veterans upward bound - LaGuardia Community College

LaGuardia Community College
VETERANS UPWARD BOUND
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February 2013
Winter 2013
Veterans in Education
Over the past few years The Veterans Upward
Bound Program has helped qualified military
veterans prepare to enroll in a postsecondary
school (university, community college, and
vocational/technical programs). The Veteran’s
Upward Bound Program (VUB) is part of the
Division of Adult and Continuing Education at
LaGuardia Community College. This innovative
program is designed to motivate and assist
veterans in the development of academic and
other requisite skills necessary for acceptance
and success in a program of postsecondary
education. This program offers:
Free evening College Prep and GED classes
with continuous admissions from September to
August.
Computer skills training, including use of ePortfolio to record progress.
Career advisement and assistance with college
admissions.
Case management, tutoring, mentoring, followup and other support services.
Executive Director
Samuel E. Farrell, II
Program Coordinator
Vicki Bello
Fiscal Monitor/Data
Specialist
Dino Garcia
Program Consultant
Joe Bello
Instructors
Erick Melhado
Older “Danny” Vera
Tutor
Garry Israel
Layout, Editing:, and
Photography
Garcia-Melhado-Israel-Susano
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
From The Director’s Corner
P2
Casanova C. Taylor
PP 3, 4, 5
Edna T. Susano
PP 6, 7
Osman Cortes
P8
Michael B. Nelson
P9
Darla Pennella
P 10
Jose Fernando Cadme
P 11
VUB Students
PP 12, 13
www.lagcc.cuny.edu/veterans
“Education is the ability to
listen to almost anything
without losing your
temper or your self-confidence.
– Robert Frost"
“FROM THE
SANDS OF IWO
JIMA TO THE
VIBRANT
COMMUNITY OF
LONG ISLAND
CITY”
THE VETERANS
UPWARD BOUND
PROGRAM
@
LAGUARDIA
COLLEGE
Educationally Forward
And Upward Bound
VETERANS UPWARD BOUND!
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2
From The Director's Corner
For Samuel E. Farrell II, Joe Bello
Let me start by wishing everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day and thanking not only those who contributed
articles for this newsletter but those who helped put the newsletter together.
Congratulations to all those student-veterans who participated in this 6-week cycle and to those who will
be moving on to post-secondary education (i.e., college). The entire Veteran Services Office (VUB
Coordinator Vicki Bello, Fiscal/Data Specialist Dino Garcia, Program Assistants Gregg Deveaux,
Everett Jones, and Alejandro Herrera, Math teacher Older Vera, our tutor Garry Israel, and our English
teacher Erick Melhado) wishes you continued success and reminds you that our door is always open.
When you first started our program, you were told that by being here and continuing your education, you
would be working towards a better life and a better future for yourselves--and even for your families.
You were also told that VA benefits are constantly changing and that you need to continually stay
informed of those changes. You’ve known--since you joined the service--that obstacles would be thrown
your way,that things would happen in your lives that would make everything hard, but that you would
learn from them.
I want you to stop for a minute and ask yourselves if you’ve reached your educational goals. The
answer is yes and no: It’s yes in that for those of you who stuck through the six-week cycle, you
continue to reach for what some of your fellow student-veterans have said by not attending is
unreachable or too hard. That’s not to say they gave up; they just for one reason or another decided not
to continue. But for those of you that stayed, you’re in a better position today than when you first started
the class six-weeks ago.
The answer is also no because education is a never-ending process. We are constantly learning new
things, educational or otherwise. The point is that throughout life you will be learning. Every day
brings something new. Education and learning never stop, and neither should you.
The message I’m conveying here is the following: Don’t stop reaching for what you want; if it takes
your whole lives to achieve, stay with it. Life is a never ending journey of knowledge and growth. The
things you don’t understand today will become clearer at some point, down the road. I’ve seen students
graduate from this program, go on to college, and do great things. The opportunities are there; you just
have to want to take them.
At the end of the month, a number of us, including the Program Director, Sam Farrell will be in
Pensacola, Florida for the National Association of Veteran Upward Bound Providers’ Conference. We
hope to learn what other programs are doing to better serve our veterans. Lastly, please stay in touch
with our office by visiting our website (www.lagcc.cuny.edu) and our social networks: Facebook:
LaGuardia Veterans; Twitter: @LaGuardiaVets.
WINTER 2013
VETERANS UPWARD BOUND!
PAGE
3
Shakespearean Sonnet
“Always Against 4me”
Everything I see, 6 I’m always against 4me. 6 b
One minute I’m at ease; 6 Another you’re too kind. 6 b
The next minute you fall 6 From my side, too behind… 6 d
I just wanted it all; 6 d
It blows way pass man kind. 6 Windows open; chime chimes, 6 Remember the clocks tock; 6 f
Never mind watch the signs; 6 Live life; fight through the shock . 6 f
I swear: it’s the last vest. 6 I’ll chase elusiveness. 6 g
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a
Rhoncus tempor placerat.
a
c
c
e
Casanova Taylor
e
g
VETERANS UPWARD BOUND!
As Long As I Could Remember
Casanova Taylor
For as long as I could remember, I’ve always wanted to go to college and earn my degree with a Ph. D. in Veterinary Science. In Pursuit of my goals, many events in my life created difficult trials to overcome.
Going back ten years now, I was a great athlete. I studied Muay Thai Boxing, kempo, and Vee Jujitsu while also playing basketball, freestyle swimming, and my favorite: Football. I took all my sports seriously, but football was something different.
For some of us, it was a passion, but it was also something else.
It was our meal 4cket to get into a school of our choosing and one that we couldn’t afford.
I was talented, driven, excited, happy, and ferocious. Nevertheless, all that was lost because in 2003, I broke my le\ leg a\er being illegally tackled (clipped) although my injury wasn’t fatal.
I simply got passed up because my healing 4me would take too much 4me. My college experience didn’t come to pass this 4me around. I took to working, going to a local school field. I had three different jobs and was going to school.
I decided to earn my next requirement to put me over the top.
Uncle Sam needed people, and I needed doang off the I’s and crossing off the T’s.
I joined the United States Army. They had what I didn’t: paid-­‐for educa4on and a strong resume booster.
With my 4me there, I never forgot my dreams, but I did forget the pursuit.
I gave up; my mind strayed from what I had desired most.
I was deployed a few 4mes, and the greatest achievement I could have received came to me:
A baby girl that looks just like me, in every way. She takes to me like a bird takes to the sky. I finally finished my contract for ac4ve duty, and I’m currently in the reserves as well as in Parks
Enforcement.
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4
VETERANS UPWARD BOUND!
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5
Ten years later, I never forgot my dreams, my calling.
I plan to go to LaGuardia Community College and major in Veterinary Technology, get a job in a veterinary clinic or hospital, learn the trade, con4nue school un4l I get my Veterinary Science Ph.D., and do what I love: working with animals.
Working three jobs was difficult, but the worst part was not geang paid what I needed, at least to get by. I stayed there for as long as I could, came up with a plan, and hoped for the best. The ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement was that plan. Among their requirements, one needed school and or a military background. I was majoring in Criminal Jus4ce; I went to high school for agriculture and animal science. Off to a good start, yet I didn’t have a degree.
No maeer what, I have my headings, and I’m going to sail these rocky waves of trials and hardships un4l I see my perfect horizon. I will not lose; I’ve been through too much and sought my whole way here, so I’m used to it. I s4ll have plenty of fight in me, and I’ll see it done, if it’s the last thing Casanova C. Taylor does in this life 4me.
WINTER 2013
VETERANS UPWARD BOUND!
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6
Edna Susano
There are many obstacles in life that can lead us to make good and bad decisions. One of the best choices I’ve done in my life was to join the military. From the start, I knew this was going to be a challenge that I was willing to accomplish. In the end, I succeeded. I gained the confidence I needed to push myself to the limit because I know everything is going to be okay with the set of skills I gained while in the United States Marines Corps. I decided to apply the skills to achieve my goal, which is to become a physical therapist. The next step in this journey is to advance my educa4on. Going back to school can be overwhelming. The thought of being swamped with college class work can be nerve wrecking. I’m determined to spend the next few years focusing on my educa4on. I’m prepared to juggle work, college, and family. The reason why I decided to become a physical therapist is that I like to help people. I do see myself helping people regain movement in their bodies, so they can be independent and reintegrated into the society. Achieving this is going to help me accomplish my next goal, which is to work at a clinic that supports wounded soldiers. I want them to feel that they are welcomed. This would be a personal goal as well because I know I would be doing a good deed, and nobody would understand beeer than someone who served. In the long run, the sacrifices that I must do to accomplish this goal will reward me.
WINTER 2013
Sacrifices
VETERANS UPWARD BOUND!
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7
Mission In Life
Edna Susano
Most people’s mission is to be successful in what they set their minds to. Accomplishing what we can in
the future is going to take a lot of sacrifices. Those sacrifices we make must be done in order to balance
things. For example, owning a business and going to class full time is most likely not going to work.
Doing both things takes a lot of time. Despite that, my main goal is to spend the next four years in
College.
The reason why I decided upon this decision is I know the higher my education, the better job I will
qualify for. Nowadays, it’s not easy to find a good job--even with a degree. A couple of years ago, when
I was in high school, my Economics teacher showed us an article that stated that if students don’t
graduate from high school, the number of jobs that they may qualify for is going to be 3%. Once, I saw
this statistic I was shocked, not only at the percentage but at the number of unemployed people we’re
going to have in our economy. Having this statistic, I knew this is not going to be me. I have plans to do
great things in the future.
The following reason I chose to stay in College is I want to set a good example for my siblings and for
my future children. While growing up, I saw the dreams my parents had to put on hold in order to raise
us in a safe environment. I didn’t have a cell phone or an I Pod while growing up. If I wanted
something, I either had to save my allowance or work. I used to tell my story about walking from my
house to school so I could save my bus fare. That way, I could buy things I craved. I want my siblings
to know I made that choice, and at the end, it paid off because I did graduate and that gave me the
opportunity to do better things.
The following reason I want to be in College is I want to make this commitment to myself. I know this is
not going to be easy but now is the perfect time to do so because nothing is holding me back. In 2001, I
made the decision of starting online College. After taking the first class, I felt my mind was going to
explode because I tried to balance a twenty two hour work day and later come home to finish class
work. I was really stressed. I took a week off just to catch up in my class work, and I succeeded. I was
able to finish all my work on time and see a B+ in my transcript. That proved to me I’m capable of
doing what I want to accomplish. I took a big step in deciding to take a few classes in the past. Now, it’s
time for me to continue my journey and accomplish my future plans. The first step is to spend the next
four years of my life in College to receive my degree. Having that degree in hand is going to make me
feel I can move on and seek better opportunities that are there. I hope my siblings use this as an
example to try to improve themselves. I know my parents are going to be really proud, and I know this
can help my parents fulfill one of their dreams: to see their children succeed.
Winter 2013
VETERANS UPWARD BOUND!
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8
Creator, Thinker, Dreamer
In the world of imagina4on, the possibili4es are infinite. Crea4vity is a wonderful tool I want to use to deliver what’s in someone’s mind. Life is some4mes hard, and the reality of it can destroy even the happiest of men. However, most people can hide away in the art or the wri4ngs of someone in a museum or even television. A writer may describe how calm exploring the seven seas is. He may include mermaids and fireworks in the middle of space during a starry night. People may feel so at ease when reading and imagining such things that they can forget about their problems briefly.
I am a creator, a thinker, and a dreamer. I want to share my ideas the way a movie director does or a suspense author writes. In order to do that, I need a higher educa4on. That’s why I have chosen to step foot in school again. I want to learn more. I want to know the ways I can reach the world to do it. School will give me those tools, and I plan to use them well.
Media Technology is my number one priority. I want to learn how to make movies, videos, films, and even video games. It will make me very happy if one day my name is included somewhere in the credits of any future bestselling novel or video game but most defini4vely a cinematographic project. I see myself wri4ng a breathtaking script about any subject I may come up with. I’ve always known my crea4vity reaches powerful heights. People have always men4oned and encouraged my talents. Going to school to try to enforce those talents is a big step for me, and it makes me very happy.
WINTER 2013
Osman Cortes
VETERANS UPWARD BOUND!
Four Years In College
Michael B. Nelson
Why do you want to spend the next four years of life in college?
I want to spend the next four years of life in college because knowledge is the
key to success. I have had a pretty good life up to now. I raised my children,
had great career opportunities. Now is the time for me to educate myself. I can
honestly say it’s not easy, but I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead.
I’ve always liked to learn about different things in life. Now that I’m back in
school, I look forward to what the future holds for me. I must admit, over the
years, I’ve had my doubts about attending. That’s why it’s taking me so long to
get here. I do not even mind being the oldest in the class. It doesn’t bother me
at all. I’m here for me, and nothing can change that.
Although I’m not so good in math right now, I know in the future I will do
better. I find the work here in school very challenging, but I know I’m doing
the right thing. It feels so intrinsic every time I enter the building. It’s like
going to a gym for the mind. When I go home at night, I feel like I’ve
accomplished something positive at my age.
My goal is to receive as much knowledge as possible. I guess because I’m older
and wiser it’s made me look at life differently. One can say I’ve got a thirst for
knowledge. Coming to school is what I look forward to; It’s a combination of
many things, like the instructors: They are caring and patient; I like that.
Another reason is the energy one feels when walking into the building. It’s
truly positive. I look at people who are older than I, who have received a
G.E.D, and have gone on to receive a degree. These are my heroes. I say to
myself I can do it.
However, in life there are rules and regulations. For instance this Language Art
class is very structured. You have to be grammatically correct, at all times.
That’s a major adjustment for me. I like to write, but now I need to learn to
write proper sentences. I know this will take time and a good effort on my part.
I can see myself writing a short paper or maybe a novel. The possibilities are
endless.
I really like school, and in this day and age with computers, the world is
literally at my fingertips. I come in early just about every day, so I can improve
myself in the two classes I’m taking. I do not even mind being a little slower
than the younger students. It does not bother me at all. I like being around the
younger adults, especially the ladies! But seriously I’m here to improve myself.
I’m looking forward to what’s around for me. And this is what I want to do for
the next four years of my life. I got my eye on a master's degree. I really love
college life. For all older adults that are thinking about going back to school, all
I can say is give it a try, and they might like it, too.
WINTER 2013
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9
VETERANS UPWARD BOUND!
A Path Towards Success
Darla Pennella
Being in College is the basis for my future career. I have not chosen an exact path towards a job posi4on. I do know that it will be based on the Science degree I was able to decide on. I would like to become a professional, which requires addi4onal college a\er the four years. I am dedicated to making my goal a reality. College courses will be fun for me: to be able to be around other students who are striving to learn more for their future. The next four years will help me prepare for an addi4onal four years of more specific classes rela4ng to my career of choice.
College is the best way to help me get established. Most who go to College accumulate financial debt. The costs for class tui4on, books, and living expenses can really add up. When the student graduates, she will be in a lot of school debt. If four years aren’t where she stops, a much larger debt will be owed. As a veteran, I have the ability to eliminate almost all the costs. Using the post 9-­‐11 G.I. Bill will pay for any tui4on and fees as well as pay for housing. This will help me to save as much as I can for further educa4on.
I am excited about being able to extend my knowledge, work on a degree, and get a financial head start. I am expec4ng to learn new and great things. I will strengthen my mind. I can set myself towards the career I would like to have. To have four more years of college paid-­‐for is an amazing opportunity. Going to College and geang paid to do so is rare and should not be wasted. The next four years should be hardly anything compared to the rest of my life.
Being a College graduate is different now than it was before. Some don’t need College while others have aeended for a short period. Having a College degree can open many doors. It has become the new High School Diploma. A high school diploma used to be what most jobs asked for. Today, most employers require a four-­‐
year degree as a minimum. Over the next four years, I will learn new things, obtain a base for my future career, and get myself on my feet.
I have always been interested in learning new subjects. There is never a point where one can’t learn anymore. Being able to hold and carry a conversa4on is an excellent skill to have. There are subjects that I don’t excel in when I first learn them. The human mind is fragile. If one doesn’t con4nue to use it, she may forget a lot of important informa4on. I would like to learn about things and about doing these things.
WINTER 2013
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10
VETERANS UPWARD BOUND!
Trade
Fernando Cadme
Before I joined the navy, I had plans for my next step in life; I joined the Navy because it is like any other job. I planned to stay there for at least 20 years. When I finished, I came back home to New York City to begin my educa4on and career goals.
I’m planning to go to a trade school. I will learn more about computers a\er I finish trade school. My dream since I was liele was to become a wise man. So far I know about computers, and soon in March I will learn a trade. I also will take some classes on different subjects. That way, in the future, I won’t have to ask people for money, and I will also create a savings plan for my only son. I will also help my liele sisters and my mother because she brought me to this life. I want her to have everything that she never had before. I have to give thanks to the Navy Branch for making me the man I am now. Because of it, I have traveled all over the world. This organiza4on and job is a great path to anybody’s future.
WINTER 2013
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11
“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often
we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one
which has been opened for us”. Helen Keller
“Man often becomes what he believes himself to be. If I
keep on saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing,
it is possible that I may end by really becoming incapable
of doing it. On the contrary, if I have the belief that I can
do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I
may not have it at the beginning.” Mahatma Gandi
VETERANS IN EDUCATION
31-10 Thomas Avenue Room C-371 | Long Island City | NY 11101
T: 718 482 5386 | E: vets@lagcc.cuny.edu | www.lagcc.cuny.edu/veterans
VETERANS UPWARD BOUND!
PAGE
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LaGuardia’s Veteran Upward Bound Program Can Help You!
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Today, LaGuardia’s
Veteran Upward Bound Program
Tomorrow, any CUNY college.
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WEB SITE: www.lagcc.cuny.edu/veterans
FACEBOOK: LaGuardia Veterans
EMAIL: vets@lagcc.cuny.edu
Veteran Services Office
31-10 Thomson Avenue, Room C-371
Long Island City, NY 11101
WINTER 2013
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