WOMEN SPEAKvolume ii issue i | september 2012

editorial teamSalethia Kennedy

Editor-in-Chief

Lisa GoehringerManaging Editor

Jodie FelderStaff Writer & Photographer

Parenthysis Errica GardnerStaff Writer & Photographer

Caasi AndersonStaff Writer

Kristyn GreenStaff Writer

Eden MasonStaff Writer

Cecile Aimee NjuijooStaff Writer

Lori DunniganDesign & Layout

Dr. Tabitha MorganFaculty Advisor

Dr. Claudia CurryAdministrative Advisor

LETTER FROM THE EDITOROn behalf of the editorial team, wel-come to Women Speak, the newsletter of the Community College of Philadelphia Women’s Outreach and Advocacy Cen-ter (WOAC). As Editor-in-Chief, I am happy to participate in the revival of the newsletter. In keeping with the tradition of providing informative and empower-ing information, members of the editori-al team will be honing their writing and photography skills and invite you to join our team.

Future issues will feature:

Women Speak will be published bi-monthly and we encourage you to submit poetry, entertainment news, cultural perspectives, issues of diversity in the classroom, the latest happenings on campus, photo stories, clubs and organization events, book reviews, strategies for

-nities for your fellow students, and news about awards, scholarships and grants you have received. In addition, we welcome any idea that is not mentioned here or in the above list. Feel free to contact Man-

Enjoy Women Speak

Paralegal Studies

Women’s Outreach &Advocacy Center

Claudia F. Curry, Ed.D., Director

Email: Facebook: CCP Women’s Outreach and Advocacy Center

your link to valuable resources

Women Speak will be published bi-monthly for the students, faculty and ssta! of Community College of Philadelphia

and Advocacy Center is to foster a campus community where women are encouraged to reach their full poten-tial and where women can live, learn and work in an environment that pro-motes dignity, understanding, equali-ty and mutual respect.

Its vision is to serve the College com-munity as an advocate for gender equality and mutual respect among women and men.

Drop by to see us in the

WANTED: A FEW GOOD WOMEN!

-­

in this issueLetter from the Editor 1

Letter from the Director 4

Women in the Workplace 5

I Can See Clearly Now 5

Independent 6

Freedom Footprints 6

LGBTQ Connection: Fifty Shades of Mixed Messages 7

Ingredients for Life 8

I Got Your Back 9

Cultural Corner: Don’t Drop: Achieve More 9

Finding Out Who You are in Your Academics 10

A Glorious Day for Women’s Way 11

Battling Stress? Choose Your Weapons! 12

Facing the New School Year 13

Entering College Over 40 13

American Association for Women in Community Colleges 14

and other accomplish-ments will be highlighted during the

-bration which will kick

semester.

In keeping with the tradition of outreach and advocacy on behalf of women students, this issue of WOMEN SPEAK represents the revival of the publication as an eNewsletter that will be distributed bi-monthly. I applaud the outstanding volunteer e!orts of the Editori-

you are…

major

-demics

-ers

dance or poetry

If you would like to join WOMEN SPEAK or con-tribute to the October issue, please contact Managing

-

featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception where Common Pleas Judge Frederica Massiah-Jackson deliv-

for the purpose of establishing an arena that best serves the needs primarily of women students and all students at Community College of Philadelphia who require its services.

community where women are encouraged to reach their full potential and where women can live, learn and work in an environment that promotes dignity, understand-ing, equality and mutual respect. Its vision is to serve the College community as an advocate for gender and equality and mutual respect among women and men.

has focused on educational outreach in its e!ort to raise women students’ awareness about themselves and the world in which they live through workshops, seminars, training sessions, conferences, and comprehensive ser-vices. In keeping with its mission and vision, the Center also advocates on behalf of students who require services that support their academic, social, emotional, profes-

Women’s Center has changed its name to the Women’s Outreach and Advocacy Center (WOAC) to better re-"ect its mission, purpose and vision.

-nity departments and organizations that provide quality programs and services to women and their families. We

MESSAGE FROM THE Women’s Outreach and Advocacy Center DIRECTOR

10 YEARS OLD AND STILL GROWING!

Claudia Curry, Ed.D.

There is a very special place in

Hell for women who do not help other

women.

Hon. Madeline K. AlbrightFormer U.S. Secretary of State

4

Eden MasonLiberal Arts

Excellence

is the best

deterrent to

racism or sexism.

Oprah Winfrey

Okay ladies. Chances are that most of us have either known someone who has su!ered from the sti"ing e!ects of the dreaded “glass ceiling” or we have had the frustrating experience of slamming into it ourselves! #e glass ceiling or as yahoo de$nes it, “the invisible barrier that limits the level to which a woman or another member of a demographic minority can advance within the hierarchy in an organiza-tion” has been linked to several causes over the years. Fingers have been pointed at our legal system’s failure to appoint an equal or reasonable amount of women in authoritative ju-dicial positions in comparison to our male counterparts (there have only been three female Supreme Court Justices since Sandra Day O’Connor was appointed in 1981). Although as women we have made strides since the days of the Women’s Right’s Move-ment, we are still plagued by unequal pay, unfair consideration in regards to career advancement against our male competitors, and a variety of sexist a%itudes in the workplace.

Even with the harsh reminders in our society that constantly remind us that we are still viewed as the weaker sex, we have to ask ourselves, “Are we doing all that we can to prove other-wise?” While skimming through my twi%er feeds recently, I came across a pro$le of a company called Women of HR, the snazzy catch phrase, “We’ve got your back” enticed me to check the site out; I was not disappointed.

Among several interesting topics of discussion, I immediately found my curiosity being peaked by one titled, “Women and Negotiation: Do We Ask for What we Want?” #e author, Tri-sha McFarlane, asks the reader a very poignant question, “Do women know the art of negotiation?” #e author stressed that “women are raised to re-ceive a job o!er and respond, “#ank you.” Men are raised to receive an o!er and start negotiating. I immediately began to think of my own negotiating skills and realized that I de$nitely stood by the mo%o, “It’s be%er to be safe than sorry” when it comes to negotiating.

A&er reading the article, I realized that negotiating was a skill that we as women need to embrace and more importantly, practice if we want more favorable outcomes on our behalves in the workplace. Although it may not be easy for those of us who have been conditioned to live by the belief that we must be humble or, that we don’t want to come o! as aggressive or confrontational, we must abandon those ideals. Simply put, men nego-tiate everything from their salaries to their parking spots. So why shouldn’t we? We should not be afraid to put on our “game face” and ask for the things that we want and more so importantly deserve. Whether it is related to our pay, bene$ts, delegation of duties, etc., it is time for more of us to get in the habit of pu%ing these issues in our supervisor or manager’s face in a respectful manner of course. A&er all, we are ladies!Sources:h%p://womeno'r.com/do-you-ask-for-what-you-want/h%p://feminism.eserver.org/the-glass-ceiling.txth%p://depts.washington.edu/const-day/_resources/female-justices.pdf

WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE

When I arrived here in Philly from Michigan several years ago, I had no goals or work planned. Working and losing weight was my only focus (as usual). But as I started meeting other women

my age, I began to feel an inspira-tion to accomplish more in life. I have met singers, dancers, artists, students, executives, professors,

and so on…who have gone through so much in life, yet they picked themselves up and kept pushing without se%ling. Being

complacent is a poison in today’s society. We grow comfortable with staying stagnant and live

without purpose. Well, I now see that it is never too late to start over and $nd new direction. I

am approaching 30 in a few years and I am happy to say that I have returned to college to continue educating myself. It will open

more doors for me and allow me to begin a stronger career. Today I am happy when I envision my future. Before, I could not even

imagine one.

Jodie FelderPhotographic

Imaging

Every blade of

grass has it’s Angel

that bends over

it and whispers,

“Grow..grow..”

THE TALMUD

i can see clearly now

5

STRONG INDEPENDENT BLACK WOMAN…I don’t understand,So hard and so tough, You don’t think you need a man.STRONG INDEPENDENT BLACK WOMAN…Where has your so&ness gone?Beautiful but barren from a soul that has su!ered long.STRONG INDEPENDENT BLACK WOMAN…No one is made of stone.Never forget the men of Africa, together it was our home.STRONG INDEPENDENT BLACK WOMAN…Grace is something unearned.Loving thyself is a blessing, I hope this you can learn.STRONG INDEPENDENT BLACK WOMAN…You are more than your thighs and your hips,Your children can hear the hate escaping from your lips.STRONG INDEPENDENT BLACK WOMAN…Be an example to all,For you truly always rise, even a&er you fall.

Independent...

Jodie FelderPhotographic Imaging

As I hear the beat of the bass kick, my soul begins to rise;It begins to leap, twirl, dip, and rock;#e rhythm grabs my feet and lyrics move my heart;#ere is no need for stress or worry because this moment has healed all problems within me;#e people around me are smiling and laughing…having fellowship through harmony;Before I know it, I have thrown myself into the dance circle…A place where I am more than my hips and my thighs…A place where my passion is seen for what it is…A place where I am 100% ME, YES ME…. No holding back;#is freedom is beyond measure;#is FREEDOM revives my sanity, courage, and self-love;

My footprints mark the dance "oor, a path to my inner freedom;I am glowing from their re"ectionI am marching through the sand of life…Oh how hard it once was to allow myself to be free.Can’t stop, won’t stop, sweat is falling as my beauty bursts through.Can you see my freedom footprints?

#is poem is a translation of my need to breathe…my need to dance.

In today’s society, we have underestimated the one thing all cultures have in common…dancing. #e art of dance is more than a Chris Brown music video or the latest trendy booty shake. Dance is about $nding your own personal unique rhythm. In a society with so many lost young men and women, $nding a healthy outlet and con-$dence builder such as dance could drastically change some people’s lives. #e trick is, you must muster up the courage to participate and let go. Once you learn how to let go of your fears about other people’s judgments, you will feel so free. #e inner strength that is derived from dancing can carry over to other areas of your life and personality. Opening up physically requires you to open up mentally and emotionally, true bravery. (I would write….. Opening up physically requires you to expose yourself mentally and emotionally. #is is true bravery). Dancing is not only fun, it is a useful way to exercise and release endorphins (the happy chemical in your brain). Dance boosts self-esteem by allowing you to let go of your inhibitions through self-expression. It can be a fun group activity for friends or even a form of worship at some churches. #ere are many places throughout the city that give dance classes, including Community College of Phila-delphia. Information about dance activities can be found on the College’s O(ce of Student Life website under Clubs and Activities on their website. Some events in the city even have family friendly dance events such as the Sundae Party of Philadelphia at Morgan’s Pier. I encour-age everyone to $nd their inner dancer. Perhaps you may want to learn a speci$c style of dance, or just have fun be-ing yourself. In the end, the reward is a priceless freedom.

FREEDOM FOOTPRINTSJodie FelderPhotographic Imaging

6

Natira YefchakParalegal Studies

“The enlightened man does not mourn.”

–Bhagavad Gita

While interviewing for a scholarship, I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Clau-dia Curry, Director of the Women’s Outreach and Advocacy Center. She proposed to me the idea of contribut-ing to the Women Speak eNewsle%er. I am honored to contribute and look forward to providing a voice for the LGBTQ community here on campus.

I had a di(cult time deciding what should be the focus of my $rst con-tribution. #ere are so many relevant topics that I feel merit a discussion: the Chick-$l-A controversy, the up-coming Presidential election, same-sex marriage. I se%led on something I believe is slightly less political, but certainly a very hot topic. I decided to present some of my thoughts on the best-selling Fi&y Shades of Grey trilogy: Is it realistic to expect one’s life to turn out like Ana Steele’s did? Is the message the series sends to women an empowering one? Does the series bene$t the LGBTQ community in any way?

For those unfamiliar with the story, the Fi&y Shades series follows the life of 22- year-old Ana Steele as she grad-uates college and meets the love of her life, the incredibly handsome and ob-scenely rich but emotionally disturbed Christian Grey. Grey has a history of being abused in almost every sense of the word, and this has led him to form short-term relationships in which he is the Dominant and whatever female he desires is his submissive. Grey and Steele meet, and Christian wants Ana to enter into an agreement with him. Eventually, they end up together living

happily ever a&er, compromising a complete Dom/sub relationship for a more vanilla relationship sprinkled with some kinkiness every now and then.

While many aspects of the relation-ship Christian and Ana share are ideals I think most couples would strive for (unconditional love, loyalty and faithfulness, etc.), many aspects of their relationship are reminiscent of the fairy tales I watched as a child: handsome rich guy saves the day for somewhat helpless beautiful girl with daddy issues; girl tries to “$x” emotionally damaged, dark, myste-rious guy; an antagonist has a vested interest in destroying the relationship of our Prince Charming and our Damsel-in-Distress. Realistically, the majority of the population will never come close to earning the salary of the $ctional Christian Grey, nor will they possess his strikinglygood looks the author mentions so frequently.

As someone who dates women, I $nd this particularly aggravating: not only am I supposed to be $lthy rich to a%ract a girl, but I have to be maga-zine-cover gorgeous too? On the other hand, as a woman, I $nd it aggravating that there are still stories being wri%en in which dependency on a wealthy male is not only glori$ed and desired, but it’s made out to be a completely viable option. I know, I know. Ana Steele is constantly saying she doesn’t want Grey’s money, but the issue here is more with the author: #ank you so much, E. L. James, for writing this fantasy series that perpetuates the ste-

reotype that women secretly just want to be “taken care of,” and furthermore that there are men and women out there who wish to take on this type of “responsibility” if you will.

Additionally, while most relationships have at least a small amount of co-de-pendency, the series focuses on the notion that Ana Steele is the ONLY one for Christian Grey, that she is the ONLY one who can get through to him to solve his emotional problems, and Christian Grey is the ONLY one for Ana Steele, even though she never really dated anyone else prior. How delightfully absurd! Between all the sex scenes and drama is this message to young women: remain completely virginal! Don’t date anyone or even explore your sexuality on your own! Once you graduate college, some wonderfully handsome, incomprehen-sibly wealthy man will show you how to appreciate yourself, and all you have to do is help him solve his psychologi-cal problems!

Admi%edly, sometimes it does take a partner to help you realize parts of your sexuality you wouldn’t $nd on your own. I suppose I’m a bit jaded, al-ready being a “sexual deviant” myself, but are we really supposed to believe that this a%ractive young lady made it twenty-two years without even think-ing about any kind of sexual activity? I guess anything is possible, and if this series is helping those who read it lead happier and healthier sex lives, then it isn’t a total waste. Furthermore, if the Fi&y Shades series sheds light on di!erent types of sexual relationships and helps people realize that being involved in something society sees as “not quite traditional” doesn’t make you a complete freak, then I think it ultimately gives hope for the LGBTQ community that one day we will be seen as equal and just as “normal” as heterosexuals.

7

All too o&en we put ourselves in positions to give up everything we’ve worked hard for because we’re afraid of having everything we want. We make up excuses as to why it will never happen. When this occurs you have to reverse your thought pa%ern to suit the life you were intended to live. A%ack the echoes of fear that surround you. Let go of your plan B. If you want to achieve anything, you can not stay on second base hoping that the ba%er will hit a home run. Let sacri$ce and risk overpower the need to be safe!

Every great accomplishment was once considered impossible. Make up your mind to explore the place where possibilities and miracles are synonymous. Discover the place where your body speaks to you and the choices that it makes create the harmony of eternal prosperity. Allow yourself to journey through a place where wisdom heals you and prayers are in sync with peace. Be-gin to actively visualize the options of your dreams. Only then will your desired reality appear. #e most substantial result in life happens when you wake up in your dreams!

It is so easy to procrastinate than to work at succeeding. We have to remember that FAILURE IS NOT INTIMIDATED BY US! We have to make the DETERMINATION TO SUC-CEED, “A PRIORITY”. Yes, sometimes life is questionable. However, you are in a good place when you have questions simply because it means you have to look for answers

I know that circumstance can sometimes make things seem a li%le unrealistic, but sometimes being realistic will only lead to mediocrity. When you can no longer change the circumstance take the challenge to change yourself. #e greatest change will come when you begin experimenting with your own life. Every-thing that you go through makes you more perfect for the pur-pose for which you are designed. You may not always under-stand life, however, as you learn to understand it less and less you must also seek to love it more and more. Life was meant

Parenthysis Errika GardnerTheatre

“Pursuit of a dream is purposed

INGREDIENTS FOR LIFE to be amazing! You were made to be extraordinary! It’s your life! No one else has permission to live it but you! #e only one who can set limits on your goals is you! You can not have a bigger than life destiny with a restricted a%itude! Remember, promotion does not come from people, it comes through purpose. #ere is greatness that exists in every one of us. Take the chance to live in that space. If you want success, happiness, anything in your life, you have to make choices. When you sit down at the dinner table of life remember to add 1 cup of choice, 2 cups of a(rma-tion, 3 spoonfuls of action and a lot of love. Choice + a(rmation + action+ love = miracles. A&er all is said and done, feast on the deliciously extravagant ingredi-ents of your amazing life!

Life begins with the visions of in!nite beauty which allows us to !nd the peace that connects us to the rest of the world.

When you look deep into nature life becomes the breath taking view in which God shows his graditude for all of his creations.

8

With every sunrise you exude a smile that blossoms an unfading desideratum in me. You titillate my constant "ow of alacrity. My craving for you grows incessantly stronger. In you I see the inexhaust-ible a!ect of holistic love. Just to give you the u%er sanctuary of total devotion, is a fantasy I dreamt into life.

Each morning is a new day in which I will o!er up every $ber of my being; with all the ability I possess; to be a hedge of communication to the language of your soul.

I will in$nitely hold in the center of my heart, all the joy and happi-ness it takes to peacefully keep the consequences of our daily interac-tions, at the highest level of patience.

I promise you, every intimate touch we share will de$nitively be the hope that sheds light beyond unreasonable doubt of my unfailing commitment. You’ve captured a place in me that permeates the pres-ence of God; a place where I can overcome all obstacles and tempta-tions; where my indomitable power radiates, and I am at my greatest.

My beloved, you will always be indescribable chants of sacramental yearnings to the presence of all my heart longs for. You are my emi-nent receptacle of existence.

At the best of times, I vow to be a spectacle of praise in your honor, for I know the probability of success will come from a combination of our joint e!ort. I will stand behind you to push you toward your mark. I will stand in front of you to pull you closer to your goal. I will stand beside you as a shelter of audacious support.

And at the worst of times I will try at all cost to separate myself from the ignorance of fear, anger, and judgmental con"ict. I will be mind-ful of the penalty of my own actions. I will not lean on my own un-derstanding; instead I will seek God and ask him to be a bridge that closes the gap of pe%y nonsense; for his wisdom is far greater than

one human can obtain! And then I will submit my will to his ear of unsurpassable understand-ing.

If for some reason our worlds should dri& apart and temptation creeps in; I will hold steadfast to our foundation. I will wait for you until all my tears melt away the "eshly arrogance of life.You see I know what God has for me; is for me, because he gave me you; and I believe he put you here to be the main ingredient of his plan for my divine purpose. Just as he has proved himself to be a living sacri$ce for us; I will take that stand for you. Your mind, your soul, your temple, will forever be a synagogue in which my worship resides.

I say all this, to simply let you know….I GOT YOUR BACK!

Parenthysis Errika GardnerTheatre

i got your back

My dream job would be to own and operate a business. I enjoy hosting people and do it well. Actually, my house has always been a place where visitors come to rest or just spend some days with friends and family. I cannot imagine a be%er way to earn a living than by turning a hobby into a pro$table business. #erefore, I need the proper education to run a hotel successfully and the foundational knowledge that practical experience lacks. #us, an Associates Degree in Business Administration can narrow the gap between me and my goal. However, the obstacles which stood in my way as stumbling blocks became stepping stones for my personal growth and empower-

Cecile AimeeBusiness Administration

It is not what happens that

matters, it is what you do about

it . Jim Ron

Cultural Corner

Don’t Drop: Achieve More

9

ment--the language barrier, the permanent stress caused mostly by my studies, and the loss of very close relatives due to tragic circumstances.

Born in Cameron, Africa, I came to the United States in 2009. In 2010, I enrolled in Community College of Philadelphia. #e $rst day in class, I wanted to drop because I could not understand the teacher’s lectures. #eir accents were my prob-lem. However, I said to myself, “Don’t drop, achieve more.” #us, I decided to address my concern by listening to teachers and students more closely in order to repeat what they said, watching television in English instead of French, and joining a club on the campus such as Philadelphia Leads and the Women Speak editorial sta!, where I am still a member of both.

#e language barrier was surely one of the leading factors of the stress I felt with my lessons and hard school work. I was frustrated and scared that the pressure would a!ect my grades to a great extent. Fortunately, through the mandatory English 108, I learned how to organize my time be%er and be more self-disciplined in all my activities. #e techniques taught in that course worked out and helped me to manage my studies pre%y well and maintain a 4.0 GPA.

Despite the personal strategies and li%le rules I developed for myself, my a%ention was distracted by the consecutive deaths of loved ones in my family. My senior brother died in September, my nephew in December of the same year--both from cancer .A month later, my grandniece died from voluntary abortion and her grandmother, my husband’s senior sis-ter could not stand that loss and passed away the following month. It was just too much in less than six months. I realized at that point in my life, how important my family was to my growth and development. At $rst, I isolated myself and tried to dream or remember some pleasant moments we had together or in childhood. Later on, I chose to develop friendly re-lations with my neighbors who sympathized with me during those hardships. Moreover, I determined to remain focused and impact the lives of others for the rest of my life while achieving my goals.

#ough I am still struggling with the English accent, I can understand and be understood. #e road blocks are being re-placed by a solid foundation of education and self discipline. I am also be%er able to reach out to members of my commu-nity and provide a helping hand. Owning a hotel is more to me than simply running a business I enjoy. I see it as a vehicle through which I can be%er reach out to others and assist those in need. I appreciate the opportunity o!ered to me by the Women’s Outreach and Advocacy Center at Community College of Philadelphia through my participation as a Sta! Writer for the newsle%er Women Speak. #rough my writing, I can share my life issues and help myself, other females, and non-females to reach our full potential. Ultimately, I say to all, “Don’t drop: achieve more.”

Cultural Corner (cont’d.)Cecile AimeeBusiness Administration

Kristyn GreenCommunications

When you get to the point where you

want to be successful as bad as you

want to breath then you’ll be successful.

Eric Thomas

Finding Out Who You are in Your AcademicsDo you struggle when it is time to choose a major? Are you puzzled about what your major should be? No doubt, picking a major can be tough and should be tak-en seriously. It took me years to select a major and I am still thinking about making alterations such as choosing a double and a minor major. While in high school, there was so much that I wanted to do. I wanted to be a zoologist, poet, counselor, teacher, and last, but not least, a nutritionist. Once I le& high school for college, I pursued a major in nutrition, but never thought about

10

the chemistry and math courses it would involve. #ey are not my favorite subjects.

Choosing a major can be a learning lesson. You must make sure that you review what courses you have to take in order to obtain a degree in the major you are seeking. Here at Community College of Philadelphia, you can $nd degree requirements and course descriptions online at the College’s o(cial site (www.ccp.edu). If you are undecided about your major, you can obtain an associates degree in liberal arts.

College is a learning experience--it is a place where you discover things about yourself. When you select your major it should be in direct correlation to the career you want to pursue. When choosing a major, think about where you can see yourself working a&er earning your degree. If when you picture your-self, you do not like what you see, maybe you are in the wrong major. If you have changed your major more than once , do not be discouraged. It takes time to $nd out what you want to do. #e average student changes his or her major three times during their college experience.

If choosing a college major is something that you are struggling with, you are not alone. Many students feel as you do and it can be overwhelming. You want to make the right choices and Community Col-lege of Philadelphia can help. Visit the Career and Transfer Center in Room W2-3. Do not let another semester pass by. Take the time to explore your options. At the Career and Transfer Center you can take a Career Interest Inventory. #is is a series of questions that evaluate your likes and dislikes and assist you in deciding what type of career you may want to pursue. #e scoring of this test will allow you access to a series of possible majors that might be a good match for you. #ere are also many ave-nues that you can use to further research what major you might want to pursue such as the Occupational Outlook Handbook, Encyclopedia of Careers, #e O*Net and other sites that you may be able to $nd on the World Wide Web.

Finding Out (cont’d.)

When I started my day on #ursday, May 10, 2012, I had no idea I would be ending it with such courageous, motivated, and positive women. May 10 was the 35th Anniversary of Women’s Way. A banquet was held at the Sheraton Hotel in honor of the anniversary. When I walked into the hotel and was directed up the escalator to the networking recep-tion, the $rst thing I noticed was pamphlets on human sex tra(cking. Beside these pamphlets was a petition against human sex tra(cking. I signed the paper.

Once I moved away from the table, I knew that I was going to be a part of a very important evening. During the recep-tion, I was able to shake hands with various members of the Women’s Way Board of Directors and their supporters. #ese women included the executive director Amanda S. Arono! and our very own Dr. Claudia Curry, a proud member of the Women’s Way board. During the banquet, there was a showcasing of the Women’s Way 35th anniver-sary video which was truly moving. #e video highlighted women who are involved and have been helped by Women’s Way. What truly touched me was that the women who were helped by Women’s Way returned to volunteer their services during the banquet. One of these individuals was a domestic violence survivor named Lydia. She is now happily married with beautiful children.

During the banquet Tarsha Scovens (Community College of Philadelphia O(ce of Institutional Advancement) and Callie Hammond received the Turning Point Action Award. Tarsha received her award for ge%ing young girls to partici-pate in her non-pro$t organization, Let’s Go Outside. Callie received the award for her program Philly Girls Read. What is so amazing about Tarsha and Callie is that they are every-day young women who decided to get involved and help other young women.

Kristyn GreenCommunications

Kristyn withkeynote speaker Ms. Eve Ensler

A GLORIOUS DAY FOR WOMEN’S WAY

11

Last but not least, the Lucretia Mo% award was given to Eve Ensler, an activitst, playwright, performer, cancer survivor, and author of the Vagina Monologues. She is truly an inspi-ration and her keynote speech touched everyone. She said something very profound, “It is be%er to be admired than to be liked.” She added that we all want to be liked or to be accepted, but to be admired is far greater.

Mayor Nu%er also spoke during the banquet and spoke praises to Women’s Way. He was thankful for the Women’s Way sta! and volunteers and thanked them for all that they have accomplished. “If I want to get something done I ask a woman” were Mayor Nu%er’s parting words.

Judging by all of the organizations that Women’s Way has helped and all of the people and lives that have been af-fected, I was happy that I was able to participate in such an experience. Remember that the women’s movement is already here. We just have to stand up and take our place. If you want to get involved, write to info@womensway.org, call 215-985-3322, or visit them at www.womensway.org or on Facebook.

WOMEN’S WAY (cont’d.)

You may not want to believe it, but that time of year is ap-proaching again. Fall classes are set to begin in less than two months, and for many students that means a lot of addition-al stress. We lead very multifaceted lives)going to school, working, taking care of our families, having friends)and have stressors coming at us from all angles. A normal part of life, sometimes stress can be a motivator that helps us keep our heads in the game. But too much stress can lead to a depletion of physical and mental health as well as poor academic and professional performance. So, how does one $ght against the

Caasi AndersonAfrican American Studies

“It’s nice to be important, but more

important to be nice.”

BATTLING STRESS?CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON!

stresses of everyday life and maintain sanity in this increasingly fast-paced world?

Your most important weapon in this ba%le is self-awareness. You have to know when you are stressed and act accordingly. It seems obvious, but many people simply do not acknowledge when they are experiencing stress and end up su!ering. Listening to your body and knowing when to slow down can be a great help. Also, eating a balanced diet and ge%ing enough sleep and exercise (eight hours and at least thirty minutes a day are recommended, respectively) will have you ready to deal with anything the world throws at you.

Time management is also a great strategy for winning the $ght against stress. Making time to do the things you want and need to do is crucial to cu%ing down unnecessary strain. In school, starting an assignment early can be the di!erence between a well-prepared A and a last-minute C. It is also important to stay on top of things that may a!ect your work in the classroom. Professors have a reason for giving students a sylla-bus)it provides all the information you need about course content, objectives, and deadlines. If you are having trouble, acknowledge it early and notify your professors. Scheduling a tutoring or independent study session can be a big help, too. A li%le time used to study early in the semester will save you a lot of stress during $nals week. With so many resources available at Community College of Philadelphia)the Learning Lab, Women’s Outreach and Advocacy Center, Library, and your thousands of classmates and peers)there is no reason to be stressed about school.

Another important tool that can give you the advan-tage as you combat stress is meditation. Meditation is personal time spent re"ecting and can come in many forms. Whether periods of meditation are used to listen to your favorite album, walk around your neigh-borhood, or take a hot bubble bath, that time is a vital part of a successful low-stress life. Spending time with your own thoughts and feelings is a nice vacation and an excellent way to put things in perspective when you are feeling overwhelmed. Keeping a diary or jour-nal to chronicle all the things that run through your head is also a good way to organize your thoughts and give you a peaceful release.

No ma%er what, we will have stress in our lives. What makes the di!erence is how we beat it. Choose the weapons that work for you.

Caasi AndersonAfrican American Studies

“It’s nice to be important, but more

important to be nice.”

BATTLING STRESS?CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON!

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Lisa GoehringerLiberal Arts

Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents,

which in prosperous circumstances would

have lain dormant. Horace

FACING THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR

#e upcoming school year is quickly approaching. As mothers who are also students, we are a%empting to prepare ourselves and our children for the new school year. Below are some success-ful strategies that will make you and your child’s transition from a fun-$lled summer to a successful school year an easier one.

school, implement a school schedule for your child. During the summer, we o&en allow our children to go to bed and wake up later than we would during the school year. Begin by waking up your child at the time he or she would normally wake for school. In the evening, begin a bedtime ritual. A bath, bedtime story, and then bed, are a good way to begin your schedule. For the younger child who is about to begin school or a%end school full day for the $rst time, a bedtime story about starting school can be incorpo-rated into your bedtime ritual. Taking your child to the library to select their bedtime stories will make bedtime eagerly anticipated.

or school for the $rst time, make arrangements to take your child to school before the $rst day. Do a walk through and meet teachers and o(ce sta!. Your child’s familiarity with their physical surroundings will help lessen $rst day anxieties.

physical disabilities, address them with your child’s school and teacher by requesting a meeting in advance of the $rst day. Notify the school and teachers of any recent medication or treatment plans that are of impor-tance. Review any special education plans that were enlisted the year before, if relevant. Provide informa-tion about your child’s disorder to the school and teachers.

your child to school, do a few practice runs in the morning, especially if your child is starting a new school or just entering school. Always allow enough time for tra(c. If the ride to school is enjoyable, your child will begin the day happy. We all know how stressful it is on ourselves when we believe we will be late for school or work.

will be excited about. A few weeks before school begins, allow your child to accompany you on a back to school shopping trip. Young children are of-ten excited about selecting their back-packs and lunch bags. Older children will be excited about selecting new sneakers or ge%ing a new haircut.

Let your child know that if they ever have any problems at school you will always be there for them. Whether it is bullying, di(culties in math or read-ing, or not being able to make friends easily, your child needs to know that they can always come to you.

Preparing for a new school year does not have to be a stressful time. Enjoy this time with your child, as you pre-pare them for an enjoyable education-al experience.

Lisa GoehringerLiberal Arts

entering college over 40

As women who are over the age of 40 and a%ending college, we are present-ed with many challenges. Going back to school can be quite intimidating. Below is a list of strategies which will enable you to be academically success-ful.

-times just opening up about your fears, and speaking with others who have experienced a similar situation, can alleviate the anxiety. Start conver-sations with people who went back to school and e!ectively balanced their work, family, and social lives. Make note of what did not make them suc-cessful as well.

schedule. Many of us have the respon-sibilities of a family and employment. Keeping a schedule and allo%ing enough time for studying and home-work, will enable you to be academi-cally successful. As an adult learner we need to realize that our study schedule may have to be revised due to the re-sponsibilities that we have. Cramming for a test is counterproductive. It does not work.

the adult student in transition. Study space does not have to be elaborate. However, it is important to have a qui-et area, free of distractions in which to study. Always print out your syllabus for each course. Within the course syl-labus you will $nd important course information, how to submit assign-ments, instructor contact information, and assignment deadlines. A calendar is an e!ective way to keep track of test dates and assignment due dates.

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take notes. I have read my textbooks in doctor’s o(ces, on the bus, and waiting for my granddaughter to get out of school. #ere are pockets of time throughout the day that can be utilized for study purposes.

afraid to say no to someone who asks you to volunteer at your child’s school or to your boss who asks you to work extra hours. Nicely explain that you have educational commitments.

#ere are tutors available in the learn-ing centers at Community College of Philadelphia. Our school provides workshops throughout the year that will assist you with your studies, note taking, and test taking strategies. #ere are even workshops held on Saturdays. Refer to the MyCCP web portal for times and locations. Do not be anxious about approaching the instructor if there is confusion about the material or extra information is needed. #e teacher’s job is to help college students learn and succeed.

can handle. Excitedly, we will enroll in three classes, and later $nd that it is just too much to handle with our other responsibilities. Seek out the advice of a counselor if you $nd that you are overwhelmed.

Lastly, know that there is an end in sight. As you work toward your goal, keep your thoughts positive, remem-bering that all of your hard work will pay o!.

over 40 (cont’d.)

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Women’s Outreach &Advocacy Center

Women Speak will be published bi-monthly for the students, faculty and sta! of Community College of Philadelphia by the Women’s Outreach and Advocacy