After Spring Break (March 2013), we were filled with exciting programs and trips. One of the highlights has been the monthly dinners with international students where they were able to exchange ideas and advice accompanied by a nice dinner.
Students in cultural clubs also participated in Geneva High School’s annual Festival of Nations. The Caribbean Student Association, French and Francophone Club, Asian Student Union, Russian Studies, German Studies, Sankofa, International Student Association and Project Nur all came and did crafts and activities with kids and their families that related to their cultural background. 
Kimberly Guzman’13 later brought to us a conversation on studying abroad in Asia and factors why more students do not, benefits to studying abroad there, and her personal experiences studying abroad in Japan. At this discussion, other student attendees also expanded upon their experiences studying abroad. 
Geneva had Jamie Nabozny, activist, visit at the Geneva Community Center and screen the documentary “Bullied.” Professor Molina and William Smith students Aminata Dansoko ’15 and Sandra Saetama ’13 were able to go and meet Jamie Nabozny. This same week we also had the pleasure of listening to Emily McCarter ’02 (also in photo) who spoke about the anti-bullying efforts in Geneva City Schools. Continuing on the semester, students also went on a trip to the Memorial Art Gallery for the Asian Pacific Heritage Day Celebration and saw performances, exhibits and displays.
During the last week of classes, the Latin American Organization held a talk on immigration with guest speakers Peter Mares and Osvaldo Arce. 
Finally, we ended the semester with a photography session for graduating seniors.
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Second Half of Spring 2013
Trip to the RACE exhibit
Students and staff attended the highly acclaimed RACE–Are We So Different? exhibit in Rochester. The exhibit included several displays with historical facts about how people’s perceptions on race and ethnicity have changed, labeling on the census, race and how it relates to education in the United States and short films with interviews.
“The explanation on housing and racism shows how bad public policy and institutional racism have had a significant effect on minority communities.”- Jeremy Wattles, HWS Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning
Maslenitsa!
Nina Vtorushina, Fulbright Scholar in the Russian Studies Department hosted a spring celebratory event called Maslenitsa. It is celebrated during the last week before Great Lent. It symbolizes the farewell of winter and the coming of spring. In Russia, people eat pancakes and drink tea and do celebration dances as well as create these straw dolls. According to Wikipedia, in Russia as a culmination of the celebration, on Sunday evening, Lady Maslenitsa (straw doll) is stripped of her finery and put to the flames of a bonfire. Any remaining blintzes are also thrown on the fire and Lady Maslenitsa’s ashes are buried in the snow. However, little disclaimer: this part of the celebration was not done on campus.
Interview with Dr. Christopher Howard Hampden Sydney College
Youdlyn Moreau’13 host of the Lynda Starr Show 105.7 FM, interviewed Dr. Chris Howard, President of Hampden Sydney College asking him questions about how he came to his position, his struggles and successes, his message to young people and his views on the social media movement.
To hear the interview, click on this link:
Deborah Tall Historical Tour Spring 2013
Students in Fay Botham’s Senior Seminar for American Studies class went on a trip to Palmyra to visit historical church sites as well including the Church of Latter- Day Saints.
Crepes Anyone?
On February 13, the French and Francophone Club hosted a Mardi Gras themed Crepe Night at the Intercultural Affairs Center. Attendees indulged in assorted crepes as well as listened to some cajun music! Professor Torrea show off his cooking skills with the crepes!
Trip to Shanghai Restaurant
Students part of the Asian Student Union as well as international students took a trip to the Shanghai Restaurant in Rochester, NY to celebrate the Lunar Year! There was great food as well as lion dancing!
“After being abroad in Beijing, this reminded me of my experience.”- Melissa Hosek ’14
“It’s a great experience.” Aoyu Liu ’13
The Lynda Starr Show MLK Special 2013
Youdlyn Moreau ’13 a.k.a. “Lynda Starr” hosted a special MLK themed radio show live from the Scandling Center. Youdlyn interviewed students asking them what their thoughts were on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and what message they would give him were he alive today. Youdlyn also read poems from students in Geneva who won the MLK Art and Poetry Contest.
MLK Commemorative Events 2013
Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Commemorative Events include: MLK Community march in Geneva, NY (January 21), The Lynda Starr Show Live (January 24th 6-8pm, Scandling), MLK Day of Service (January 26), Presidents Forum featuring Marvin McMickle (February 7 at 7:30pm).
Winter Break 2012
During this Winter Break, while students were off campus enoying their time off from classes, some students who remained on campus enjoyed partaking in several outtings in town. Trips included: dinner and movie at the IC, movie night out, dinner and ice skating at the recreation complex. Also, several students participated in internships as well as trips to Los Angeles for career in media exploration. 
“Going to the LA Media Event was truly one of the best networking experiences of my life. I got to meet very successful alumni from the Music, Film and TV industries and it allowed me to have a clearer vision of my career path. I’ve obtained very insightful advice on choosing a field that suits my passion. Now I realize there’s many more opportunities out there within my interest in music – primarily songwriting, but I am hopeful for what awaits me after graduation. I’m truly grateful to have participated in this event!”- Youdlyn Moreau ’13
“The LA trip was an incredible experience, in my opinion one of the best programs at HWS. Meeting all the HWS alums and seeing how successful they all have become in the entertainment industry, gave me confidence and reinsurance that I too could be like them or even better. This trip completely changed my mind about my career goals and helped me with figuring out what I like and dislike in the entertainment industry.” – Chryssy Abdool ’13
