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Career Spotlight: Marketing Manager

May 13, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Name:
Michelle Raphael

Position and Title:
Associate Marketing Manager for the Power To End Stroke campaign

Employer:
American Heart Association in Dallas, TX

What are some of your job responsibilities?
I manage all of the online properties for the Power To End Stroke movement and Vida Saludable, a healthy living site for Latinos. These include the social media channels, the website and other online programs and activities.

What is your educational background?
I earned my Bachelor of Science at the University of Texas at Austin with an Advertising major. College may not necessarily prepare you for everything at your job, but it will help you to work with others, build on your creativity and learn how to make decisions.

How did you find your current job?
I had always wanted to work at a non-profit. Knowing that you are helping others through your work gives you the motivation to wake up every morning!

What inspires you most about your job?
I am passionate about living a healthy lifestyle.   I am all about helping people make health a lifestyle and not a chore. You can specifically see this through the work I’ve done in the Powerful Living and Vida Saludable campaigns.

When you are young, it can be easy to think that you will never be unhealthy. The truth is, the habits you form when you are young can have a big impact on you as an adult. Today, about one out of three American kids and teens are overweight or obese, nearly triple the rate in 1963. Among children today, obesity is causing a broad range of health problems that previously weren’t seen until adulthood.

What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of the job is seeing people who have benefited from the work of the American Heart Association. Whether someone learned CPR, recognized someone suffering a stroke and called 9-1-1, helped pass a bill in congress or just shared a life saving message with a friend, all of these steps are helping to save lives everyday!

What advice would you give to help a girl prepare for a job like yours?
You need to be a jack of all trades. Always be open to learn and ready to do all sorts of jobs. If you put passion into everything you do, you will be successful!

What do you do for fun when you aren’t working?
Hang out with family and friends, play with my 2 year old daughter and run.

Filed Under: Careers, Her History, Teens

My Mother

May 10, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Like Mother, Like Daughter
By Jasmin Floreslatina mother and daughter

My mom gave birth to me a month before her 18th birthday. Though she was young, that didn’t hinder her desire to be the mom she wanted to be as well as the mom I deserved. As far as I can remember, my mom has always been my best friend. She went to college and worked at a supermarket; trying her absolute best in both and succeeding in getting her Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy. I remember I graduated from Pre-School at the same time she graduated college and we took professional pictures of us in our cap and gown together. I was so proud of her, just as she was with me.

She got a job at a hospital at the same time I was entering 1st grade. She used to work the night shifts back. She would drop me off at school in the morning and my grandparents would pick me up from school. I recall her being upset that she wasn’t able to help me with my homework a few days out of the week because she was working and I told her, “Mom, the sick people need you to help them get better. You should be there and I’ll try my best here.”

Through out the years we’ve grown to be each other’s main support as well as become the other half to each other. If I didn’t have my mom, I’d feel as if I had been cut in half. She is the yin to my yang, so to speak. I’ve told her things that I’ve never told anybody else. I have best friends but when someone asks me who my absolute best friend is, I say my mother. We’ve gone from her teaching me how to walk to her teaching me how to drive. I’ve learned so much from her and she says she has learned a lot from me. Before I was born, she was a pushover and was afraid to speak for herself. Now she is single-handedly the most independent and strong woman I know. She has raised me by herself from the get-go and I think she’s done a terrific job. I’m a straight A student going to a prestigious school and I’ve solely worked this hard to make her proud.
To me, my mom is my idol. She is the person I look up to because she embodies everything a good person should have. Unlike celebrities, she has shown me what being a good person with good morals should be. She pushes me to try my best, not just in school but in all aspects of my life. She has shown me that I need to be independent so I can do anything I want in life.

 

My Mom’s Story
By Angela Reganit

Do you know someone who is great? Spends time with you? Cares for you? And is an important person? Well, I do; she has black hair, brown eyes, and a caring touch. That’s my mom, Grace Reganit.

She is the one who carried me in her womb for nine months without a single sigh.
My mom is the one who takes all kinds of pain and cares for my sake. When I am sick, she spends sleepless nights beside me. She has always guided me in the right path in every step of my life. She has taught me and disciplined me. My mom has taught me the sense of duty I should have towards others in the family and in society.

My mom is an ordinary woman but in her small presence lies an extraordinary figure of fortitude, perseverance, and strong mindset. She is a diligent and determined woman who has guided me toward taking the right direction by following my own path. More importantly, she has helped me appreciate myself as a precious gift of ordinary life and true happiness.

My mom is the best woman in the world and no one can replace her in my heart. I admire her so much. She is always busy with house chores and taking good care of me, my sister, and my dad, but I never hear her say that she is tired. Every day, she is the first person in my family to wake up very early. Then, she makes breakfast for everyone. When my dad goes to work, my sister and I go to school. My mother stays home and does all the daily chores while we are gone. When we come home, there is always a delicious dinner waiting for us. My mom is the last person to take a break after such a long day.

Mom, you gave me everything but you never ask me to pay you back. You are the best, the greatest woman in this world, and in my heart, I love you forever. I am happy when I have you by my side to take care of me, to protect me and to give me your love. I am happy that you are my mom. In the future, I will be a successful adult in life, but in your eyes, I know that I will always be your little kid.

Mommy’s Girl
By Samantha D. Martinez

Ever since I could remember I was always a “Mommy’s Girl”, but my mom wasn’t just a “mom” she is also my teacher, best friend, hero, and more importantly my “partner in crime”. Since I’m an only child I have no brothers or sisters to talk to about sorts of stuff you wouldn’t tell your parents, but my mom is different. I can tell her everything. She is honestly that big sister I never had.

My mom is not only my “partner in crime” she is also my teacher. After working an eight hour job in a hospital, she rushes home to cook my father and I a warm meal. Afterwards, she helps me with my homework. Even though sometimes she doesn’t understand it, she will teach herself the lesson and then explain it to me the best way she can. Also, if I ever have a question or advice she will give me guidance from her experiences so I won’t make a mistake. Even though I disagree with her ALL the time, in the end I realize she was right.

My mom is also my best friend. She’s always there when no one else is; when I’m sick she gives me everything I need and if I’m lucky what I want. I can trust she won’t stab me in the back like other people would. I trust my mom.

Lastly, my mom is my “Super Woman”. She does so much! She cooks, cleans, washes, and works. I can barley handle waking up for school. When I grow up I would be lucky enough to become half of the woman my mom is.

But my mom isn’t just my hero, partner, etc. She is a hero at work and in my family as well. Coming from a house with three siblings, a mom and a dad, and a grandma and grandpa, my mom made the impossible POSSIBLE. She wasn’t a straight “A” student, but more like an A, B, C, D kind of student. Her parents only knew Spanish and did not have an education. My mom and her brother and sister had to do their homework on their own. She didn’t want to work at McDonalds and neither did she want her siblings to work there. Being the youngest, she was the one they looked up to — even today. My mom helps my aunt and uncle with money, advice, and guidance. She is like their 2nd mother in my eyes.

At work she helps others that need it, like translating or learning something new and simply by just being their friend. My mom doesn’t do this by force, it’s in her naturally! I admire this about her so much. I see other moms that do not fulfill their duties as a mom and their child suffers at the end. I thank God everyday for giving me a mother/woman like her.

Filed Under: Latina Beat, My Family, Teens

Healthy Relationships Tips

April 30, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Every relationship is different. Even though all relationships are unique and function on their own terms, like sharing your own super cool secret language with a sibling or friend, there are certain guidelines that can either strengthen or damage your relationship. Here are some pointers that should help you keep your relationships healthy and happy.

1.) Communicate: Often times we are hearing what our loved ones are telling us, but it goes in through one ear and out the other. We end up picking the things we want to hear. How convenient, right? Being a good listener is the first thing one should work on when wanting a healthier and happier relationship. Laura Werthmann, who is a Club Leader and Editorial Intern for Latinitas says, “I feel that communication is probably the number one most important thing to have in a relationship. When others know what is going on in your world, or visa versa they are able to uphold a sense of empathy or have a better understanding of your actions or who you are as a person. I feel that maintaining positive forms of communication builds trust in a relationship, forming a stronger bond that can potentially last forever.” Avoid the awkward small talk with your BFF or loved one, communication is key in maintaining a healthy relationship.

2.) Trust : Trust is extremely important when maintaining healthy relationships. Trusting someone means not questioning their actions and knowing that they have your best interest at heart. Whether it’s trusting your friends or your parents, know that trust is the foundation of someone always being there for you. ”To get along better with your parents, show them you trust them. Show them you appreciate them and try to see things from their perspective. It is not out of this world to fight with your parents now and then; sometimes it’s part of being a family,” states Janette Mendoza, Senior at Harmony Science Academy.

3.) Empathy/ Consideration :  Being empathetic towards the ones you love is a much appreciated quality.  When the ones you love are going through a hard time you should be considerate and supportive, because having empathy is a form of expressing that you care. According to Education.com, Dr. Robert Brooks claims empathy is  ”a common characteristic of individuals who are successful as business leaders, teachers, parents, spouses, or healthcare professionals.” Aside from these positive traits, “empathic people are skilled in placing themselves inside the shoes of another person and seeing the world through that person’s eyes,” adds Dr. Brooks. Being able to put yourself in their shoes has the potential of not only increasing communication between your loved ones, but also in strengthening a relationship.

4.) Showing you care :  Showing that you care for someone can be shown in different ways.  ”I’m always concerned with the health of my mom,” shares Heather Marronne, Senior at Mission Early College High School. “Everyday, without fail, whether I have a few seconds to talk, I always ask her if she’s eaten, if she slept okay, or how her day went or if she needed anything. She does the same for me. We stay caught up like that.” Consistently telling people that you care and love them can have a positive impact in your relationships. Being an affectionate person does not come easy to most people, but the fact that you are making an effort is what truly counts. Always remember that going overboard with affection, like telling someone you love them every 5 minutes, may smother them and can potentially be counterproductive. If you’re on the shy side, tyou can always write your loved ones letters or surprise them with their favorite chocolate or candy bar. Be creative!

5.)Loyalty: There is a reason why there is a saying that a man’s best friend is his dog. The reason this saying exists is because dogs are loyal to their owners. Loyalty, whether it’s from a furry friend or a loved one, is important in a healthy relationship. A loyal friend, family member or significant other is a very valuable person, because it is someone who will be there to pick you up when you’re down and will always have your best interests at heart. There is no better feeling than knowing the people you love and care about will be by your side no matter what may happen in your life.

 

Filed Under: Dealing, Get Real, Teens

Beyond the Canvas: Latino Museums

April 30, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Museums are keys to analyzing our past and understanding our present. Museums document and provide an enriching and educational look into culture. Few museums in the United States are dedicated to Latino culture and studies, yet those that do exist are rich with Latino cultural artifacts, art and are dedicated to educating their communities about their raízes. Gather your friends and family for Latinitas’ own museum walk.

Courtesy from Mexic-art.org

Mexic-Arte — Austin, Texas
Mexic-Arte is Texas’ official Mexican and Mexican-American art museum, located on Congress Avenue in the heart of downtown Austin. Founded in 1983 by artists Sylvia Orozco, Pio Pulido and Sam Coronado, it gained non-profit status in 1984 and has been featuring exhibitions ever since. Mexic-Arte holds annual summer and fall exhibitions. Summer exhibitions feature a Latino artist under 35, and the Fall exhibition is Día de los Muertos-themed. Mexic-Arte is pan-Latino, meaning they feature artists from all Latino identities. They recently held an exhibit called “Masked: Changing Identities”.

“Mexic-Arte caters to a community that is underserved,” said Claudia Zapata, curator of exhibitions and programs. Education programming is a large part of the Mexic-Arte mission. Students learn how to screenprint and use other computer software. Mexic-Arte has helped foster other non-profit projects, such as The Serie Project. Mexic-Arte is an important asset to the Texas Latino population.

Courtesy from Brownpride.com

El Museo del Barrio — New York, New York
Located in New York’s Museum Mile, El Museo del Barrio has a history originating in the Civil Rights Movement of 1969. Founder Raphael Montañez Ortiz, an educator and activist, opened El Museo in response to African-American and Puerto Rican parents and activists concerned that their children weren’t receiving an education that acknowledged their heritage. Originally a museum primarily for Puerto Rican art, it is now open to showcasing and preserving all Latin American and Caribbean cultures. The museum recently exhibited the “Superreal: alternative realities in photography and video.”

El Museo prides itself on its community outreach, educating the community through bilingual programs, festivals, and its vast art collection. According to their website, part of their mission is to “enhance the sense of identity, self-esteem and self-knowledge of the Caribbean and Latin American peoples.

National Museum of Mexican Art — Chicago, Illinois

Courtesy from rediscoverthewindycity.com

Chicago’s largely Mexican-American Pilsen neighborhood is home to the National Museum of Mexican Art. The NMMA was founded in 1987 after Carlos Tortolero organized a group of educators who shared his vision of art, education and social justice. The NMMA boasts a large collection of works by Mexican artists from both sides of the U.S. and Mexico border. The NMMA has traveling exhibitions across the U.S. and Mexico, adhering to their philosophy of Mexican culture being sin fronteras. 

With one of the largest art collections in the country, the museum’s education programs reach more than 60,000 K-12 students each year, according to their website. The NMMA also has acclaimed performing arts programs that highlight rich Mexican music, dance and theater. Admission to the museum is always free. They have hosted exhibits like artist Sergio Gomez’s collection “Puertas Abiertas/Open Doors.”

Museum of Latin American Art — Long Beach, California

Courtesy from Molaa.com

Serving the Los Angeles area and located in the East Village Arts District of Long Beach, the Museum of Latin American Art was founded in 1996 by Robert Gumbiner. “Our exhibitions focus on the diversity of modern (early 1900s) and contemporary art (present) in Latin America,” said Rebecca Horta, Associate Curator of Education. MOLAA features only Latin American art by artists with ties to a Latin American country.

MOLAA features a wide array of programs dealing with education, art, cooking, dance and a bilingual summer art camp. The museum hosts a free Annual Women’s Day Festival in March. This year’s festival happened March 10 and featured women artists, dancers and musicians. MOLAA features multiple exhibitions at a time and has its own magazine called the MOLAA Museum Magazine. They recently launched an exhibition entitled Loteria: An Interpretation of MOLAA’s Permanent Collection.

Currently, an effort by the Smithsonian is being made to open a national Latino museum on the National Mall in Washington D.C. Opening the museum is an uphill battle, but the Smithsonian has begun the Smithsonian Latino Center in an effort to develop a plan of action and to help with funding the project.

Filed Under: Art, Fun, Teens Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Poem: The Island Of The Free

April 25, 2013 By Leave a Comment

By Ashley Paramo

The first time I went to America

I had high hopes for what I would see.

And even though I enjoyed myself

I did not enjoy how Americans treated me.


“It’s because you look Puerto Rican”

My aunt said to me.

But Puerto Rico is a part of America!

How can Americans discriminate against me?


I like it more in my little island.

My cozy house by the sea.

In Puerto Rico you are not judged or hated against.

Puerto Rico is the place to be.


In America there is only you, him, her and I.

There is no such thing as “we”.

If you fall then you better get up.

For the Americans will step all over thee.


My little island isn’t perfect.

But then again, show me a place that can be.

With shootings, murders and gangs.

Not everything in my island is a warm cup of tea.


But I love my island so, and my island loves me.

So keep your America and its discrimination.

While I enjoy my humble island.

The island of the free.

Filed Under: Poetry, Teens, Your View

Chinitas Presente

April 25, 2013 By Leave a Comment

On paper, Cecilia is an ordinary Latina. She was born and raised in Peru, given a common Latin Catholic name, and raised speaking Spanish. Her eyes and hair are long and dark, and yet when Cecilia—now a University of Texas at Austin student—attends a Latino sponsored party, she is the only one who fails to receive the standard greeting. Instead of cheek kisses and Spanish, she gets a hand shake and English.

Identity

Cecilia is set apart by the fact that she is Chinese. Her dark eyes are almond shaped, and her long dark hair bears the characteristically sleek and straight look possessed by most Asians. When she speaks Spanish, people do a double take, sometimes a triple take, and others just stare. It doesn’t take long for the aforementioned party hosts to recognize their blunder, and accept her as their own, but Cecilia is tired of having to explain herself to everyone she meets.

“I tell them I’m Asian,” she says, “but it’s just because I don’t want them to ask me my whole background…I explain this probably once a day every day, so I just don’t want to go over the process again, you know?”

To further complicate Cecilia’s identity conundrum, she has recently obtained her American citizenship, making her a dual citizen of both Peru and America. Though she is undoubtedly Chinese by race, her ethnicity is hazy.

“I feel like I’m everything” she says, and pauses “except American, because I just became an American citizen.”

She clarifies further that her inability to connect with the American ethnicity stems from the fact that she feels it has been mixed to the point of having no original, or set culture.  But Cecilia emphatically asserts that she feels only a distant connection to the Asian community, and it is the Latino community where she feels most at home.

“Since I grew up in [the Latino] culture I feel like we can talk about the same things and when I’m joking around with them they understand that I’m joking and they don’t take it personally,” says Cecilia.

Peruvian History

Cecilia’s situation, though unusual in the US, is not uncommon in Peru. In the 1850s Peru welcomed massive waves of Chinese immigrants who would ultimately replace the existing slave labor and create a lasting influence on the Peruvian culture along with the Japanese, and other Asian immigrant groups.  In fact, Cecilia tells me, there are so many Asians in Peru that various Asian words have entered the Peruvian vernacular.  “Minpao” for instance is the Chinese word for bread. Peruvians use it instead of the Spanish, “pan.” “Chifa,” the Chinese word for eat has come to mean Chinese Restaurant to Peruvians. “Vamos al chifa,” or “let’s go to the Chinese restaurant” is a common phrase on account of the frequency with which one encounters such restaurants, especially in the city of Lima where Cecilia grew up.

But Asian influence extends beyond the cultural, and goes so far as to influence government and public policy. From 1990 to 2000 Alberto Fujimori, of Japanese descent, served as President of Peru. His legacy is one of equal praise and criticism, but he maintained a constant majority approval rating throughout his presidency. Positively known for eradicating terrorism within the country, and returning Peru to a state of economic stability, he created a right wing political movement known as Fujimorism that is focused around these issues. This movement continues today, and is carried out by his daughter Keiko, herself a congresswoman and presidential contender, proving that Asian influence and tolerance in Peru remains strong.

Mixture of Cultures

Knowing this, it becomes obvious that the face of Latin America is not always the one we recognize.  Returning again to Cecilia, we are presented with the makings of an important case for the Latina identity. She suggests that the qualifications for being Latina do not rest solely on the shoulders of race, but instead fall within the bounds of ethnicity and culture.  Though she feels that she is Asian, Peruvian, and American, each of these labels has its limitations in identifying Cecilia. However, none can deny her a place among Latinas.

 

Filed Under: Culture, Latina Beat, Teens

Latinas In Higher Education

April 25, 2013 By Leave a Comment

written by Areli Gonzalez with contributions from the Latinitas Editor

Since the beginning of the Chicano movement in the late 1960s and during 1970s, there has been an increase in Latino women acquiring education. Sadly, up to this day there are still many women that drop out of college or do not enter into higher education. The root of this problem is the fact that many Latino women drop out of high school.

The American Association of University Women found that “Hispanic girls have a higher school dropout rate than girls in other racial or ethnic group.” Despite the drop out rate, there are women that have discovered disciplines in higher education, such as the sciences, the mathematics, and the human services. Yet, a question remains unclear: what are the different factors that affect women entering higher education?

Dropout Rate:

The Census Bureau claims the dropout rate for Latinas ages 16 to 24 is 30 percent, compared with 12.9 percent for blacks and 8.2 percent for whites. Some of the reasons for this high percentage is the lack of support girls experience in their homes or the belief that there is no help out there. Local high schools and even community colleges and universities offer tutoring or community outreach services that are readily available to the public. Money can become a major contributor to the low attendance and drop out rate amongst college students, especially for those who think college tuition is high or if a family thinks or cannot afford the high payments.

Family Pressures:

Oftentimes women are still seen as the wives and mothers of their families and have the need to fulfill this role. They are expected to “hold” the family together, such as being a single parent or acting as a provider for the family. Many enter higher education with dreams and goals, but if they have a family, or plan on having a family in the near future, then the college dream, depending on the circumstance, is either put on hold or eliminated.

“During my undergrad I had to provide for my family because of financial struggles. Working full-time and attending school full-time was difficult but not impossible. I know this isn’t the case for some people, but looking up what resources are available, like taking online classes, can truly help balance family and academic commitments. I’ve seen many students who graduate within 6 years instead of the regular 4 as well as students who are older than 40 pursuing their college dreams. To me, it doesn’t matter how long it takes for you to graduate or how old you are, as long as you are pursuing your college dream. There’s always hope! Don’t give up!”,” says Jasmine, a graduate student.

Finances, Location, and Racism:

These three factor also play a major role for Latino women to choose whether to stay in college or not. Finances is the most important one. Some girls do not have the financial resources to cover the high tuition, book expenses, and other living expenses that they might have. Attending an out of state university might add even more finance obstacles if financial aid does not cover tuition, books, and living expenses.

Like many other students, Maria, a journalism major at USC,  did not know that the process of being in college would be so difficult for her. She moved out of her house when she was accepted into USC and has struggled with the feeling of being homesick and missing her family. Since going to college, she has worried about how she fits in with her color and race. Maria struggled and keeps struggling with the worries of being a minority seeking a dream in a place in which she feels she does not fit.

For students struggling like Maria, college campuses often have organizations and activities to make students feel at home. Join an organization and make new friends, don’t let homesickness be the barrier for your dreams. Asking for a care-package from home can ease the homesickness and Skyping weekly, or calling them if  a webcam is not available, with family and friends can bring that much needed support from your loved ones.

“I’ve learned that racism is everywhere and the best thing you can do is try to peacefully speak out and educate others about wrong stereotypes or theories. Let them know what they say is hurtful to you and let them know it’s racist. Not very many people like being called racist nowadays,” says Laura Werthmann, a recent post-grad from St. Edwards.

For tips on whether or not to stay or leave out of college, visit this critically engaging Latinitas article.

Latina Women Today:

Hispanics as a whole will account for 25 percent of the nation’s school population in 2030. Thus, creating the fastest-growing female minority population. Some researchers recommend educators to pay close attention to the difficulties the Latino women face to enter higher education. Staying focused and remembering that the path to success may not be easy are the key elements for Latino youth women to achieve their dreams in higher education and life. Latino women who enter higher education often graduate in human services, but, in recent years, women have started to enter other disciplines. Many started to become doctors, engineers, business women, or scientists, thus helping to open paths to younger generations in these fields.

Filed Under: 411, College, Teens Tagged With:

Girls in Sports

March 30, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Young Latinas are showcasing their athletic power, strength and competitive side in a wide range of sports. Girls are making a mark on the wrestling mat, golf course, soccer field, dance stage and many other sports arenas. Joining a sport has many benefits such as staying in shape, being healthy, learning how to work in teams, making friends, meeting new people and having fun. The choices can vary from dance, golf, soccer, fencing and even joining a wrestling team. Here are the stories of some Latinitas who are in different sports and love them!

Jessenia Marie Zambrano is a fifteen-year-old musician, artist and athlete from New York City. Jessenia is an active competitor of the sport fencing. She is coached by Buckie Leach, who has helped Olympic champions in the past, at the oldest Fencing School in America, The NY Fencers Club.

“Fencing is a very unique sport. Not that many kids grow up and think that they want to be an Olympian fencer because the sport is not as common as swimming, ballet or baseball. I began fencing when I was 6 years old. Going on  10 years now fencing, and its still a big part of my life since the day I started. I love the intensity in fencing and how people have different styles of displaying their flow of the game. Some girls are smooth, elegant and light on their feet. Others can be aggressive, mean and passionate in their yell when they score a touch. It’s an  intense logical sport. It’s also emotional just like any other sport can be. All kinds of people fence. Some do so because they compete and others fence because its simply fun! It’s playing with swords. Who cannot see that as fun? Don’t worry that blades are zero percent sharp.” – Jessenia

Jocelyne Hernandez is a junior in high school and serves as team captain of her golf team. She also likes to play soccer. She encourages other girls to join sports as well because it teaches hard w0rk, goal-setting, team work and discipline.

“I am more of a soccer player, but I barely joined golf. Although I’ve played for a short time, I love hitting at the range. Golf is not an easy sport but I’ve learned to be self- reliant…I think its great that girls join sports… Girls who are in sports do better in school… Playing sports helps build character, you learn what teamwork is all about and you set your goals.” – Jocelyne

Jessie Nicole Barron is a high school junior and has been a wrestler for about a year now. Jessie also thinks that wrestling is a hard sport because it is physically and mentally demanding, but encourages others girls to step up to the challenge.

“I’ve been in wrestling since the summer of 2012… What I love about wrestling the most is that I can get rid of any stress and building muscle… The hardest thing about wrestling is everything! It is not like another sport, it’s not for everyone. In wrestling you need to be mentally, emotional, physically and spiritually strong…Wrestling is a challenging sport; however, if you are interested in trying it, you should! It’s always good to take a challenge and see how far you can go.”

Gaby Werthmann is a freshmen in high school and is in the dance team at her school. She enjoys a sport that lets her get fit while being creative and artistic at the same time. She thinks the most rewarding part of being in dance is the feeling you get when you learn how to do something that you have been working on for a while.

“It is good for girls to start dancing because it is a good way to stay in shape, and there’s always something new to learn and accomplish… Just the smile on your coaches face that tells you you did well, it makes me want to try harder and go to the next level because I know I can do it.”

Filed Under: Her History, Superstars, Teens

Latinos Love Their Diosito

March 26, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Religion can be a touchy subject, but many Latinos are no strangers to religion. Sometimes it can be difficult to separate cultural traditions from religious celebrations. For example, quinceañeras are a popular tradition in the Latina culture. The core of the quinceañera tradition is rooted in church service by marking the transition from niña to señorita as well as the commitment to GOD, but over the years it has shifted from being a commitment to God to throwing a memorable fiesta to commemorate womanhood and a 15th birthday. This fiesta centered shift has caused many Latinos to see quinceañeras, especially teens, as a cultural tradition instead of a religious one.

Where do religious and cultural traditions start, separate, or end?
It doesn’t matter what religion you are: Catholic, Protestant, or Christian, Latinos love their Diosito and is embedded in our Latino culture. This begs the question, are Latinas religious because they want be or because they are Latina? Culture, as defined by Merriam Webster’s Dictionary, is “the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a group.” Everyone knows that being a Latino is a culture; however, it can be said that being religious, in the Latino culture, is as social form.

Take Leticia for example, her faith isn’t something she came across on her own, it was something she was taught since childhood. Leticia Gonzalez says she grew up going to church as child. “It was never a question. It was just something that had to be done,” states Leticia. And now, even after not having gone to church for over three years, she still lights a candle for the Virgin Mary every Sunday. “I don’t know why I do, I just know I should and I can’t help it,” claims Leticia.

Ashley Tate, a multi-racial Latina understands how it feels to have religion encouraged by her family. “Whenever I spent the holidays with my mom’s family they were not only very Mexican, but also very religious. I always thought it was weird because my mom never goes to church.” Ashley says she considers herself Christian, but whenever overcome with grief she does the sign of the cross, a catholic practice. “I’m not confused by my faith, but doing the sign of the cross is something I’ve done since I was little, even when I didn’t understand why.”

Regardless of why a Latina is religious or if she is religious at all,  it cannot be ignored that the church is no stranger in the Latino culture.

Filed Under: Culture, Latina Beat, Teens

Review: Washington Heights

March 26, 2013 By Leave a Comment

At first glance, Washington Heights is just another canned MTV docu-reality show starring whiny young adults complaining about “drama,” and saying ‘like’ too much.  However, after a few episodes it becomes clear that this is no Jersey Shore substitute.

Set in the Heights, a mostly Dominican, low-income neighborhood in Manhattan, the show follows seven 20-something-year-olds in pursuit of their dreams. They are mostly of Dominican descent, and all but one of them are pursuing careers in the arts. Jonathan “Audobon” Perez, the primary narrator of the show, wants to be a rapper; Reyna Saldana, a singer; Frankie Reese is a spoken-word poet; Ludwin Federo recently earned his GED and is applying to art schools; Jimmy Caceres aspires to professional baseball; and Rico and Fred Rasuk are brothers who want to become actors and fashion designers, respectively.

What separates this reality series from others is the sense of community it creates, and how relatable the characters are. While Snookie and the Situation were far from models of ambition, Washington Heights seems full of heart and with a focus on real people pursuing real dreams in a practical way.  The Dominican-American culture presented provides a familiarity for Latino viewers, especially when Spanish is spoken. It should be noted that the question of authenticity is an important one on a network with a bad rap of representing minority cultures.

MTV is no stranger to sensation and the first few episodes feature gossip and girls fighting. The content is obviously edited to create drama where there is little, and some of drama that does exists seems staged. If one can get past these obnoxious reality tropes, Washington Heights is watchable, even inspiring at times.

Washington Heights is an important departure from the privilege of The Housewives, or the exploitive nature of Honey Boo Boo. If anything positive can be said about this show, it’s that the issues the characters deal with are real. These kids work hard, have money issues, confrontations with the law, and struggle with their education; all issues people living in low-income areas deal with. Jimmy has been in jail for dealing drugs to make ends meet after his father was sent to prison. He now plays ball in an effort to escape the streets. Ludwin earns his GED and struggles with his little brother who is in prison at only 18. Meanwhile, every character deals with the regular anxiety of growing up, especially in an economy that leaves many with few options.

The jury is still out on Washington Heights.  It is not the greatest thing on television, and it certainly doesn’t challenge its genre. However, it focuses on family, community, art, and culture, all of which are things that thrive in many communities of color, especially in the Heights. It’s a welcome change from the typical excess and ridiculous antics of most reality TV. It’s worth giving it a chance, but don’t expect to be amazed.

 

Filed Under: Fun, Teens, TV & Movies Tagged With: , , , ,
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