Students’ Resilience Celebrated During Recognition Tea in Honor of Women’s History Month

On Tuesday, March 26, 14 deserving Hostos Community College students enjoyed an afternoon of high tea and high praise during the President’s Recognition Tea in honor of Women’s History Month.

Hosted by the Office of the President, the event is now in its second year at Hostos and celebrates students who have demonstrated resilience by overcoming significant challenges while still achieving their academic goals. Guests were treated to a beautiful spread of delicious finger sandwiches, teas, and delicate sweet treats. 



During her opening remarks, President Daisy Cocco De Filippis shared that the event was born not only out of a desire to commend students for their resiliency, but to also remind them that they are deserving of such praise, admiration, and recognition. She urged them to continue pushing through adversity and self-doubt and encouraged them to be kind to themselves when they make mistakes, for they are human. “Everything, everything in life is about persistence,” she reminded attendees. 

The celebratory afternoon was moderated by Su Ng, Deputy Director of the Division of Administration and Finance, who commended the honorees for their demonstrated strength and commitment and thanked the dedicated faculty and staff for “not only nominating the students, but for providing them with the guidance and support to help them succeed.” 

Dr. Jacqueline DiSanto, Professor in the Education department, echoed the President’s sentiments in her keynote address. “Every time you fail, it’s a win,” she said. “Because you are smart enough to look at it and say, ‘Why? What did I do? What do I need? What didn’t I have? Where am I going? What can I get from this?’ That’s resilience. That is all that matters. You have the smarts. We know you’re brilliant; you’re here. You’re strong; you’re here.” 

Then the spotlight shined on the afternoon’s honorees: Elizabeth Abankwah, Jahneilia Curtin, Jae’Oni Davis, Stacy Delgado, Marie Inamori, Luna Luna Martínez, Alexia Matthew, Ashwaq Musleh, Hana Sinishtaj, Orlando Soto, Jr., Yuka Terada, Anjanet Thomas, Tersey Vancol, and Annalie Vega Alfonso. 



Hearts swelled with pride and many eyes sprang with happy tears as the staff and faculty who nominated the guests of honor for the special acknowledgment shared stories of students’ incredible tenacity, strength, and persistence in the face of difficulty and praised their unbreakable spirits. The honorees were each presented with a certificate, a $500 stipend, and a book. 
 
Sponsored by Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives, the President’s Recognition Tea in honor of Women’s History Month was the first of two events honoring students’ perseverance this spring. The President’s Recognition Barbeque in Honor of Student Resilience is accepting nominations until Wednesday, March 27, and the celebration will take place on April 15. Candidates must be enrolled as students for the Spring 2024 semester and have earned 12 or more credits at Hostos Community College with a GPA of 3.0 or higher to be considered. Submit nominations here.