Black History Month
Celebrating Black History Month
This month, we celebrate Black History Month. Since 1976, Black History Month has been celebrated annually to honor and commemorate the lives of African Americans and the contributions they have made to our country. Read below as some of our A.S. part-time and full-time employees reflect on what Black History Month means to them:
___________
“Black History Month is a time for recognition and reflection of the overall history Black Americans have in this country. It gives an opportunity to educate others on the experience of Black Americans and to celebrate the greatness our community has achieved. In addition, it's a chance for me to enjoy the food, dance and music of my culture, which has empowered me throughout my life. Lastly, it is a reminder that the fight is not over and that there is still activism to be done.”
Meena Alexander, A.S. Executive Vice President
___________
“To me, Black History Month is representative of a time where the rest of America does what most Black Americans do on the daily — reflect on both the pain and the triumph our people have experienced from chattel slavery to current day. While I’m appreciative for this month of so-called celebration, I think we should all be aware that progress is a never ending pursuit, and that Black History Month more than anything else is a call to action. There’s still wrongs to be made right, still changes to be had and still Black Americans being subjugated politically and economically across this country. As the honorable Malcom X said, “If you stick a knife in my back nine inches and pull it out six inches, there’s no progress. If you pull it all the way out that’s not progress. Progress is healing the wound that the blow made.”
Dylan Freeman, Competitive Sports Official
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“When I initially think about Black History Month, I am empowered by remembering my community’s excellence and the potential we have that we are now able to realize fully. During Black History Month, we really get to reflect on the past and see how African Americans have influenced the country in very positive ways in spite of the very harmful past. Black excellence is so important for not only me but the community because it can pave the road for future generations to avoid experiencing the self-hatred inflicted upon us by the social construct of race. Without the celebration of our past accomplishments, there would be no motivation to continue to grow, innovate and lead ourselves into a better future."
Amira Blount, Competitive Sports Official
___________
“For me, Black History Month is such a beautiful and crucial time! While there are still so many battles to fight, this month gives me time to intentionally remember, reflect, refuel and refocus. So often, I feel that we, as members of the Black community, can find ourselves understandably, getting so caught up in fighting the fires and battles that affect us internally and externally, that it becomes easy for us to forget to step back and take time to appreciate the people and the amazing accomplishments of our community.
For that reason, I use this time to REMEMBER and REFLECT on who and what paved the way to make it possible for me and my community to do what we are able to do today, as well as what I and others are doing now to carry on the legacy of our ancestors. I strive to ensure that everything I do right now in the present is in honor to those before me and if it is not, I use this time to REFOCUS my efforts to do so. Finally, and most importantly is taking this time to REFUEL! Our journey has and continues to be long and exhausting and I believe the main purpose of this month is to use this moment to let go of any negative energy and come together, pour into each other and to LOVE on one another in a real and authentic way.
Black History Month is fittingly placed in a month in which the theme is love. And to me, that is really what it's all about. LOVE!”
Brian Levett, Government Affairs Assistant Director
___________
“Black History Month is a time to honor great human beings who stood on principles and values that shaped humanity. Black History Month is a constant reminder that if you can believe you can achieve.”
Isaac Jean-Paul, Adapted Athletics Track Coach
___________
“To me, Black History Month is everyday. It’s a time where all of the amazing things our ancestors did are put into a spotlight and recognized as a contribution to the culture of the world we live in. Black History Month gives us a bigger platform where we can educate others on our ancestors' accomplishments and a time to raise awareness for things happening today that oftentimes go unseen.”
Jai'lynn Segee, Reservations Assistant
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“Black History Month is the ability to honor and look back on all of the achievements of Black people but also continuing to fight for the rights of Black people in this country that historically have not been given to us. I think this month really honors the resiliency, culture and the brilliance of Black people. Personally, this month means a lot to me because we get to celebrate other Black people, their brilliance and innovation and this unique culture.”
Shawki Moore, A.S. President
A.S. Sustainability Tip
February
By Charlotte Roberts, A.S. Sustainability Coordinator
Let's talk about STUFF.
We all have a lot of it — whether it's on our desks, in our cars or packed into our homes. Some objects stay in our houses for years (like all those old cords in that one box in the closet that we might need one day), while other objects like wrappers, banana peels and baby wipes cycle through our homes on a daily basis. All of these items have to go somewhere, and while the weight of your individual trash pales in comparison to the scale of unregulated industrial waste, it does make a difference when individuals collectively reduce their landfill contributions.
The problem with landfills is threefold:
- First, they are typically located in lower income areas which already face a disproportionate amount of environmental problems such as air and water pollution, plus increased vulnerability to extreme weather due to climate change.
- Second, organic matter like food scraps or food waste does not compost back into soil in the landfill; it is trapped in a sealed space where it decomposes without oxygen. The byproduct of this is methane, which is a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
- Third, even though inorganic waste made from plastic and metals don't emit methane in a landfill, they use greenhouse gasses, water, labor, money and energy to create. When inorganic material is thrown away, we are throwing away valuable resources.
With spring cleaning season right around the corner, here is a tip to help you reduce your landfill contributions and support a regenerative society.
February A.S. Sustainability Tip:
Collect and audit one week’s worth of your household waste, then find solutions to reduce it.
- SOLUTION 1: Compost your food scraps and uneaten leftovers, avoid single-use plastics by buying in bulk with reusable containers (check out this local zero waste grocery store) and learn what is actually recyclable in your city using this guide.
- SOLUTION 2: When items break, explore ways to fix, repurpose or recycle them. Here's a helpful website that tells you how to recycle random items like textiles, batteries, microwaves and motor oil.
- SOLUTION 3: Retail therapy is real. But, avoiding waste in the first place by taking a breath before buying something to ponder whether you really need it can be much easier than finding a way to recycle it later. You can do this exercise with clothes, children's toys, gadgets and even at the grocery store.
If you would like additional information or have questions about anything listed above, don’t hesitate to email me at cmroberts@sdsu.edu!
Lunar New Year
Happy Lunar New Year! Lunar New Year is an annual celebration to celebrate the beginning of a calendar year based on moon cycles, also known as the lunar calendar. While Lunar New Year is mainly celebrated in Eastern Asia, millions of Asian Americans celebrate Lunar New Year in the U.S., with the biggest celebration held in San Francisco.
Lunar New Year begins on the date of the second new moon after the winter solstice, which always takes place in late December. This means that the first day of the Lunar New Year can occur anytime between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20. This year, the Lunar New Year was on Jan. 22 but celebrations often last a couple of weeks.
A big part of the Lunar New Year are zodiac signs, with each person falling into one of the 12 different zodiac animals based on the year they were born. This year is the Year of the Rabbit. See the chart below to find out what your zodiac sign is:
- Zodiac Sign
- Zodiac Years
- Rabbit
- 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
- Dragon
- 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
- Snake
- 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
- Horse
- 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
- Goat
- 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
- Monkey
- 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
- Rooster
- 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
- Dog
- 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
- Pig
- 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
- Rat
- 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032
- Ox
- 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033
- Tiger
- 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034
Now that you know your zodiac sign, learn more about your sign and what makes you unique!
Rabbit: People born in the Year of the Rabbit are gentle, quiet and polite. They are responsible and have great attention to detail. Rabbits take love seriously and when they do love, they love with their whole heart.
Dragon: People born in the Year of the Dragon love adventure and romance. They tend to have a mysterious personality and are not worriers. Dragons may seem lazy at first, but once they have their heart into something, they’ll be more ambitious than anyone else.
Snake: People born in the Year of the Snake are idealists. When first being approached, they may seem cold but they truly are warm and enthusiastic. Snakes are devoted and determined, hating laziness.
Horse: People born in the Year of the Horse are always positive and energetic and never one to surrender. Horses love their freedom and expressing themselves but are known to be bad at keeping secrets and lose interest in things quickly.
Goat: People born in the Year of the Goat have a pure and kind heart and would rather keep their opinion to themselves instead of arguing or ruining someone else’s mood. Goats will do anything to fulfill their wishes including using their power to patiently and politely persuade others into their favor.
Monkey: People born in the Year of the Money do things based on interest. If they’re interested in something, they’ll put their entire heart into it. Monkeys are energetic and curious and value their relationships but over spoiling the people around them is their weakness.
Rooster: People born in the Year of the Rooster have a great sense of understanding how other people are thinking or feeling. They are great friends but can be cunning at times. In addition, Roosters have foresight and plan everything carefully.
Dog: People born in the Year of the Dog are conservative and strive for justice. They are beyond loyal and rarely break rules, only for the people closest to them. Dogs would prefer to live a quiet life, sticking close to their family.
Pig: People born in the Year of the Pig are logical and able to fix whatever problem they’re in. Pigs are kind and able to provide financially for their family, but aren’t the best communicator at times.
Rat: People born in the Year of the Rat like to save and are organized. They don’t look for praise or recognition and when they do take risks, they are usually very successful. Rats also know when trouble is coming and make sure to not get themselves into trouble.
Ox: People born in the Year of the Ox are hard workers and responsible. Even when they run into difficulties, they will persevere. Not the most romantic, oxen are usually quiet and keep their emotions bottled up and at times, it’s hard for others to understand them.
Tiger: People born in the Year of the Tiger are independent and have high self-esteem. They enjoy being the leader and protector of their people. Tigers love justice and never back down in an argument but their biggest weakness is they can be reckless.
Happy Lunar New Year!
Sources: Almanac, Chinese New Year
Valentine’s Day Trivia
How well do you know Valentine’s Day? Test your knowledge with some fun Valentine’s Day Trivia!
1. What is the most popular Valentine’s Day gift in the U.S.?
- Candy
- Jewelry
- Flowers
- Card
2. What is the most searched candy for Valentine’s Day?
- Chocolate
- Skittles
- Ring Pops
- Conversation Hearts
3. Which type of restaurant do people look for the most around Valentine’s Day?
- American
- Italian
- French
- Mexican
4. Which candy company produced the first heart-shaped box of chocolates?
- Hershey’s
- Cadbury
- Mars
- Haribo
5. What country other than the U.S. celebrates Valentine’s Day?
- Switzerland
- Australia
- Japan
- Brazil
6. Approximately how many Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year?
- 1 million
- 10 million
- 25 million
- 150 million
7. Which holiday tops Valentine’s Day as the busiest day for restaurants?
- Father’s Day
- Christmas
- Mother’s Day
- New Year’s Day
8. Which state produces the most candy in the U.S.?
- California
- Texas
- Ohio
- Florida
9. In the United States, approximately how many people annually propose on Valentine’s Day?
- 1 million
- 3 million
- 5 million
- 6 million
10. In what year was the first written valentines?
- 1310
- 1415
- 1678
- 1711
Question 1
A — According to Statista, the most popular Valentine’s Day gift is candy.
Question 2
D — According to Yahoo, conversation hearts have the most Google Searches around Valentine’s Day.
Question 3
B — According to Eater, Google searches spike for Italian restaurants around Valentine’s Day.
Question 4
B — According to Inquisitr, the first heart-shaped box of chocolates was created in 1822 by John Cadbury.
Question 5
B — According to Brittanica, Australia, Mexico, Canada, France and the U.K. also celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Question 6
D — According to History.com, 150 million cards are sent every year.
Question 7
C — According to Eater, Mother’s Day is the only day that is busier than Valentine’s Day.
Question 8
A — According to the U.S. Census Bureau, California leads production of chocolate and non-chocolate confections.
Question 9
D — According to Inquisitr, nearly 6 million couples are likely to get engaged on Valentine’s Day.
Question 10
B — According to History.com, the first valentine’s message was written by Charles, the Duke of Orleans when he was in prison.
Soup-er Delicious Cold Weather Recipes
Brrr! It’s cold outside! Warm up by making some delicious soup this winter season with recipes from some of our A.S. full-time staff.
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Viviana Rodriguez, Accounts Payable Coordinator
I discovered butternut squash soup during restaurant week. Now, I can’t get enough, especially when it’s cold outside. I pulled different recipes to create my own and usually pair it with a grilled sandwich.
Butternut Squash Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 4-5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 carrot, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and roughly chopped
- 1 (3-pound) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cubed and roasted
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
- 1/2 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Black pepper to taste
- Pinch of cayenne (optional)
- Optional garnishes: sour cream, heavy cream, roasted pepitas
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 more minutes stirring frequently, until fragrant.
- Add the broth, carrot, apple, roasted butternut squash, sage, rosemary, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg and stir to combine. Continue cooking until the soup reaches a simmer. Cover and then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 20-30 minutes until the vegetables are all tender and mash easily with a fork.
- Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve and top with your desired garnishes.
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Liza Bennett, Aztec Student Union Events Planner
I found this chicken noodle soup recipe as I was "nesting" in preparation for my second daughter's birth. It's a delicious hot meal that can be eaten with one hand that also freezes well. I personally like to double up the veggies and add extra broth especially when reheating.
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup chopped yellow onion (1/2 of medium onion)
- 1 cup sliced carrots (1 1/2 large carrots)
- 1 cup sliced celery (2-3 stalks)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (around 1 1/2 cups)
- 2 cups shredded roasted chicken
- 1 cup fat free, half and half or whole milk
- 4 cups uncooked wide egg noodles
Instructions:
- Over medium heat, melt the butter in a large pot (4 quarts or larger). Add the onion, carrots, celery and garlic. Saute for around 7 minutes or until the vegetables are soft. Add flour, oregano, pepper, thyme and salt. Stir and cook for 3 minutes.
- Add the broth and potato. Give everything a quick stir, then increase the heat to medium-high. Bring the soup to a boil, without stirring, and boil for 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low, partially cover the pot and allow to simmer for 25 minutes or until the potatoes have softened. Taste the soup and add seasoning as needed. Add the chicken, milk of your choice and noodles. Cook for 10 minutes until the noodles are tender and the soup has thickened.
Freeze soup for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator a day or two before eating then reheat on the stove until warm.
__________
Dawn McCabe, SDSU Children’s Center Supervising Teacher
This soup is one of my family's favorites to eat, especially when it's cold outside. It's a spin off of a restaurant soup, but made dairy-free. It's really forgiving and you can add in different ingredients to make it your own. If you have kids at home, I'd recommend adding in a small-shaped pasta, or my kid's favorite, Israeli couscous.
Sausage and Kale Soup (dairy-free)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2-3 gold potatoes, chopped
- Lacinato kale (aka dinosaur kale or Tuscan kale), stems removed and torn into pieces
- Chicken broth (or bone broth)
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk
Optional add-ins:
- Bacon
- Red-pepper flakes
- Pesto
- Israeli couscous or small noodles
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Brown the sausage in a large pot.
- Add the minced garlic and red-pepper flake (optional). Add in the torn kale and soften for about a minute.
- Pour in your broth of choice and add in the chopped potatoes.
- Bring to a boil, add the can of coconut milk, cover and simmer until potatoes are soft. If desired, top with parmesan cheese or stir in a small spoonful of pesto. Enjoy!
A.S. Book Club
The A.S. Book Club continues to grow with 11 members! At our recent meeting, the book club discussed “The Martian” by Andy Weir. Each member shared their thoughts and ideas about the book, and discussed their favorite character — the one character that they would most like to sit and have coffee with.
The Club now meets on the second Thursday of each month, at 4:30 p.m. in the Union Programs & Services Conference Room. Please feel free to join our lively discussions.
Here is what the Club will be reading over the next two months…
March 9 Selection:
"Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" by Mildred D. Taylor
Winner of the Newbery Medal, this remarkably moving novel has impressed the hearts and minds of millions of readers.
Set in Mississippi at the height of the Depression, this is the story of one family's struggle to maintain their integrity, pride and independence in the face of racism and social injustice. And it is also Cassie's story — Cassie Logan, an independent girl who discovers over the course of an important year why having land of their own is so crucial to the Logan family, even as she learns to draw strength from her own sense of dignity and self-respect.
April 13 Selection:
"The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig
The #1 New York Times bestselling WORLDWIDE phenomenon.
Somewhere out beyond the edge of the universe there is a library that contains an infinite number of books, each one the story of another reality. One tells the story of your life as it is, along with another book for the other life you could have lived if you had made a different choice at any point in your life. While we all wonder how our lives might have been, what if you had the chance to go to the library and see for yourself? Would any of these other lives truly be better? In "The Midnight Library," Matt Haig's enchanting blockbuster novel, Nora Seed finds herself faced with this decision. Faced with the possibility of changing her life for a new one, following a different career, undoing old breakups, realizing her dreams of becoming a glaciologist; she must search within herself as she travels through the Midnight Library to decide what is truly fulfilling in life, and what makes it worth living in the first place.
The San Diego Public Library offers eBooks and/or audiobooks, for most titles. You just need a library card, which is free. The books are available through an app: Libby App: Free ebooks & audiobooks from your library by OverDrive.
If you have any questions or would like to join the A.S. Book Club, please contact Quentin at 42303 or qskaggs@sdsu.edu.
New A.S. Employees
Please welcome our two newest full-time employees hired in January, Karlie and Nicole!
___________
Karlie O’Rourke, Competitive Sports Supervisor
Hi there! My name is Karlie O’Rourke and I recently started as a Competitive Sports Supervisor in Aztec Recreation. I am a recent graduate from the University of San Diego with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. I have spent the past four years working in campus recreation at the University of San Diego, two of which were focused specifically on sport clubs and intramurals. I have experience at almost every level of intramural sports, including administration as well as on-field work as both an official and supervisor. I am passionate about the importance of recreational sports as means to strengthen both physical health and mental wellbeing.
My love for the ocean and outdoors is what brought me from Kauai, Hawaii to San Diego about five years ago. During this time I was not only able to further my education, but also enhance my dedication for athletics by pursuing my personal training certification. I have spent most of my life as a competitive swimmer and am passionate about the benefits of exercise for mental health and overall wellbeing. I am excited to share these passions and discover more with San Diego State University!
___________
Nicole Noroian, Aztec Student Union Events Planner
My name is Nicole! I am the new Aztec Student Union Events Planner. After graduating from University of Santa Barbara in 2021 with a communications degree, I relocated to San Diego. While starting at a nonprofit for education as a Volunteer Coordinator, I realized my excitement for bringing people together. Throughout my journey, I have gained experience through connecting, collaborating and communicating in various industries. I am experienced in working in fast paced, student-oriented and customer-service focused environments. I am extremely passionate about planning events involving the community and I am very excited to work with students and facilities. In my free time, you can find me going on walks, taking the Coaster, and exploring new areas in San Diego. I am very excited to be a part of the A.S. family!
15 Questions
Henry Olinger
- What is your name, job title and major?
-
My name is Henry Olinger. I am an Attendant at Aztec Lanes and a Geography (GIS) major.
- Which A.S. department do you work in?
-
I work at Aztec Lanes. We work with students looking to blow off steam and relax with bowling or table games, as well as off-campus people looking for fun.
- How long have you worked for A.S.?
-
I've been working since March of 2022, so almost a year.
- What is your favorite part of working for A.S.?
-
My favorite part is the interaction with the student community. It’s great to see regulars when they come in to bowl or even when walking around campus, and saying hi. Asking how they bowled, if they will take the class and if they need help is something that makes me feel more connected to the SDSU community.
- What was the last movie you saw? Thumbs up or thumbs down?
-
The last movie I saw was "Shutter Island." It has to be only one of my favorite super twist movies that really trick you. Great performance by Leonardo Di Caprio as well. Definitely a thumbs up from me!
- If you won $5 million what would you do with it?
-
I would use it all to buy a bunch of gold and then bury it across the U.S. tied to an elaborate series of riddles for my descendents to solve. Maybe I would keep a bit to afford a house but certainly most of it would go into gold.
Henry on one of his favourite trips — fishing near Bend, Oregon with friends. - There is a free, round-trip shuttle to Mars. The catch: it will take one year of your life to go, visit, and come back. Are you in?
-
I could never turn that down, as long as I went with some people I knew instead of by myself or with strangers. I would just take a gap year and enjoy the trip. That’s the kind of once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you can’t turn down.
- If you had to move to another country, which one would you choose?
-
I would choose to live in Canada, the natural beauty is almost unmatched by any other country, plus I would enjoy the cold weather and snow. Having a cabin somewhere in the woods would be great.
- If you had one free hour each day, how would you use it?
-
I would love to have an extra hour to cook. The most difficult part about eating healthy is the time it requires to cook healthy and tasty foods. An extra hour to cook would be perfect to set up some good meals.
- Would you rather be a superhero or the world’s best chef?
-
World's best chef — owning a restaurant has always been a dream of mine and being the best should make that pretty easy. I wouldn’t have a crazy expensive place either, just a place that serves the world’s best $3 sandwiches so everyone can enjoy it.
- Do you like to cook and what is your specialty?
-
I love to cook! My favorite hearty dish is a one-pot version of beef stroganoff pasta with sour cream and mushroom sauce. One of the best things to eat on a cold rainy day.
- “Most people don’t know that I like to…
-
...bowl. While it wasn’t the main reason I applied for my job, it has definitely given me a passion for my job. I will bowl pretty much every day I have off and even some days when I’m working as well."
- Would you rather speak all languages or be able to talk with animals?
-
I'd rather speak all languages. You would be the most sought-after employee for many diplomatic jobs and would probably be able to get a well-paying job anywhere you wanted.
- Which of your teachers is/was most memorable?
-
My middle and high school music teacher, Ms. Smith. She taught me in orchestra for six years and helped develop my skills and appreciation for music. All the concerts we had are great memories and I look back on the class nostalgically.
- Which A.S. staff member has inspired/supported you the most? And how?
-
I can’t really name a specific worker, so I’d say that all my coworkers at Aztec Lanes have inspired me the most. They are great to work with and I always look forward to every shift! I also have to thank my boss, Jamie, for the leadership that inspires me.
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