Propagate

The word of the day is "Propagate." Propagate has several meanings 1) to reproduce or cause to reproduce biologically; 2) to cause to spread out and affect a greater number or greater area; 3)to pass along to offspring; 4) to foster growing knowledge of, familiarity with, or acceptance of. Yet, I want to focus on the definition that relates to the foster of knowledge. As TRiO participants, you understand that silence of any subject matter will only propagate more silence; therefore, for growth to occur in your learning one must express the outcome of your preparation. In other words, the more you propagate on what you have learned; value will increase then you will realize the opportunities that await. In the book, “The Alchemist” I noticed this quote, “Treasure is uncovered by the focus of flowing water, and it is buried by the same currents.” I glean from this quote that learning can only occur when one allows the flooding of information or the overwhelming of studying as they grasp the true treasures of learning. So I encourage you avoid the attitude that I cannot read all this material before the next class but realize that a treasure awaits after the flowing of water.

Scrupulous

Our word for today is scrupulous meaning one having moral integrity or acting in strict regard for what is considered right.  In an academic setting the scrupulous behavior of one is paramount. In other words, many students lack the academic integrity of honesty toward their studying when relying on good grades; so they lean toward cheating to accomplish success. As TRiO participants, you realize the scrupulous preparation for each of class to avoid the short term solution of cheating to obtain the right answers. You understand that academic dishonesty consists of any type of cheating that occurs in relation in the formal academic exercise of obtaining knowledge to include Plagiarism. Remember cheating entails any taking or giving of information which one will use to determine credit for course work including copying from another student's test, allowing anther student to copy from your test, or even having someone else to write a paper on your behalf.

So I plea today that you continue the scrupulous work of preparing for each class with your unique studying habits without relying of any format of cheating.

TRIO My Cheerleader

While listening to the radio, I became very entertained with the song “Cheerleader,” by Omar Samuel Pasley, known by his stage name OMI. OMI, a Jamaican singer, provides such inspirational lyrics with an upbeat tune that moved me towards thinking about the vision of TRiO.  As I pondered about our students pursuing their educational dreams, these uplifting lyrics easily removed discouragement when confronted with roadblocks.  The “Cheerleader” lyrics constantly capture the theme that everyone needs a cheerleader, who knows how and what to cheer, especially when his or her mood turns to depression and despair. 

The beginning of the song identifies a need for uplifting with the lyrics, “When I need motivation, my one solution is my queen…” Therefore, if we replace the reference of queen with the term TRiO, then our motivational outlet will complement the vision of empowering, enlightening, and expanding the minds of TRiO participants. Since the song refers to a feminine character who serves primary as an encourager, likewise, TRiO serves in the same capacity of encouraging participants to pursue their dreams. Also, the chorus, “Oh I think that I found myself a cheerleader…She is always right there when I need her,” creates that security net defining a never-ending relationship between the singer and cheerleader. Similarly, TRiO seals a rock-solid relationship causing its participants to echo with confidence, “I found TRiO and TRiO is always there when I need it.”   

As DJs play OMI's song across the radio waves and other music venues, please think about TRiO at Wallace Community College, especially if you have entered into a roadblock. TRiO really does work, and it will work for you. TRiO serves as your CHEERLEADER who can make your wishes come true like the genie in the bottle. 

What's on your mind?

If you have seen the film "Get Out," what are some aspects in the film that mirrors the racial tension in today's society?

What are your views on interracial dating?

What are some actions that can take place to help fight racism and discrimination?

Have you ever experience discrimination because of your race? 

Tell us about it during your spring break from college. 

Purple Heart Medal

I have a new interest in Presidents’ Day. Although, this holiday honors, “the Father of this Country,” George Washington and other presidents like Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson, I found a  linkage of this holiday with the awarding of the “Purple Heart Medal” to men and women who suffered wounds or died during combat. This medal originated by General George Washington, and it became the most recognized and respected medals of the U.S. Armed Forces.  As noted in “Celebrating America’s Freedoms” published by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, D.C. https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/celebrate/purple-heart.pdf, the Purple Heart regain its significance under General Douglas MacArthur who reestablished the Purple Heart award in General Order No. 3:

On February 22, 1932 -- the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth -- the War Department (predecessor to the Department of Defense) announced the establishment of the Purple Heart award in General Order No. 3: By order of the President of the United States, the Purple Heart established by General George Washington at Newburgh, August 7, 1782, during the War of the Revolution, is hereby revived out of respect to his memory and military achievements

The Purple Heart represents a symbol of bravery of which more than 1.8 million persons have received such an honor. As you read the account of bravery performed by Purple Heart recipients, you will see ordinary persons acting selfishly to save the life of another person or persons. When you display bravery, a person refrains from an egotistical behavior to acts of modesty leading to courageous performance. In other words, bravery moves you to focus on others while negating selfish motives. Therefore, TRiO participants must establish within themselves that their life consists of more than just pleasing self. TRiO participants must develop the mental fortitude to continue their educational pursuit despite life challenges. They must realize their pursuit of a college Tassel will give others the assurance of possibilities. So think about these Purple Heart recipients the next time you get that “Don’t Care” attitude and find that bravery determination to assure others of the possibilities toward graduating from college. 

Therefore, I encourage you to click the link and find a Purple Heart recipient and read his/her bravery during President Day. https://www.thepurpleheart.com/roll-of-honor