‘Spring Odyssey: A Cultural Fashion Canvas’ A Personal Reflection

By Samuel Boucher

I’ve always considered myself an advocate for self-expression and a huge admirer of anyone who can unapologetically be themselves. I think those kinds of people have always inspired me specifically because I wasn’t really allowed to be my authentic self growing up, and most of the time, I felt like my talents and true potential weren’t being realized. Now, I’m at a place in my life where I can express myself freely and be as creative as I want. One of my main aspirations right now is to create spaces where everyone feels encouraged to be themselves and they’re not judged for sharing their art, their talents, and their history. That notion was the driving factor for me to create The Modeling Club here at Lehman. 

My Co-President Jaime & I created The Lehman Modeling Club with one unwavering goal: to create a diverse community where everyone would feel encouraged to use the space and platforms we provide to express themselves artistically beyond their own aspirations. When coming up with the idea of ‘Spring Odyssey: A Cultural Fashion Canvas,’ we knew we had to maintain our motto of inclusivity when approaching this ambitious project. It was only after we reflected on interacting with the diverse community of Lehman Students during our first semester as club leaders that inspired the infusion of various cultures within the Spring aesthetic of the Show. 

We were inspired to title the fashion show ‘Spring Odyssey’ after observing the participants’ of this project. Everyone’s hard work, resilience, and, above all, their growth from the start of this process to the day of the show was remarkable and inspirational. Just seeing how much a person can learn about themselves, not just as it relates to interpersonal teamwork skills, but how much they can accomplish if they simply believe in themselves. Every person involved in the fashion show left as a more realized, powerful, and proud version of the person they came in as on day one of auditions. 

I knew from the beginning that I didn’t want us all doing the same thing; there’s too much talent in the Lehman Community to showcase in only one way. In addition to the models, there were Singers, Dancers, Spoken Word Artists, Style Crew, Light Crew, Sound Crew, Run Crew, Building Crew, Decorators, Ushers, Photographers, and Videographers, all of whom were incredible Lehman Students. They all possess their very own unique style and swag, and that’s what made this particular project so different and legendary. No single individual involved in this production is like another, I wanted everyone to embrace their uniqueness and be proud of their purpose, growth, imperfections, and undeniable talent. I’m most proud of the relationships that were created through this experience, the sense of belonging, and the family that blossomed through all the ups and downs. We intended for everyone who came to view our show to see themselves in at least one person involved in ‘Spring Odyssey’ and say, “I can do that too.” 

I hope everyone involved is aware of how much their contribution to this project has positively impacted campus life at Lehman and knows they are now a part of an amazing legacy. Thank you to everyone who supported us throughout this process. Rest assured…this is not the last you’ll hear from The Lehman Modeling Club!

Brandon Marks Student Highlight

By Brandon Marks

Where to begin? I never would’ve imagined everything I gained from coming to Lehman College. From my background in basketball, which drew me to enroll here, to all the friends who have become like family, to the countless life lessons I’ll be able to carry with me forever. 

College is what you make out of it, for the first couple of years, it was rough for my generation due to COVID-19; no one was on campus, and besides having basketball, it didn’t feel like the real “college experience.”  I would say around my mid-sophomore/junior year is when my real college experience started and it's been somewhat unique. We don’t have dorms, and not many parties/hangouts, it’s different than what you would expect in college growing up. Truth be told, it was exactly what I needed: a place to focus on school, play basketball, limit distractions, and grow as an individual. I faced many challenges at Lehman, mainly balancing school and playing Division 3 basketball, but honestly, it has shaped my life for the better. My coach told me it was better that I went to Lehman and dealt with all these struggles rather than being spoiled at a Division 1 program and overwhelmed with all the challenges that life throws you. For the last few years, our team motto has been that ‘we need to adapt and overcome,’ and I’ve done exactly that. I came into Lehman as a boy and will soon be leaving a man. Honestly, I couldn’t have asked for anything more. 

Everyone there wants you to succeed. No one's going to do it for you, but they’re by your side if you need them. This year will be my final year at Lehman. The only thing I need is a CUNYAC championship, and then I’ll finally be satisfied. Shoutout to my teammates on the men’s basketball team and to all my coaches and the staff who make what we do possible! 

Discover Your Path in the Sports Industry with the Lehman College Sports Business Club!

What They Don't Tell You About Being a First-Generation College Student

By Cindy Orellana 

Thirteen years ago, my mother immigrated to the United States from Honduras without the chance to pursue higher education. Unlike my mother, I have been fortunate enough to attend college since arriving in the United States eight years ago. Although Spanish is my first language, I have worked diligently to learn English throughout my time in high school and beyond. My mother has always encouraged me to make the most of this opportunity and set a positive example for my siblings. However, she did not prepare me for the unique challenges of being a first-generation college student. 

 While there are many resources available, there are still some aspects of college that can be challenging. My top priorities are not only achieving personal success, graduating from college and becoming an English teacher and independence but also making my family proud. As a first-generation college student, I recognize the significance of perseverance and diligence. Without these qualities, all of my efforts may be in vain. Even though I already knew that I needed these qualities even before college I knew that in college I would needed more.  During my senior year of high school, I worked full-time at a laundry, with the goal of folding 400 pounds of clothes in just eight hours. I knew that I needed to save up enough money to pay for my college tuition, especially since I was an undocumented student. I paid for my first year of college paying my tuition with the money I'd saved from my job at the laundry. Along the way, I researched different types of scholarships that I could apply for so that I could receive additional financial assistance. 

As a first-generation college student, you may find yourself also working part-time or full-time to cover not only your tuition but also book expenses.  At first, I spent late nights completing homework assignments while working full-time at a bakery six days a week,  and attending morning classes. Despite my best efforts, my physical and mental well-being began to suffer, and I made the difficult decision to transition to a part-time job at a school where I now serve as a senior group leader, helping second graders with homework, while also creating lesson plans to teach them social-emotional learning, project-based learning, and others. For 22 hours each week. Balancing work and full-time studies remains a challenge, especially without financial or emotional support from my family. This lack of understanding and encouragement can be discouraging and isolating at times. 

        	Even though my mother has been an inspiration for me and has helped me be where I am today, she has also been a ‘burden’ because of her pressure on my shoulders. The words of my stepdad have been on my mind all the time. He has told me  “You can’t do it,” “You are a nobody,” “You will get pregnant at the age of 18,” and “You are undocumented--  no one will help you” Despite my stepdad's words of discouragement, I have always found inspiration. I have used it as motivation to prove him wrong. I refuse to believe that I am limited by my background or circumstances and am determined to reach my goals, no matter what obstacles I may face. 

Being a first-generation college student means that you will have a lot of eyes on you and lots of pressure on your shoulders. College has been quite stressful for me. At times, the pressure to perform has become so overwhelming that I’ve cried while working on my assignments. The thought of graduating d only added to my anxiety, especially since interesting my mother would frequently boast about my achievements to others without really understanding what I was going through. She doesn't know what I am going through. She just tells others how proud she is of me, but she does not ask me how I am doing. “Give yourself grace, stay true to yourself, don’t be afraid to ask for help, utilize your connections, and take advantage of the opportunities,” I tell myself all the time. It is okay to not be okay! 

I had to learn how to do everything on my own, from applying to colleges and FAFSA to setting up an Amazon account for purchasing textbooks and even figuring out how to obtain a VISA or Credit Card. However, this experience taught me valuable skills, including how to be more confident. Today, I am proud to be assisting my sister in her college application process and guiding her on how to apply for FAFSA. It's amusing to hear her ask me a straightforward question, such as "Should I put my social security number where it says my social security number?" But I understand where she's coming from. I was once in her shoes. I've even helped my aunt apply to different colleges and apply for the Jose Peralta Scholarship for undocumented students. Knowing that I am helping someone achieve their goals and dreams fills me with pride, and it's satisfying to apply the skills I learned to help others. 

Being a first-generation college student means that I have to push myself to work even harder when I am struggling because I want to succeed. I want to strive for what my parents could not have, to not only honor them but to honor myself for my dedication, hard work, and all I am doing. Now that I am a senior in college about to graduate, I realize the special gift I was given that some might take for granted. I was allowed to attend college. For others, this might seem like a natural step but for me, it means the world.    

This is for the nights of having to translate from Spanish to English to write a paper. Look where my broken English got me and where it will take me! This is for the days I thought I was never going to get through this because of depression and anxiety. This is for the struggle I faced and will face in the future. I know how much it means for me to want to help my gente, but this day is about me and celebrating how far I’ve come. If I could meet freshman me, I know how proud she would be. 

Heart Health Month

with Dina D’alessandro

February is Heart Health Month and Dina the Dietitian is here to help you take care of your ticker. Considering all of the factors that affect our health, we hope the following strategies and tips are easy to follow, especially with your busy schedule as a college student:

• Nutrition plays a huge role in heart health, which is why it’s important to include a variety of richly-colored, vibrant foods in as many meals as possible throughout the day. Leafy greens, berries, avocado, nuts, salmon, and dark chocolate are great at protecting your heart. 

• While indulging in the occasional fried or salty food is fine, be careful not to overdo it. Staying hydrated helps move sodium out of your cells, resulting in better blood circulation. So, be sure to drink enough water and other fluids. Carry a water bottle with you and quickly stop at any of our water stations throughout the buildings on campus to refill.

• Moderate daily movement—like brisk walking (or running to class)—can decrease the risk of heart-related diseases and increase your quality of life. Lehman’s beautiful 37-acre campus should make it easy enough for you to meet your movement goal. Getting your heart and lungs pumping helps deliver oxygen into the bloodstream and to the working muscles (including your brain).

• Proper sleep and stress-reducing activities benefit the heart as well. To increase better sleep quality and quantity, get to bed at a decent time and try to aim for at least 7 hours of sleep each night (no late-night cramming!). To help manage stress and increase mental clarity, consider meditation/praying, breathing exercises, gentle stretches, yoga or getting outside in nature for even as little as 20 minutes a day.

• Excessive alcohol intake can be detrimental in so many ways. If you’re finding yourself drinking frequently, consider reaching out to Lehman’s Counseling Center for help or contact the SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Need help managing a chronic condition or just looking for some guidance on how to make healthier choices on campus? Schedule a FREE nutrition counseling session with Dina D'alessandro:

Call (718) 960-8900

E-mail med.requirements@lehman.cuny.edu

Visit Old Gym Building, Rm B008