Student Voices Spring 2018 Issue by The College of Westchester

Spring 2018

Student Voices The College of Westchester

A Publication of the Student Government Association

Inside Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s History Month Page 2

Club Day Page 3

CW Joins the Celebrations of Black History Month Page 9

#GoRedForWomen Page 11

My Favorite Apps Page 5

Upcoming SGA meetings Page 14

Love was in the air at CW! Page 6

APC Lobby Day Page 7

Social Media Calendar National Trending Topics Page 16

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Women’s History Month is an annual declared month that highlights the contributions of women in history, culture, and society. CW joined the celebrations and hosted an event led by the Sisters United Club to pay tribute to this special month. Four successful female entrepreneurs visited the college and answered questions while sharing their personal experiences, challenges, and strengths within the business industry. Our panelists included Mary Brauner owner of Mary Will Travel and Without a Slice; Alina Pedraza, owner of Fused Fitness in Jefferson Valley; Professor Reeham Neshiwat, CEO of Westchester Medical Coder Inc.; and Professor Noel D’Allacco, founder of Operation Prom-Westchester County. “The best thing you can give to a woman is the right to learn to educate herself. With knowledge, there is power,” says Mary. Alina advises, “Make sure you are taking action and stay on the right track. Every day do something that’s going to bring you one step closer to where you want to be”. Spring 2018 | 2

CLUB DAY

By: Michael Perrone

The College of Westchester had one of their most well-known events, known as “Club Day.” But what exactly is Club Day? Club Day is CW’s own personal event that allows students to walk in, speak with students and moderators of clubs to learn what they have to offer and gives them the chance to feel comfortable with other students who share common interests. “What I like about Club Day is that it is a great way for students to explore clubs that CW has to offer. The open format gets new students to interact with people and current students who were once in the place of the new students, letting them tell the newer students how it felt being in that position,” said Darnell Dixon, moderator of Brothers United and the CW Warriors. Brandon Garcia, a student from the club Brothers United, agrees with Darnell, “It’s a really great day, because it gives other students a chance to interact with each other. It allows the new students to interact freely with the current students and Spring 2018 | 3

learn things about the clubs and college from them.” As you can see, a lot of people who come to Club Day generally feel a similar way about it. People like the atmosphere it gives off, the conversations, and interacting with people who will welcome you even if you are shy. By promoting extracurricular activities, which is the event’s

main purpose, you are giving students the opportunity to make new friends, meet new people, and to relax from the stresses of college work. There are many different types of clubs that students can become a part of. While there are some clubs that focus on extracurricular activities related to your major, such as Digital Media Club, Allied

is how Brothers United has helped many students break from their shells and fears of social engagement and acceptance over the years and why this club is a key example as to why interaction helps benefit students’ self-esteem. Although Club Day is the perfect opportunity to learn more about different activities and socialize with other students, many find it difficult to attend. One student Health, and Accounting, most clubs try to engage with students through miscellaneous interests like sports, dancing, or government.

student a welcoming experience can go a long way. When being a part of those clubs, and soon around more friends, feelings of that same social pressure were gone and fitting in was a lot Around the third semester at CW, easier from these experiences. clubs became more of an interest This is a personal opinion on why at the time. Being able to be with Club Day is such a good event. more people, make new friends, Being a part of a group of people and learn how to be a better that share interests with you is person was a reason this event such an amazing way of making has been a benefit. Amongst you more outgoing. You learn these clubs were Brothers United how to be yourself, express who and Digital Media Club, which I you are, and gain self-esteem. have become the president for, For instance, the mission have helped give opportunity to statement for Brothers United is, break from the shell containing “to promote self-awareness, shyness and fears of social confidence, knowledge, and engagement and acceptance. leadership amongst men. BU will Being a president of a club gives challenge men to be the best you a chance to really explain possible version of themselves while more to a student what your club also teaching what it means to be a is about and make the other gentleman through round table person comfortable when discussions, self-awareness seminars, speaking to you. Giving a new and of course through actions.” This

said, “I was busy and could not accommodate Club Day into my schedule,” said Malik Gray. If they had the available time otherwise, they would have attended. Club Day is one of CW’s ongoing events that prove to be highly successful in the Fall and Winter semesters when the majority of new students attend the college. By making students feel welcomed and giving them a chance to know more people around the building, they are opened up to so many different activities. The most successful part of the event to me is not just getting students to join your club, but being able to build friendships and connections with people is the true success of Club Day.

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MY FAVORITE APP Shazam

TAPAS

One app that I use more than I had first expected is called “Shazam” this app is essentially a way to fix the “What is that song?” problem by allowing the user to pull out their phone and letting Shazam listen to the song to identify it. This process takes no more than a few seconds and its song database is quite large; there’s even a feature to automatically identify songs in the background without having to open it. There are also features like providing lyrics, playlists, saving every song the user has “Shazamed” into their account for later and even news updates on artists, called the “daily mix”. Shazam is certainly not an app I use the most but I appreciate it for its accuracy and straightforward simple to understand usage.

Tapas is an app that allows artists to post their comics for others to view. I am quite new to the app but I am already enjoying myself with their selection. They have a comic for nearly every genre from horror to comedy, all with varying art styles.

Malik

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Kenneth

TUMBLR Marlan

Tumblr is one of my favorite apps to use because it’s usually a judge-free zone. There are a lot of toxic users on tumblr, but that’s pretty much on every social media platform. Most users are friendly and post, re-blog relatable posts. They give tips, answer recommendations, build communities, tribes, create awareness and event host meetup events. I get to see what my friends and other strangers like, and there are Q & A sessions with celebrities, which is pretty awesome.

POKEMON GO Michael

My favorite app for a long time has been Pokemon Go. Since it came out I was super excited to have something to do on the side just catching Pokemon left and right from the first generation. After a while I had taken the game less seriously until last year when Gen 2 and raid battles were released. The updates that they made to the game also got a few of my friends here at the college to play it more as well. Since the college itself has its own Pokemon gym, we get instant access to raid battles, gym control, battles, and item stock up, just for attending. A few of us long time players got others back into the game and now we help each other fight regular and legendary raid battles together in hopes of a successful run and capture. We continue to play, level up, and improve the Pokemon we have in the game in preparation for even more updates to come within the game. We may be nerds when it comes to this game at times, but I don’t care. It’s something that me and my friends like to do. If others want to judge, I say let them. Being judged by others is something I’ve dealt with for years. It doesn’t bother me anymore. I know who my friends are and who my clique is.

Love was in the air at CW! Surprises, treats, and raffles happened in the Student Center!

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APC Lobby Day

By: Naika CW students were in Albany lobbying for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). Our CW delegates were part of a group representing New York’s Association of Proprietary Colleges (APC). Established in 1978, the Association of Proprietary Colleges represents New York’s degree-granting, proprietary – or privately held – colleges, and is one of New York’s four sectors of higher education, joining the State University of New York and City University of New York systems, as well as the state’s independent colleges. Naika Saint Preux is a CW student who had the opportunity to visit Albany to encourage lawmakers to support the Tuition Assistance Program. This is her story:

I have always imagined my first time visiting Albany. I pictured it with friends at a college party having fun for a weekend. However, the first time I went to Albany was to lobby for TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) on behalf of the Association of Proprietary Colleges, (APC). I couldn't believe that I got the opportunity to represent all the students who are eligible to receive TAP. On the day we headed up to Albany, we almost didn't make it because of a careless driver, but thank God we made it safe and sound. Once we got there, we attended a boot camp where we got the opportunity to learn why TAP and APC are important to everyone; we also got to hear several stories from students from Berkeley College, LIM, and Monroe College on why TAP is important to them. Spring 2018 | 7

This experience was like no other and I am happy and honored that I got the opportunity to represent The College of Westchester.

After dinner we snuck out of the hotel to go for a walk, but since it was a business trip, La-Keisha called us asking us to come up to her room to get the bios for the Senators and Assemblymen/women that we would be meeting with the following day. We were on a mission, with a very tight schedule. After reading those bios, I found out that Assemblywoman Paulin was the Executive Director of My Sisters’ Place which is a domestic violence organization that Sisters United at CW have continuously support. As the president of Sisters United, I was anxious to meet her and I had so many questions that I wanted to ask but unfortunately our schedules didn’t match and we had to move on to our next appointment. I still felt good to visit her office and talk for a little bit with her assistant. Our ambitious list included Assemblyman Benedetto, Assemblyman Abinanti, Assemblywoman Jaffee, Senator Carlucci and Assembly member Rivera. Assembly member Rivera and CW student Joseph had a great connection because both reside in The Bronx and he actually ended up inviting Joseph to lunch. We had the opportunity to meet some of them, and some others remained pending. We met Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins who is such an inspiration to several people including CW student Priscilla who is one of her supporters. She was on Priscilla’s bucket list to meet her and not only did they share a great conversation, she was also able to hug her, which she bragged about the entire trip back home. My favorite person to meet was Assemblyman Pretlow who has a degree in Accounting and practiced Accounting for several years before he got elected to office. All 3 of us, Joseph, Garwayne and I are Accounting majors and he gave us advice which we will always hold dear to our hearts. This experience was like no other and I am happy and honored that I got the opportunity to represent The College of Westchester and all the students who benefit from TAP every year. Most of all, I am proud to be a student at The College of Westchester. Spring 2018 | 8

CW Joins the Celebrations of Black History Month As part of the celebrations to wrap up Black History Month, CW invited four inspiring and successful guest panelists to speak at our “Celebrating Black Achievement” to the students about their careers and personal life experiences. The panelists included Dr. Jim Bostic, Ms. Vinnie Bagwell, Mr. Andre Williams, and Ms. Marline Grant. “It all begins with how much faith you have in your own self. Forget the perimeter, forget everybody else, look in the mirror and see how much self-confidence you have in yourself,” says Dr. Jim Bostic. The event was full of positivity and enthusiasm as students were encouraged to know themselves, be themselves, and overcome their challenges in the real world.

“It all begins with how much faith you have in your own self. Forget the perimeter, forget everybody else, look in the mirror and see how much self-confidence you have in yourself.” Spring 2018 | 9

By Lori Derbi If you were raised and went to school in America, then you would be familiar with the annual observance called Black History Month. It occurs every year in February, discussing the past accomplishments made by African-Americans that help build the “Land of the Free”, USA. Black History Month reviews revolutionary public figures and inventors that made life more comfortable and equality among those with different backgrounds. Finding more information about the people who help change the world can be easily attainable through this book entitled “National Museum of African American History and Culture”. This fully illustrated guide to the Smithsonian’s museum takes visitors on a journey through the richness and diversity of African American culture from every small detail of a dress that Rosa Parks was making shortly before she was arrested to the full view of a vintage, open-cockpit Tuskegee Airmen trainer plane.

The book displays memorable and powerful treasures that were collected and showcased at the museum. The items carry stories of African Americans struggle and achievements. The souvenir book contains authentic artifacts that can be dated from 1835 such as the Bill of Sale that withholds a young girl named Polly made for sale as a slave. They have recreational objects like Muhammad Ali’s headgear that he wore during training. The book is full of endless history and culture that we can recollect on for the month of February. If you’re ever interested in expanding your horizons on past achievements made by African Americans, then this book will be great to use. Making the trip to the visit the museum may not be convenient for those who don’t live close to Washington, DC so obtaining this book makes it easier to view the exhibits through the catalog. What’s even better is you can carry a piece of knowledge with you after you visit the museum so you can relive the experience of viewing the institution.

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#GoRedForWomen By Justin Batista #GoRedForWomen is a hashtag used on social media that connects all posts that are associated with the Go Red for Women campaign. A campaign devoted to informing the masses about the concerns involving women and their cardiovascular health. The American Heart Association is organizing the movement but people all over the country are participating in it as Go Red For Women is a national event. Although women are the main focus of the campaign, they are not the only ones listening. Anyone with a mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, niece or any other special women in their life can be affected by this topic.

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CW Goes Red For Women According to the American Heart Association (AHA), Heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year. This is more than all cancers combined. Fortunately, we can change that because 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented with education and lifestyle changes. Go Red For Women encourages awareness of the issue of women and heart disease, and also action to save more lives. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power women have to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them the tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. In 2010, the AHA set a strategic goal of reducing death and disability from cardiovascular disease and strokes by 20 percent while improving the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent by the year 2020. CW joined the campaign in the Student Center, hosted by the Allied Health Club where several goodies were on sale. All proceeds were donated to the American Heart Association.

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e g e l l o C t l u d A ! t h g i N n o i t a i Apprec

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UPCOMING SGA MEETINGS

JUNE 6 JULY 11 AUGUST 11 OCTOBER 3 NOVEMBER 7 WE MEET IN ROOM 405 AT 3PM

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Thanks for the memories

Warriors!

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SOCIAL MEDIA CALENDAR NATIONAL TRENDING TOPICS May May • 4th – Star Wars Day

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

• 5th – National Cartoonists Day

• 15th – National Chocolate Chip Day • 19th – National Scooter Day

MON

TUE

WED

THU

June •

1st – National Donut Day

• 4th – National Cheese Day

June SUN

• 22nd – National Maritime Day

• 5th – World Environment Day • 8th – National Best Friends Day FRI

SAT

• 15th – National Flip Flop Day

• 20th – American Eagle Day

• 26th – National Beautician’s Day

• 29th – National Camera Day

July

• 4th – Independence Day • 7th – Chocolate Day

July

• 11th – World Population Day • 17th – World Emoji day

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

• 25th – Carousel Day | Culinarians Day • 26th – Aunt and Uncle Day • 27th – Scotch Day

• 29th – Chicken Wings Day

• 30th – International Friendship Day

• 28th – World Hepatitis Day

• 31st – Mutt Day

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es c n a m or f r ! e w p e e r m C o nce a Awes D t s ded e Ju n h e t t y t b a o h w l al and o s t e s d k a ! c e e s D a Than c e how f th s o k e r c two Dan r a â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s nt stude

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SGA students Daryl, Priscilla, Naika, and Michael, along with SGA moderators Roman Sierra and Dr. Judith Lilleston delivered toys contributed for this year’s Toys for Tots to the Marine Corps Reserve. The whole CW family is happy to know that we’ll be helping make a child’s wish come true. It’s all about the holiday spirit of compassion and giving! #ToysforTots #HappyHolidays #Donate

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APPLy for your bachelor's degree @ Â®

SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTING BBA, Accounting

SCHOOL OF ALLIED HEALTH BBA, Healthcare Services Administration

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS BBA, Business Administration BBA, Business Administration - Concentration in Digital Marketing & Design

SCHOOL OF DIGITAL MEDIA BS, Interactive Digital Media and Marketing

SCHOOL OF Information Technology BS, Information Technology

SCHOOL OF ONLINE BBA, Business Administration-Management BBA, Health Services Administration

contact la-keisha smith in the office of bachelor studies at 914.831.0352

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College is more fun with a friend! Special â&#x20AC;&#x153;no applicationâ&#x20AC;? fee for Friends & Family.

Visit: cw.edu/referafriend Spring 2018 | 14

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