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Tenured professors learning to use Zoom
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Hey Scholars,
As I think of a message to say to you all, it is very hard to ignore the rapid changes happening around us. Whether you are trying to enjoy a limited Spring break, settling in at home or figuring out how to navigate an online semester, this is in fact new territory for everyone!
While things are going a mile a minute and changing constantly, the one thing you can control is YOU. You can control your attitude, your hard work and your investment into your future. You can control your will power and appetite for success. Will you fully feed your desire to be successful? Or will you feed it “just enough to get by”? I challenge you to ask yourself these questions in the next few weeks! I challenge you to be resilient, even when things are unclear or confusing. Remember, “harder” does not equal “impossible”!
Many of you may have heard from me this semester, or previously. I tend to bombard you with “Hey, let’s talk” emails & texts (some of you ignore me and my feelings?...ouchh!). However, in the next few weeks you may be hearing from me or other members of the CCS Team a little more. At minimum we want to ensure your basic tech needs are met, especially if your school is transitioning to online learning for the next few weeks. To better understand those needs, we have sent every Scholar a survey! If you have not completed this already, please do so -ASAP! Also, we have a special section in this month's newsletter called "Helpful Resources"! Be sure to keep on reading to check it out!
Stay Strong, Stay Healthy, Stay Grounded! Ms. Shanice signing off!
-Ms. Shanice
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Upcoming Deadlines:
- We've narrowed down the possible names for our newsletter. Go vote in Round 2 here.
- If you have not completed your Survey which helps us understand your technical needs among others during this transition, do so ASAP!
- Please complete the Career and Internship Survey if you haven't already done so!
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What's New at CCS:
- CCS staff will be serving you remotely through internet-based meetings, telephone, and support services in the near future. We will let you know when the CCS office Re-Opens for operations and visitors.
- We have compiled a list of resources that may assist you during this time of uncertainty.
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 Scholar Highlights: ShaLisa Peterson
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ShaLisa Peterson, The College of New Jersey, Cohort 2022
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Psychology major and Women & Gender Studies minor, ShaLisa Peterson has recently directed a major theater production, The Vagina Monologues and was also the creative mind behind the vision for TCNJ’s Women's Empowerment Week! Check out a snippet of their conversation!
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Ms. Shanice: What sparked your interest to be a part of the production, The Vagina Monologues?
ShaLisa: I was interested in being directly involved with the Vagina Monologues, mainly because I wanted to see more representation of all women within this production. Since I am a W.I.L.L student (Women in Leadership & Learning), I have the ability to take on a minor and attend club meetings that give more exposure into the field of Women & Gender Studies among others. The first time I saw the production, I thought it was beautiful and the messages were nailing issues that women go through. These monologues have connected with a lot of women from the 80’s, 90’s and even the 2000’s. The first time I saw the production, I only saw 2 women of color. I wanted to enlarge that experience because there are so many women in the world. I wanted to bring this aspect to TCNJ.
Ms. S: What was your role in the production?
S.P: I was the Assistant Director. I did a ton of work with creating the script and made sure everyone understood their roles and what they were doing. I did a ton of scheduling and gave my opinion on topics that should be implemented in the different monologues. I was also directly involved with casting. I made it a point to express the importance of an inclusive cast and to be representative of all women around the world. In the end those things came into fruition and I was so happy to be a part of it!
Ms: S: Was this your first time being involved in theatre or directing? How were you selected?
S.P: Yes, this was my first time being directly involved in a production. There was an application process and there were about 20 other people who applied for the position of Assistant Director. I ended up being selected- which was really nice! The committee told me I was very passionate and straight forward about my thoughts in my essay and that passion showed throughout my interview.
Ms. S: What was the most challenging aspect of being the Assistant Director of the production?
S.P: The most challenging part was putting the vision together. I wanted to display true representation while not embracing stereotypes. I wanted to ensure we were respectful of all cultures and groups of people. I made sure everyone was comfortable with their lines, roles & their beliefs as it pertained to the play.
Ms. S: I know you also created the vision for “Women’s Empowerment Week”. Due to the extension of Spring Break, this event was unable to happen. When you received this news, what was your reaction? I know you worked on these ideas for a few months!
S.P: It took a ton of time to coordinate the events I had in mind. I was finally able to get my ideas approved. The purpose behind “Women's Empowerment Week” was to celebrate women and highlight opportunities that unfortunately a lot of women are shut out from. Some events I had planned included a photo day which represented all shades of women and their unique beauty, Women of Color Day, which shed light on the underappreciation of women of color and also a dinner with Mrs. New Jersey, TaNisha Fordham! She is also the author of the book “Go Black Boy Fly”. I planned other events as well, which would last 5 days! Since the extension of Spring Break it looks like it won’t be happening this semester unfortunately, so maybe in the Fall? I want to keep this as a tradition for a future Women’s History Month. I want this to continue through my senior year. I want this to be a part of the TCNJ community especially. I am not too disappointed. It makes me look forward to what it will become.
Ms. S: What advice would you give any scholar who wants to get involved in anything for the “first time”?
S.P: It sounds mad cliche, but don’t give up on yourself. I was never a director before, I have never put together a huge event that would hold over 2,000 students, but I was interested in doing it. It doesn't matter or not if you've done it before, or what age you are. You have to WANT to do it. If you are willing to put the time, energy and effort to be who you want to be, or do what you want to do- Just do it! Don’t let others tell you you can’t experience things just because it will be your “first time”.
Want to keep up with ShaLisa? Follow her on Instagram: @ShaLisa.Peterson
Want to be featured in our next newsletter? Tell us what you’re up to at: shanice.maynard@coopermanscholars.org
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What the Census… Every ten years, the United States federal government conducts a nationwide census to count the entire population by district, including children. The census is crucial in how the government distributes federal and state funds for public services, like education and transportation. Politically, it determines congressional representation, and how electoral districts are drawn. This year, 2020, the Decennial Census is being conducted again. People do NOT need to be US citizens to be counted.
Immigrants Say Count Me Out… Minority and immigrant communities have typically been undercounted by the US Census in the past, but many caution about a particularly extreme undercount this year in light of the Trump administration’s history and rhetoric around immigration policy. Despite the US Supreme Court’s decision last year to stop the Census Bureau from asking questions about citizenship, many families say they are not willing to take the risk. They fear that participation could lead to deportation of undocumented friends and family.
I Mentioned Politics… An undercount in the US Census means underfunding and underrepresentation. For example, California, the most populous state in the US with a large immigrant population, may lose a seat in the House of Representatives if the undercount is significant enough, which means they will have an even smaller voice in passing laws. Exacerbating the problem, this Census will have less funding than the last, which critics say will limit its reach and accuracy. Some states are earmarking millions of dollars to help fund the Census themselves. At a more local level, undercounting means your community could receive less funding for schools, community centers, libraries, and other resources provided by the government.
To Census or Not to Census... Those who are able to complete the census without fear should absolutely do so. Failing to complete the Census may result in underfunding for your district. Some estimates say the cost to your state may be $1,000 per person per year for the next ten years. A lack of funding may result in higher taxes, or budget cuts for local schools and public institutions.
Editorial written by Mr. Robby Motz. For the full story, go to:
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/27/us/supreme-court-citizenship-census-immigrants.html
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Tip of the Month: Online Classes
We are seeing an increasing amount of colleges closing down their campuses and switching to online classes. We want to give you a few tips on how to best succeed in this new format:
- Find a quiet, isolated place to tune in. If possible, try to find a dedicated area where you won’t be interrupted during class lectures.
- Eliminate distractions. There are many more distractions when you aren't in a classroom. Do your best to close those tabs, use headphones to block out your surroundings, and lock your phone.
- Take notes. The best way to stay engaged is by taking notes. Keep a notepad or google doc open as you watch the lecture.
- Fix your tech issues early. Log into your class lectures early to make sure your connection is working. If your wifi goes down, try using your phone as a hotspot if you can. If you experience problems with your laptop, or do not have a working laptop, your school’s IT department may be able to help.
- Ask about tutoring and office hours. Your professors’ schedules will no doubt be in flux for a little while. Be sure to ask how to make appointments for office hours and tutor sessions.
- Remember your Chegg award. For additional online help, Chegg Study and Chegg Tutors are available to you.
- Be sure you understand your class requirements. Some professors may have added online discussions or forums to make up for class participation, or have added assignments to make up for in person quizzes. Your original syllabus requirements may have changed. Make sure you know what you need to do to pass and ask questions!
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Resources for FREE WI-FI!
- Charter Communications is offering FREE access to Spectrum Broadband and WI-FI for HS and College students for the 60 Days! Please call 1-844-488-8395 to enroll. Please click here for more details and the eligibility requirements!
- Altice USA is also offering the same for K-12 and College student households: Starting Monday, March 16, 2020 - 866-200-9522 to enroll.
- Comcast is offering a low-income Internet Essential plan with two months of free internet for those who qualify. The plan is available to all qualified low-income households in Comcast's service area for $9.95 a month! Click here to sign up!
- They are also implementing free Xfinity WiFi to everyone at existing Xfinity hotspots without a subscription. Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots and then launch a browser. Click here for the hotspot maps!
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