Winter/Spring 2017 | 02
DISTRICT II OFFICIAL
Newsletter
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
GIVING BACK WITH OPEN ARMS A Sisters Duty to Make A Change Breaking Down the Barriers
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United We Stand
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Unity Amongst All Woman
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Love Is Love
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The Past, The Present, The Future
ORORITY ON S , IN SIL C UP
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D RATE PO OR
MU SIG MA
Locks of Love
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The Archer, the official District II Newsletter. It will be published three times a year, Fall, Spring, and Summer. In order to continue with this publication, we must work as a team and continue to send contributions. The Archer is a great tool to keep lines of communication open between our undergraduates and alumni sisters, promote our events on a district level and a platform to celebrate our sisterhood. I hope you enjoy the publication and remember to always wear your invisible crown. - District II E-Board DESIGN AND LAYOUT: Vivianne Jimenez, Destinidas Chapter ON THE COVER Sisters of Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc. Photographed by Khrystal Hernandez, Indigena Chapter PROOF READER Roslynn Figueroa, Emeritus Chapter CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Melissa Francis, Siksika Chapter Cheyenne T Jacobs , Siksika Chapter Jerilee Fonseca, Matriarca Chapter Carin Leiva, Matriarca Chapter Rosa Santana, Destinidas Chapter Franchely Inoa, Destinidas Chapter Jessica Espinal, Destinidas Chapter Yojaira Orozco, Destinidas Chapter Caroline Chavez, Emeritus Chapter Nicole Occhino, Emeritus Chapter Marcel Rogers, Emperadores Chapter
Winter/Spring Edition 2017
The Archer is published three times a year. Send inquiries and submission to: d2publicrelations1981@gmail.com
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Article from LUPE Fund, Inc.
TO BE ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY... Mosaic Chapter Spring 1992 Sirius Line BA Management MA Public Administration
Sara Peña, the president of the non
Ms. Peña founded the Boys to
profit organization LUPE Fund Inc.
Leaders Foundation. Its mission is
Sara lives in Newark, New Jersey,
to empower and motivate young
along with her family, where she
men by providing leadership
was born, raised and educated.
training, educational programs,
She currently serves as the Senior
and positive personal and
Community Outreach Coordinator
professional development. One of
at University Hospital in Newark,
the many benefits from the Latino
Department of Public Affairs.
Youth Leadership Conference,
She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Management from Kean University. She pledged at the Mosaic Chapter at Kean University in Spring 1992, the Sirus line. May 2014, Ms. Peña received her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Rutgers University in Newark, and was inducted into the National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration, Pi Alpha Alpha. Inspired by her son, Anthony,
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sponsored by her organization, is the ability to promote a culture of communication that will translate into sustainable results for the future. The Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders congratulated and issued a resolution, sponsored by Freeholder President Britnee N. Timberlake, to the Boys to Leaders Foundation for their commitment to providing educational, social, and cultural services and programs to the community, especially young Latino males.
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By Rosa Santana
Across All Boundaries Over 130 sisters, over 130 hellos, over 130 smiles, over 130 hugs, over 130 laughs, over 130 joys of love and sisterhood. All across the nation, from far and near, sisters across cultures were united as one in a room full of passion, pride, and respect. The ideas behind districts are just imaginary lines created to help govern our chapters, not to divide our sisterhood and today proved a testament of true sisterhood without boundaries. As I witnessed today we were united as one across districts. Women coming together as one joining minds, hearts, and sisterhood. On January 28, District II held our traditional membership presentation with a twist as we extended our doors outside the walls of District II; an opportunity where sisters gained knowledge and amplified the bond between the sisterhoods across all boundaries. Different ideologies and inquiries were answered and clarity was provided. Each session presented
created an understanding of our future and how we can manifest the best. Each piece of education guiding the flame that we each hold dear and true. The organizers welcomed each sister at the entrance of the conference at William Paterson University. Grips, hugs and kisses with the occasional muuuuu echoing the halls of the Siksika chapter. Breakfast was served to fill the belly and provide complete concentration. The conference began with sisters coming together and renewing our sisterhood vows and stating our oath with pride and honor. One by one, we stood as one and reminded ourselves why we chose to be where we are as women, as sisters, and as an organization. Remembering the flame that ignited us and continues to display firmly through our academics, our community and university building, and the empowerment of women. Presentation topics focused on recruitment, procedures of membership, ceremonial processes, and educating of unification. Blanca Mejia, Matriarca Chapter Alumni, presented the AMAZONA MODEL, understanding of the Amazona’s role to independence and sisterhood. She along with Cynthia Henriquez explained the relationship between the sister and the prospective member. Jessica Bermejo, Hasinai Chapter Alumni, greeted the sisters Texas style while showcasing Texas MU pride. All sisters joined with fun and liveliness… “The Stars at night are big and bright (clap, clap, clap) deep in the heart of TEXAS!” She then presented how to improve the information given to interested ladies. She gave insight to communicating the proper information to an interested lady and potential prospective member. Her Power Point presentation answered many questions on how information is given to an interested lady. We also had the rare surprise of our founding mothers, Lillian Sierra and Sylvio Vigo being in the presence. After the provided lunch, Cynthia Henriquez demonstrated how to execute our ceremonies. She discussed how preparation is the key to the success of our ceremonies.
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Sisters gained a new understanding of what the orientation process could develop into. The guidance provided in this presentation introduced a new form of execution. Cynthia truly aided the sisters into understanding the importance of planning and organizing. After each District Officer of Membership delivered imperative dates and information of future events in regards to membership. As each presentation was conducted, engagement and participation was evident as important questions were asked and substantial insight was given. The sisters seemed to have a clearer comprehension of formats and methods to conducting the orientation process. The key point to the success of our orientation process is to remember the order of the roles and when the order changes as well as preparation. In conclusion of this special day, the District II Committee had an exciting raffle giveaway, which some giveaways included an umbrella, a basket full of curly hair products, as well as a framed sisterly poem among many other items. As each winner was announced, sisters were ecstatic to receive their prize. Sisters gathered for their favorite pass time: a photo op as sisters exuded with joy and excitement the pride of MU was evident throughout William Paterson University.
“sisters across cultures were united as one in a room full of passion, pride, and respect.�
by Cheyenne T. Jacobs
The Election & Me As a African American women in college I feel this election and Presidency is going to be a very sad moment within our history. Personally, I feel the education that we have on how the election works is horrible and because of that we failed this election. Also people voted jokingly because they thought their vote did not count and even worse some people did not even vote. But yet are complaining about our countries current and future standing. Because of my personal views, morals, and everything I hope to achieve I feel Trump could never have been my President. The President on the surface might seem to be a face however they
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do make critical decisions one being appointing others into office. Honestly, we need to pay attention to what is happening within this presidency. For example, Betsy DeVos a woman who knows nothing about education and does not necessarily like public education was voted into Trumps administration as United States Secretary of Education. He is trying and has openly stated that he wants to defund Planned Parenthood which is something hundreds of thousands of women are on and its not only a national concern but it is a international concern as well.
Continued Pg. 8 5
Undergraduate Sister Spotlight
Nelsaris M. Jorge Nelsaris Jorge has been an active sister since Fall 2013 from the Siksika Chapter at William Paterson University. She is an undergrad graduating this May majoring in Exercise Science. Nelsaris has been active within her chapter by being Chapter president, being active on campus at many clubs and organizations. There isn’t a time you can not count on her for anything, she is always trying to help someone before she helps herself. After graduation she plans on continuing on pursuing her field through an internship. During her free time she teaches water aerobics class for older adults using water to improve cardiovascular fitness and strength. Not only is she a student but she also works as bank teller for TD bank. Her contributions to MSU have been many with helping out the chapter, always wanting out to help out the district with anything they need. She has always enjoyed stepping and strolling for school performances. Last year Nelsaris decided to become more involved in that aspect and started as Mazin Manager. Towards the end of the semester she tried out to be part of the team and transitioned as member in August. Nelsaris has showcased her talent in many Meet the Greeks performances.
Siksika Chapter Fall 2013 Amani Line Exercise Science Major
Not only does Nelsaris exemplify the motto of “virtue, beauty, and style” she is always willing to go above and beyond for her sisters. Thank you for all your hard work and know that nothing ever goes unnoticed. We applaud Nelsaris for her undying love and dedication for Mu and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for you.
Siksika Chapter Spring 2000 Caer Line B.A. English Literature
Alumni Sister Spotlight
Jennifer Rencher
Jennifer Rencher, a sister that has taken pride in this organization and has been very active for the past 17 years since she entered the realm of a MU. Jen Rencher, as most sisters call her, being a multiracial woman who is very passionate about multiculturalism. Jen Rencher, has a B.A in English Literature from William Paterson University. She now works for the Royal Bank of Canada as a Senior Analyst in Regulatory Operations. She serves as the President of National Multicultural Greek Council as she is a believer of diversity and the beauty of it. Jen Rencher, has held several positions in this organization. She has held the position of Vice President on the NGC board, District II Officer of Expansion and is currently the Historian of NGC. She has been Cocacique in Spring 2004 for the Siksika chapter and Cacique in Fall 2004 for the Genesis chapter. Jen has been awarded several times by the organization for her hard work and dedication. Some of these awards include, Undergrad of the Year, Supernova of the Year, Sister of the MUllennium for Siksika 30 th year anniversary, and just recently from the last convention, Polaris Star Award. Jen Rencher has made quite a few contributions to Mu Sigma Upsilon. From her famous Greek History workshop to her writing a proposal for the Bellatrix Chapter, her hard work and dedication to the love of MU is very much noticed by sisters both near and far. Jen Rencher: your hard work, dedication and love for Mu is very much appreciated. We love you and congratulations on winning this achievement.
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“I am who I am because of who we are.” - African Philosophy of Ubuntu By Jerilee Fonseca
United We Stand
There is a saying that when you strike a woman, you strike a rock. When you strike a rock again and again it ultimately creates a fire and under the right circumstances that fire will spread. January 21, 2017 was proof that a fire had spread with a humble protest of 15 in Sandy Cove, Canada, with 30 eco-minded tourists and scientists in Antarctica, and with millions more across the world. On this day, the Women’s March made history as the largest protest in the United States. This is a testament and reminder of the power of the fire within us. Now more than ever we must create dialogue and organize. To draw lines over opposing views is counterproductive. Rather, we should gain an understanding of where the other side is coming from in order to progress. At the end of the day, unity in humanity shall always prevail. We cannot defend our silence to oppression or injustice even if it doesn’t directly impact our lives. In the words of Martin Luther King Jr., an “injustice anywhere is an injustice everywhere”. Fear has and will never create change in this world. It is simply a tool of oppression and has the power to distort our views and influence our actions or lack thereof, if we let it. We must live by the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which translates, “I am who
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I am because of who we are.” It is our duty to pay homage to those who have created the path for us to have the rights we have today by doing the same for those after us. Regardless of our many differences and walks of life, we will always have one thing in common - Humanity. We take the ultimate pride in being the first Multicultural Sorority in this free nation. Then let us be the first to rise up on our campuses, be the first to defend the silenced voices, be the first to protect our rights, and be the first to fight for humanity. Rise up my sisters and may we never forget the power of our revolutionary minds. With pride I marched in New York City on January 21st and my fire has been ignited more than ever. Now, how far will your fire spread?
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Continued From Pg. 5 United We Stand
Undoubtedly, elections are important which sounds trivial but it showing in our decisions as a whole that we do not know what we are doing. People voted for Trump and are now going to social media speaking out against him because they are realizing the things he is taking away healthcare, education, etc. effects them. At this point all we can do is pay attention to what is happening around us and keep track on what we feel is being violated. Also be involved and get educated on whatever your craft is something this election showed is the lack of the younger generation stepping up to the plate. As a whole they are noticing these older and closed minded individuals are still running our government. We as women have a voice and the numbers to make ourselves heard and I feel we do not do it enough. So let’s ban together and continue the movement our ancestors started and redo what is about to be done to our country. We can do it with MUch love, MUch hope, and MUch support.
OrgSync Both old and new, sisters please register for OrgSync and send your email address to communications@ msu1981.org to be added to the national e-mail list. It is a great tool to stay informed and educated with the business of MSU. (No school affiliated e-mails please) 8
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SISTER SPOTLIGHT
Congratulations to Jennifer Quitiquit from the Siksika Chapter Spring 98 She was married on January 28, 2017 to Moses L James III. We wish them both many blessings and love.
Congratulations to our District E board member Darlene Santos from the Matriarca Chapter, Spring 08 on her recent engagement to John Saleh as well as her announcement on her pregnancy. Many Blessing to her family.
Our undergrad sister Jailene Burgos from the Mosaic Chapter, Spr. 16 participated in alternative spring break. This past week during Kean Spring break she spent time in the Atlantic City area helping to rebuild homes affected by hurricane Sandy.
By Jessica Espinal
Unity Amongst All Woman January 22, 2017 The sisters from Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc. had the chance to fall in love with their organization all over again. This was the date of our T.I.A.R.A Retreat. Dozens of females were invited to take place in this enriching day where they got to meet sisters from different schools, cities and even states. The T.I.A.R.A. Retreat is a forum to introduce workshops and ideas to perspective members. From ice breakers to workshops the day is filled with bonding experiences and even some groundbreaking moments where the T.I.A.R.A’S and sisters are joined throughout the day. The T.I.A.R.A Retreat forms a way for sisters to touch or reach females without being part of our organization. We have open arms to women in all walks of life and the T.I.A.R.A Retreat shows woman who are interested in attending examples of what we have to offer. Living with Intent is an example of one of the workshops that was led
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by sister Rosa Santana and Jessica Espinal where the ladies that joined us received the opportunity to learn about the benefits of meditation practices and living a life driven by intention. Many who attended all the workshops that were offered throughout the day did reflect how prior to that day they rarely had taken the opportunity to take care for themselves and appreciate all the hard work they do. Gladly they received the opportunity to do so at the retreat. Impacting other woman, whether part of the organization or not, is crucial because no matter what direction this wonderful life takes each and every one of them, they can always have moments like the ones offered at the T.I.A.R.A Retreat to take with them. Opportunities where they fed their hearts with laughter, wisdom and joy. At the end of the day, these moments are sweet reminders of the foundation of our sisterhood at the end of the day.
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By Carin Leiva and Franchely Inoa
Rally: Jersey City Stands with our Muslim and Immigrant
Bigotry. Tyranny. Resist. Jersey City residents gathered around Newark Avenue Pedestrian Mall on January 30th to stand with their Muslim and Immigrant community. Jersey City rallied for the rights of their community, making it clear to everyone, Jersey City is a sanctuary city. The 45th President violated the Constitution when passing a 7 nation ban that detains and sends back people because they are Muslim. Community Organizer and Co Chair Jersey City LGBT Pride, Michael Billy, presented 12+ community organization speakers and activists, along with Mayor Steven Fulop: Mayor of Jersey City. Close your eyes and picture yourself in a crowd of diverse individuals, loud chants and ‘New Jersey Immigrant Strong’ signs waving in the air. Uplifting each other and all of our rights. Empowering justice through service for not just themselves but for all. That
night, Jersey City understood that this nation was built on immigrants. With the Statue of Liberty brushed up against our shore, the beacon of hope shined brighter than ever. The plaque at the base of it reads: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” United, we stood tall with the values and morals of our country behind us. Along with sister Carin Leiva from the Matriarca Chapter and sister Franchely Inoa from the Destinidas Chapter, we stood in solidarity with our immigrants and the Muslim community. One message was very clear, not all Americans stand by our very unAmerican president. We will not back down, we will not be quiet. Once injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty.
“Everything you want is on the other side of fear” - Jack Canfield
Sisters Franchely alongside sister Carin at today’s rally in Jersey City dedicated to standing with our Muslim and Immigrant community. have put in to help others. 10
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By Caroline Chavez
An Amazona With a MUse “The artist never entirely knows — We guess. We may be wrong, but we take leap after leap in the dark” ~Agnes de Mille
On February 18, 2017 we had our annual Paint and Sip: Valentine’s Day Edition. I was honored to be chosen to teach our guests to paint while also having a good time, surrounded by great vibes. To many this might have looked like something that was effortless, but it was actually a big deal for me. As an artist I am costumed to having a vision and executing it in the moment, but teaching multiple people at the same time was something that I saw as a difficult task. I have always had issues with standing in front of a classroom to present my work, I would get nervous and anxiety would take over me. Being able to join our bluetiful organization taught me many things and most importantly; to express my passions no matter how impossible it may seem to me. This came hand in hand with the fact that I had never taught a paint and sip class, or taught anyone else at that. There is a lot of behind the scenes work that an THE ARCHER |
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artist needs to do in order to teach others. One thing that occurred before I started teaching that day was that I was so nervous because I knew people invested money for this event and I did not want to let them down. As panic began to show all over my face I had a very influential sister come up to me (Vivianne Jimenez, Destinidas Chapter, Spr. 95) and say “Let your creativity and passion teach the class, the rest is effortless… you got this”. That is all I needed to let my talents shine through. I had the crowd engaged and laughing at the same time which was a recipe for such a successful night. This isn’t a piece to just tell you my experience about our event, but more to motivate our sisters to let their talents talk for them. We are all talented in different ways and it’s better to share them with the world and erase the doubt that you might not be good enough. The support from the sisters in our organization should be the drive to constantly display your passions. At the end of the day “Everything you want is on the other side of fear” - Jack Canfield 11
By Marcel Rogers Lambda Sigma Upsilon, Latino Fraternity Inc. Emperadores Chapter, Fall 1997
Tabula RasaBlank Slate
“Haven’t we already disposed of the difficulty about interaction involving a common element, when we said that mind is in a sense potentially whatever is thinkable, though actually it is nothing until it has thought? What it thinks must be in it just as characters may be said to be on a writing-tablet on which as yet nothing stands written: this is exactly what happens with mind. “-Aristotle
The panel was made up of sisters and brothers from different chapters and different semesters who have become iconic figures with the Upsilon Family.
Several years ago, Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc. created a forum for Upsilons to come to together to exchange ideas, reflect on the culture of our particular lineages, and to gain context to the broader perspectives of our experiences while maintaining the historical integrity of our family. As socially and culturally driven organizations, providing a medium to exchange and discuss our historical ideals while recognizing the current influences within our family is vital to constructive and prosperous dialogue and growth.
On December 11, 2016, the District II executive board of Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc. reintroduced the pledge forum to the Upsilon Family. Upsilons from different generations and backgrounds, once again, came together as a family to discuss the current state of our relationships and provide clarity to areas of
The Upsilon Family. An Unstoppable Legacy.
historical uncertainty. It has come as no surprise that due to the growth of our families and the illustrious additions to the tapestry of the Upsilon legacy that particular reflections of our membership have been open to interpretation. The purpose of the forum was to provide a path to continuity and consistency within our particular understandings of who we are as a family and what we aspire to be in the coming future. Our relationships and the implementation of new member intake has become the “baby blue elephant” in the room. To garner the broadest and most inclusive perspectives as possible, a
pledge forum panel was comprised of individuals spanning the eras of the early 90s thru the early 2000s. This period is reflective of instances of significant expansion initiatives within both organization as well as a reference point of heightened interactions between Mu Sigma Upsilon, Sorority Inc. and Lambda Sigma Upsilon, Latino Fraternity Inc. The panel members may be considered as “iconic” within certain realms of discussion. However, any who have had the opportunity to engage any of these dedicated Upsilons will have come to find they view themselves only as parts to the greater masterpiece of the Upsilons family. These panel members included Andrea Boldin (Founding Sister Mosaic Chapter Sp. 91), Angela Castaneda (Mosaic Sp. 94), Vivianne Jimenez (Founding Sister Destinidas Chapter Sp. 95), Blanca Mejia (Matriarca Sp. 99), Rebecca Behlin (Matriarca Sp. 02), Peter Castaneda (Pioneros Sp. 91), John Padilla (Resistentes Fa. 91), Algene Soliman (Emperadores Sp. 95), Javier Molina (Areyto Fa. 96), and Marcel Rogers (Emperadores Fa. 97). Each of these panel members has served and dedicated their lives to the Upsilon family in a multitude of invaluable capacities. These brothers and sisters shared the common intent to promote an open and honest dialogue to the
region to address deconstructing barriers that have taken a toll on our family; whether directly or indirectly. The ultimate goal of the summit was to bridge generational and ideological gaps created as a result of unawareness and inexperience between generations. The outcome of this forum was met with intrigue and a new found fervency and thirst for our history that has unfortunately been absent in recent years. A familial presence bridged the generational gaps and provided for the old school and new school an air of an eager ambition to once again become acclimated with one another. We had all arrived at the same conclusion. When we all chose to embark on this journey into the Upsilon world, we began as blank slates to be molded by our own experiences while coupled with the opportunity to redefine ourselves within this grand family. It was found that a dignity has driven our compassion for our family and this same dignity transcends generations. It was through this realization where the reflections of the past recognized the path of the present in order to light the way to our future TOGETHER.
WE are the Upsilon Family.
By Nicole Occhino
Locks of Love Before getting into my hair journey I would like to take the time out to thank you for reading this because this is the first time I fully reflect on my story. My decision to shave off all my hair started way before Sunday at 12:38 am on January 15, 2017, when I did it. This journey also didn’t start on August 19, 2013, when I lost my aunt (Titi) to breast cancer. My inspiration to shave my head came when I saw her beginning to lose hair after coming home from chemo. I automatically thought of how I could donate my hair to help her. My first plan was to shave it off so we could make a wig for her to wear but when I found out I could not donate my hair because it was bleached and dyed, I was devastated. It crushed me. I promised myself that I was going to cut it off eventually to donate it, but sadly, my hair didn’t grow fast enough for me to give the hair back to Titi. August 19 th only intensified my passion cut it off. So I waited for my opportunity to come, I’m not going to lie, the idea kind of pushed itself to the back of my mind until July 4, 2016, when I lost my other aunt (Rosie) to breast cancer. After I lost Rosie, it pushed the idea back into reality reminding me I had made a promise. With all the dye out of my hair I was just waiting for my hair to grow long enough to donate a ponytail. One night while doing my hair I realized that my hair was never going to be the way I wanted it to be unless I cut it and start with new growth. All the dyeing and bleaching had ran a toll on my 14
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hair and changed it completely compared to its original pattern. As I stood in front of the mirror dissatisfied with my hair I began to think of Titi and Rosie, tears began rolling down my cheeks and I smiled. I realized this was the perfect time for me to do something that I waited
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
so long to do. So I took the braids out of my hair that I had started, brushed it out straight and tied it into a pony tail. I ran into my mother’s room to tell her that I’m cutting my hair and she chased me back to the bathroom in attempt to stop me but I told her that I already began (when I did not) and started shaving away. As soon as I felt the machine touch my scalp I knew it was something I really wanted. The next day Monday afternoon I donated the ponytail to some barbershop that had a donation box for the week, all I have left is one piece of hair for memories.
MARCH
12TH - District Meeting at Rutgers Nwk. Meeting begins at 11:30AM Paul Robeson Campus Center in room 255-257. 19TH - CULTURAL DINNER, Mosaic Chapter, Kean University at 11:45AM, Miron Student Center 228 25TH - APOLLO NIGHT, LSU Headquarters at 7PM UPSILON Family Meet & Greet at 7:00PM, SHOWCASE at 7:30PM
APRIL
9TH - District Meeting at Ramapoo College Meeting begins at 10:00AM Ansfield school of Business building room 230 14TH - ALUMNI LADIES NIGHT at Bloomfield College Room of Excellence. Meeting begins at 6:00M Details will be emailed.
MAY
7TH - District Meeting at Rutgers Nwk. Meeting begins at 11:30AM Paul Robeson Campus Center in room 255-257.
JUNE
8TH/11TH - National Convention at the Double Tree by Hilton New Orleans. For more information on MSU Orgsync.
JULY
22ND - District II Award Dinner Gala. Details coming soon. THE ARCHER |
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