What is a Holiday?

For years the most sacred symbol of Christmas, the nativity, as blessed the Staten Island Ferry terminal. The admiration of Mary and Joseph upon the Christ Child has filled both locals and tourists alike with the true spirit of Christmas. Unfortunately, the borough of Staten Island felt the nativity took too much of a religious stance for this time of year and have stripped the ferry terminal of this classic decoration.

"Too many holidays occur to just focus upon Christ's birth" are the feelings of many. Even public schools are forced to say, "Happy Holidays" instead of  "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Hanukkah." Only winter deocartions, like snowflakes and snowmen, are suitable because they do not favor one particular holiday, or religion over another.
 

It is certainly a travesty that a simple nativity was abolished from its own season. True, many holidays occur this blessed time of the year. A menorah very well could have been placed next to the nativity along with the kinara candles for Kwanza or any other religious adornment displayed this time of year. Instead of taking sacred symbols we should be including more of them. Let us not forget... what do all of these holidays have in common? They are all founded and celebrated because of RELIGIOUS beliefs. Without Christ there is no Christmas, without the miracle of lights there is no Hanukkah, therefore without these sacred stories there are NO HOLIDAYS.

I have said before, each year these festivities become less of what truly defines them. We have stripped the holidays down to an economical stand point. And seeing as our country continually faces financial deficeit, we abuse the holidays, using them merely as a strategy to help us stay afloat.

I invite you all to try this: take a couple of minutes at night to just sit with your thoughts and deocartions, listening to a religious song in celebration of your holiday. Just today I listened to "O Holy Night" while relaxing by my Christmas tree. Maybe this will help all of us to better understand the true meaning of the most wonderful time of the year!

A Poem

I promised in my very first blog I would share some poetry... well here it is! I wrote this piece while studying Italian Renaissance art in Florence. The Madonna and Child is one of the most sacred and beloved symbols of Catholism. Mary repeatedly wears a forlorn look signifying her knowledge of her son's fate. Being as it is the Christmas season, this poem seemd fitting.

"My Baby Boy"

Sweet child I am here

Queen of Heaven, Mother to you.

Kiss my cheek

hold my hand.

They can't harm you now.

You are mine.

Darling baby your fate is sad

Savior of men, Son of God.

Close your eyes

don't worry, I am here.

Guiding you.

Loving you.

My Child God.

My baby boy.

I've Got All My Sisters With Me!

“Twas the night before Bid Day and all through the dorms

every PNM was restless, that was the norm.

Each single girl lay awake in her bed

while visions of welcoming sisters danced in her head.

I, one such girl, all the night sighed

hoping I would be chosen for Alpha Omicron Pi.

The morning finally came and I walked in the room

to a letter reading “Alpha Omicron Pi welcomes you!”

I sprang up the stairs to a wonderful sight

of AOII sisters shouting, “We knew you fit just right!”

Choosing to partake in Greek life at Wagner College (specifically Alpha Omicron Pi) has been the most rich and rewarding experience of my college career. Wagner College Greek life truly defies the horrific stereotypes labeled upon sorority girls. These were strong, classy women looking to make the world a better place by their unity. My very first lesson as a potential new AOII member will forever stay with me, “Around the room you see each sister wearing the AOII letters, but if you take a closer look you will notice each girl wears a different pattern and color. This is to show that we are all different yet come together for the good of our sorority.” Those immortal words touched my heart and helped me discover how to be an individual yet work with girls different from myself.

The friendships I have made through Alpha Omicron Pi are ones to truly last a life time. We have laughed, cried, worked, traveled, and fought together; every experience only cementing our bond. Some of my fondest memories are of snowy days gathering in the lounge, pushing the couches side by side, and curling up with blankets to watch a timeless classic. Even as a college graduate, I have kept in touch with my sisters, calling some of them my very best friends.

Aside from friendship, the charities and activities we sisters organized further define what being a part of Greek life really means. From arthritis walks to bagel sells for breast cancer awareness, we were able to spread our philanthropic attitudes around campus and the community. Our greatest charitable contribution though came from adopting a little girl named Lauren with a pediatric brain tumor through an organization called “Friends of Jaclyn.” That day we gained the youngest sister of Alpha Omicron Pi along with her loving, and wonderful family. Having Lauren in our lives helped all of use to appreciate the simple things in life. This brave girl has given us all the courage and power to believe.

All of these reasons and more define my rationale for becoming a member of Greek life at Wagner College. With my college years behind me and my future in front, I can confidentially thank AOII for turning me into the woman I am today. My friendships made and experiences shared will always resonate in my mind, giving me the strength to get through all of life’s obstacles. So thank you, Alpha Omicron Pi, for all you have done and all you continue to do.