Aguedo Mojica.... A Brief Biography

     Aguedo Mojica's  name echoes within the campus of the University of Puerto Rico Humacao beyond the graduation ceremony.   When I was a student of the English BA Program, I encountered his name when in the graduation ceremony, the student with the highest average of our institution received the Aguedo Mojica medal.

     Nowadays, Aguedo Mojica's name is heard beyond the graduation ceremony.  Since 2009, UPRH library is named after this outstanding man. Wile his contribution has been of great importance to our university, few are the people in contemporary times that know about his accomplishments and legacy.

     This year, my daughter began pre-school.  My routine changed as a new stage in her life began.  I now usually park near the passive area where Aguedo Mojica bust stands.  Almost every morning, I am greeted by this work of art  as the trees softly whisper a welcome to a new day accompanied by the singing of birds.  And it is now that I question myself, who is Aguedo Mojica beyond stating that he was an important person in our institution.  And so I began my research and shamefully I admit, I knew nothing at all of the contributions this extraordinary man made not only for Humacao, but for Puerto Rico.  Here is just a glimpse of who was Aguedo Mojica.

     Aguedo Mojica was born beginning the 20th century on March 16, 1908 in Humacao. He was the youngest of eight children.  He came from a poor working class family.  Even with this economic disadvantage, he completed primary and secondary studies in his hometown.  He completed undergraduate degrees at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus.  Afterwards he completed doctoral studies in France as well as in Spain.  He also studied in Italy and lived in Dominican Republic as well as New York.

     He taught himself English, Latin, Greek, German, French, and Italian.  He decided to undertake learning these languages to read the universal classical works in its original language.  He also learned on his own to play several instruments: violin, cello, guitar and piano.    He also composed music and wrote poetry.  And Aguedo Mojica was also interesed in the field of math.

    He also worked as a university professor and chaired the Philosophy Department in UPR Rio Piedras campus. He also was a legislator.  His greatest contribution as a legislator is the university reform that became law in 1966.  This reform made possible the establishment of the regional colleges being the now University of Puerto Rico at Humacao, the first of these regional colleges.  These regional colleges made more accesible undergraduate studies for those who came  from families that did not possess the economic means to travel to Río Piedras campus.

UPRH Library



     Aguedo Mojica passed away from this physical world on June 19, 1982 in Anton Ruiz Humacao.  But his spirit lives on.  Every time, a student who otherwise would not have been able to study if of regional colleges now universities had not existed, and completes his/ her degree, Aguedo Mojica's spirit lives.  Each time, we dream and achieve our goals and overcome the challenges that life can bring, we celebrate Aguedo Mojica's legacy.  He was a man, who did not let the circumstances mold his life, but he as a sculptor who transforms a piece of rock into a work of art, he created a life full of accomplishments that still today we enjoy.

iPad Workshop

English faculty that attended the workshop

     On Friday, February 22, 2012, Dr. Nilsa Lugo, English Chair, Dr. Jesús López, Techlearning Committee Chair and Prof. Carmen Milagros Torres participated of the iPad workshop offered by Prof. Ernesto Soto of Business Administration.  The workshop was offered in a computer lab of Business Administration. Professors from the different academic departments of our institution as well as two professors from the Medical Science campus attended this workshop.

    The professors present were able to discover all the possibilities this Apple product can offer to educators.  Those presents discovered all the possibilities products like Pages,  Keynote and  GradeBook Pro have for the acdemic scenario.
     These educators  learned that there are over 300, 000 applications for the iPad.  Apple has made it possible that all Apple equipments can be synchronized so what is saved in the iPad can be simultaneously be saved in those connected products with the same account.  Apple has made it possible to integrate its products and true mobility is now a reality.
     One of the most relevant discovery about the use of the iPad in the classroom setting is the availability of electronic books.   McGraw Hill and Pearson has joined Apple in providing their hard copy textbooks in electronic format.  And to enhance the experience, these textbooks include interactive graphs and videos.
     Students from our campus are already enjoying of this innovation.  An example of how these e- books has revolutionized the learning environment comes from the Nursing Program.  One of their textbooks weighs  a little more than 10 pounds.  Now with the collaboration of the publishing house of this book, students and faculty can carry this same textbook within their iPads.
     Another application that had the audience greatly interested and motivated is iAuthor.  With this application, educators can become authors creating their own textbooks with this user friendly application.  This opens the door to new possibilities for those professors that wish to create their own textbooks to fit special needs within their courses.
     The workshop "iPad en la Academia" was an extraordinary experience for educators.  After taking this workshop, educators can make a more effective use of their iPads and begin discovering the almost unending possibilities the iPad has for educators and students.

   

   

Meeting with ADCO professors

On Thursday, February 20, 2013, Prof. José Figueroa, Prof. Sergio Rodríguez and Prof. Carlos Velázquez from ADCO met with Prof. Carmen Milagros Torres who represented the Library Committee in the first meeting of this second semester.  The purpose of the meeting was to continue with the tasks  pending of this academic year.

     One of the topics discussed was the preliminary results of the  survey administered to the students of the English BA program.  Minor changes in the instruments have been recommended so it will fulfill better the objectives of the survey.  One interesting suggestion made is the possibility of organizing a focus group for the next academic year to acquire data on how students obtain the information needed in their studies.

     An update of the blog was given in this meeting.  Up to February 20, eleven posts had been published.  Of these, four posts were from the series "Down the Memory Lane".  Of the regular posts three were of general library related information, three were related to the English Department events and one was related to UPRH library related information.

     It was also discussed that next week the English Department Library Committee will post a short biography of Aguedo Mojica.  This post will conclude this month Library Lovers Month which was informally celebrated in the English Department.  Prof. Carlos Velázquez from ADCO provided information about Aguedo Mojica as well as library professors of Colección Puertorriqueña.

     ADCO professors also provided the list of the acquired resources purchased in the years 2011 and 2012.

     In this meeting ADCO professors were informed of the Read Aloud Day activity that is celebrated on March 6.  This initiative comes from LitWorld which is a nonprofit literacy organization.  Prof. Artemio Peñalbert is organizing an activity to celebrate this event where English BA students, faculty and ADCO professors will bring a book and share a favorite scene for the enjoyment of those present.

        Later that morning the English Department Library Committee met to discuss the meeting with ADCO professors as well as other pending tasks. The focus in the upcoming days is to prepare for the Read Aloud Day event so students and faculty can join the committee in sharing their love for books.

Down the Memory Lane V: Coffee or Tea... and a Book Activity

     On October 16, 2012 the Library Committe organized the activity "Coffee or Tea... and a Book"  The purpose of the activity was to share our love for books.
     Faculty from the English Department as well as Prof. Jose Figueroa of ADCO brought a book to share with the group.  We were able to discuss those books are relevant in our lives as well as discover new titles we would wish to read in a near future.
     As the committee chair, I would like to thank the English Department professors for their support to make this activity possible, especially to Dra. Aida Caceres and Prof. Artemio Penalbert for their constant support and suggestions.
     AS C.S. Lewis once said "You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me."

Meeting with Prof. Manny Hernandez

Prof. Manny Hernandez, Dr. Giovanna Balaguer and Dr. Anibal Munoz

     On Thursday, November 14, 2013 Dr. Anibal Munoz, Dr. Giovanna Balaguer and Prof. Carmen Milagros Torres (PREWA BOD members) met with Prof. Manny Hernandez (PRDE English Supervisor from Fajardo School District). The purpose of the activity was to organize the English Week Closing Activity that the Fajardo District will celebrate on March 15, 2013. This activity will be held in the UPRH Theater from 8:00 to 2:30 PM.
     Dr. Anibal Munoz is the keynote speaker for this event. Dr. Giovanna Balaguer will also be collaborating to share with the English teachers present the works of PREWA as well as Dr. Munoz's literary work which provides a culturally relevant experience to ESL learners of Puerto Rico. Dr. Anibal Munoz is the author of two English novels, a Spanish novel and a short story collection titled Boricuan Times. The activity will also preview excerpts from the  two upcoming publications of the author for this year: iPReople and Siempre Forever.

Down the Memory Lane IV: PREWA First Forum



Prof. Manny Hernadez and Dr. Anibal Munoz



On November 1, 2012 PREWA (Puerto Rican English Writers Association) celebrated their first forum titled Who Said We Couldn't held in the amphitheater of Administrative Sciences.

English teachers from the public system attended the activity where members of PREWA presented information about culturally relevant literature and the goals of this association celebrating its second  anniversary.  English professors from our Department also joined PREWA members to celebrate this important activity.

Dr. Anibal Muñoz, professor of the English Department, president and founder of PREWA gave the welcome speech. Prof. Anibal Santiago, educator at Colegio San José Superior presented recent studies conducted in the field of second language acquisition and bilingualism.  Prof. Carmen Milagros Torres shared the bibliography of Puerto Rican children and young adult books published in English.   Student Emmanuel Burgos was the master of ceremony and ensured that all went as planned in the activity.

 Prof. Manny Hernandez was the guest speaker of this forum.  His conference was titled "Integrating Culturally Relevant Literature in the English Classroom".  The audience enjoyed of a dynamic conference that provided options to integrate relevant literature in the English classroom.

Dr. Giovanna Balaguer was in charge of the closing where members of PREWA, English professors and general public were able to ask questions and express themselves about the activity.

The first forum of PREWA was a complete success.  Many people made this possible especially Dr. Anibal Muñoz as president of the association who worked tirelessly in each detail so the activity ran as planned as well as Dr. Giovanna Balaguer who as vice-president collaborated beyond the assigned tasks.    Prof. Anibal Santiago, former student and outstanding educator was part of those that helped this forum to be memorable throughout the years.

Others that collaborated in the success of this activity were students from Prof. Carmen Milagros Torres' Intermediate English I and Grammar and Composition I courses.  Many of them participated of the video presented in the forum and others were the ushers of the activity; ushers of first degree who demonstrated such professionalism that went beyond the one imagined from these outstanding students.   Thank you for such collaboration!

Caribbean Children's Literature and Curriculum Design Course



Dr. Giovanna Balaguer and students from Curriculum Design course

On February 12, 2013, I had the opportunity of sharing with Dr. Giovanna Balaguer’s Curriculum Design group.  The purpose of this activity was to talk about Caribbean Children’s Literature.

     It was a great experience sharing with these students, some who also take other courses with me.  We talked about Pura Belpré’s contribution to literature.  We also read a retelling of “Martina the Cockroach” story.

     We also shared PREWA’s video that presents a selection of Puerto Rican children’s and young adult books as well as an interview with PREWA founder and president Dr. Anibal Muñoz. The activity concluded with the presentation of some Caribbean children’s books that the students of this course could use as part of the project that they are developing in this elective course of the English Department BA Program.

     Sharing with Dr. Giovanna Balaguer and her students was an unforgettable experience which I will always cherish.  I thank Dr. Balaguer for inviting me to share one of my literary interests which has been children’s literature.

New Puerto Rican Children's Books in UPRH Library

As the chair of this committee for several years, I have been blessed with the support of excellent colleagues from my department as well as from those that are part of the Library faculty.  The success obtained by this committee has been because the committee members Dr. Aida Cáceres as well as Prof. Artemio Peñalbert have always been there supporting the goals set each year and providing excellent suggestions when activities are planned.

The professors from ADCO (Administración de Colecciones) have also played an important role in the achievement of each goal set by this committee.  Prof. José Figueroa, Prof. Sergio Rodríguez  and Prof. Carlos Velázquez have provided the support needed by meeting on a regular basis with the committee and  giving feedback in the projects organized. They also have played an important role in the creation of this blog when Prof. Rodríguez suggested this option, instead of the newsletter which was the original plan.

This week I met with Prof. Carlos Velázquez who shared the great news that the library would now have more books related to Puerto Rican Children's Literature in English.  Recently Prof. Velázquez as well as Ms. Marisol García Barrios went to the Library System of the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus where they received the donation of approximately 300 books.  Prof. Velázquez remembered my interest in Caribbean Children's Literature and that I usually teach Children's Literature to Teacher Candidates of our English BA Program.  He looked for those children books written in English by Puerto Rican writers to add to our library collection.

Some of the books that Colección Puertorriqueña will now have are the following:

•  Quiero una  Noche Azul/ I want a blue night Magaly Quiñones
• El Cumpleaños de Baldomero/ Baldomero Birthday Party by Isabel M. Febles Iguina
• Laura y su Caja de Sorpresas/ Laura and her Box of Surprises by Nelbaliz Díaz Del Valle
• El Principe que no Quería ser Principe/ The Prince who did not want to be a Prince by Ángeles Molina Iturrondo
• The Three Wise Men (on Horseback) by Carmen L. Rivera-Lassen and Victor Maldonado Dávila
• The Wise Men Come at Night by Manuel Fernandez Juncos
• The Three Wise Crabs by José Agosto Rosario

The Library Committee of the English Department is grateful to the collaboration of ADCO faculty in the acquisition of these books for the collection of Caribbean Children's Literature.  We especially wish to thank Prof. Velázquez and Ms. Marisol Garcia Barrios for taking the time in going to Río Piedras and bringing so many books that will enrich the knowledge of students, university community and all those that visit the library.

This is truly the best way to celebrate Library Lover Month!

Down the Memory Lane III- The 39th Annual Puerto Rico TESOL Convention



Dr. Alicia Pousada and Dr. Evelyn Lugo (2012 PR TESOL President)

On November 16 and 17, 2012, the 39th annual TESOL convention was celebrated at Intercontinental Hotel Resort and Casino in Isla Verde.  I had the opportunity to attend the Saturday, November 17 presentations.  It was a memorable experience.  I had  the opportunity of attending excellent workshops and conferences.  This day, a colleague from our English department gave an outstanding workshop and my dissertation advisor Dr. Alicia Pousada received an award in this event for her contributions in the linguistic field.

Dr. Anibal Muñoz gave a presentation with Dr. María Irrizarry, Dr. Rosemary Morales and Dr. Elsie Candelaria titled "Professional  Development for Teachers of English to Diverse Learners: Strategies for Integration Art and technology for Effective Communication (UPRRP Proposal)".  It was a sucessful event where participants praised the activity that provided excellent information that enhanced their professional knowledge/

 Also in this convention, Dr. Alicia Pousada, English professor at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus received the Lifetime Achievement Award given by PRTESOL.  Dr. Pousada is a linguistic whose contribution in this field is not only known in our island, but also in international forums.  As a graduate student from the Caribbean Linguistic program who has had the honor to have Dr. Pousada as my advisor in my studies and now in my dissertation, I felt greatly honor to be present in this event. Dr. Pousada has guided me in my studies to ensure that I can achieve the goal of completing my degree.  And I am also so grateful for her support in my literary journey in trying to someday complete my short story collection for children.  Her suggestions and feedback have been vital in improving these stories. 

Saturday, November 17, 2012 was very significant for me.  I enjoyed of excellent workshops and was able to celebrate with all those present  how Dr. Pousada contribution was recognized by PR TESOL.  Congratulations Dr. Pousada for such well deserved award!

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Workshop in Curriculum Design Course





Dr. J. Encarnacion and students of EING 4028

On February 5 and 7, 2013,  Teacher Candidate students of Dr. Giovanna's Balaguer English elective course Curriculum Design (EING 4028) had the visit of Dr. José M. Encarnación.  Dr. Encarnación is a professor in the Education Department of the University of Puerto Rico Humacao.

Dr. Encarnación offered a workshop and "conversatorio" related to philosophical foundation in the curriculum titled "Los Fundamentos Filosóficos de los Componentes de la Educación.  Students of this course had the opportunity to obtain valuable information that is of great
 importance for their success as future English teachers.  

Dr. Alicia Pousada's Web Page

Dr. Alicia Pousada is a linguist who teaches at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus.  Her language studies, many focused on bilingualism and acquisition of English in Puerto Rico, have been published in prestigious national and international journals.  Her works are cited and used as references in studies and in the classroom.

In our department, our students read many of her articles in their English BA courses.  Many times when teaching Children's Literature, we read Dr. Pousada's articles so students can better understand the linguistic reality of our Puerto Rican English language learners. 

Dr. Pousada has created a website that facilitates access to her studies by educators. This page, well-organized and beautifully presented in calm tones of green, is a linguistic treasure for those teachers who wish their students to learn more about language studies as well as for use in research conducted as part of graduate studies.

Her website is organized into articles, a blog, bookreviews, presentations, PowerPoint presentations, photographs, UPR EnglishDepartment, videos, and a contact page.  The article section provides twenty-six articles that Dr. Pousada has published in different journals and academic magazines.  Her blog Living in Two Worlds is a personal account of her experiences living three months a year in the United States and nine months a year in Puerto Rico.

Dr. Pousada also shares with us sixteen of her book reviews.  This is a great section in which to find other resources for completing research projects in language studies.  She also provides visitors with copies of the presentations she has given for universities and associations. . Her PowerPoint presentations deal with many different topics of great interest in both English and Spanish, ranging from language issues to Internet research and plagiarism.

The website also has a section where the visitor can enjoy beautifulpictures of natural tropical scenery as well  photos of winter in the United States.  She also provides a link to other information that appears on the website of the English Department of the College of Humanities, UPR Rio Piedras.  The videos ection provides two documentaries about language.

If you are conducting research in linguistics, you should visit Dr. Pousada's  web page.  It is a resource that is available right from the comfort of your home without need of multiple searches or traveling. 

Note: In the upcoming weeks, "The Owl's Bookshelf" will interview Dr. Alicia Pousada

Down the Memory Lane II- Save the Date Activity

Members of the Library Committee 2012-13

     On December 13, 2013 the English Department celebrated the activity Save the Date.  This day colleagues of our faculty shared the achievements obtained during the semester by the different committees.
    The strategy used to present the achievements is through a SWOT chart.  This chart divides the accomplishments and the pending tasks in the areas of strength, weakness, opportunities and threats.
     The Library Committee presented their SWOT chart in this activity. The following is a summary of what was discussed in this meeting:

• Strength- our committee has the support of the ADCO (Administración de Colección) professors of UPRH.  Also the committee members Dr. Aida Cáceres' as well as Prof. Artemio Peñalbert's compromise have always made possible the success of this committee.

Also another strength has been the completion of the surveys given to students and faculty members.  The information obtained from these surveys will be used in decision making in improving the services needed by our BA students.

•   Weakness- the Library Committee as a dynamic entity is in constant change and evolution which not only strengthens as time passes by, but encounters weaknesses that must be overcome.  Last semester this committee underwent some challenges that caused several weakness that the goal is to overcome them this semester.

Both weakness had to do with the chair who is in the research stage of her graduate studies.  The demands of this stage caused that the blog posts diminished considerably.  Only one post appeared up the last weeks of the semester.  At that moment the blog was almost nonexistent.

Also this caused that the meetings were mainly done by emails which still kept the members of the committee up to date with the situations related with the tasks, but it lacked a face to face communication.

•  Opportunities- the weakness caused by the lack of posts has been transformed into opportunities.  Now, the blog will continue weekly posts and will integrate the "Down the Memory Lane" to update readers with the posts that were not published last semester.

Also the committee is working on a more structured process in data gathering so the data is obtained within the deadlines established.  Another related opportunity is that the committee plans to incorporate studies conducted by the members as part of the yearly tasks.

• Threat-  as I expressed in the meeting held last semester, the only threat perceived is related with the chair of the committee.  As the chair of the committee I have started to make the adjustments to be able to balance these responsibilities, my courses and the research of my graduate studies.  If this is accomplished, the committee will have no situation of great concern, just the everyday challenges that all committees face.

This exercise of looking at the committee's achievements and pending tasks through the eyes of the SWOT chart has been beneficial for the Library Committee.  As the presentation is being prepared, there is opportunity to reflect upon our academic journey as we continue the path of the goals set.

Dr. Nilsa Lugo's initiative to have this Save the Date activity and the inclusion of the SWOT analysis has helped faculty members share and learn about the accomplishments of our different committees in a dynamic form.

Down the Memory Lane I- Luz I. Vega Literary Legacy

UPRH English Department Professors and Luz I. Vega

     Last semester, the blog suffered from the lack of posts.  But while the blog was in silence, many things were happening in our Department that were not recorded in the due moment.  So during this semester in addition to the regular posts, there will be some titled Down the Memory Lane to share with you those unforgettable moments.  Our first post will be dedicated to Prof. Luz I. Vega who this past December retired from teaching English literature at the University of Puerto Rico Humacao.
     Prof. Luz I. Vega is not only an outstanding scholar who transformed her classes in ones full of literary love, but she is also an extraordinary person, always with a smile and in the best disposition to help other colleagues.
      I met Lucy as she is known to many of us, when I had the opportunity to participate of a proposal sponsored by the English Department for English teachers of the Department of Education.  Prof. Vega gave one of the workshops which was about literature.  All of the participants were impressed by her love for literature which she transmitted to all those present and left an unforgettable impression.
    Years afterwards when I started working as a professor at UPRH, Lucy welcomed me as part of the faculty and was always available to help me as when I taught Introduction to Literature I, Children's Literature and when assigned as the Academic Counselor of the English BA Program.  Her advice and support were an essential part of  successfully accomplishing the tasks and responsibilities this position required.
     Her love for literature, especially her love for the Shakespeare made  possible the success of many of the annual festivals that have been celebrated in our department.  Not only did she motivate students into participating in these festivals, but she adapted and wrote scripts for many of the Shakespeare Festivals.
     This semester begins a new stage in Prof. Luz I. Vega's life where she will pursue new dreams and goals. While we do celebrate that Prof. Vega will continue reaping new accomplishments, she is greatly missed by faculty and her students. As I began teaching those courses that Lucy had taught for so many years, I have felt how great is her legacy, one that will never be substituted and will always be remembered.
     Her love for literature, not only opened the doors of knowledge to all those whose lives she touched, but transformed the way they see the beauty of words and the magic literature brings into our lives.
     Thank you Luz I. Vega for your authentic dedication to teaching and literature.  And as the Irish saying states

May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun
And find your shoulder to light on,
To bring you luck, happiness and riches
Today, tomorrow and beyond.
~Irish Blessing

It's February... A Friendship Book

  “Why did you do all this for me?" he asked. "I don't deserve it. I've never done anything for you.'
You have been my friend,' replied Charlotte. 'That in itself is a tremendous thing.”  

The month of February arrived and everywhere we are surrounded by hearts, chocolates and plush toys and other trinkets created to represent the love and friendship we feel for others.  But these are emotions that a material gift can never encompass its true meaning.   Henry David Thoreau stated that "The language of friendship is not words but meanings."  
     When I think about the books that show true friendship, the one that comes into my mind is the modern classic Charlotte's Web by E.B. White.  This novel  won the Newbery Honor Award in 1953.  While the winner of that year award Secret of the Andes by Ann Nolan Clark, is mostly forgotten by contemporary readers, Charlotte's Web has withstood the test of time and is still enjoyed by children and adults.
     Movies have been made based on this heartwarming classic being my favorite the Hannah Barbera's animated version of 1973.  To me it is the best for it followed very closely the plot of the story.
    This novel presents the friendship of two very unlikely pair- a spider and a pig.  Charlotte is a very secure spider with an extraordinary linguistic ability who befriends Wilbur,  a very insecure and scared pig who has been separated from Fern who he had considered his protector and friend.  It is Charlotte who teaches Wilbur the true meaning of life and even saves him from death.
     Charlotte never abandoned Wilbur and kept her promise to save his life. And when her cycle of life was near an end, she never faltered or lamented her fate teaching children and adult as well to accept  life and value what we have.  It also teaches that true friendship doesn't end in death, for still after years of Charlotte's physical absence, she was still greatly remembered by Wilbur.
    My favorite lines are the closing which summarizes the essence of true friendship within these unforgettable characters.  The novel ends “It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer." And Charlotte was both.to Wilbur
     I received a copy of this novel after I completed by undergraduate studies.  It was a gift from a very special friend.  A friend who like Charlotte has helped me in times of need, quietly, but always keeping her promises.  It has been a friendship that has grown throughout the years into a sisterhood where our children are seen as family members and not the children of two good friends.
     Many books written for children and young adults present the different facets of friendship.  So instead of eating chocolates or placing plush toys in a long forgotten place after the 14th and even after the flowers have withered, a good book will withstand the trials of time.  This month read a book that reflects the beauty of friendship or love.
     What book would you read in this month of friendship and love?