Network News Shared by the SULLIVAN CAREER AND LIFE PLANNING CENTER AND STUDENT NEWSROOM April/May 2019 SENIOR EDITION
2 Table of Contents 3 Thank YOU 4 2018 Graduation Speaker 5 Jada Furlow Study Abroad 6-7 Senior Class of 2019 8-9 Class of 2019 Beginning to End 10-11 Multicultural Affairs Seniors 12 Equal Pay Day 13 Shark Tank 14-15 SCLP 16-17 Internship Success Stories 18 Academic Achievement 19 Accepted Students Day 20 Wake Up with Communications 21 WELL Program Social Justice Work 22 On Location 23 Book Suggestions Hatch Learning Comm24-25 Marcia Conrad Awards 26 Going Global: From Bay Path to China 27 Fake News: Honors Thesis Presentation 28-31 Seniors in Sports 32 Science Defens-a-palooza 33-38 WELL 400 Social Justice 39 MFA in Creative Nonfiction Graduate Reading Table of Contents2Cap designs: https://www.personalcreations.c om/blog/graduation-cap-ideas
Thank YOUNetwork News is published thanks to the collaboration of the Sullivan Career and Life Planning Center and the Bay Path Student Newsroom. 3A special thanks to the students, editors and contributors tothe Network News this year. Shown above is Network News Editor 2019- 2020 Zoe Naglieri Prescod (right) with COMMunications Club 2019-2020 President Anissa Nieves. They are holding the historicfirst printed copy of the Network News. Big thanks to all of our collaborators from Multicultural Affairs, Student Affairs, other disciplines, and sports. Also thanks to our Network News faculty and staff: Laurie Cirillo, TracyTrial, Crystal Senter-Brown, Marcie Moore, Professor Janine Fondon, DrCourtney Weber, Elizabeth CardonaCollin Glasow, and Michelle Mirti. A special thanks to Network News 2018-2019 editors Mia Ryder '19 (shown on cover with President Leary) and Jada Furlow '19 (right, in London/Study Abroad) for their work this year! Congrats!A special thanks to our Graduate Intern Melissa Velardi (left) and Graduate Assistant Andrew Castillo (right). Melissa will gradate with her Master's degree in Counselor Education/Student Development in Higher Education from Central Connecticut State University and Andrew Castillo, a writer for the Daily Hampshire Gazette will graduate from Bay Path University's MFA program.
Residential College Student Shashawna Mae Santiago Amaral '18 speaks at 2018 graduationIn 2018, Bay Path University's student speaker Shashawna Mae Santiago Amaral had inspiring words for students. In an article published by the university, she states, "I have strengthened as a leader by taking more responsibility for my actions, and always holding myself accountable for the things I did, both inside and outside of the classroom. Being a leader is more than a title; it is being a positive example for others. Strengthening my communication skills over my four years here at Bay Path has led me to some marvelous places. To my surprise, it has led me to the stage I will be graduating across where I was invited to read an original poem of my very own, for all of the folks in the audience. These strengthened skills will help me to communicate effectively within the workplace, work well with others, and ease my energy whenever I need to present to a board or other group members. After presenting poetry to Bay Path University's board of trustees and at Commencement, I believe that I am prepared for anything else that arises in the future." Question for 2019 seniors and Bay Path students: How have you strengthened as a leader during your time here? How will you apply those skills to your future endeavors?4To our seniors graduating on May 19, 2019! Our Careers Team hopes your next step is inspiring, challenging and rewarding! As you graduate, know that we are always here and you are welcome to use our services. If you find yourself wanting a mentor/ coach or a sounding board to help you find new success via new horizons. We send you the very best wishes as you graduate and live your dreams! Sullivan Career and Life Planning Team
Class of 2019 beginning to endSenior Year Study Abroad - by Jada Furlow My Study Abroad Experience Ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to visit the UK-- specifically London. I have always been in love with London’s sleek fashion style and of course the British accent. Before graduating from Bay Path, I seized the opportunity to Study Abroad my senior year to end with a bang! I attended the University of Westminster in London and studied Communications and Media. During my studies, I had the opportunity to film and edit two news reports along with a documentary and produce two stories for a radio podcast. As an aspiring broadcast journalist, it was amazing to have actual hands-on experience within my field. As I covered the news in a different country, I gained exposure to its own social and political challenges, and this was truly an eye-opener. This experience allowed me to learn critical thinking and valuable skills through another educational system. SOCIALIZE. Having your single room and bathroom makes it very easy for you to remain isolated from the outside world. Instead of staying cooped up in a bubble, go out and meet others! Within my first week in London, I met so many other study abroad students who were nervous. However, one thing you have to realize is we are all in this together. Over time, I eventually found my group of friends that I hung out with almost every day. Whether it was going on a trip, shopping, or visiting a park, it felt great to have company! As a group, we have already planned to link up once we return home. Always keep in mind, the people you meet might end up being your lifelong friends. STUDENT DISCOUNTS EVERYWHERE. Let’s face it. Studying abroad isn’t cheap. I always tried to save money wherever I traveled. While exploring, I noticed many businesses accepted student discounts! In London, you have to rely on the tube (train) and city buses for transportation.around my campus. Why not, it’s FREE! When going to restaurants, movies, food markets, etc., there would always be some type of student discount offered. All you have to do is ask! The farther you travel on the tube, the more expensive it gets. After a while, I found myself taking the city bus everywhere. Even though it took longer to get to my destination, it’s incredibly cheaper. I also started walking to local shops. TRAVEL. London is surrounded by so many beautiful countries. The best part about it is because they are all so incredibly close, it’s affordable to visit! During my stay in London, I traveled to 5 different countries. The first of course was Paris with my friends from Westminster as well as my best friend who came to visit! We explored the jaw dropped Eiffel Tower, saw the incredible Mona Lisa portrait inside The Louvre museum, viewed the historic Notre Dame cathedral and ate traditional French dishes. Next up, Greece! Within Greece, I explored three different islands that included Hydra island which was my favorite. As one of the excursions included in the CIS Abroad program, we got to spend a weekend in Scotland. For all the Harry Potter fans, this is the perfect place for you! Towards the end of my stay, I decided to explore Spain and Austria as well. At every location, I took videos and pictures to document the experience. I wanted to capture and keep the memories that you can return to in a couple of years! Studying Abroad has by far been one of the best experiences in my life. Traveling allowed me to explore a different style of education, take in a new culture, meet lifelong friends, gain independence, and more. Not to mention, studying abroad looks great on your resume! Seize the opportunity and go for it. It’ll be a decision you’ll never forget. 5
Senior Class of 2019Best Memories from Bay PathWhere do you see yourself in 5 years?"One of the best memories I have from Bay Path was orientation week my freshman year, I met so many new people that week from doing community service in an apple farm, to walking tight ropes 50 feet in the air. It was such a bonding experience that i’m still friends with some of those people to this day!!"Taylor Heinbokel - Agawam, MA - Business Admin and Ops Management"Winning the 2018 NECC Softball Championship"Jai Ruiz - Hadley, MA Criminal Justice"Late night study sessions in the commuter lounge with my friends. We crammed and freaked out together the night before exams."Ngan Tran - Springfield, MA Medical Science"Participating in Read Across America day through the Education club."Emelia Bakowski Longmeadow, MA Early Childhood Education"My best memories would be playing “Statue” with my friends. This game is a never ending game and brought many people close. This game is now life time and after we graduate we hope to still play it. I love that a game brought many individuals closer and turning this game into life time."Sam Drapinski - Malden, MA Occupational TherapyWorking in Washington, D.C.Mia Ryder - Somers, CT CommunicationsCertified PAJoanne Nazario Springfield, MA BiologyFinishing up my PhD and moving on to my postdoctoral program.Sara Lowe - Waterbury, CT BiochemistryQuestionnaire by: Mia Ryder6
One word to sum up senior year would be...- Shayenne Gonzalez, Enfield, CT Education Studies- Kimberly Dallas, Westfield, MA Health and Human Studies- Jada Furlow, Windsor, CT Communications- Anna Austin, Stafford Springs, CT Psychology- Elysia Carroll, Hillsboro, NH Early Childhood Education- Cassidy Bridgman, Southampton, MA Forensic Science- Amanda Marsden, East Longmeadow, MA Biochemistry- Tori McClure, Danby, VT Health and Human Service"Bittersweet""Journey""Unforgettable""A BLESSING""Exciting""Noteworthy""Busy!""Vivacious"7
Freshman Year Orientation and Campus Day 2015Class of 2019 beginning to end8
Class of 2019 beginning to endSenior Year Activities Seniors start the school year off at Campus AwakeningConvocation 2018GALA 2019!Battle of the Classes at Wacky Wildcat9
Contributing Writers: Carol N. Sanchez-Santana, ‘20 and Jennifer McNeill, G’19 The Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) is rooted in the students and communities we serve. Working in collaboration with other departments on campus, the OMA provides impactful guidance and direction to students from underrepresented cultures and communities through initiatives that encourage affirmation, advocacy, and empowerment. Through meaningful exchanges, our students have learned the importance of culture and community to deepen the personal experience. With the 2018-2019 academic year coming to an end, it is time to highlight our Seniors who’ve maximized their engagement with the Office of Multicultural Affairs. They are a group of fabulous, fierce and focused women, ready to conquer their next challenge, utilizing their past experiences to build on their future. Let’s learn about the 2019 Graduates, being recognized by the Office of Multicultural Affairs for their continued support, engagement and overall personal development. Melanie Costales is a goal-oriented Latina woman with a constant desire for student engagement and inclusion. As a youth who returned to the United States from Puerto Rico at sixteen, and had to adjust to her new environment, she understands the struggles faced by many students whose first language is not English. Melanie is passionate about Bay Path University and the opportunities she has been afforded. Melanie is receiving her Bachelors in Child Psychology this May. During her time at Bay Path, she has been heavily involved in A.L.A.N.A and this past year as Vice President of the Student Government Association. Melanie is also a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Community Council while contributing to impactful programming and empowering conversations. Most recently, she completed a full-time internship at an area elementary school and full-time employment. Melanie is aware that education is a lifelong journey and hopes to pursue a master's degree in social work to ensure all students are included and have space to uncover their true passion. As a mentor and role model, she has been a dynamic addition to the Bay Path community! Kiran Hashmi, of Pakistani cultural heritage, is a hard-working senior majoring in Medical Science with a pre-medical track and minor in Psychology. Kiran has had multiple roles on campus, yet she has made the best of her college experience while being engaged in diversity and inclusion initiatives. She is a proud enthusiast of A.L.A.N.A and Women of Culture. At the 2016 Academic Achievement Day, Kiran presented alongside peers including graduate and international students on research related to the Arab Influence on Spain. Kiran has contributed to cultural events including the Black History Month Symposium and A.L.A.N.A. activities which offered her a platform to co-facilitate an interactive presentation on Islam Hijab Awareness and assisting with the implementation of an Eid Celebration to highlight the end of a 29-30-day fasting period observed by many Muslims. Roslyn Klarou, an Ivorian-American, resides in Norwood, MA. She will receive her undergraduate degree in liberal arts and pursue her graduate degree at Bay Path in occupational therapy. A quiet intuitive leader with great wisdom and courage, Roslyn has a passion for learning and a desire for exposure to different ideas. During her time at Bay Path, she has been an active member of the A.L.A.N.A. Student Organization and Women of Culture Club. Roslyn often volunteered to staff events including the annual Unity Festival which brought together area colleges to celebrate diversity and multicultural education. Roslyn has facilitated her "personal" journey to develop her self-identify and growth. During her junior year, she was nominated to serve on the Diversity and Inclusion Community Council. This past fall semester, she applied her global leadership while participating in the study abroad program in France. This endeavor allowed her to expand her cultural knowledge and invigorate a desire to play a leading role in social justice. Multicultural Affairs salutes its seniors10
Le Nguyen of Vietnamese heritage lives in Central Massachusetts. Le is a passionate, innovative and vocal leader, especially when it comes to social justice and advocating for students of color and their experiences. She takes every opportunity to immerse herself in every culture by cooking, trying new foods, learning art history, new languages, and actively engaging in cultural events. During her time at Bay Path, she has been a leader of the Women of Culture Club, serving as the Vice President and Secretary. Le makes a continuous effort to collaborate with other clubs/organizations within the Office of Multicultural Affairs. She attends club meetings and comes prepared to offer club mission-driven ideas. She is not only an active leader on campus but also a busy student. Le is double majoring in Legal Studies and Cybersecurity. She is a peer tutor and has designed various art projects relating to diversity and inclusion. Her most recent piece --“Living Art”-- highlights the unique stories of Women of Culture members. Whether it’s using her Bay Path education to further science, technology, art or culture, Le will be taking her place in the world. . Tenzin Tselha of Tibetan heritage was born in Nepal. She currently lives in New York and is graduating from Bay Path with a Bachelor’s of Science in Medical Science. Tenzin lives her life with deep humility and appreciation for culture. She is extremely creative with a calm demeanor that exudes confidence as a leading member of A.L.A.N.A and Women of Culture. Tenzin was often involved in student-centered events and activities. From the first day she came to Bay Path University for a New Student’s Acceptance event, Tenzin has contributed immensely to the mission and goals of the Office of Multicultural Affairs and her presence has set the bar for student engagement. 11Amanda Brown, a dynamic Health & Human studies major, a catalyst for change at Bay Path University. In response to the request of many students, Amanda introduced the Black Student Union Club on campus. The Black Student Union and its members work to represent and advocate for students of color on the Bay Path University campus. Outside of her time with the Black Student Union, Amanda spent a portion of her freshman year with the A.L.A.N.A organization. Amanda has been accepted into Bay Path’s Master of Occupational Therapy program; she begins the year and a half program in July. After completing the master’s program, Amanda hopes to travel and perform meaningful work, assisting people with their everyday lives and helping them to get back on their feet. Amanda has valued her time at Bay Path University and looks forward to the challenges of the master’s program.
See the story - next page8Tuesday, April 2 marked “Equal Pay Day,” a symbolic day of events and activism representing how far into the year women must work to earn wages equal to those earned by men in the previous year. In observance of this day, we interviewed Bay Path University students about their thoughts on income disparity and pay equity. Students expressed concern about the gender pay gap, noting that the issue crosses all professional fields, including athletics. Everyone we spoke with referenced the reality that, though women often do the same work as men for the same number of hours, there are assumptions made about the value of that work based on gender. Additionally, students noted that the pay gap tends to be wider for women of color, suggesting that more practice in negotiation would be an important strategy to learn in college. This sentiment was echoed by Professor Janine Fondon, who facilitated a live broadcast from Bay Path on WTCC Radio’s lunchtime programming on Equal Pay Day. She encouraged young women to get into the field of Communications, so that they may “give voice and light to these issues.” Professor Fondon was joined on the air by faculty and staff members Gretchen Heaton, Melissa Weinberger, and Crystal Senter-Brown. Together, the panel connected the issue of equal pay to the University’s mission of providing a practical, affordable, and career-oriented education for women. “There’s a hierarchy of pay, and women of color are at the bottom.”“The wage gap is getting smaller, but not at a fast enough rate.”“We need more education on interviewing skills and how to have these conversations.”“In some cases, there’s a $40k difference. That’s money that could be used to really change your situation. It’s a downpayment on a house or an additional car or more money to support your family.”"The disparity is life- changing."“My mom found out she was paid less than a male colleague doing the same job.”Equal Pay Dayby Tracy Trial12
t 13Shark Tank!On Wednesday, April 3, Bay Path’s Women in Business club held an exciting pitch contest in Mills Theatre. Ten student entrepreneurs presented 90 second product pitches to a panel of judges, in the hopes of securing one of three monetary prizes. The panel included Molly MacMunn of Baystate Medical Center, Samalid Hogan of the Western Mass Small Business Development Center, and Bay Path’s Associate Provost and Dean of Science and Management, Tom Loper. Congratulations to Jessica Warren, Brooke Higgins, and Marlene Tapia for their winning pitches! As first place winner, Marlene went on to pitch at the Grinspoon Foundation’s Entrepreneurship Elevator Pitch Contest at the Log Cabin in Holyoke.
14Personal Shopper Program 33 students were selected for the 2018/2019 academic year to have a personal shopping experience at Ann Taylor and Dress Barn. The Personal Shopper Program includes attending a group trip to select a professional outfit that students can take home, paid for by our generous donors, espcially Mary Ann Spencer and Amanda Toner. Mary Ann Spencer enjoys attending the shopping experiences with students and we look forward to seeing her every time! Store Managers Kristen Jemiolo of Dress Barn in West Springfield, MA, and Jessica Santoro of Ann Taylor in Longmeadow, MA deserve special recognition for continuing our store partnerships for this program. The students loved the experience and community that Kristen and Jessica provide."I now feel confident enough to get out and start looking for my dream job!""We were able to find outfits that help us feel as beautiful and powerful as we truly are.""I had so much fun shopping for clothes for an upcoming interview...the positive environment in the store made me feel good about myself as a woman."Internship FundThe Internship Fund was established to financially support students who have completed unpaid internships. Our donors include: Kasia Novak, Natalie Jurkovics, Marilyn Walter, Anne Fitzgerald, Kathleen Low, Deborah Schreier, Louise Kursmark, Eunice Kavanagh, George Keady, Kathleen Cotnoir, Gladys Sullivan, Jonathan Besse, and Erin Hornyak. Our recipients of the Fall 2018 Internship Fund were: Bay Path University is grateful for the support of our donors to make each of our programs possible!Kimberly Goccia – Turfcare Supply Co. Priscilla Morales – Valley Medical Associates Ericka Olson – Bacon Wilson, PC: Springfield Attorneys Bianca Pimental – Hartford Police Department Tanya Sourdiffe - Northern Hope Center Ngan Tran – Springfield Baystate Medical Center Isatu Barrie - YWCA of Western Massachusetts, SAFEPLAN Program Haleigh Bassett - Hampden County Sheriff Department Sharette Bello Suazo – YWCA of Western Massachusetts Megan Benway – the Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHSS) for the State of Maine Alexa DiMenno – The Arbors
15F C C While Carly Cronin’s official title at the career center is “Graduate Assistant”, she has gone above and beyond what is in the job description. For the past three semesters Carly has helped students with their resume and cover letter reviews, setting up their Handshake accounts, helping to organize career events and even served as a writer for the Network News. Carly also took the lead on compiling many of the reports we use in the career center to assess our outcomes, as well as our student needs. G A S C Lf P CCarly was also willing to do the “extras” that often came up, when we were creating new programs for student outreach and engagement. When we needed someone to wear the “Roary” costume for a career center promo campaign, Carly volunteered to suit up as “Roary” and pose for various photos and video, that promoted visiting the center. Carly also worked drop –in hours as well numerous events to help students one-on-one.In her spare time, Carly coaches Lacrosse for Longmeadow High School and is also a coach in Suffield, CT. A future educator, Carly also volunteers at her mother’s (who is also an educator) school. She will graduate next summer from the Education in Curriculum and Instruction graduate program from Bay Path next year and will complete her student teaching for 2019/2020. We know that wherever Carly’s journey takes her, she will rise to the occasion with the same kindness, patience and attention she exhibited during her time here in the Sullivan Career and Life Planning Center. Round of Applause on matching with Internships! The following students are participating in the Paragus IT Cybersecurity Internship Program funded by the Mass tech Collaboration Grant: Annika Flavin, Danielle Goodwin, Cynthia Korhonen, Sue Armstrong, Melissa Powers, Aisha Minto, Parisa Taheri, Candace Champagne, Korenza Manfredi, Jamie Cores, Kimberly D'Amato, Jessica Lanier, Amanda Rizzo, Nikole Sturtevant, Emily Lewanda, Victoria Lingua, Amber Lussier, Candice Small, Lauren Mendoza, Julia Miller, Magen Pyers Asha Manning: Jewish Community Center Cassidy Nuccio: Windsor Police Dept. Madison Quinn: Western Mass. Regional Women’s Correctional Center Abigail Joseph: Sanford Research Cassandra Byron: Turfcare Supply Corp. Sophie Kerr: May Institute, Inc. Maria Gil: Survivors of Homicide Inc. Natalia Cruz: Restoration Mental Health Clinic Megan Griffin: Big Brothers Big Sisters Sabrinna Dubiel: Complete Payroll Solutions and more!!! W , C!Bay Path students match with internships every day andwe are so proud of them!
By Maria Gil, Sam Leduc, and the SCLP Team!Internship Success Stories! Delimar Negron-Molina worked with patients, nurses, and doctors in the Emergency Department at the Baystate Wing Hospital where she shadowed a Physician’s Assistant, her desired career title! Jessica Nieves rotated through a variety of departments at Baystate Medical Center. She was able to interpret the results in the Pathology and Flow Cytology departments at a greater capacity and implement techniques she learned at Bay Path. Lexi Cears interned as an office administrator at Keiter Builders where she coordinated schedules for multiple project managers, became proficient at Procore, a project management software, which peaked her interest. Upon graduation, she hopes to get into healthcare management or non-profit. Eliza Lopez, a Medical Science major and Psych minor, completed her internship at the Gandara Center. Malikah Jeffries, Eliza's supervisor, came to her presentation and told the audience that Eliza was fearless and took on difficult tasks that most interns she's had in the past were to nervous to do. She then said that Eliza was one of the best interns she has ever had!Brianna-Rose Husson-Stockhamer interned at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampden County. She was able to promote the program and achieved her goal of enrolling Bigs. She also attended youth mentor days where she spoke with State Reps. Her ultimate goal is to work for a nonprofit, such as St.Jude.Bianca Cotton completed her internship at West Central Family and Counseling as a digital marketing intern. She used a program called HubSpot to post on different social media networks for West Central and New England Geriatrics. She created a blog on depression in the college community which was approved by the President!Riley Foley interned at the up and coming Hanmer Ross Cork & Closure as a member of the Marketing and Sales team. She experienced growth in communication skills through email drafting and sales calls. This internship experience helped Riley to realize that she wants a career that expands out from marketing and includes other aspects of business. Mary Peña completed her internship at the Division of Scientific Services Forensic Laboratory in their Chemical Analysis section to focus on arson investigations. She gained valuable research techniques and was exposed to numerous laboratory instruments. Mary will be attending the University of New Haven in the fall to pursue her Masters in Fire Science with a concentration in fire and arson investigations.Savannah Delgado recently completed her second internship at the Hope Center which is an addiction rehabilitation facility in Springfield, MA. She worked as an Addiction Counselor and improved upon her communication and interpersonal skills by interacting with patients during one on one sessions. Savannah plans to use this experience in her search for Graduate Schools.Ali-Sandra Machiote-Ramos had the opportunity to work with the home-finding and intake team at the Northeast Center for Youth and Families. She showed leadership in that she developed and conducted her own family resource meetings. With this internship under her belt, Ali-Sandra hopes to either get into the field of social work or case management. Erika Lopez and Malikah Jeffries16
Marissa Sarna-McCarthy: Baystate Medical Center Khouloud Mandour: Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel Kathryn Sadakierski completed her recent credit-bearing internship at St. Mary’s Academy as Teacher’s Assistant for a first grade class. Being that she is an Interdisciplinary Studies major, Kathryn incorporated both the Humanities as well as the Social Sciences into her lesson plans. She used arts and crafts projects as a creative avenue to deliver her lesson material. Chastity Ramos, Child Psychology major, performed her internship at the Manchester Early Learning Center, in Manchester, CT. Chastity was a teacher assistant to the preschool teachers. Her internship allowed her to learn more about the early childhood teaching environment.Congratulations to these students who also reflected!!(Shown left to right) Gulkhanym Tasayeva: Baystate Medical Center Sydney Daddario: The Key Program Megan Fabiano: East Longmeadow High & The Drama Studio Estefania Cabrera: The OnaWay LLC Brooke Moye: Committee For Public Counsel ServicesCongratulations to Cassidy Bridgman on joining the core team at Bode Technology as a DNA Technologist! Samantha Fazzino, Alexa DiMenno, and Brittney Cabral will begin Graduate work in Bay Path's Occupational Therapy Program! Christine Lane is moving on to become the Office Manager for AlixPartners LLP! Mariellys Peña and Cassidy Bowden will attend the University of New Haven Graduate School to study Chemistry and Fire Science, respectively! Genesis Terron, Gulkhanym Tasayeva, and Eliza Lopez will continue at Bay Path in Graduate PA and ABA Programs! Seniors on the Move! Min Henderson, an Information Assurance/ Cybersecurity major, has been accepted into the 2019 Google Machine Learning Intensive training in Atlanta, GA at Agnes Scott College. The 10-week training includes 400 hours of machine learning and training androom and board. Congratulations, Min! Our Careers Team hopes your next step is inspiring, challenging and rewarding! As you graduate, know that we are always here, if you find yourself wanting a mentor or a coach, a sounding board or a bridge to new horizons. Sending you the very best wishes as you set about living your dreams!17Wherever you're headed, we wish you the best!To our seniors graduating on May 19th, 2019!
Academic Achievement Day 2019 Academic Achievement Day was fantastic with dozens of presentations and activities. Please see below photos from the "Owning Your Brilliance" session. Inspired by Professor Maria Luisa Arroyo, students embraced their creativity as storytellers. Academic Achievement Day was also the day that the "I am Bay Path"photo posters were displayed thanks to Kathy Wroblewski and Ashley Pereira."I am Bay Path"18
19 Accepted Students Day Spring 2019
A special thanks to everyone who attended the "Wake UP with COMMunications event to showcase the Communications major. There are exciting, engaging courses in video, photography, multimedia writing and more! A special thanks to Dr. Lisa Ruch (LAR 400), Communications Professor Janine Fondon and Dr. Courtney Patrick Weber for contributions by their students. We extend thanks to the SCLP for working with students to plan this event.20
Bay Path WELL Program Students and Professor Honored for Five Years of Social Justice Work in Holyokesubmitted by Dr. John Jarvis Twenty Bay Path students and their professor, Dr. John Jarvis, were honored at Holyoke City Hall Wednesday night, April 24, for “Social Justice Community Work” at the Paulo Freire 2019 Gala Benefit and Social Justice Awards Ceremony. The event was sponsored by Paulo Freire Social Justice Charter School in Holyoke and recognized three individuals besides the Bay Path group. They were Natalia Muñoz, multimedia journalist, founder of Verdant Multicultural Media and hostess of “Vaya con Muñoz” on WHMP 1400 AM Talk Radio. She was followed by Edward W. Caisse III, Director of the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department and Founder of the South Holyoke Safe Neighborhood Initiative. The ceremony ended with a special tribute and social justice award presentation by Freire School students John Rivera and Estefania Gonzalez to Rhonda Soto, Founding Member of Paulo Freire Social Justice Charter School and Dean of Climate and Culture.The award to Bay Path students was based upon five years of collaboration with Freire School on projects as varied as after-school tutoring, grant writing, creating a reading room, securing appliances and storage cabinets for the food pantry, beautifying the school through artwork, running regular food and funding drives, and conducting a student-focused book writing workshop. This last project resulted in a published student book -- Butterfly Dreams: Stormy Realities (lulu press, November 2017). The book shares both the daunting life challenges and the strength to overcome those challenges by the young people who come to Paulo Freire School each day with the hope and the determination to build brighter futures.To date, 164 Bay Path students have participated in social justice projects at Freire School as part of the capstone course of the Women as Educated Learners and Leaders (WELL) Program. Krystal Duncan, a member of the first class to launch the Bay Path/Freire School partnership in the spring of 2015 sums up what she learned from her work at Freire School: “I felt a shift in myself after the experience of helping PFSJ. I became more empathetic and compassionate. I began to seek out stories of people in the community. I felt more of a connection and felt as if I had a better understanding of my community.” Exactly five years have passed since Duncan wrapped up her semester of service to the school.Bay Path Provost Melissa Morriss-Olson (front row left) joins Dr. John Jarvis (front right), Vice Provost Kristine Barnett (second row, right end) and Bay Path WELL Program students and families at the Paulo Freire 2019 Gala Benefit and Social Justice Awards Ceremony at Holyoke City Hall.21
Funded by the generosity of benefactor T. Marc Futter, Bay Path welcomed a panel of speakers from area colleges and universities for its 13th Annual Ethics Lecture: Dr. Constanza (Connie) Cabello currently serves the Stonehill College community as the Assistant to the President for Institutional Diversity/ Director of Intercultural Affairs.--Dr. Kijua Sanders- McMurtry is the recently appointed Vice President for Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer at Mount Holyoke College.--Jennifer De Leon is the editor of Wise Latinas: Writers on Higher Education and an English professor at Framingham State University. Bay Path's COMMunications Club held its first 'DIY' session to share their communication skills with the following community organizations-- Caring Health Center, Longmeadow's Storrs Library and Arise for Social Justice. The organization's have sent notes praising the creativity and skills of the students. On Location:22
Books: American Like Me: Reflections on Life Between Cultures edited by America Ferrera and E. Cayce Dumont.Short essays by prominent people about growing up in America as part of two (or more) cultures. Rage Becomes Her: The Power of Women's Anger by Soraya L. Chemaly Becoming by Michelle Obama Dopesick: dealers, doctors, and the drug company that addicted America by Beth Macy Fly Girls: How Five Daring Women Defied All Odds and Made Aviation History by Keith O'Brien The Challenge Culture: Why the Most Successful Organizations Run on Pushback by Nigel Travis Uncensored: My Life and Uncomfortable Conversations at the Intersection of Black and White America by Zachary Wood An Absolutely Remarkable Thing: A Novel by Hank GreenHank will be familiar to followers of the Vlogbrothers, which he co-hosts with his brother John. Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen: A Novel by Sarah Bird. A fictionalized story about Cathy Williams, a former slave and first woman to serve in the U.S. Army (Buffalo Soldiers). Unsheltered: A Novel by Barbara Kingsolver Bookssuggested byHatch LearningCommonsA special thanks to our Bay Path Access Services Librarian Miriam Neiman -- for the book and DVD lists. New DVDs include: Black Lightning - complete first season This is Us - complete second season Ant-Man and the Wasp Avengers: Infinity War Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again! Oceans 8 Three Identical Strangers Wrinkle in Time23
Students received academic recognition during the Marcia Conrad Awards. Congrats to all winners! Here are a few highlights.Marcia Conrad Awards24
Marcia Conrad Awards25
Professor Sandra Haddad (Forensic Science) traveled to Xin Xiang University in China as a guest lecturer along with Bay Path's international admissions director, Jill Bodnar. Xin Xiang University is a partner university with Bay Path, with a goal of bringing science students to Bay Path to study for one or two years with us.Going Global: From Bay Path to China26
Fake News: An Honors Thesis PresentationMia Ryder, a senior and Communications major graduating in May of 2019, completed her Honors thesis presentation to friends, faculty, and students of the CMS 110 class Q: Can you explain exactly what an honors thesis is? A: “Usually your freshman year, you come in and can join the honors program. Being a part of the honors program, you do variety of different classes, particularly lectures. At the end of your time here at Bay Path, you do this big end project, that proves you participated these last couple of years and also proves you can think and analyze critically. You put it together in a paper and then presentation and that is your honors thesis per se.”Q: What was your presentation on and why did you choose that specific topic? A: “I choose to do the topic of “Fake News: Why is it so Prevalent in Todays world?” I chose fake news because as a part of the honors thesis, you’re supposed to do something relating to your major. Even though you learned all this stuff in the honors classes, they [The honors program] want you to showcase all you have learned and how irelates to your major. So, I choose fake news because in this class ---Human Communications (CMS 110], we focus a lot on writing. I thought fake news was extremely relevant but also because I am definitely more into politics now, so I wanted to do something more political. Especially with the election next year, I thought there was a good correlation.Q: What was your biggest takeaway from the project? A: “My biggest takeaway consistsof two different aspects. The first, being how shocked I was at how many people get their information from social media and how easy it is to come across fake news and people just blatantly believe it. The second reason, as a whole for my major, is how I didn’t think I had the ability to write something like this, something so long, and actually complete a thesis, so completing it was so amazing. Literally the best feeling in the world when I completed it”. Q: What was your biggest challenge? A: “One problem would be the fact that there wasn’t a lot of information on “fake news” just because it’s kind of a newer term and didn’t really exists before 2016. False information has existed but the actual term “fake news” hasn’t. I had trouble finding my own reliable sources to put in a presentation about reliable sources ironically”. By: Anissa NievesQ: What was the most interesting piece of “fake news” you learned while doing this thesis? A: I’ve never heard of the moon hoax. The New York Sun published an article by Dr. Andrew Grant which was supposedly a scientific article about the different life he saw on the moon from his telescope. He stated there were unicorns, two-legged beavers, and human-like bats, as well as crystals, water, and plenty of vegetation – and people believed him! It’s so funny that people believed that was true”.
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Special thanks to: Dr. Yadilette Rivera-Colón, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Biology Undergraduate Science Program Research Coordinator On April 26th, the 2nd Annual Science Defens-A-palooza featured 13 students from different science majors who presented their honors thesis projects as part of the requirements for the Women in STEM Honors and General Honors Programs Majors in cluded: Forensic Science, Biology, Medical Science, Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Neurobiology Topics included the following: --Does playing soccer improve visuospatial working memory and physiological stress recovery? --Effects of Caffeine and Acetaminophen on Cellular and Genetic Health Compared to Previously Reported THC Effects --Oxygen Binding Capability in Normal and Sickle Cell Hemoglobin --Early Proboscidean Ancestor Dietary Evolution --Protein engineering in acetyltransferases --Harvesting Fingerprints from Plant Material --Efficacy of Date Rape Drug Detection Kits --Annotating hypothetical proteins in new genomes --Can you vaccinate a worm? --Using a tardigrade protein to protect cells from DNA damage --3D Printed Molds: Dime Sized Silicone --Changing Patients Lives Second Annual Science Defens-A-palooza32
WELL 400 Social Justice students share perspectives on various aspects of diversity and inclusion.This series was created by Dr. Courtney Patick Weber's class on social justice. Dr. Weber has worked with the students on these articles. She is proud of their voices on this topic. 33
Katie Kang, Lilly West, and Persefani Centeno According to Derald Wing Sue, microaggressions are "brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative racial slights and insults toward people of color.” Most people at some point in their lives have been subject to some sort of microaggression, an example of a racial microaggression is complimenting an Asian American student for speaking perfect English, assuming that English isn't her first language. Microaggressions are not always race related, they can also be related to gender, sexual orientations, abilities, disabilities, and more. The use of microaggressions is not talked about enough on campuses, in workplaces, and just generally in our society. While they may seem harmless at the moment they are very harmful to our self-growth and can impact the way we see ourselves. Whether it be a member of the lgbtq+ community, an individual who practices religion, or a member of racial background, we have all experienced the wrath of microaggressions, and the impact they can have on our personal development. We Need to Stop Using Microaggressions When we hear the phrase “gay path” we encourage this idea that going to an all women’s university is only for members of the lgbtq+ community, instead of seeing the university as a home for all women who hope to become more empowered.Hearing “that’s so gay” in the dining hall, because people are trying to be funny, hurts. Hearing “you don’t look gay” or “wow that girl’s butch” just because of the way someone chooses to dress, hurts. And get weird looks from faculty or students as I hold my girlfriend's hand walking to the car, hurts. Whether you are trying to be funny, or do not understand the impact of these small phrases, it is essential that we begin to band together as a university and end the use of micro-aggressive phrases in an attempt to make this campus more open and welcoming. We chose this problem because we felt as though it's something that goes mostly unnoticed but is a very serious matter. We would like to see people educate themselves about the forms of microaggressions to make sure everyone is aware of how certain behaviors or phrases can be disrespectful to a group. Again, a way to help this problem is when we hear someone using microaggressions we need to respectfully correct them, and inform them of how it could be hurtful to someone even if it does not apply to us directly. When people in high school figured out I was attending an all women’s university the first remarks I usually got were “you’ll go in straight, but you’ll come out gay.” I resented this statement because it infuriated me that people would assume a university could change your sexual orientation. Now that I have come out to my family and friends, this statement infuriates me more because they all claim “I knew it.” What most people do not realize, is this idea circulates our own university and impacts the lives of every student or faculty member who questions their identity or is too afraid to come out as who they are. The use of microaggressions is not talked about enough on campuses, in workplaces, and just generally in our society.Resource: Stay tuned for a range of diversity and inclusion activities at Bay Path. Each semester, stay tuned about workshops,seminars, clubs, programs via Multicultural Affairs and Student Life.34
Rebecca Kosinski, Nicole Larson, Abigail Macedo In the climate of the world today, many individuals are fighting a constant battle between their core selves and who society thinks they should be. There are cultures and practices being absorbed and lost in what we collectively used to consider to be a ‘melting pot.’ In reality, this melting pot is now a hazardous way of thinking that has resulted in one small demographic’s opinion of what is right winning out above all others. One of the many phenomena that play a part in this loss of individuality is a concept labeled by W. E. B. DuBois as double consciousness, or “...this sense of always looking at one’s self through the eyes of others, of measuring one’s soul by the tape of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity.” The inner turmoil between deciding which part of you to represent is something I have always struggled with. I will always acknowledge the privilege that I have from the whiteness of my skin; however, I cannot deny the discrimination and history of my ancestors. My father's side of the family is from Brava, Cape Verde, the smallest island off of the Western coast of Africa. I have seen firsthand the hardships that he has gone through in order to make a living and climb up the social ladder. Double ConsciousnessPhoto by drmakete lab on UnsplashSociety has created a mold that continuously changes yet implies there is a level of perfection we should all strive to attain. This causes people to have an altered, more negative view of themselves. The way we perceive others needs to be more than just physical appearance because people are much more than their flesh. There is no specific label to what perfection looks like. Instead of imposing that there should be a cookie-cutter type of person, we need to fully embrace and celebrate our differences. On a larger scale, one of the most important ways that we can celebrate these differences--both as a society and a small educational demographic--is to learn. As the most recent generation of university graduates, we are coming into the world en masse with information and objectives that each previous generation did not have. With this we can begin to make a change, even if it is bit by bit, and the best place to start is right here in our collective hometown, so to speak: Bay Path University. For example, when we used to visit him we would see drastic differences in the quality of life which left a lot of comparisons to my mother’s home. There were times where we would be eating off of the floor because my father did not have the money to afford dining room furniture. On the other hand, we had the privilege of living with my mother in a large house. There were even racial discriminations on her side of the family, where we as her children were referred to as the “white cape verdeans.” These experiences not only make you think that people of color are lesser than those who are white, but also puts in your mind that you should favor one side of your family over another. When talking about ethnicity I never know what to answer. There have been times that I have said I was mixed and it caused a full on debate. I have even had to pull out pictures to prove that, yes, the other half of my family is darker skinned then I am, and “oh look, here they are in our homeland.” Even though I have visually witnessed racism in America I have never gone through it myself. I never know whether to just completely deny the fact that I am more than just white in order to shorten the conversation or give a full-on genealogy lesson of my paternal side. The fact of the matter is the world has constructed a surface level meaning to what a person should be like. It not only is detrimental to those who do not look like that image, but it gives a sense of entitlement to those who do. This creates a mental disconnect on how we should approach others based on what we were indoctrinated to believe. The fact of the matter is the world has constructed a surface level meaning to what a person should be like. 35
Ciara Antaya Cassandra Morris Vinita Holmes Imma explain wat the heck dis thing called code switching is. Sorry, let me switch back and explain. Code switching is defined as follows, “The modifying of one’s behavior, appearance, language, etc., to adapt to different sociocultural norms” (“Code-Switching”). It is a fact that every single person in the world falls victim to code-switching, whether you are aware of it or not. Although if you are aware that you do this, you can prevent this potentially offensive way of interacting with people of all different cultural backgrounds. We, as students of Bay Path University, should be especially aware of this issue due to how diverse the community is. Experiences with Code-Switching Vinita: Code switching, for me, has always been a second “me”. I grew up hearing my mom switch her voice on the phone and getting positive results with customer service, and really anyone. Everyone in my family has my mom talk on the phone for them, from my Dad to my nineteen year old sister. I didn't understand why until I tried myself to speak on the phone. It was some important agency or something, I couldn't make it through 5 minutes of the call without them denying what they can do for me and eventually them hanging up on me. I got fed up and called on my mother. Once she talked to them she was on the phone for way longer, taken much more seriously, and moving up in the ranks of the people on the phone until she got some type of manager. Once she was there, everything got sorted out to what I wanted. This alarmed me, I began to think about why she was taken so seriously and I was not. Then I realized she had her “white voice” on. The reality of code-switching Now I can perfectly change my voice, or code switch. My husband has seen me do it when getting calls when I'm asleep. I sound wide a wake and have my “white voice” on perfectly. The level of respect in the other person on the phone's voice is always there when I start and finish with my code switched. I don't have to argue with anyone, I don't even have to ask for a manager. So to sum it up, I have learned that when I code switch to not sound like a person of color, I have no issues at all and actually get treated like I am a person. Vice versa with someone of color on the phone. The goal of this paper is to shed some light on the topic in hopes to educate more people and to get them to think about how they are going to act towards someone who may have different cultural views than them. If we, as a community, take culture into consideration, there may be less people who are left feeling offended or made fun of because of the culture or nationality that they live by. The action plan is to bring awareness to everyone, starting with the campus of Bay Path University. The larger goal is for everyone to be passionate about treating others the way they want to be treated and bringing awareness to this topic to create a domino effect of spreading kindness and equality to the population. The larger goal is for everyone to be passionate about treating others the way they want to be treated and bringing awareness to this topic to create a domino effect of spreading kindness and equality to the population.36
Sarah Power, Ashley Hevey, Kassandra Pepper, and Nataly Alicea-Pastrana Professor Patrick-Weber WELL 400-HH1 15 April 2019 It is common that in an individual’s profession, they shoulddress professionally or in a business casual fashion. However,what if one’s religion makes it hard to check all of the boxes offwhen dressing professionally for work? After a strong amountof research, we have discovered that it can be extremelydifficult for women with certain religious beliefs or culturalbackgrounds to simply dress for a normal day to dayprofessional setting. Many articles that we came across were asking the question ofshould we conform to their discriminatory dress codes? Theanswer is no, it is never okay, nor is it legal for an employer toturn someone away or terminate them simply because of theirreligious beliefs or background. This can include, hair, articlesof clothing, and even religious jewelry. Title VII of the CivilRights Act of 1964 states that, “businesses with at least 15employees are required to provide “reasonableaccommodations” for those who wear religious garb, unless itcauses the employer “undue hardship” (by, for example,compromising the safety of a factory worker)” (Bahler 5). Unfortunately, not a lot of women know about this right, andthat they have a right to their religious practices. Luckily,women are standing up for what they believe in and being whothey want to be in the workplace. Nataly Alicea-Pastrana'sthoughts relates to dress code. It is hard enough to be awoman in the workplace and having to wonder if an individualshould wear a skirt or high heels to an interview, makes it thatmuch more challenging. Or the question of should I have to putmy hair in a low bun or take my nose piercing out? Preparingfor an interview or a new job can be hard enough, and we canonly imagine what some of the women in this world have had todeal with when dealing with discrimination in the workplace. Forexample, we think it's important to have a culturally sensitiveapproach to dress code that is fair to all, within reasonableguidelines. Does Your Job Have a Discriminatory Dress Code?The biggest issue happens to be my hair. It’s naturally wavy/curly and it can sometimes be hard to manage and even style. Instead of being able to leave it natural, I have to spend an extra hour in my morning straightening it in order for it to reach that standard of being “well kept.” I have tried putting it in a high ponytail while it is in its natural state, but I end up looking unprofessional. I have had my supervisor and even coworkers tell me that I needed to fix my hair more because it looks “messy.” Even for the times I would put it in a bun, they still tell me that I need it needs to be fixed.” We wonder why curly hair in its beautiful natural state cannot look professional? How come women with curly hair have to have a different set of rules than the rest of their colleagues? Ashley Hevey has also had difficulties with company dress code when she challenged the term “traditional” within the company's terms of acceptance. Ashley stated that she had to remove several ear piercings when working for an employer because their dress code for ear piercings was defined as “traditional ear piercings are acceptable." Despite this vague definition, the human resource manager said that multiple ear piercings and body modifications were not considered "traditional" and explained that traditional is defined by “the majority population." Some cultures and religions have piercings and body modifications that are considered to be traditional for their culture and religion, but not traditional when applying this standard to the “majority population." We chose this as our topic because we believe that it is important for women of all religious beliefs and cultural backgrounds to have a place in this world. Whether that be professionally or socially, no one woman should feel as though they do not have a right to express themselves through fashion, jewelry, and hair. 37
Kathryn Chin Sharae Banks Min Henderson Mykaela Jensen In today's modern society women face many other obstacles in a gender inequality environment, and even though gender inequality can affect both men and women, women are the ones that face the most damage in our society today. Gender inequality has been around for many years, and even though women fight for the same rights as men, we never seem to get what we want because we are “women”. The most common type of gender inequality is the pay gap. Social Justice Project: Gender Inequality In “What is the gender pay gap and is it real?” the Economic Policy Institute mentions: “A typical, or median, woman working full time is paid 80 cents for every dollar a typical man working full time is paid.” The American Association of University Women (AAUW) counted the earnings ratio between women’s median earnings and men’s median earnings in “The Simple Truth about the Gender Pay Gap.” The result is an 80% pay gap between these two genders in 2017. These studies prove the one fifth pay gap existing between men and women in recent years. The gender pay gap is just one example of gender equality in America. Other current gender problems include: the gender gap in universities, sexual harassment, lack of affordable medical/child care, and government representation. When you factor in race, gender identity, and/or socioeconomic status, the gap becomes staggering.The reasons for these inequalities are many, including the power of gender stereotypes and media representation. But what can we do about it--what can our graduating seniors do to help us make some real world changes? Negotiate your salaries. Get your Master's. Get your PhD. Run for office. Vote. As students come to their final steps towards graduation, many will face ups and downs in life and in the workplace. If these graduating women learn how to negotiate pay with potential employers, they can increase their chances for better pay. If these graduating women continue their education, they will qualify for advanced positions and earn more power and prestige. If these graduating women run for office, more and more women will represent us in our government. We are already starting to see those changes today. And if we all vote, our voices will be heard and people will see what we care about matters. 38
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