi.edu. This is regarding actual errors, not content, of course. The editor’s job is to remove obstacles to comprehension without altering the content or style of the author. It is not always such an easy job. See for yourself.
Professor Frank Leone
Editor
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718.939.5100
136-18 39th Avenue. Flushing, NY 11354
COMMACK
631.499.7100
6500 Jericho Turnpike, Commack, NY 11725