Middlesex Community College’s Pool of Wisdom

By Alice Stelzer

At a recent meeting of the Middlesex Community College Book Club, held at the Jean Burr Smith Library, the guest authors were two of Middlesex Community College’s own. Randeane Tetu, coordinator of the Reading/Writing Lab has just published her sixth book, “Jasmine Sugar – A Guide to Transforming Grief”; and Mensimah Shabazz, Director of Admissions, has just published her first book, “Sankofa – Learning from Hindsight.”

Tetu talked about how she came to write, “Jasmine Sugar.” “The book started writing itself on my father’s passing. When it became spatial and confusing, I allowed myself to be confused. The book was reorganized many times and suddenly it came together. Making a book is like making a patchwork quilt. Writing this book taught me the ‘process of guidance’.”

Shabazz talked about what she felt was a common theme in the two books. “There is a pool of wisdom that is channeled through each of us but develops differently.”

In the last paragraph of her memoir, Shabazz wrote, “Beginning with my childhood ability as a seer, I have known that there is more than one vision of God. Traditional worship, personal freedom in thought and expression, my vision of a new and compassionate world and my dedication to justice for women and children guide me on my soul’s journey. I know who I am. I am a medicine woman and this is my healing story!”

Both authors talked about the process, whereby we take challenges and turn them into opportunities, being a positive transformation. Anne Paluck, librarian who introduced the authors said, “No one can read these books without being moved. The messages these authors both sent through their books is very powerful. They talk about the way to get positive energy to flow into your life and how to get rid of the bad stuff.”

CAPTION:

Middlesex Community College staff members, Randeane Tetu (L) and Mensimah Shabazz greet the audience gathered to hear about their new books.