Warmest welcomings to a new semester! 

As February begins remember that this month is Black History Month; although, if you are like me you will think we must celebrate our people every day and stand up in the face of injustice. Make sure you make it a requirement to educate yourself!

I also recognize that this month, people will be overloading on chocolate, wine, and cheap lingerie; so I take a moment to remind you that whether within yourself or to another, love is a two- way street constantly under construction, take it easy.

Starting up this semester has not been easy and while I know it is hard to stay motivated and I know it is hard to stay positive let me tell you, it does not last. Really, none of it does. “So, what’s your point, Jana.” My point is, you might as well crack a smile or two because you will not be here for a long one. 

There are many things lining up for humanity, especially as of late. Vaccine? War? Peace? Economic shutdown? Justice? So many things that hold significance and yet are easily ignored when the lights are off and you cannot get out of bed.

Take care of yourself, breathe.

Be sure to take advantage of the resources that you have. Reach out and smile every once and a while. I leave you with this quote I recently read that had me rolling my eyes while silently and begrudgingly agreeing, 

“ You’ve got one life… enjoy it… cause you’ll be pissed in heaven when it’s over.” 

Hopefully, I would make it up if I got to heaven but anyway that is a conversation for another day. 

Resources

  • Be sure to check out what the Women’s Center is brewing up because from this side of town it looks to good to be true! Through self- love, self-care, & healing, they are here for your personal goals! Make sure to check out the link to their calendar here: https://tinyurl.com/WomensCenterEventLinks and make sure to subscribe and support them on their youtube channel also linked here: YouTube Channel.
  • Be sure to check out the Comparative Literature Undergraduate Journal at UC Berkeley if you are interested in the possibility of your research paper being published! They have been showcasing the best undergraduate research in literature and media for over nine years so be sure not to miss it; find out more by clicking on the link here: https://ucbcluj.org/submissions/.
  • Be sure to check out the following paid internship and volunteer opportunities for Humanities/ Social Sciences majors! The programs include the following: We Repair the World, Brooklyn Navy Yard, Pencil (Ladders for Leaders), and Hope Reichbach; remember if you click any of those programs, it will take you to their individual websites. Students can register by emailing careernews@brooklyn.cuny.edu.

With that, best of luck as the semester begins!

Jana Taoube ツ

PS. Remember our writer’s circle is starting up soon and we would love to see you there!