From Campus to Community: Lehman's Local Impact

Lehman College. "Lehman College celebrates #LehmanProud." LinkedIn

Audio

By: Pamela Duran 

Lehman College, nestled in the heart of the Bronx, is more than just an institution of higher learning. It serves as a beacon of hope and support for many individuals, including students, staff, and alumni. Beyond its academic offerings, the college has established itself as a pillar of community support through various initiatives and programs addressing critical needs and fostering a spirit of solidarity. 

Delving into Lehman's resources reveals their efforts to advance the community they serve. The two most significant initiatives on campus are the Basic Needs Center and the Lehman Food Bank in the Old Gym Building. The Basic Needs Center is a comprehensive support hub in connection with CUNY Cares that addresses the following: 

• Food insecurity support 

• Housing assistance 

• Financial aid 

• Mental health and wellness services 

• Quality healthcare 

• Transportation assistance 

• Technology support 

CUNY Citizenship Now is a notable service coordinated through the Basic Needs Center, which provides immigration law services. This program is worthy of recognition for its valuable support to students navigating complex immigration issues. This enables students to focus on academic success without worrying about essential needs. 

The Food Bank, which cooperates with the Basic Needs Center, was formed in March 2017. It serves students and staff in numerous ways. The Food Bank services go as follows: 

• Online grocery cards 

• Cooking demonstrations 

• Bulk bag groceries 

• Assistance with SNAP benefits 

• Resources for finding healthy food in the neighborhood 

• Diet suggestions and tips for eating well 

According to their website, they have served over 100,737 meals to Lehman students. Notably, 87% of those students fear their food will run out within the next year, with 75% of those students living in the Bronx. The Food Bank also provides students with resources to find healthy food in their neighborhoods and offers diet suggestions and tips to ensure they eat well. 

Lehman College's community outreach extends to educational support as well. The Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) aims to increase the participation of underrepresented and economically disadvantaged Bronx students in STEM fields. Lehman collaborates with Bronx schools to achieve this.  

This program prepares students for college entry and focuses on critical areas such as mathematics, science, technology, and health-related fields. Beyond that, it helps students with their core subjects, Regents preparation, college admission counseling, summer programs, and other forms of support in preparing students from middle through high school. 

The STEP program has specific eligibility criteria for students: 

• Student Eligibility: • Enrolled in Grades 7-12 • Economically disadvantaged or from specific racial/ethnic groups (African American, Hispanic/Latino, Alaskan Native, American Indian) • Must benefit from academic enrichment 

• Economically Disadvantaged Criteria: • Meets income eligibility criteria (2021-26 STEP Income Eligibility Criteria) • Eligibility determined at first admission to STEP • Continued support available even if family income increases 

• Additional Eligibility Categories: • Recipients of family assistance or safety net assistance • Students in foster care • Wards of the State or county • Students eligible for free or reduced lunch based on family income 

The Adult Learning Center (ALC) serves as a beacon of opportunity for adult learners. As one of the leading adult education programs in New York City, it annually serves approximately 800 individuals with free classes in Basic Education, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and preparation for High School Equivalency diplomas. This initiative is vital in empowering adults in the community to further their education and improve their career prospects. It also allows them to discover scholarships, grants, and financial aid that can help them further their education and explore new, more stable career paths. 

The Lehman Jumpstart program further exemplifies the college's commitment to community service. This initiative prepares and supports college students to serve preschool children in low-income neighborhoods and instills a sense of community responsibility in Lehman students. By promoting school success for young children while providing leadership training and work-study opportunities for college students, Jumpstart creates a dual benefit for the college and the broader community. 

Many volunteer positions are available for any Lehman student to give back and connect to their community outside of Lehman. Three types of volunteer work are offered: short-term, long-term, and remote. The Community Engagement site provides various links and pages that can be used to find different volunteer opportunities, either in-person or virtual. 

As these programs continue to thrive at Lehman, we can see their ongoing impact on the diverse communities comprising the Lehman population. New programs to help students are emerging constantly and knowing where to look can make all the difference. By addressing students' basic needs, providing educational support, and encouraging community engagement, Lehman creates a positive impact extending beyond its campus, fostering growth and development throughout the Bronx. 

References and Additional Resources: 

• Basic Needs Center 

• Food Bank 

• STEP  

• ALC 

• Jumpstart 

• Volunteer work 

• Community resources  

Striking a Fulfilling Balance: Navigating College Life Successfully

Audio

By Pamela Duran

Imagine juggling a dozen balls in the air—each labeled with a responsibility like classes, homework, friends, work, and self-care—all while trying to maintain balance on a tightrope. For most college students, this is their reality. The challenge of managing academic and personal life can feel overwhelming, a complex act requiring both careful time management and unwavering dedication.

For many students, particularly those just starting their college journey or still struggling to find their footing, the balancing act can seem daunting. They are tasked with managing a wide array of commitments: attending classes, completing homework, meeting deadlines, participating in extracurriculars, working part-time jobs, and making time for friends and family. On top of all that, students must prioritize their physical and mental health, practice self-care, and maintain a consistent routine.

However, don't worry. There are ways to tackle these challenges effectively. Let’s explore some strategies that can help you confidently navigate your college experience, leaving you satisfied with your results.

First, as the semester progresses, students often face an ever-growing pile of homework and assignments. To manage time effectively, consider the following practical strategies: stay focused on your syllabus and professor's instructions. By staying aware of course requirements, you can gauge your workload early on and make informed decisions about dropping or switching classes if needed.

Next, setting reminders for tasks can also be helpful. Use digital calendars or phone alerts to stay organized. Find the method that best helps you keep track of assignments, deadlines, and study sessions. The Pomodoro Technique is another useful approach—set a timer for 25 minutes and focus on one task. Afterward, take a short break, and after four "pomodoros," take a longer break. This method helps maintain focus and avoid burnout.

In addition, time blocking can also be a valuable tool. Divide your day into dedicated time slots for specific tasks or subjects. For example, schedule 9-11 AM for math study and 1-3 PM for essay writing. This structured routine ensures balanced attention to all your academic needs. The key is to experiment with these techniques and find a combination that suits your personal study style and schedule.

Many students struggle to find enough time for all their responsibilities, but rest assured, 24 hours is enough—you just need to use it wisely. If you don't complete all your tasks in a single day, remember there’s always tomorrow. Avoid procrastination, but also don’t be too hard on yourself. Be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day, prioritize urgent tasks, and spread everything else throughout the week. When it's time to tackle each task, focus solely on it. If you can complete something ahead of schedule, do so. This forward-thinking mindset will help you stay on top of your workload.

Moreover, it's also important to regularly assess how you spend your time. Start by identifying activities that consume the most time and evaluate their importance. Ask yourself, "Am I striking a good balance between academics, social life, work, and extracurriculars?" If you are, take note of what’s working well. If not, consider what needs adjusting.

Over the moon, for students not new to college life, reflecting on how your approach to time management has evolved can be insightful. What strategies have you developed over time? What lessons have you learned along the way? Continual self-assessment is key to finding and maintaining balance throughout your college career. Don’t hesitate to seek campus resources if you need help fine-tuning your time management skills.

Additionally, it's important to recognize that college life, like any journey, has its challenging periods. Bad days, weeks, or even months are normal. When frustration builds, how you channel that energy can greatly impact your overall experience. Make time for mental health, even if it’s just five minutes a day. Self-care is essential, especially amid a busy schedule.

Experienced students remind us that maintaining balance is an ongoing process. As you move through your college career, you may occasionally lose sight of how capable you are, particularly during stressful times. Always be open to adapting your approach as needed. Flexibility is a powerful tool when juggling the different aspects of college life.

Setbacks are inevitable, but they are also opportunities for growth. By embracing challenges as learning experiences, you develop resilience and adaptability—traits that will serve you well beyond college. As you progress through your academic journey, continue reflecting on your experiences, remain open to new strategies, and utilize the support systems available on campus. This approach will help you cultivate a fulfilling college experience and prepare you for future challenges.

On the whole, if you ever find yourself struggling, don’t hesitate to tap into Lehman College’s resources: the Wellness Center, located in the Old Gym Building, Room 007B; the Tutoring Center in Room 205; the CS Lab in Gillet Hall, Room 222; and the Career Exploration & Development Center in Shuster Hall, Room 254 (appointments required).

Ultimately, successfully managing college life is about finding a balance that works for you. Remember, the goal is progress, not perfection. College is a journey of self-discovery, time management, and personal growth. By embracing a flexible mindset and being open to change, you can thrive both academically and personally.