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Diary: I Confronted My Attacker

April 30, 2012 By latinitasadmin Leave a Comment

I was sexually assaulted by my father’s brother when I was eight years old.  I didn’t understand what he was doing to me at the time.  It wasn’t until I was a sophomore in high school that I told someone.  My secret was out FINALLY.  My family’s reaction was not what I expected.  They said mean and ugly things about me and called me a liar.  CPS investigators and counselors told my mom that this would be a very difficult situation for me because it happened so long ago and it was my word against his with no evidence.  We left it in God’s hands.  Talking to a therapist helped me to get over my fears and accept that not everyone is out to hurt me.

We went on with our lives and separated ourselves from that side of the family; it was actually a very peaceful time, no drama to deal with.  However, a year later, my worst fear came to be.  He had done it again.  One of the reasons why I spoke out was because I was afraid that he would do this to my cousins.  He had 3 stepdaughters and one biological daughter.  The oldest stepdaughter accused him of doing the same to her.  The DA had called my mom and told her that they wanted to use me as a witness in the case. I was sad that this happened but glad that he was going to go to trial.  I was ready to testify, no matter the backlash from the family.  I was ready to talk and it didn’t matter what they called me- I was not going to be silenced any longer.  As suspected, when the family found out that we had been called and were willing to participate, they started making threats.

The case was rescheduled many times and during one of those times I was about 7 or 8 months pregnant with high blood pressure. My mom and I decided to ask the DA to reschedule because we didn’t want to risk the health of my baby and mine.  Finally the trial was set for beginning of October 2011.  I was ready for what was going to happen and although I was very nervous, I knew testifying was the right thing to do. We had met with the DA and my mom had kept in contact with him and he told us of all the disturbing things my uncle had done to this little girl.  All the memories flooded back. I just wanted justice.  He had to pay.

I was only going to be used in the punishment phase of the trial.  When we walked in to court right before the verdict, I was shocked to see some of the family members that had claimed to “stand by me”, there supporting HIM.  I was very disappointed but that wasn’t going to stop me.  We sat there as they read each charge and the words “guilty” after each charge except one.  Finally justice had been served and my step-cousin and I had been vindicated.  October 4, 2011 I testified in front of the jury and my family during the punishment phase. Up on the stand, I was scared, but I told myself I had to be strong. The defense attorney tried to intimidate me, as is her job, but I stood strong.  Finally, I was done and at that moment I felt so relieved. I felt like I didn’t have anything to be afraid of anymore. I didn’t care what my family was saying about me because I know I likely saved other little girl’s innocence and I know I did the right thing.

The trial didn’t end that day. We had to wait for the jury to come back with his punishment.  A flood of emotions came over me when I got the call from my mom, ninety nine years! I was so happy because I knew he wasn’t going to hurt anyone anymore. I didn’t have to be afraid of him hurting me ever again. My family was still saying ugly things about me but that didn’t even matter anymore because I was raised to do the right thing. I feel like now I can talk to anyone about it without feeling ashamed. I will no longer be a victim, not his and not my families.  The DA told my mom that the jurors came to him after the trial and expressed their gratitude towards me for speaking out.  They appreciated my testimony and it made a big difference in their decision.  They wanted me to know that they all applauded me for being brave.  I will not be bullied and I will speak up against child molestation whenever I can.

Many girls are not able to speak up, but they need to know that there are many of us out there and there is no reason to be afraid or ashamed of the cowardly acts of these sick men.  We are the strong ones. I thank God for the family and friends that have stuck by me through this; it is because of that support that I am strong and able to tell my story.  My fiancé and I now have a little boy who is the joy of our lives.  I am in school and I am happy with the way my life has turned out.  I am moving on with my life and am finally at peace.

 

Filed Under: Her History, My Diary, Teens

Diary: My Sister Has Autism

April 25, 2012 By Vanessa_Rodriguez Leave a Comment

Growing up my life has been a little different from the lives of others. I’ve grown up with a loving mother, a caring father, and a very special sister. We live in complete happiness and fight almost all the average day to day tasks that everyone else faces. What makes my life so different? My older sister was born with autism, a developmental disorder that delays communication and thought process skills. My sister’s brain comprehends things slower than the average 18 year old girl; her mental capacity is like a 4 year old instead of a teenager’s. Autism isn’t necessarily something you can “get” and reasons for having autism are still unknown to doctors today.

My parents told me that my sister was always a quiet baby. She would never cry or make a fuss when she was upset and she would sleep a lot. After finding out that my sister had autism, my parents weren’t sure whether or not to have another baby, but surprise, surprise! I unexpectedly came into the picture. Everyone was a little hesitant for my parents to have a second daughter because they all believed that I wouldn’t have a “normal” childhood. Boy were they right. Mine was a lot more different, but special!

When I was born, unlike my sister, I was loud and made sure that others knew when I was upset! I am very different from my sister. From the day we met, we’ve been inseparable! Although Rebecca is a year older than me, she learned how to walk and talk around the same time that I did when we were younger. According to my mom, ‘Becca would learn how to do things by copying me. It was as if I was “her little teacher.”

I also taught my sister how to laugh. Yes, to laugh! Something that happens everyday to most of us was a struggle for my sister to express. You see, because autism delays communication skills, its very hard for people with autism to express themselves. A simple laugh calls for a big celebration at my house! My family had just bought a new camera and we were posing for countless pictures. I kept fooling around and making funny faces. When my parents laughed at my silly gestures, my sister joined in and started laughing hysterically! We all stopped for a second and just starred in awe! Rebecca was laughing! In that moment, my dad clicked the best picture! I still carry a copy of that old 1990′s picture with my sister’s thick rimmed glasses and happy bright smile. It reminds me that even though the smallest things can be a struggle, they can happen with enough patience and faith.

Rebecca’s lack of communication skills has not only made my family and I have a bigger appreciation for the little things (like smiling and laughing), but has also taught us to be more cautious. Lack of communication doesn’t allow us to know when Rebecca is hurt or sick. When ‘Becca was 5 fell from her bed and had a hairline fracture on her tibia. She did not tell us how much pain she was in and we didn’t know about her injury until weeks later when she had a regular check up with her doctor and her leg was already healing. It can be a bit frustrating and hard to figure out how my sister feels or what’s going on through her mind.

When I was younger, I remember always playing Barbies with my sister. Even though she didn’t understand my fantasy princess world, she still made an effort to play. It would get a little frustrating when she would, unpurposely, knock over my doll house furniture set that I had spent hours setting up. My cousin Chris help me create a new game by making Barbie have “super powers” to jump high over the knocked over table or lift the entertainment set back up. My cousin stayed with us while his mom worked and he was the brother that I never had. Together, we shared the same love for my sister and we helped each other when one of us was getting too frustrated. No matter how patient you are, autism is hard to understand and can be especially frustrating for little kids.

Our life has consisted of many doctors from regular pediatricians to psychologists to neurologists. Over the years, unfortunately, autism wasn’t the only battle that my family and I had to face. There was a time when Rebecca had experienced seizures. It was very painful and hard to watch my sister shake uncontrollably with the power to do nothing to help. After many tests, Rebecca’s neurologist was able to give her medicine to stop the seizures. Rebecca is also legally blind with tunnel vision and has very poor peripheral sight. For a while, she’d grab my arm for support when walking and I’d tell her “step” at stairs. Now, she has learned how to be more independent with a cane.

My sister and I went to the same elementary school and her teacher was amazing; Mrs. Jaquez was the best special ed teacher anyone could find. She taught my sister the alphabet and how to improve her communication skills. She was very nice and got me very involved in the class too! I would volunteer with Mrs. Jaquez’s class over the summer and I had learned a lot more about children with disabilities. Soon I became the “go-to-girl” if any of my friends wanted to know “why that kid was acting that way,” or “what is a disability.” At a very young age, I was teaching others new things about something that was so normal to me. Then middle school came and Rebecca went to a different school, but we were reunited again when high school rolled around. I would walk her to her class. We’d bump into each other and have a celebratory hello, and at the end of the day she’d tell me all the details about her day.

I will admit that sometimes it can be a little hard with my sister and can get a little lonely too. I’ve learned to be a more independent because a lot of my parent’s attention was focused on my sister when we were growing up. I’ve also had to learn from my own mistakes. I can’t necessarily go up to my older sister for advice on boys or clothes, so for peer advice I turn to friends.

Although at moments I wish I had a “normal” older sister, I am very thankful for the sister I have today! Even though she’s different, she’s still like any other teenage girl. She still gets awkwardly nervous around a cute boy and loves to listen to the latest “cool” music. She’s never ceases to amaze me with some of the funny comments she comes up with and sometimes, I promise you, she’s a lot smarter than you think!

Although many family members have called me my sister’s “little teacher,” I have to say that she is the one who has taught me the most. She’s taught me to be more understanding of others, more patient and more considerate of others. She’s taught me about others with disabilities and has introduced me to a lot of very special people. She’s taught me to learn how to be more independent. She’s actually intrigued me to become a writer and possibly physiatrist to figure out the wonders of the brain. She’s taught me how to appreciate the little things, but most importantly she’s taught me how to truly live! Whatever is in the holding for Rebecca’s future, I know that it will defiantly have me in it. We will, like we have always been, be inseparable!

Filed Under: Her History, My Diary, Teens

Emma Hernandez 20 Latinitas Under 20

February 22, 2012 By Jacqueline_Martinez 1 Comment

Name: Emma Hernandez

Organization: Latino/a Youth Collective of Indiana

Age: 18

Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana

Volunteer Experience:

Emma is an outstanding speaker and leader. She talks and leads from her heart and mind.  People listen attentively to her because they know something especially insightful and well expressed will be gained. People sense Emma’s intelligence and her deep kindness together. They are moved by her authenticity and they understand the points she wishes to make because she is able to bring everything down to earth while retaining clarity.  People deeply trust Emma because of her consistency, honesty, her humble but simultaneously strong manner, and her high integrity.

What challenges has she overcome?:

Emma was born into a mixed status family! Both of her parents are undocumented immigrants.  Emma recently co-wrote an article about the immediacy of the Dream Act which propelled her to become one of the Indiana Hunger Strikers. They very effectively secured a “YES” vote from both state senators as well as organize and mobilize alliances and community pressure on all 9 Indiana U.S. House of Representatives. This past summer, she led her Campesine Youth Academy team through a challenging participatory action research process that involved in-depth interviews, surveys, and producing a film that would be used to educate the community. Their film “Mamachismo” is excellent work! The issue they were investigating was the role of women in our society. She is a big reason why Latina/o youth in Indianapolis are standing up!  It is because of her heart and mind that she just received a 4 year full paid scholarship to college where she will double major in art and journalism.

What makes her a leader?:

She knows that education is for liberation and freedom. It is not just skills, higher income, and privilege. She wants an education to be an active agent in the process of cultural formation and cultural change; to get highly developed and go back and to give back to her community in Indianapolis, Mexico and the world.  Emma also sets an example to her two younger siblings and other youth. As an older sibling she has been a role model for not only her family but for aspiring and newly emerging Latina/o community in Indiana.  She is undoubtedly a one in a billion sort of person. She has a calling to make significant positive changes in society.

What extra-curricular activities is she involved in?:

Currently, Emma works with Indianapolis youth members of the Latino/a Youth Collective of Indiana, Campesine Youth Academy, and the Campecine Film Festival.  Emma operates within the philosophy that regardless of race, culture or social status, all students have the ability to acquire knowledge.  She believes in empowering youth to become critical change agents who are prepared to transform their communities while also developing within those communities.

How is she a good example and positive role model to other girls?:

In addition to her remarkable talent and determination, she remains riveted on the needs of children and youth, their families and communities, and their educational achievements. She pays attention to the goals of the organization, change strategies when necessary, and shares credit for successes. She is a reliable and an insightful critic of her own projects. A gifted, inspiring public speaker, she also knows how to work with small groups and individuals, engage in team building, and capture these interactions on tape. She is a leader and an excellent collaborator and colleague – another rare blend of character and ability.  She wrote, directed, and produced Mamachismo, Huevo Estrellado, and The History of the World as Told by Eggs. This summer she was the first from her family to graduate from high school.  In addition to receiving a full scholarship to college she volunteered this summer to expand the prestigious Campecine Youth Academy in San Antonio, TX. She traveled over 1,200 miles to the southside of San Antonio to work with a grassroots community based organization named Fuerza Unida. She successfully implemented a 10-week summer youth program and trained 13 youth in youth participatory action research, videography, and community building facilitation skills. In short, she is a role model for young women and young men.

Filed Under: Her History, Superstars, Uncategorized

Elizabeth Gonzalez, 20 Latinitas Under 20

January 9, 2012 By latinitasadmin 1 Comment

Name: Elizabeth Gonzalez
College: Bowdoin College (Brunswick, Maine)
Age: 19
Hometown: El Paso, Texas

Volunteer Experience:
She has volunteered extensively throughout her life with the following groups: Animal Rescue League, Corpus Christi Church Can Food Drive, La Posada Home Inc. Shelter for Battered Woman, Ascarate Park Environmental clean up, DaVita Kat Walk and Latinitas Magazine Writer & Mentor.

Honors:
She recently won 3rd place in the Future Business Leaders of America for her community service project. In addition, Elizabeth has participated in the Science Bowl and in UIL competitions in current events and vocabulary. Elizabeth’s biggest accomplishment was being accepted into the The Princeton Journalism Program. This is a highly competitive summer writing camp, and Elizabeth was selected out of national competition.

What challenges has she overcome?:
“One of the biggest obstacles I have overcome is myself. To explain that more clearly it is a more personal obstacle rather than a physical one. When I grew out of my shell and realized that the only one stopping myself was me, I was able to face my fears and achieve aspects I wouldn’t have believed I was able to do so before. I gained a new confidence, really saw my goals more clearly and set out to accomplish them. I became more sociable and outgoing. I participated in school activities seeing that there really was nothing to be afraid of. I guess getting out of my comfort zone has been my greatest obstacle.”

What makes her a leader?
Elizabeth Elizabeth is a smart and diligent student highly committed to furthering her abilities through education. Elizabeth has been challenging herself by taking advanced college courses throughout her high school career as a student at the EPCC Valle Verde Early College High School. She is not afraid to tackle new challenges. She was granted admission into the rigorous early college program at the El Paso Community College and has gained 54 hours of college credit. She has also been on the Dean’s list. She is committed to continually developing her skills and always learning.

Elizabeth is the definition of a role model. She inspires her peers to try their best when put in front of an obstacle. As a member of the Latinitas Leadership Institute, she played a key role in organizing a youth-led girl empowerment conference for middle school girls in our program. She also mentored younger girls enrolled in our after-school programs, summer camps and leadership institute by guiding small team activities and serving on leadership panels. As an intern and reporter for our digital magazine she has written informative articles for publication on topics such as culture, education and art. Throughout her involvement with our group, she has demonstrated a commitment to contributing her talents to help further our mission and to help motivate other Latinitas. Because of her dedication to volunteering, she was chosen for the city-wide Mayor’s Top 100 Teens group. She recently won 3rd place in the Future Business Leaders of America for her community service project. Furthermore, she has volunteered extensively throughout her life with groups such as Latinitas, Animal Rescue League, Corpus Christi Church Can Food Drive, Corpus Christi Saints Festival, La Posada Shelter for Battered Woman and community clean-ups.

What extra-curricular activities is she involved in?

She has taken on leadership roles within her school and is willing to take on new challenges. She is deeply passionate about giving back to her community and bringing awareness to community issues. She writes for her school newspaper and aspires to be a journalist. Her hobbies include photography, writing and watching independent movies. Elizabeth is involved in numerous extra-curricular activities on her campus and in the community. Her involvement includes serving as the Secretary of Student Council, the President of the Environmental Club, President of the National English Honor Society, a youth mentor for Club Latinitas, a member of the Teen Leadership Institute and a member of the National Honor Society.

How is she a good example and positive role model to other girls?
Her proudest achievement has been her positive influence on the education of her younger cousins. Her educational achievements in being accepted into the Valle Verde Early College High School and her plans to continue her college education have served as inspiration for her younger family members. “This is something really unplanned, so that definitely motivates me to strive and hope to show them to make better decisions, and hope to do so for younger girls as well,” shares Elizabeth.

Nominated by: Alicia Rascon

Filed Under: Her History, Leading Latinas, Teens

Blogger Sara Inés Calderón

December 20, 2011 By lauradonnelly Leave a Comment

Latina Bloguera What was the origin of NewsTaco.com? Why did you start it?

NewsTaco.com grew out of a frustration with not being able to either see ourselves or our communities reflected in the news, but also wanting to get a little bit more out of the news, namely a clue as to what was happening with Latinos across the country.

I and the other co-founders wanted to provide a platform for Latinos across the country to be informed, to meet each other, inform each other and share their unique perspectives.

What do you reference from middle and high school when generating and seeking content for News Taco?

Definitely one of the big drivers for me personally with regard to News Taco is the feeling I had when I was in eighth grade that I didn’t have anyone who was “like me” to look up to. Even in high school, when I was searching for Latino rock bands (this is before there was iTunes and Facebook, mind you) I felt like I wanted to be able to imagine myself in bigger and better spaces by seeing a role model who I could relate to. So there’s definitely that.

As far as high school, I had a great English teacher — Mr. Sullivan — who really taught me about the idea of writing as a science. The idea that the words could be constructed and manipulated, that writing didn’t just happen, really transformed my life at that point.  Of course, I didn’t truly grasp how much his class changed my life until much later, when I was a professional journalist, but these experiences when you are young do count for so much.

What is your overall mission with the site/blog?’

We brand ourselves as “The Latino Daily” because we want to be the go to place for news and information from a Latino perspective. The name News Taco has offended some people, but what we explain on our site (http://www.newstaco.com/about/) is that we chose the name because we wanted the website to be a taco for your mind, for your heart, in the sense that the tacos you eat for food nourish you in just the right way. For example, nothing makes me feel quite as at home and comforted and as happy as a taquito de frijole; we wanted to capture that magic with News Taco.

What has been the most rewarding part of creating your own media?

What’s truly surprised me with regard to News Taco is that my favorite part of the entire enterprise has been to promote other Latino writers and artists across the country. I thought I would enjoy writing and generating my own content, but what I’ve truly appreciated was being able to meet and work with Latina and Latino writers from New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Arizona, Texas and everywhere in between.

There’s so much talent out there, and as I’ve begun working with all of these talented Latinos, I’ve realized that this is truly one of News Taco’s core values: to be a platform to promote Latinos across the country. Thus, the most rewarding part of generating my own media has been giving a voice to other Latinos who needed a platform and watching them grow as writers and in popularity.

What’s on the horizon for news taco? Audio? more video?

We’re definitely hoping to do more. More video would be great, more news, more writers, more perspective, more offerings. We’re hoping to be able to offer more networking opportunities for the News Taco community and then going into 2012 we’re planning on extensive coverage pertaining to Latino voters.

Where are you from? Name a few personal interests you have.
My family is from Eagle Pass, Texas, but I grew up mostly in LA. I then graduated high school in San Antonio, spent time professionally in Brownsville, Austin and again San Antonio, and am now back in LA.

I love lots of things, but work too much these days to pursue any of them, ha ha!  I like martial arts, reading novels, dangly earrings (I have an extensive collection), museums, action movies, good conversation and spending time with my loved ones. I come from a long line of homebodies. :0

Filed Under: Leading Latinas

Diary of a DREAMer

April 6, 2011 By Sonia Rangel Leave a Comment

Dream Act ActivistsName: Edilsa Lopez
Age: 21
Hometown: Born in Guatemala

There’s nothing ordinary about Edilsa Lopez. An accomplished and heavily involved college student, Edilsa has had to endure struggles that few college students face. Arriving undocumented to the U.S at the age of 12 from her native country Guatemala, Edilsa learned a new language and adapted to the American lifestyle successfully. However, her immigration status is a barrier toward her goals of becoming a professional woman who will be able to help her community, her family and the world that we live in. The DREAM act, a piece of legislation that would allow undocumented youth in the U.S. to gain citizenship, is a ray of hope towards her goals. Today, she continues to work hard in making her DREAM a reality. Here are a few things that I learned from this DREAMer.

What school do you go to? Where do you work?
I attend the University of Texas at Austin. I work as a photographer (wedding, portrait, events, etc.) and sometimes during the breaks I work at restaurants or any kind of jobs out there.

What are you majoring in at school? Why or how did you choose your major?
I am currently majoring in Economics and International Relations & Global Studies with a Business Administration minor. I chose my major because I would like to work one day for the United Nations to promote peace, or the International Monetary Fund, or the World Trade organization. Moreover, economics interests me. I would like to evaluate and analyze why some countries are less developed than others, and how we can help less developed countries to improve economically. Moreover, I would love to travel and promote education among countries. Therefore, it is the reason why I am majoring in Economics and IRG.

What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
My biggest accomplishment has been being accepted to college. I am the first person in many of my family generations to be the first one to graduate and attend high school, and now to attend college. Therefore, I am really proud to be in college right now, and be an example to my siblings. Also, because I was able to exceed expectations since a lot of my family members back in Guatemala, always thought I was going to marry at the age of 16.

What student organizations are you involved in and what do you do?
At college I am really involved. I am:
•Vice-President of University Leadership Initiative – an organization that advocates for undocumented students, the DREAM Act, and in-state tuition
•Technology Director of the UT Student Volunteer Executive Board – I am in the executive board of SVB, which is an umbrella organization with about 12 service programs
•Director of Public Relations of Engineers Without Borders Greater Austin Chapter – I organize the newsletter, and support current Engineering projects currently being implemented in Mexico, and Panama
•Founding Leadership Board for the UT Service Scholars Program – I am one of the founders of the UT Service – Scholars program, a program that encourages UT students to do service in their communities. We just had our first year induction ceremony. Students are required to do 300 hours of service by the time they graduate.
•Public Relations Chair of the Hispanic Business Student Association – I am responsible of promoting HBSA events, editing videos, flyers, or anything related to Public Relations for all HBSA events.
•Liberal Arts Undergraduate Chapter for Research, Editorial Board Reviewer – I am a reviewer for Honor student’s thesis and graduate student research papers, to be published in a research journal.

What do you like to do when you’re not in school or working?
When I am not in school, or I am not working, I like to go to church, or volunteer. I volunteer at different places, or just like to hang out with friends. I also do photography as a hobby and as a job, so I love photo shooting.

What are some hardships you have encountered?
At the age of 7, my parent abandoned me and my siblings. I raised my siblings alone. At 12, I was kidnapped to the United States, was left in a desert for 5 days, and survived those 5 days with no water or food, and was injured. I was kidnapped again and then I was taken into a house and in that house I escaped. A plethora of events happened during that time. When I arrived in Houston, I did not have much help, or support. My aunt where I was living had to leave the country, and I was left homeless. Fortunately, after a few days I found a place to live with some friends. Ever since then, I support myself financially, support my siblings in Guatemala, my mother (since I found her) and a sister who is currently in the United States. I stay with friends or at my church during school breaks when I have nowhere to go. Currently, I am living the most difficult or hard time of my life because of the many anti-immigrant bills being filed in the Texas Legislation. I am not sure if I will be back to college next year, since I also do not have money.

Who are your role models or people that you look up to?
First, because I am a very spiritual person, I really look up to Jesus. He is my motivation to continue working hard no matter the situation. My other role models are my siblings, who are so far away from me, but they really motivate me. Because every time I think about them, I work harder for them. Also, my mother, even though she left us, but when she was with us she was a very hard working person. I really understand her because she suffered a lot. I want to one day be able to give her what she never had and make her really happy. Also, my church pastor, because he is a very accomplished person, yet very humble.

What are you dreams? What do you hope to accomplish in your lifetime?
There are a lot of DREAMs I have. One is to be able to one day be reunited with my family, my little sister, and my brother because I miss them so much and I cannot see them. I miss my little sister. I also want to be with my mother, because I miss her too and I want to make her happy. Another dream is to be able to graduate from college and be able to work. But this dream comes with another dream, and that is making the DREAM Act a reality. I am working with different organizations to be able to make that into a reality, and I am sure we will. I also want to be a professional accomplished woman, and help as many people as possible, either through mentoring, scholarships, helping them to pay for college, or anything. I hope to one day establish a non-profit organization that can help many people (poor, uneducated, oppressed) etc.

What advice would you give to young girls?
The advice that I can give to students wanting to go to college is that no matter what people say about you (that you can’t do it, you will fail, you don’t have enough resources, you are undocumented, etc.), YOU CAN DO IT! You need to work hard to make your DREAMs and goals become a reality, and for that it requires effort and concentration. If you are an undocumented student, do not give up. Don’t think you cannot attend college. Stay positive, and always have your head up no matter the situation. There will be people who will be willing to help you. All you have to do is do your best.

April 2011

Filed Under: Her History, My Diary

National Association of Hispanic Journalists

March 28, 2011 By Leslie Rangel Leave a Comment

In high school, you have school newspaper or journalism clubs after school, but what happens when you go to college? Latino journalism students have a place of their own and it’s called college chapters of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. I attend the University of Texas at Austin and I happily report our group has activated a chapter thanks to the collaborative efforts students.

A college chapter of NAHJ provides its members with many opportunities to grow as a journalist. The chapter matches its members with a professional mentor from the city’s chapter of NAHJ. Members also plan various workshops to sharpen their members’ skills in various subjects, from photography to creating a podcast. Recently, my chapter hosted a multimedia workshop on online photography for students in any major. NAHJ also provides tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships to students interested in becoming a journalist.

NAHJ’s college chapter president at the University of Texas at Austin Eduardo Gonzalez, is very passionate about the organization. “I started to meet different people who shared the same aspirations to grow professionally, [and] learn with people with whom we share culture and language with,” Gonzalez said.

Our chapter’s main goal is to get all of its members to attend the national convention of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists which has taken place in New York City, Washington D.C. and Denver, CO. Speakers at past conventions have included Hillary Clinton, former Mexican President Vicente Fox, and then Texas Governor George Bush. Activities at the convention include cyber labs to help journalists learn about new media, such as podcasting and blogging.

The national convention hosts hundreds of media outlets and young journalists like myself get an opportunity to meet future employers from newspapers, television stations, radio and more. It’s also a chance for an aspiring reporter like myself to meet veteran NAHJ members including John Quinones from TV’s 20/20 or Soledad O’Brien, CNN’s first Latina anchor.

For more information on your local chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists go to www.nahj.org.

March 2011

Filed Under: Cool Clubs, Her History

My Hero

February 20, 2011 By Latinitas Readers Leave a Comment

Rachel Gomez, age 15
My hero is my dad. He is somewhat tall and has short black hair. My dad and I like to cook, play basketball and create art. He helps me by motivating me to try new things. One of the things I like about him is that even though I annoy him sometimes he is always there to help me. He makes me feel special by giving me money and letting me do stuff with my friends. He likes to watch TV, mostly soccer. I look up to him because he teaches me how to be a respectful person and tells me how life really is, which prepares me for when I go out in the real world. My dad is a chef and he likes his job. My favorite memories of him are when he teaches me how to cook.

Sami Cerna age 15
My hero is Anahi (Mia); she’s Mexican and a professional singer. She has light brown hair, blue eyes, and a light completion. Anahi and I have many things in common; like we both love to sing, we like to act, and we love the color pink! She helps me because her songs help me when I’m feeling sad, mad, and happy. They calm me down. I like her because she is a really good singer. She makes me feel special because I can relate to her songs, even though I’ve never met her. I think she is unique because she dresses the way she wants to and acts the way she wants, not caring what people say. Her hobbies are shopping, dancing, singing, acting, and modeling. Her favorite things are: Disney characters like Tinker Bell, her favorite music is pop. I look up to her because she is a very strong woman. She was anorexic but she knew she had to fight it and she did. Her job is a singer, actress, and model.

By Katrina Garza, age 15
My hero would have to be my mom, because she has such a generous heart. She will give and give till she has nothing left. And even then she will still give somebody the shirt off of her back if need be. She is a pretty chill person to hang out with. She is like me pretty much except a little shorter. She teaches me the things I need to know and things I don’t know yet. I love hanging out with my mama and even though we can get on each other’s nerves she still my mama and will love me till the earth stops spinning. I can always count on her to be there for me no matter what time of day it is or what it’s I’ve done. My mama will text me while I’m in class and I have to watch out for the teacher so I don’t get caught. I remember one time she told me to be careful and watch out where I was going and what happens? She ends up stubbing her toe. It was really funny. I love my mama and I wrote this so she could go to work and brag about her kid writes papers about her. Just kidding, I will always love my mama for being her.

February 2011

Filed Under: Her History, Leading Latinas

Ytzel McDaniel

December 11, 2010 By Latinitas Reporters Leave a Comment

Cultural Background: Hispanic & African American
Classification High school senior

What made you decide to go to college?
In my generation in my family, I would be the first grandchild attend and complete college. Also, I have come to realize that I enjoy learning and hope to never stop learning. Though I am not currently in college I am incredibly set on majoring in Journalism and Public Relations. I have known since a small age that I needed a career that would allow me to never stop learning and continuously be writing.

What are some of your classes?
I have always been in an honors program with advanced placement classes. The only classes I don’t take AP would be math classes- simply not my forte. I have taken yearbook and a creative writing class which I enjoyed greatly.

What do you do for fun when you aren’t in school?
I enjoy reading and hanging out with my family. My weekends mainly consist of being with my friends or mother and trying to find new and fun things to do. I like hiking, ice skating, small road trips, or even just a day spent at Barnes N Noble.

What extra-curricular activities are you involved in?
I am the reporter for Skills USA. Also, I am a member of DECA and KEY club which focus on community service. When I am not at school, I keep myself busy by dancing which has always been a major passion of mine.

What volunteer or community service experience do you have?
For the most part, I have helped out my high school with registration before the school year begins. Also, I have gone to the animal shelter and helped clean up at the zoo.

What did you do to prepare for college?
I have taken a SAT preparation class as well as the pre-SAT. I have also researched and visited colleges that interest me. Currently, I am turning in what feels like millions of applications and working on essays.

What are your long-term goals for the next 5 to 10 years?
Finish college of course and immediately continue with my education for a masters degree. I hope to have a steady job with one of the networks. I currently have interest in and be working my way to becoming a reporter.

What advice would you give to younger girls?
Growing up is hard especially with television and magazines feeding young girls “what they should be,” self confidence is incredibly important. Love yourself fully and life becomes much easier. I have come to learn that the minute you decided that you no longer care the way anyone else looks or what they may say about you, life becomes easier. The only critic you have to impress is yourself.

Favorites:
I love reading novels. I would recommend Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar, Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, and the book The Perks of Being a Wall Flower.

December 2010

Filed Under: Her History, Superstars

Indira Ortega

November 3, 2010 By Latinitas Reporters Leave a Comment

Age:18
Grade:Freshman in college

Tell us about a cause that you are passionate about. Why did you pick this issue for your service project?
Violence in Juarez. I chose it because I have friends that have been going through tough times because of the violence over there.

What is the community need or problem? Why is it important?
The need is to feel safe around each other because now you can’t even walk to the store without feeling unsafe. It’s important to come together because we can’t fight this alone.

Describe your community service project. What it is you do to help your community?
I came together with my family to have reunions in a park to talk about the different issues that are going on in Juarez and how we as teenagers can make a difference by changing our ways of looking at things.

What was your plan of action? What planning or preparation did you do to complete your project?
Since my friend was killed, I found out his brother got depressed, so I wanted to show him I was with him. So I gathered with my family and asked them for ideas to help the teens in the Juarez community. We thought about these gatherings and invited everyone.

Who benefited from your service project?
Several of my friends, neighbors of my family. Those who I’ve grown up with and also some of their friends.

What other volunteer projects do you participate in?
I just graduated from the Mayor’s Top 100 Teens and I want to get involved with community service opportunities in college.

What do you do for fun?
I love to hang out with my friends. Go dancing and get on the go-karts and also sometimes go partying. Right now, it’s been hard to have an extra-curricular activity, but I’m part of the Society of Women Engineers.

How can others get involved in this issue and help make a difference?
I was thinking about creating a blog in which people can share experiences and things like that. Just sharing and giving some type of advice can make a big difference.

November 2010

Filed Under: Big Sis, Her History
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