Author: SEAN WILLIS

Baruch Voices (Ginelli’s Performance)

Baruch Voices, an opportunity for Baruch students (particularly first-semester freshmen) to display their talents through their voices. This can take many forms, such as poetry, spoken word, song, etc. In the case of my FRO classmate Ginelli,  she chose to express herself in a poem. Through her words she exclaimed her desire to fulfill her dreams, living life as she intended; in happiness. She talks about what many college students are facing today regarding their career. Is it better to live life the way you want it, doing what you love regardless of how lucrative it may be, or is it prudent to garner a degree to fulfill your means? Ginelli is no stranger to this. An aspiring, talented and passionate dancer who has a clear view of the dreams and goals she wishes to achieve, but is faced with that daunting choice of choosing a career/major more “beneficial” to her in the long run. Moreover, she goes on to say that despite this, she is happy. Happy being Ginelli. Happy knowing that she is passionate about something and will continue to pursue her dreams while also gaining that degree to fulfill her means. She’s happy being Ginelli.

I thoroughly enjoyed her performance. Although I was very late and arrived at the end of Baruch Voices, I was able to watch her performance on video while also having had the privilege to witness it live the week before in class. It was very personal, touching, and relatable as I am sure there are many of us college students who are living in confusion or even fear with what the future holds for us career-wise. The point I believe Ginelli was trying to make is to stay true to yourself. This will provide clarity and peace of mind. Certain things will be revealed as life moves on and decisions will be easier to make. In short, it was an outstanding performance.

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Monologue

Chicken is Love, Chicken is Life

Chicken, like humans, comes in many shapes, forms, and sizes.

Fried, grilled, sautéed, boiled (ew), baked, and even alive,

If that’s your sort of thing…

Chicken has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,

A best friend if you will.

Chicken was there when I needed it the most.

In times of deep hunger,

I could always count on a four piece from the Chinese spot or two wings and a breast from Kennedy’s or as I like to call it, Ghetto Fried Chicken.

If it wasn’t made obvious enough, fried chicken is my favorite.

A close second, however is baked chicken.

Lord knows what a lemon spiced rotisserie chicken will do to me.

My love for chicken is nothing to be messed with.

As a child, my mom lied to me for years feeding me various meats whilst telling me they were my beloved chicken, until steak was cooked for dinner one night.

That’s when it all went wrong.

Assuming it was chicken, I devoured it, but then my step father revealed my mother’s lies,

I was eating steak. Cow, NOT chicken.

I was utterly disgusted and even now that has remained one of my darkest days.

Although I do enjoy a nice steak now, that is beside the point because chicken is what matters.

Chicken is Love,

Chicken is Life.

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STARR Suit-Up for Success

As students of Baruch most of us are either business majors or studying to be in super professional environments. STARR is an excellent resource available here at Baruch that helps prepare students for the workforce; ranging from resume editing to lending business attire to students who don’t have any or simply can’t afford them. The workshop I attended today with another FRO student, Yehuda Yardeni, involved providing business attire to students going on interviews, working, etc. There were clothing for men and women of various sizes. Also included were integral accessories such as ties with many different colors and designs. Button-up shirts, blazers for men and women, and of course shoes were available to be worn. All students were allowed to try on the clothing and it was all free of charge, although donations were being accepted. Furthermore, refreshments were provided to all who attended as well as a multitude of pamphlets displaying other workshops and events being Sponsored by STARR throughout the semester. Overall, I believe STARR and Baruch College as as one, are making great strides at providing students with ample opportunities to be successful students and eventually workers. Resources, workshops and events such as these are integral in making sure that every student, regardless of circumstance, has a chance for a bright future.

 

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Dear White People (Yes You)

imageI recently attended the showing of the film “Dear White People” conducted by The Deaprtment of Black and Latino Studies on February 11th. I met up with another FRO classmate, Soffiya, and we sat together. The film was definitely relevant to many of the issues we have today regarding racial tension in the US. I actually saw some of it before attending the showing, but this was my first time seeing it in full.

“Dear White People” is a film that encompasses almost all aspects of being a young Black American in today’s world; from being mixed, to homosexual, to the lightskin vs. darkskin debate, and more. The film takes place at a renowned university following the lives of several Black students attending the school. One of the main characters and students happens to be biracial, and is the president of an all Black house on campus. She is presumably the “cause” of many racial incidents happening on campus and regards herself as a Black rights activist. Having a White father and Black mother has caused her to feel like she must make a choice between which race she most identifies with. This is seen throughout the film as she outwardly identifies with being proudly Black, being the president of the all Black house on campus and running a satirical Black blog called “Deat White People” however, having a White boyfriend and personally enjoying things that would more or less be labled as “white.” Moreover, the film later revolves around a party happening on campus held by a house with mostly white members who are in opposition of the “Dear White People” blog. In an attempt to mock the blog, the party is themed for guests to dress up as if they were Black. This “Blackface” party causes outrage and ends up with the Black Student Union, led by Lionel who is a homosexual Black student formerly belonging to the house hosting the party, sabotaging the event.  It ends in violence with Lionel being seen as the hero and media coverage of the party being broadcast nationwide.

After the film, we were all led into discussion about various topics covered within it. It was a very good debate, with us talking about very controversial topics like if Black people can actually be “racist” or if the film and many other films in present day, carry a blatant gay agenda. Although it was relatively short due to time contraints, it was a very constructive debate and I enjoyed the film!

 

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