The independent student news site of San Diego Mesa College.

The Mesa Press

The Mesa Press

The independent student news site of San Diego Mesa College.

Breaking News
  • February 27Mysterious burning smell permeates campus; cause under investigation
  • December 17Acting Chancellor Smith named new permanent SDCCD chancellor
  • December 17Women's Volleyball claims state title

The Mesa Press

The Mesa Press

Umoja celebrate their commit to excellence

San Diego Mesa College’ Umoja collaborated with the Counseling center, the diversity committee and the black studies department held a Commitment Ceremony to end the celebration of black history month on Feb. 27.
The ceremony was lead by Michael Temple, a counselor and professor at San Diego Mesa College, and was accompanied by Thekima Mayasa, professor and Head of the Black studies department and Judy Sundayo, a Counselor and a member of the diversity committee.
Sundayo lead the first activity were student closed their eyes and drew themselves with their non dominant hands and a short excerpt. After that they would open their eyes and write a short excerpt on how the drawing made them feel without letting their hand leave the paper throughout the whole process. This activity was for students to look at their lives through commitment they have made and are going to make in the future.
One of those students was Michael Blair . Blair stated that “ the activity was very interesting, I loved it. It just made me think about life and my past choices and what choices I will make in the future”
The next activity was lead by Mayasa. She explained Nguzo Saba ( the seven Principles of Kwanzaa) and how they relate to the statements given about the pictures that were drawn. Mayasa stated ”Through our discussion students were able to see that many of the thing that they had said as individuals or a collective were a representation of all the different principle of Ma’at. Being able to recognize through your reflection your own purpose.”
Temple added “As we are aware, students are having to make critical decisions related to employment, housing, life goals, and clarification of self-identify. Therefore, Professor Mayasa’s exercise used the Nguzo Saba as a means for helping students to structure their physical and social changes and the seven principles will also help in guiding students on their inner-personal journey.”

The last activity was for students to broadcasted what they gained from the experience. Student varied from poetry to emotion filled outburst. The purpose of the commitment celebration was to see student understand the value in not only committing to themselves, but to commit to their community, their excellence, and the generation to comes.

Story continues below advertisement
Leave a Comment
Donate to The Mesa Press
$270
$500
Contributed
Our Goal

Your donation will support the student journalists of San Diego Mesa College. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.

Donate to The Mesa Press
$270
$500
Contributed
Our Goal

Comments (0)

Here at The Mesa Press, we want to foster a community for civil discussions. We welcome your insight and perspective. Comments posted must be appropriate for all ages. Any profanity or cursing is prohibited. That includes any attempts to curse with special characters (!@#) or spacing. Discuss and criticize ideas. We don’t allow comments that intend to intimidate, demean or harass other readers in any way.
All The Mesa Press Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *