According to Joinal Abedin, “to achieve success takes a lot of sacrifice”. From the nation of Bangladesh, this very dedicated student knows what it is to work hard. In 2010 he was fortunate to make it on the Dean’s List but knew that if he pushed him-self a little bit more he could make it on the President’s List, which he did in the fall of 2011 with an out-standing GPA of 3.93. With just a few more classes to take, Joinal is looking to graduate in December of 2012.

In 2011, Joinal was the lucky recipi-ent of the Becker’s Scholarship for Suc-cess, which entitled him to $4000 to take the CPA examination on his completion of his studies at Lehman. Joinal’s future goal is to obtain his CPA license and then his MBA.

Joinal is currently doing an internship at the New York City Transit where he works in the material division and is responsible for data entry processing and research inquiry. He owes this opportunity to many people but especially to Mr. Juan Vasquez, Intern-

ship Coordinator Lehman College who helped him with the online application process for the MTA Internship Program. Due to his physical disability, Joinal did not feel confi-dent that he would land the position. How-ever, at the end of the day, it was his skill set and great personality that mattered and he was chosen among many others. Joinal be-

lieves that the experi-ence will allow him to come away from his internship not only with accounting skills, but a greater sense of confidence in his ability to con-tribute in a profes-sional environment.

J o i n a l proudly shared with the staff at the Office

of SDS that he was recently interviewed for his U. S. citizenship after winning the lottery for permanent resi-dency in the United States a few years ago. He is anxiously waiting his official invitation to the Naturalization Oath Ceremony.

Congratulations Joinal!

M E E T P R E S I D E N T I A L S C H O L A R — J O I N A L A B E D I N

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

New Disability Club 2

Editor’s note 2

Live Scribe Pen Project

3

Grad School—2nd session

3

Internship cont’d 3

Change of hours 3

Editor’s note cont’d 3

CunyFirst workshop 4

Take Back the Night 4

OFFICE OF STUDENT D ISABILITY SERVICES D IVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

W H Y I N T E R N S H I P ?

Internships are very important because

they are known for giving students the op-

portunity to apply their knowledge in real

world environments. Every college student

is encouraged to use internships because it

allows you to beef up your resume and in-

creases the chances of landing full-time

employment after graduation. Going to

college is critical, but as a student you can

greatly enhance your classroom learning by

gaining hands-on experience through an in-

ternship. Some other important benefits for

students are:

development of leadership, time manage-

ment, interpersonal and oral communica-

tions skills

(Continued on back page)

April 2o12 Newsletter

Save the Date:

April 4: Disability Experience

Aoril 16 & 20: CunyFirst Work-

shops

April 18: LiveScribe Pen Pro-

ject

April 18: Deadline for the

Jackson-Stricks Scholarship

April 19: Deadline to withdraw

from Spring 2012 classes

April 20: Deadline to apply for

September 2012 graduation

April 23: Grad School Work-

shop

April 24: Take Back the Night

April 25: Differently Abled

Students & Friends Meeting

Joinal Abedin—MTA Internship Recipient

It was unanimously decided at the first club meeting for the students of dis-abilities to change the name of the club from “Lehman College Students with Dis-abilities” to “Lehman College Differently Abled Students and Friends”, known as DASF. The students were unanimous in thinking not of themselves as individuals with disabilities, but instead as able per-sons who do things differently.

The meeting was held on March 5, 2012 with eight members present. Stu-dents were excited about the opportunity to finally have their own club and the an-ticipation of getting started with their campus events. The agenda included intro-

“Some people make things happen, some watch things happen, while others wonder what has hap-pened.” – Gaelic proverb. There must be more to my college experience than going to classes! After one semester at Lehman College I was practically bored out of my mind and made a decision to be some-one who makes things happen. I began to pay more attention to my emails and learned about the ‘Track One Leadership Program’. No sooner was I in-volved in learning leadership skills and form-ing relationships with future student leaders. From there, I have been involved in so many other projects, to include, peer educator program, community service projects, Track Two Leadership Program and student clubs. My involvement on campus has certainly shaped my experience as a leader. Coming to school has been much more enjoyable and I have realized that keeping busy helps me to stay organized. I have been a Peer Educator assigned with the Office of Student Disability Services for the past seven months. My experience has been nothing short of enlightening! I assist in answering the phones, helping students who seek services and creating the monthly newsletter. The management and staff at the Office are exceptional and I have had the opportunity to learn so much from them. As a peer educator, I attend monthly workshops that are geared towards enhanc-

ing my college experience and where I am able to dis-cover more about my leadership style as I bond with other peer educators. Among the numerous activities that the peer educators are involved in, we also find

time to participate in fun activities off campus which allow us to improve our social skills. My most recent involvement has been with Lehman L.I.F.E. (Leaders Involved for Everyone). This is a program within the Office of Community Engagement and New Student Programs that takes students to communities outside of the NYC area during Spring and Summer break periods to com-plete community service projects. Its main goal is to increase awareness of issues affect-ing humanity from the campus to the global society. I am one of the proud students who will be travelling to South Africa in June this

year. I am very excited about this educational en-deavor because it will give me the opportunity to meet and interact with new people and learn about their cultures, develop new skills that will benefit my career as a social worker, and most importantly, help to change lives for the better. My name is Kim Singh and I am an undergradu-ate Social Work major. I begin my internship next se-mester and anxiously look forward to May 2013 when I will graduate. Working with the Office of Student Dis-ability Services has helped to direct my goals to get

(Continued on page 3)

Page 2

THE NEW CLUB ON CAMPUS

EDITOR’S NOTE

Off ice of Student Disabi l i ty Services

ductions, discussions of goals and mission of club, elections of executive board mem-bers and brainstorming ideas for fundrais-ing disability awareness. The executive members are Edmund Asiedu—President, Lalisha Hoyt and Venessia Bell—V. Presi-dents, Kim Singh—Secretary, David-Anthony Benito—Treasurer and Lauren McCarthy—Faculty Advisor.

The meeting ended on a pleasant note and everyone was encouraged to spread the word about the new club. The next meeting is scheduled for April, 25, 2012 at 3:30 p.m. Please call 718-960-8441 for the room information. Members of the DASF Club

with Advisor Lauren McCarthy

Peer Educator

Off ice of Student Disabi l i ty Services

The Livescribe Pen is part pen, part digital recorder, and part infra-red camera. Anything you write in will automatically be synchronized with whatever your professor is say-ing and you can put all of your notes and audio on your computer. In this open house, you will have a chance to learn about Livescribe and our Pilot Program, and

try the pen out for yourself. Come see how the Livescribe Pen can make notetaking and studying easier for you! When: Wednesday, April 18, 2012 from 3:30-5:00 Where: Access & Technology Center (Library 215)

Page 3

THE SDS LIVESCRIBE PEN OPEN HOUSE

INTERNSHIP CONT’D FROM FRONT PAGE

Allow a student to both make and develop

professional contacts.

Students can develop a greater understand-

ing of their own strengths and weaknesses.

Students can refine their career goals.

Boost their overall self-confidence.

Get a feel of the real world environment

while still in college.

Trevor Laurence Jockims, professor and SDS writing tutor has changed his schedule to Mondays and Thursdays from 10:00 to 6:00 pm in the Access and Technology Center (Library Building Room 215).

Thinking about grad school but do not know what to do?

Don’t be overwhelmed!

The Student of Disability Services is hosting another

Graduate Workshop on Monday, April 23, 2012 in the

Music Building Room 313 from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. Come

and hear our very own staff Trevor, a PHD student,

Magda, a graduate student, and Melissa who is in the

process of applying to grad school, share their experi-

ences in researching, applying and enrolling in grad

school. Learn how to apply for accommodations for GRE’s

MCATS, LSATS and other high stake entrance exams.

2ND SESSION-GRAD WORKSHOP

Agenda:

Application process Revised GRE’s Personal Statement Recommendation Letters Tuition Funding Q & A

Please RSVP by emailing:

disability.services@lehman.cuny.edu

or telephone the Office at 718-960-8441

Light refreshments will be served!

RSVP to Jill Roter at

jill.roter@lehman.cuny.edu

or call 718-960-8441

CHANGE OF HOURS

EDITOR’S NOTE CON’T FROM PAGE 2

involved with helping those with disabilities. Lehman provides students with a variety of programs and opportunities that are sure to inspire us to grow into great leaders of tomorrow. These programs help students to expand their horizons, grow mentally and socially and learn coping mechanisms that last a lifetime. Students become better rounded as they are able to strike a balance between academics and extracurricular activi-ties.

Take advantage and get involved today!

Meet the Staff

Merrill D. Parra—Director

Jill Roter—Assistant Director

Lauren McCarthy—CUNY LEADS Counselor

Trevor Laurence Jockims—Writing Specialist

Doreen Patrick—College Office Assistant

Magdalena Wojeik —CUNY CAP

Glendaly Rodriguez—Notetaker Coordinator

Melissa Santandar —Senior Peer Educator

Kim Singh—Peer Educator , Newsletter Editor

Office of Student

Disability Services

Shuster Hall 238

718-960-8441

“ATTITUDES

are the real disability”

CUNYFirst WORKSHOP—CLAIM YOUR ACCOUNT!

On April 16, 2012, students will start claiming their CunyFirst ac-

counts. It is mandatory to have such account since Summer and Fall

registration will be done via CunyFirst. In order to assist students in

this process, the Office of Student Disability Services hosted Cuny-

First Workshop on March 26, 2012. Those who attended were provided with information on how to claim accounts,

register and pay for classes. Each participant obtained a detailed booklet with step by step instructions on how to

search, add, drop or swap classes and how to manage their accounts. If you plan to take Summer or Fall 2012 classes

and have not attended any CunyFirst workshops yet, the Office of SDS is offering additional workshops to choose

from on April 16, 2012 in the Music Building Room 313 from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. or April 20, 2012 in the Library Con-

ference Room 213 from 10a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Melissa will help you to claim your account and Magda, who has been

working with CunyFirst as a Queens College student, will provide you with lots of helpful hints concerning registration

and account management. For more information please call 718-960-8441 or stop by the Office at Shuster 238.

DO NOT MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!

TAKE BACK THE NIGHT

Violence against women and men with dis-

abilities is a serious problem.

Join us on

April 24, 2012

Stop the violence, break the silence!