Post on 10-Feb-2020
Most Outstanding Student of the Month
Brittany D. Icaza
By Kiara Biroo, ’20
Brittany D. Icaza, ’18, a student of
Hartwick College, has quite the
reputation on this campus for her achievements. Ms. Icaza was born in The
Bronx, New York. However, she proudly represents her mother’s Puerto Rican
and Italian culture, and Ecuadorian culture on her father’s side. Ms. Icaza
stands out not only as a student of this institution but a leader. She is not afraid
of stepping up and challenging diversity on this campus. She positively
represents African Americans, Latinos, Asians, and Native Americans. The
students of Hartwick College, including myself, speak very highly of Ms. Icaza
because she is our voice on this campus.
Ms. Icaza is a very humble young lady. She certainly gives tribute to the people
who helped her, such as Ms. Kim in the cafe who adopts everyone as her niece
and nephew. Joe Ficano has witnessed Ms. Icaza’s struggle and has helped her
to this very day in making sure she stays on the path t0 achieving her goals. But
mostly, Mr. Harry Bradshaw Matthews greatly influenced Ms. Icaza’s agenda
for Hartwick College. When she first took a class with him she truly saw a
better future for this school. It is unfortunate that we have to say farewell to
Ms. Icaza; her shoes will be difficult to fill at Hartwick.
Kiara Biroo (KB): How do you go about being an outstanding
student at Hartwick College?
Brittany Icaza (BI): I can proudly say I am president of the SOSU/BU club.
Student Editor: Kiara Biroo, ’20 Office of Intercultural Affairs Winter Issue 2018
This Issue
Page 1-2 : Most Outstanding Student of the Month
Page 3: People Of Importance
Page 5-6 : Cultural Page
Page 7- Upcoming Birthdays
Page 8– Food for Thought
Voices Magazine
together. Brittany D. Icaza is a most outstanding
student.
Award Winning Students
Kiara Biroo asked two Hartwick students this
question, “How do you define yourself and how do
you celebrate your traditions?”
Valerie J. Diaz, ’18
Together it is our mission to educate the campus in
A.L.A.N.A. diversity. For those who do not know
what that means, ALANA stands for African, Latin,
Asian, & Native American alliance which does not
stop there. It is because of these people, that I am
able to be the significant outstanding student with
the mindset to strive and graduate as someone on
this campus who has a made somewhat of a
difference. I am so appreciative to every one who
has helped me become this person today.
KB: How do you balance your personal life
and school life?
BI: I will say it has become more difficult this
senior year. I am a president to two clubs, a team
manager, a senator, a cafe barista, and a student
most importantly at the end of the day. My other
activities have helped me to create the friendships I
have today. The people I consider my family on this
campus I met because of my school life and being so
a part of the Hartwick experience. When I go home
to my room or have a free moment for “my personal
life” I reflect upon my day’s experiences.
KB: What advice would you give to Hartwick
students?
BI: I would say do not be afraid to be who you are. As
cliché as it sounds, it is the one thing a lot of us forget
when we first come to this school. Not being yourself here
on this campus makes it so much harder when trying to
find the place you fit in best. As long as you stay true to
what decisions you make and follow through with it, you
will make it through the difficult periods in your
academic and personal life. Being myself at Hartwick,
helped me become who I am today and that means saying
goodbye to a lot of unhealthy connections, and hello to
supportive people who genuinely want what is best for
me.
Overall, Ms. Icaza influences many students on
campus to think of a better future for Hartwick
College. She challenges many of us to think out of
our comfort zone and to speak up respectfully to
ensure that we as scholars moving forward
an education where he
became active in republican
politics. prabook.com/web/
eugenio.de_hostos/1345957
According to the above
website, “ Hostos played a
major role in reorganizing
the educational system of the
Dominican Republic. He wrote many essays and
treatises on social science topics and was one of the
first systematic sociologists in Latin America .” In
the honor of Hostos the people paid their respect by
putting him on a coin. In addition, Hostos will
always be remembered as an important figure to the
public.
Juan Pablo Duarte
Day, was named after
the hero of Dominican
independence from Haiti,
Juan Pablo Duarte. “He
was born 1813 and died
1876. He was sent to
Europe for his education
(1828–33). He and
several other patriots
organized a secret society, La Trinitaria, to work
toward independence and to stimulate liberalism .”
I was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. My
parents migrated here from the Dominican
Republic. I define
myself as an Afro-
Latina. My bloodline
consist of many
beautiful shades of skin,
so by identifying myself
as an Afro-Latina I am
including them all.
Music is very crucial
when it comes to
celebration in the
Dominican Republic.
It is nearly required to know how to dance bachata,
merengue, and salsa or else you will feel left out
when it comes to celebrating! These genres have
songs that are ageless and danced throughout
different generations. They
carry lyrics and rhythms
that reflects how patriotic
and beautiful the island is.
Traditional Dominican
paintings are known to be
very vibrant and depicting
the gorgeous landscapes of
the Dominican Republic. My
grandfather was a painter
himself and this is a painting he did while on this
deathbed.
People Of Importance
January 11th is one of the most important days of
the year in Puerto Rico
because it is the birthday of
the well accomplished
educator and writer,
Eugenio Maria de
Hostos. He was born in
1839. Later on in his
teenage life he went to a
university in Spain to get
Ask Fefin
Question: Is J– Term fun?
Answer: Wi. Hartwick ni uh shy bagay!
(St. Lucian Kweyol).
Question: What is the most important day in
January to African Americans?
Answer: Martin Luther King Jou
Question: Should Hartwick have school on
Martin King Day?
Answer: No, paske Afriken Ameriken yo
se yon pati nan lekòl sa a.
(Haitian Creole)
www.hikenow.net/
Dominican/capital-
The Cultural Page
Drawing by Loverte Larkai, ’18
The Day of The Dead is celebrated in
Central and Southern Mexico during
November 1st and 2nd. The people
believe “that the gates of heaven are
opened at midnight on October 31, and
the spirits of all deceased children
(angelitos) are allowed to reunite with
their families for 24 hours. On
November 2, the spirits of the adults
come down to enjoy the festivities that
are prepared for them.”
www.mexicansugarskull.com/support/
dodhistory.html
“"Hispanic" and "Latino" are often used
interchangeably, but they don't mean the same
thing. Understanding the difference between the
two can help you better relate to the many
cultures that fall under their umbrellas. From the
language and the geography they share some
commonalities that connect through culture.
However, different branches evolve into
different ethnic groups that share unique local
heritage and traditions. For example, Mexicans,
Cubans, and Spaniards are Hispanics. Puerto Rico
Johnnyjet.wpengine.netdna.cdn.com
Cuba
www.talkcinema.com
Battle of Rivas
www.tnhistoryforkids.org/BattleOfRivas
The Dominican Republic
bbqbay.net/category/Dominican-republic
Mexico
www.istockphoto.com
Celebration of The Battle of Rivas-
www.liveincostarica.com
Ask Fefin
Question: How many Spanish speaking
countries are there in the world?
Answer: vennde
Question: What is the most populated
Spanish speaking country?
Answer: Meksik
The celebration of the battle of Rivas
has taken place in Costa Rica for
many years, since 1856. The men in
the army were mostly farmers who
came together to defend their home
from “Confederate invaders.”
William Walker, an American who
planned to enslave Central Americans
was forced back into Nicaragua.
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo 1848
Baron Bliss Memorial
www.lighthousekeepers.com
The Treaty of Mexico - www.history.com
Upcoming Birthdays in January and February
Amber T. Lawson, ’19
Born in America
Brionie Nelson, ’21
Born in America
Loverte Larkai, ’18
Born in America
Elektra Hoyoun, ’18
Born in America
The Ponce Carnival: Food for Thought
The annual week-long celebration in Puerto Rico is decorated with creative floats, amazing
music, colorful costumes, and traditional food. This carnival is an old world tradition and it is
usually celebrated before the beginning of Lent. Ponce begins on the 9th of February to the
13th. The most exciting part of the carnival is seeing the dancers perform with the marching
bands and floats. This year will the 16oth year of Ponce Carnival in Puerto Rico and it is also
one of the most popular festivals in the Caribbean. Pictures of Ponce Carnival found on
doradobeaches.com/ponce-carnival-february-events/
Voices Magazine
Office of Intercultural Affairs
Hartwick College
Oneonta, New York 13820
www.hartwick.edu