Empowered Voices: Young Women Leading the Way at Nassau Community College
By Shanice Brown Business Manager
In celebration of Women’s History Month, NCC hosted a panel titled Empowered Voices: Young Women Leading the Way on March 27th The event brought together a diverse group of young female leaders who are shaping the campus community through their roles in student government, the student newspaper, and the programming board
From laughs to hot topics, learning the definition of a “Situationship” and deep conversation, this panel discussion had it all, so much so that the panel went over the time limit and the audience stayed to hear the vibrant discussion.
Moderated by Alexus Heiserman, the current Editor-in-Chief of The Vignette, began with one of the first questions for the panel: “Who considers themselves a feminist?” The audience was quiet, with only a few shy hands raised. Alexus clarified the definition of feminism: “Feminism is the advocacy of women’s rights on the basis of equality ” After this explanation, almost every hand in the room shot up
For even the members of the panel, the discussion was a moment of learning and self-reflection Panelists shared their own experiences as feminists, leaders, and young women in a rapidly changing world
Kristina Higgins, the Secretary of the Programming Board said “Growing up, you are taught by society that being a feminist is a bad thing,” she shared “However, as I've come to learn, it’s just about wanting equality, and that’s something we should be loud and proud about.”
The panelists also dived into their personal journeys of leadership Amaya Nelson, Vice President of the Programming Board stated “I’ve always had a personality that attracted people to me My mother would always encourage me to be myself, and I plan to study law, so I have to have the courage to face injustice,” she explained
Sy’ria Perry, the Vice President of the Student Government Association (SGA), spoke to the importance of self confidence “I was told growing up that I can light up a room,” she said. “I was taught to see that light I have within myself and to use it to become the best I can be for me, and to inspire others ”
As the conversation progressed, the panel shifted to a spicy topic: How can men be better allies to women?
Destiny Samuel, who is set to graduate with an AAS in Paralegal Studies responded “Just listen to us,” she urged “Don’t take advice from men online or your friends If women are telling you this is what we want, this is what we need, then you should take advice from the majority of us who are saying that ”
Destiny Alvarado, Treasurer of the Programming Board agreed, adding that relationships whether platonic or romantic require mutual respect and reassurance “Women need reassurance too Everything that you would want you should be ready to reciprocate,” she said.
With the discussion about to end the audience had the opportunity to ask questions One audience member asked about the political climate, particularly recent trends to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and how this might affect the future of young women.
Jessialy Avilez, the current SGA President, responded with “I believe in the power women have and the power women of color have Even with limited resources, we can do everything we want to do ”
Amaya Nelson added her perspective, “I know that anything I want to do, I will be able to accomplish because I will break down any barriers meant to stop me and anyone who looks up to me ”
The Empowered Voices panel left the audience feeling inspired, informed, and eager to continue conversations on leadership, equality, and the future of women’s rights The young women who participated demonstrated the power of female leadership and also reminded others that the fight for equality continues, and that the voices of young women are important, as they've always been.
March at NCC:
March was a month full of exciting events and important conversations. First off, it was Financial Literacy Month, and The Vignette brought in Apple Bank to share some knowledge on how we can manage our money better, not just now, but for the future. They shared tips on financial habits and smart money choices that’ll help us build wealth long after graduation
In honor of Women’s History Month, NCC hosted an event that celebrated women’s impact in law and society. They screened On The Basis of Sex, a film about Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s early legal battles, showcasing how she became the second woman ever appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court. The event, sponsored by the Women's Resource Center of SPS and Student Activities, was a reminder of how far we've come and how much further we can go in the fight for gender equality
By Shayna Cristy-Mendez Opinion Editor
Echoes of a Love Lost in the City; Notes on Growing Up.
There’s a picture in my head that doesn’t exist anymore. I think I dreamt it once; It looks like, Home I had even touched it at some point, let myself linger in the dream for too long, and allowed my fingers to skim the surface like a cool pond on a summer day.
The picture used to be of you, but I think that’s because for a brief moment a blink in our existence you were the closest thing I had ever known to refuge.
When I try to focus on the image too long, it begins to burn The memory dissolves, whole portions gone like damaged sections of film, until only the fragments remain. Childhood memories sandwiched between absurdity and cruelty. Raucous footsteps and hollering, crowing with the morning as we cartwheeled into the next day. Always running to, and from something, without a single care. No sense of self preservation other than our inherent ability to survive. Clenched fists and bared teeth gazing up at every moment that refused to be climbed
Then, just like that, the spark was gone.
After all those years, I found myself lost in the crowd, face to face with the blur of you, left dancing with an echo of someone I used to love. You were all but a stranger to me, a wave crashing over and sinking back into a sea of unfamiliar faces. Intoxicated. Stumbling over yourself, with your speech slurred. Justifying every choice, every moment, every reason why: sprawled on the floor of a Brooklyn art gallery.
Of course; It’s all just part of the fun Never something to mourn
Had I somehow dreamed you into existence in all the moments before? In the hours spent finding ourselves, and our way, through haunted city streets, night always turning to day, lost in the rhythm of being alive Had any of it truly ever existed? Brooklyn turning into the Lower East Walking back home, humid evening after humid evening kissing our skin with honied dew and the first gasps of sunrise.
I had kissed strangers and tasted worlds, seasick with love, spinning under stars and the promise of something better; I had found myself, always, stumbling back to the comfort of your arms without understanding why. Even with the universe between us, I loved you.
When people would ask we’d laugh, “We’re just friends!”
I swear, I meant every word; I loved you in the way that only distance allows.
In all your familiarity, and the chasm between us. In moments of bated breath, and whatever happens in the in-between. Behind closed doors. Doubled over in laughter.
The days, weeks, years spent apart.
The safety of friendship.
As life slips past and suddenly, we’re adults, refusing to cross the street
Meet me halfway. Okay.
Some things are better left unspoken; reality pales in comparison to the dream. The deep superficiality of never truly sinking beneath the surface; diving just far enough to come up flushed, empty handed, and gasping for air
I think I saw something down there!
Maybe
I talked to your sister that night; I don’t think I ever really knew you before then Even now, I still know of nothing which tastes more of hope or despair than potential I close my eyes and exhale and suddenly, that thought no longer bothers me.
I’ve been with the same person for eight years. Shit, has it really been that long?
Yet, diving just far enough doesn’t quite seem as enticing anymore. Even as I watch you travel the world, rootless, photographing different versions of the same face, happier than I’ve ever seen you, surrounded by beautiful people who never age because they’re constantly on rotation now, there’s a whole universe between us and it feels bigger than ever. Diametrically opposed; I’m just plain boring and you ’ re beyond exhausting.
And beauty has never been a commodity to me; It’s always been less tangible Existing, in that space beyond human grasp: The spark in someone’s eyes, moments of brilliance, illuminating the room like lightning spilling in through an open window. Curtains billowing in the breeze. Fingertips, feather-light, tracing the curve of his spine, lips pressed to his bare shoulder. The hum of silence and scattered light the particles of our life suspended in the morning sun, barely held up by a breath
Love, in its quiet, sacred moments, stripped bare. Without pretense or performance.
I open my eyes and inhale, and I’m still right here. Willingly. No more running to and from without a care.
Yet, I can’t help but wonder if Love, despite its reputation, is something more violent in its truest form. Bloody knuckles and settling dust. Hoping to land a punch even when you ’ re swinging blind a heaving chest and confessions forced through clenched teeth. The push-and- pull of a fight you know you’ll never win.
Against all odds, laying your weapons down and coming to a truce
A passing glance. A held gaze.
“I see you wholeheartedly.”
No winners. No losers.
Just the settling dust and ragged breaths Trying to still yourself as the thought washes over is this what acceptance feels like? If this is “settling” so be it.
Nothing worth having comes without a fight. Tear down the walls, and build it all back up with your own hands. Until it’s something tangible something you can hold. Something you can eventually rest easy in, fragile as it may be. This, like everything worth having, is well fought and hard won too
NCCTALKS
NCC talks, The Vignette listens! This issue we asked for some “NCC Hot Takes”, whats a hot take you might ask? A hot take is defined in the Webster dictionary as “ a piece of commentary, usually in response to recent or provocative events.” We asked the college community their hot takes and polled them to see how many people agreed. To be apart of the next NCC Talks follow us on Instagram: