I was shopping in Soho the other day, and I had stopped by a store to buy my Munny. It came out to a total of twenty-four something, so I asked the cashier, who was African American, if I could use my American Express gift card.

She said, "Of course, you can use it everywhere."

Everything was fine until the other cashier, who was also African American, said in this nasty tone, "Yea, everywhere in America."

At the time, I didn't really have a response, I just felt really embarrassed and wanted to leave the store as soon as possible. It didn't occur to me that I wasn't the one at fault here, and that the comment was totally uncalled for.

It also brings to mind an argument I had with my mother a while back, where she was worried about me going out late and saying how I might get mugged by people of color. I still remember the confidence in my voice when I had told her, "Mom, racism doesn't exist anymore."

I wouldn't really call my little experience with the cashier racism, but it definitely woke me up to the tensions and disputes between people. Comments like, "Go back to China," or "Ching ching chong," shouldn't hurt, because I know better, but they do hurt, because I'm also a person with feelings.

Half way through the school year?

It's always "gotta learn. gotta earn. gotta succeed".
...so how about "gotta chill"?

My history teacher gives us a page filled with Calvin & Hobbes cartoons attached with every homework assignment packet. Maybe she wants to cheer us up? De-stress us? Make us laugh when reading about the 20 pg history homework assignment we have to do? I don't know, but some of them are hilarious. Below are some of my favorites. :)

Hope these brighten your day!

WEEKENDS FULL OF SUMMER FUN?!

If you are:

· Passionate about issues that face Chinatown, Asian Americans, and other underrepresented communities.

· Dedicated to raising awareness and inspiring discussion around what you are passionate about.

Then you have what it takes to be part of the staff at our Summer Leadership Institute (SLI).

This summer, be a different kind of leader…

One who can inspire high school youth to become, not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the leaders of today!

Chinatown Youth Initiatives is now hiring summer staff!

The mission of Chinatown Youth Initiatives (CYI) is to empower New York City youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the needs of Chinatown, Asian Americans, and other underrepresented communities. CYI is a youth-run organization that works to build a legacy of young leaders by strengthening awareness of community issues through workshops and project initiatives.

The summer program of CYI, called the Summer Leadership Institute (SLI), consists of a series of weekly workshops, in which high school youth engage in exploratory activities and discussions. These workshops, typically run by college students, aim to facilitate identity and leadership development, as well as to enhance awareness of issues affecting underrepresented communities. Please visit our website at www.cyinyc.org for more information.

CYI is currently in search of candidates to fill the following unpaid positions:

1) COORDINATOR (1 POSITION)
Works with Senior Coordinator: To oversee all aspects of program administration for the Summer Leadership Institute, keep track of budget and program expenses, provide training to facilitation team, as well as develop curricula for and facilitate youth workshops during SLI around sociopolitical issues.
2) FACILITATORS (UP TO 4 POSITIONS)

Works with other facilitators and coordinators: To develop curricula for and facilitate youth workshops around sociopolitical issues, organize informal hangouts for assigned small group.
3) PARTICIPANT OUTREACH COMMITTEE MEMBERS (UP TO 11 POSITIONS)
Works with other committee members: To spearhead outreach efforts to diversify and maximize number of applicants for SLI, assist coordinators in creating and distributing participant applications, research opportunities to increase program visibility.

Download the attached files to apply and for more information. [leave an email..!!]

For further inquiries, please contact Silvena Chan at silvena@cyinyc.org

All applications must be received by 11:59pm EST on Sunday, February 8th, 2009, via email to apply@cyinyc.org.
All qualified individuals, regardless of gender, gender identity/expression, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, etc., are encouraged to apply.

All positions are unpaid, but CYI is more than willing to work with colleges so that summer staff can receive internship and/or school credits.