TOC II Spotlight: 48th Annual Legislative Conference
We featured this TOC II spotlight in ourÌý
On Saturday, February 16, NYS MBK conducted a three-part workshop at the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators 48th Annual Legislative Conference (see Fellows spotlight). The workshop featured an update on the growing MBK movement across New York State. The presentation included a panel discussion moderated by Doris Waiters, Associate in Higher Education Opportunity, and featured Nichole Brown, Director of the TOC II Program at SUNY Oswego, and TOC II students Steven Alvarez, Medgar Evers College; Dennis Richmond, Jr., Sarah Lawrence College; Milena Toribio, SUNY Oswego; Shari Diaz,ÌýSUNY Old Westbury;Ìýand Quishiana Aguilar, SUNY Old Westbury. Aaron Santiago, a recent TOC II graduate from Nazareth College, was also in attendance.The panelists discussed a range of topics including why they chose to become teachers and the unique benefits of participating in TOC II.
TOC II students and staff also participated in pre-conference activities at the State Education Building on Friday, February 15. Â鶹ÊÓƵ Assistant Commissioner Dr. Anael Alston facilitated a workshop for the pre-service teachers entitled "Teacher, You Matter" in which he emphasized that teachers can change the mindset and the future of students. One of the attendees, Anabelle Maldonado, shared that "this weekend meant a lot to me and really was a huge boost for my confidence. The meeting we had at the State Education Department really made me feel like I could do anything. Being in a room like that, surrounded by passionate people really inspired me. This weekend was also extremely informative and made me feel that change is necessary, and change is possible."