Category Archives: Leadership

[Stickied] A Note From the Editors: Trusting the Process

As told by Lance Charles Sun (NYMP9), on behalf of himself and Shipnia Bytyqi (NYMP10)

Middlebury Student in Barcelona

Lance in Barcelona, Spain

So last night I had to give a speech on behalf of the Posse at Middlebury Blog in front of educators, donors and politicians.  My job there was to convey the missions of the blog, give a reading from selected posts and reinforce the importance of the Posse Foundation program in higher education institutions. I would be lying if I said that I was anything but a wreck. As I approached the podium, clutching articles that I had printed out just minutes before, I realized that I had forgotten to actually go through all the articles among the chaos and pick out what I wanted to read. “Aww heck,” I said in my head. Here I was, a representative and co-editor no less, standing in front of a roomful of some of the most important people that could make or break the program with nothing to show. I started to sweat profusely under the spotlight, both metaphorically and physically. My heart raced. My throat dried up. The papers spilled on the floor in my nervousness. And then, I woke up. (This dream actually did happen by the way.)

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Without Feelings of Otherness

As told by Morgane Richardson (NYMP6) This is Morgane’s direct response to Black Pearl Ball: A Night of Elegance and Traditions posted on October 24th, 2011.

Much progress has been made over the last 30 years for women in education but ensuring equal opportunity for women of color remains a struggle.  As Women of Color at Middlebury, our tasks were often two-fold – to expand our knowledge and fight for the equal representation of students within elite liberal arts institutions.  It sometimes become unclear as to which was most important throughout our years as students.

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Black Pearl Ball: A Night of Elegance and Traditions

As narrated by Christine Valentin (NYMP10) with direct commentaries from Athenia Rodney (NYMP2).

MPNY10 at the Middlebury College Black Pearl Ball 2010For many students on the Middlebury College campus, the Black Pearl Ball is one of the most buzz-worthy events of the entire year. For those who have no idea of the Black Pearl Ball, it is a campus-wide dance hosted by the Middlebury student organization, Women of Color, that takes place during Homecoming Weekend. The event is attended by not only current Middlebury students but alumni as well. So how did the Black Pearl Ball, which in the recent years has also served as an alternative option to the Homecoming Formal itself, even came to be?

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Passing the Community Council Torch

Edited by Lance Charles Sun (MPNY9)

Posse scholars, regardless of where they come from (whether it is New York City, Boston, D.C., Atlanta, Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles or New Orleans) are all chosen for their commitment and dedications to their community back home. So it should come as no surprise that Posse Scholars and the Middlebury Community Council have developed a long and faithful history together. Inspired by Dean Collado’s post this week, Walking the Walk, we decided to speak with two Middlebury Posse alumni on their experiences serving on the Community Council.

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Rana for First-Year Senator

As told by Rana Abdelhamid (NYMP13).

My name is Rana Abdelhamid and I am running for First Year Senator for the class of 2015. Ever since I arrived on campus I have been inspired by all the extraordinary work that Middlebury students are doing on campus and that has pushed me to pursue my own passion in leadership [positions] as well. [Back] In New York City, I was involved in a lot of leadership roles, from student government to just being an older sister. Now as a student at Middlebury College, I would like to take on a new role as the voice for my class. I believe that the concerns of the class should be addressed which is why my campaign involves listening to students’ concerns and addressing them into my platforms. (This is why my fliers contain direct quotes from students about problems that they want to address.) As a First Year Senator I will continue to listen to the voices of my peers and ensure that they are brought to the table. I am also a part of Middlebury Posse 13 and the Posse community at Middlebury has really empowered me for this position through all of the support that they have to offer. Don’t forget to vote!

Elections are being held TODAY (Monday, October 10th, 2011)

Look for the e-mail from the SGA.

UPDATE: Congratulations To Rana! We wish you the best of luck and can’t wait to hear about your great work on the SGA.