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Porcelli: The Other Side of Education (12/15)

Dan on December 14, 2022

CTE Shop Class: Now It’s High-Tech

Progress in trade education…I hope

By Mike Porcelli

For most of my life, I’ve participated in trade education from every possible angle. I’ve served on high school and college trade ed advisory boards and lobbied elected officials to increase CTE programs as they were continually diminished.

Four years ago, I was inspired by an article from a high school classmate about how college was a waste for many of those attending. He got me thinking about why the programs offered in our high school, those I had promoted for decades, were no longer available to most students.

Around the same time, I discovered an article by Michael Bloomberg and Jamie Dimon on why vocational education is crucial to the economy, but schools were no longer teaching those skills.

That experience led me into researching the subject more deeply and advocating more strongly for the restoration of CTE programs on radio and TV, as well as in these pages. I also began more actively working with DOE schools and workforce organizations to expand CTE as much as possible. It has been frustrating to see virtually no increase in training programs over that time…until now.

Recently, I’ve been pleased that DOE is beginning to see the light. Three months ago, at a news conference with Mayor Adams and Schools Chancellor David Banks, a partnership was announced between DOE, New York Jobs Ceo Council and CareerWise New York to create job training for high school students who were not heading directly into the college-debt-mill.

Their modern apprenticeships offer students opportunities in growing NYC industries and practical learning experience in addition to their classroom instruction.

CareerWise New York is an employer-led, student-focused collaboration, with a mission to ensure young people have access to job opportunities and employers get the talent they need. The program is based on the Swiss system, widely regarded as the world standard in linking apprenticeships, education and industry. 

Since Bloomberg and Dimon wrote about the need for trade education years ago, Bloomberg L.P. and J. P. Morgan Chase have contributed millions into education and training programs, locally and nationwide.

At the September news conference, along with other businesses, they pledged even more money to fund the CareerWise partnership.

The mayor, chancellor and every other sponsor are to be commended for establishing this program to benefit students and industry together.

To learn more: https://working.nyc.gov/?p=1991 & https://www.careerwisenewyork.org/en/ 

As commendable as this program is, it appears to suffer from the same problem many CTE schools have, which is an implicit bias regarding “vocational education programs.” The career fields in this program do not appear to include any of the “hands-on trades.”

The construction and mechanical trades are somehow not included when most people advocate for CTE education. They prefer “clean” CTE programs, at the expense of training mechanics, carpenters, plumbers and the other highly skilled people who keep the world running.

Industrial bias must end. Begin by opening this program to all trades, especially those in shortest supply. Workforce skills must match demand.

Academic & Trade Education are Two Sides of a Coin. This column explores the impact of CTE programs on students, society, and the economy.

Mike Porcelli: life-long mechanic, adjunct professor, and host of Autolab Radio, is committed to restoring trade education in schools before it’s too late. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-porcelli-master-mechanic-allasecerts/ 

ANN M. CHIRICHELLA

Dan on December 14, 2022

Ann M. Chirichella passed away on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at the age of 84. Loving Sister of John Chirichella and sister-in-law of Patricia. Cherished Aunt of Patricia Valero and the late John Chirichella. Mass of Christian Burial was offered at Transfiguration Church on Thursday, December 1, 2022 10:45 AM. Interment followed at St. John Cemetery, Middle Village, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth NY 11378.

VIRGINIA FRAZIER

Dan on December 14, 2022

Virginia Frazier passed away on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at the age of 92. Beloved Wife of Andrew J. Frazier. Loving Mother of Kathleen Derouin, Edmund Frazier and Eileen Frazier. Cherished Grandmother of Renee, Colette, Matthew, Keith, Veronica, Samantha and the late Andrew and Great Grandmother of Evelyn, Lily, Eli, Eliot, Isaac and Morgan. Dear Sister of Eileen Hagen. Also survived by numerous loving nieces, nephews and friends. Religious Services were offered at Papavero Funeral Home on Friday, December 16, 2022 10 AM. Interment followed at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Maspeth, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth NY 11378.

EMILIO RODRIGUEZ

Dan on December 14, 2022

Emilio Rodriguez passed away on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at the age of 78. Beloved Husband of Maria C. Rodriguez. Loving Father of Cristina Rodriguez, Emilio Rodriguez Jr. and Nancy Rodriguez. Cherished Grandfather of Alejandro and Naomi. Mr. Rodriguez was a United States Army Veteran. Mass of Christian Burial offered at St. Stanislaus Church on Saturday December 10, 2022 9:30 AM. Interment followed at Cypress Hills Cemetery, Brooklyn NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth NY 11378.

NICHOLAS JAMES PIACENTE

Dan on December 14, 2022

It is with a heavy heart that the family of Nicholas James Piacente is announcing the death of their son and brother. Nicholas was 31 years of age and died suddenly November 19, 2022. His death was caused by a two inch, (2″), blood clot in the left anterior descending coronary artery in his heart, which is rare for his age. Nick was a gentle soul and was an animal lover. He enjoyed vacationing in the mountains and recently joined a hiking club.  He also enjoyed the arts, especially opera.  He played the clarinet and was first chair clarinetist consecutively three years in Suffolk County,(S.C.E.M.A.), consecutively three years at New York State Music association., (N.Y.S.S.M.A.).  Additionally,  he was first chair clarinetist at the Best of All Eastern, 2009.  Moreover, he performed at Carnegie Hall. To describe Nick as a scholar is an understatement.  Nick was valedictorian of the class of 2009 while attending Mattituck High School. In 2013, he graduated from Princeton University: Summa Cum Laude. In 2014 he decided to change careers and left the financial district.  He attended St. John’s Law school where he received a full scholarship. For the past 4 years he has been a practicing attorney. Nick is survived by his parents Keith and Christine, his sister Christine M., (Giles Smith), his niece Lillian, his nephew Augustine, and Uncle Al. The family hopes that God is holding him in the palm of his hand. Please donate to : The American Heart Association or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, (A.S.P.C.A.) New York City.  Visitation Fri Dec 2nd, 2022 2-5pm & 7-9pm.  Funeral Service Sat Dec 3rd 2022 10am St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 85 Greenway South, Forest Hills. Interment  to follow at 11:20am Maple Grove Cemetery, 83-15 Kew Gardens Road, Forest Hills under the direction of Fox Funeral Home, 98-07 Ascan Avenue, Forest Hills.

Woodside comedian brings Japanese culture to NYC

Dan on December 8, 2022

Kilara Sen, the “Pink Unicorn” of comedy

By Stephanie Meditz

news@queensledger.com

Sen is grateful to do standup comedy in NYC, where audiences accept and relate to her unique personality.

Originally from Tokyo, Japan, Kilara Sen always knew it was her destiny to move to New York City.

Sen is a bilingual, feminist comedian whose humor deals with mental health, diversity and critiques of gender roles.

Sen was inspired to pursue comedy when she saw Chris Rock perform at Essence Music Festival in New Orleans as a Theatre Arts student at Hampton University.

She was shocked by the difference between American and Japanese comedy.

“He totally killed it,” Sen said. “It was a music festival, but he didn’t use any music. He just talked for an hour and he nailed the night, so I was really impressed…I thought to myself, ‘I’m gonna do this when my English is good enough.’”

Kilara Sen poses as Rosie the Riveter for Women’s History Month. Photo via @kilaracomedy on Instagram.

Sen started a career in Japanese comedy upon returning home, but never truly felt like she belonged in the industry.

“Standup comedy in Japan is nothing. Nobody knows about it,” Sen said. “Especially as a woman bringing her opinion and sometimes telling jokes criticizing politicians…people didn’t like it at all.”

As a survivor of childhood abuse and mental illness, Sen was inspired by comedians like Tiffany Haddish and Hannah Gadsby to incorporate her trauma into comedy.

“Japanese women are usually recognized as good wives, both in and out of Japan,” she said. “I really want to represent a new image of Japanese women.”

To achieve this goal, Sen refers to herself as a “Pink Unicorn” and calls her fans Unicorns.

“I used to blame myself for a long time because I was different, but now I feel my uniqueness is my value,” Sen said. “I love my uniqueness, and I think that everyone has their own uniqueness.”

Sen uses pink, a traditionally feminine color, to reject sexist stereotypes about women.

“From Japan…there is kind of a social system to make all women be a good wife. I have a lot of experiences of that kind of sexual harassment too,” they said. “I want to deliver the message to everybody: don’t live as somebody’s wife or somebody’s something. Just be yourself.”

Sen visited New York before the pandemic, but officially moved to Woodside in June 2022.

Kilara Sen performs at open mics and comedy shows all over Queens.

They performed at various open mics and comedy shows in Queens, and loved to see Queens’ younger crowd of comedians perform.

Sen has performed at The City University of New York, where students were intrigued by Japanese comedy and culture.

“For those audiences, I do jokes introducing and making fun of Japanese culture,” she said. “It’s more based on my experience.”

Before moving to the U.S., Sen made various TV appearances, including Asia’s Got Talent, Paul Hollywood’s Food Adventure and Henry Golding’s Welcome to the Railworld.

All of her TV credits were facilitated by her social media presence — she got invited to perform on Asia’s Got Talent after her YouTube video went viral.

“[Social media] has brought me a really great network with a lot of talented young performing artists all over Asia,” they said. “Usually, in the Japanese TV industry, managers always bring auditions or TV show offers. In my case…I was really looking for some opportunities outside of Japan but I didn’t know how. I was very lucky to get those offers from my social media directly.”

“In Japanese media, women really cannot be so loud, but I’m basically very loud and hyperactive…and have a very tomboyish personality,” she continued. “People all over the world outside Japan found me and they like who I am. It’s a really great place to connect people who speak the same language.”

A key illustration of Sen’s goal with her comedy is kintsugi, a Japanese traditional art of fixing broken pottery with gold.

“As a survivor…the message is not to give up, even if you fall,” she said. “Scars can be your gold sometimes.”

To see Sen’s comedy in action and learn about her upcoming shows, follow their Instagram, @kilaracomedy and subscribe to her YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@Kilaracomedy.

Porcelli: The Other Side of Education (12/8)

Dan on December 7, 2022

CTE Shop Class: Now It’s High-Tech

CTE is key to student success

By Mike Porcelli

Mayor Eric Adams has stated that he is committed to supporting children from “cradle to career,” and “birth to profession,” and says he is making CTE a priority in his administration.

DOE Chancellor David Banks seeks additional resources to create experiences that activate the “power of possibility in students.” 

They both want to provide students with career education that will improve their future and have called for many companies to collaborate with schools to create a real workforce development plan for students. How can they achieve these admirable goals, while producing graduates to meet the requirements of industry?

In March, Banks highlighted four pillars of the foundation for his vision to improve student outcomes, ensuring they are “equipped to be a positive force for change” and graduate “with a pathway to a rewarding career and long-term economic security.” The pillars include focusing on “career-connected learning.” He observed that students disengaged with school as they saw no connection to what it could do for them, and they were “just going through the routine of going to school.”

To correct this situation, DOE introduced the Career Pathways Initiative, headed by Jade Grieve, to partner with educators, unions, government, community and business leaders to ensure that all students graduate with a strong plan and head start on a pathway to the middle class.

Banks has committed the DOE to transformational change that can give each student a pathway to a successful career. This must include expanding opportunities for middle school career exploration that helps students build a plan for their future in the workforce. An early start to career exploration, combined with an assessment of students’ natural abilities, no later than middle school, will help align students with their best educational path. 

For the mayor and chancellor to achieve maximum student success, they must begin with early evaluation of students’ aptitudes and abilities, along with constant career exploration, and provide all the program resources needed to meet the demands of the career or academic paths students chose.

The success of such a career guidance program, that meets the needs of both students and industry, depends on providing students and parents with the true opportunities various career fields offer. The perception promoted by schools in recent decades, that the “skilled-trades” are not “worthy professions,” must be eradicated. The mayor and chancellor must provide the public with the truth about how lucrative and rewarding modern trade careers can be, and ban the old slogan that says, “College is the only path to success.” They must inform the public that many trade workers earn more than college graduates (without any debt), many earn more than their teachers do and they also deserve the respect given to any other profession. 

As the title of this column indicates, and Banks has stated repeatedly: “It’s not your grandfather’s CTE – Now It’s High-Tech.” CTE programs must be accepted and respected, as equally valuable as any other educational pathway, and as the best course for many students.

Let’s hope that DOE can meet this objective.

Academic & Trade Education are Two Sides of a Coin. This column explores the impact of CTE programs on students, society, and the economy.

Mike Porcelli: life-long mechanic, adjunct professor, and host of Autolab Radio, is committed to restoring trade education in schools before it’s too late. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-porcelli-master-mechanic-allasecerts/ 

JIMMY VALDES

Dan on December 6, 2022

Jimmy Valdes passed away on Thursday, November 2, 2022 at the age of 55. Beloved Husband, Cherished Friend and avid Mets and Cowboys fan. A Proud New Yorker, he was a distinguished alumnus of the Henry Viscardi school and a summa cum laude graduate of St. John’s University. An Emmy award-winning contributor to CBS Sports since 1991, his work ethic and high standard of excellence, impacted his entire CBS Sports family. Jimmy worked tirelessly throughout each NFL season and March Madness, earning a relaxing 4th of July with a Nathan’s hot dog and a bloody Mary. Although Jimmy lived his life from a wheelchair, he refused to be defined by his disability. Instead, he embraced an attitude of gratitude which rubbed off on everyone he met. He once said “there is a long list of things I can’t do, but there is also a long list of things I can do” and he set out to conquer them all, making everyday count. Jimmy’s ability to find the good in any situation inspired all who knew him and he leaves behind a legacy of friends from all walks of life.  Those that knew him will remember his smile, his laugh, and the effortless way he lit up a room with his presence. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Isora. He is survived by his wife Julie, the love of his life. A viewing will take place on Monday, December 5, at the Hess-Miller Funeral Home, 64-19 Metropolitan Avenue, Middle Village, NY from 6-9pm.

ELEANORE SCHUBERT

Dan on December 6, 2022

Eleanore Schubert passed away on Sunday, December 4, 2022 at the age of 86. Beloved Mother of Thomas O’Dowd and Robert O’Dowd, mother-in-law of Susan. Dear Sister-in-Law of Dario Villa. Loving Aunt of Ronald (Dorca) Villa, Elizabeth (Suat) Cayli and Michael (Noele) Villa. Greatest Great-Aunt of Anthony, Thomas, Caroline, Henry, Jack and Charlie. Mass of Christian Burial offered at St. Mary’s Church on Friday, December 9, 2022 10:00 AM. Interment followed at Calvary Cemetery, Woodside, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth NY 11378.

MICHAEL HOSEY

Dan on December 6, 2022

Michael Hosey passed away on Sunday, December 4, 2022 at the age of 53. Beloved Son of Josephine and the late James Hosey. Loving Brother of Kevin (Joann) Hosey and the late Patrick (Felicia) Hosey. Cherished Uncle of Taylor, Colin, Fiona and Vanessa. Also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Mass of Christian Burial offered at St. Sebastian Church on Friday, December 9, 2022 9:45AM. Interment followed at St. John Cemetery, Middle Village, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth NY 11378.

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