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Passion for Art

February 20, 2013 By Leave a Comment

When looking around, people may not notice the wonderful talents and histories of other Latinitas with a simple glance. People may only notice the outside appearance of these girls, but not know their true talents. Latinitas sat down with talented Latinas to share their story with our readers. These talented Latinas represent some of the different passions and diverse creative skills. A passion to dance, a yearning to sing, a want to draw, a mission to explore, a talent with words, and a drive to design will be explored as these girls speak of their passions.

The Dancer

Hannah Velasco has been a ballet dancer since the mere age of six years old. Now seventeen, Hannah continues to dance and is aspiring to become a physical therapist for other ballet dancers whilst continuing her dancing career. Hannah speaks of dancing as a way to escape from the outside world full of worries and stress. She says, “I started to dance to find my place in the world. My dad had just left the family and dancing fulfilled this void in the best way possible.”  More than the absence of her father, Hannah’s whole family supported her in her dancing career as there were other dancers in the family. “My family encouraged me since I turned five, but I wouldn’t let them since I just wanted to have fun. Then, when I was six I went to watch my cousin dance and I immediately knew that I needed to be up onstage.”  Hannah’s passion continued to grow as she grew in age. Her favorite part of this creative process is the detachment she feels from any worries she may have as she begins dancing. “I basically become another person, “she states, “I become the character that I’m meant to be in the ballet.”  Outside of dancing, she has the work load of a high school senior to worry about as well. Her ballet practices sometimes last until late hours like 10 or 11 p.m. The next day, Hannah is up at 6 a.m. to continue her routine even after finishing her homework the night before at 1 a.m. When asked what makes dancing worth this struggle, she always smiles and says, “All the years of preparation I have dedicated to dancing sum up in those 30 seconds of thrill on stage. This feeling is almost addictive.”

The Writer

Tatiana White was never the typical student. She always had a way with words that made her teachers marvel at her incredible writing. Tatiana was first introduced to writing in the 5th grade, when her teacher assigned a fictional story assignment. This Latinita felt encouraged to widen her creativity and to tell a story with her own words.  From that point on, Tatiana continued to tell stories through pen and paper, eventually via her laptop. These tools turned into her best friends. As Tatiana says, “These stories helped me express myself in a way that is sort of hidden.” By hidden, Tatiana means that she does not write simply for her teachers to see, she writes for herself. Writing is such a great life of Tatiana’s life that she feels prepared to take the next step and make it part of her future.This Latinita’s future career plans center around using her skills with words to help the human mind; her books will be about psychology. “Writing has helped me to a great extent whenever I feel stressed or I need a little relief from the world. I want writing to do the same for other people.” Tatiana’s gift of writing has flourished from writing 5th grade fiction to the writing of a talented 18 year old with a dream to help the world.

The Architect

During her first year of high school, Valeria Duron was asked to make a permanent decision: what do you want to do for the rest of your life? Some of her classmates hesitated to choose, but Valeria knew right away: she wanted to be a architect. Some people were flustered by the fact that she could choose so quickly, but Valeria is determined to achieve her dream. “It’s the only thing I can picture myself doing,” she shared. After this decision was made, Valeria began integrating herself into architecture classes. The more she listened and paid attention to the subject, her interest grew and she yearned to learn more. She compares her yearning to be an architect to that of historical figures, “The Egyptians would devote their whole lives to build a mark on the world. I want to do the same thing.” Besides this ambition, Valeria loves a very important aspect of architecture: mathematics. She says, “[Math is] easy and everything always fits in perfectly. Even if I don’t know how it works, I know that it’s important and incorporates with every aspect of my life.” Even though Valeria is only 17, she has dreams as big as an Egyptian pyramid.

 The Designer

When people see Daniela walking around, they may not think anything other than, “That girl is dressed very nicely,” or “Wow, I wonder where got those clothes.” What these people don’t know is that every aspect of Daniela’s clothing was designed by her and made with her own two hands. Daniela Ruan’s interest in fashion sparked when she was a small girl. “My dad bought my sisters and I a white board because he wanted us out of his hair. However, it turned into something else for me.” After this purchase was made, she began to draw and sketch on a daily basis, it soon became her favorite hobby. As she grew, Daniela’s interest blossomed even further. She noticed that her sketches were mainly comprised of purses like none other, innovative shoes, and creative blouses. At that moment, Daniela decided that fashion design was the career that was meant for her. With this decision came about the creation of her own clothes, which she wears on a daily basis. Now at age 18, Daniela has big hopes for her future, “I want to hear people say ‘I’m wearing Daniela Ruan’. My creations will give me a sense of accomplishment like no other.”

The Outdoor Photographer

Courtney Francisco dwells out in nature through hiking. She started through the influence of her step dad and through the presence of the hiking culture in her Virginia hometown. Courtney says, “I lived in the Valley and there’s a lot of hiking there. It’s really green, almost out of this world.” Courtney enjoys this activity so much because it’s a chance to spend time with her family and meet new people. Since hiking is such a common activity there, it’s very common amongst the people within the area. “Everybody on the trails has something in common, so it’s a great conversation starter.”  The best part for Courtney is the reward of reaching the top. After feeling so tired during the climb, nothing feels better for her than seeing the whole of her hometown.  Another part that is especially enjoyable for her is the photography opportunities that there are on the trail. Through this photography, she has learned about the nature out there, recognizing plants and memorizing most of the trails she has traveled through. Courtney’s hiking is something she takes with her everywhere. Where there’s a trail, there’s a way for Courtney.

The Singer

Unlike other girls, Annette’s true passion did not come to her willingly.  When she was a young girl, Annette Watts did not find joy in “The Sound of Music”,  as her school had forced her into choir as an elective. However, for one of the choir’s performances, Annette’s choir did a Disney Extravaganza and things changed for Annette. “Now that was something I loved, Disney movies! So I gave choir a chance.” From that point on, music became one of the most important aspects of this Latinita’s life.  Annette’s dedication to her music career soon became evident as she begged for her parents to give her a higher musical education than what she could have at school. She has joined a private voice studio and the Youth Opera of El Paso. Through all this Annette juggles tough dual credit classes at her high school, while undertaking solos in the high school choir. Even though these may seem like a rigorous schedule to handle, Annette still finds time to perform at local shows with her friends, investigating more contemporary genres. Annette’s motto is, “If you take it a day at a time it gets a little easier.” Annette’s success is evident as she has advanced to state UIL Solo and Ensemble three times in voice and one time in piano. She has also been chosen for her local All-Region Choir during the 2012-2013 period. Lastly, she gained a major role, Madame Thenardier, in a reproduction of “Les Miserables”. Annette Watts wishes to continue her career in music by majoring in music while in college. After college, she will pursue a career in directing, “My heart is in directing. My ultimate goal is to run my own theater company one day and  stand on the stage of the tony awards giving an acceptance speech.” Surely, Annette’s hard work and dedication will pay off as her future dreams come true.

 

Filed Under: Art, Fun, Teens

Poem: Mi Barrio

February 20, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Poem: Mi Barrio

by Keila Gomez, age 16

Mi barrio, a place that defines the person that I am. Mi barrio where I am from. The place that defines the way I talk, the way I walk and the way I think. My neighborhood that made me tough, the neighborhood that taught me to not let sticks or stones break my bones. Mi barrio that taught me of love and family. My place that was in my comfort zone and I was in my comfort zone with those around me. Mi barrio where I ran up and down throughout my childhood. My neighborhood that taught me of self value and humbleness. Mi barrio who knows where I come from and what I am about. Mi barrio where I learned how to be myself. My neighborhood where I grew up in. Mi barrio where I learned to be respectful and kind. Mi barrio, a place that defines the person that I am.

Filed Under: Poetry, Teens, Your View

Overcoming Shyness

February 1, 2013 By Leave a Comment

To some degree everyone has felt shy. For many it is “natural shyness” and for others it’s something they acquired as they got older or only in certain situations. Being shy is not a bad quality, but it can sometimes be an obstacle in school, since you are sometimes required to participate in discussions or do presentations. For those who don’t participate, it can truly hinder your performance. You don’t have to change your personality, but if you feel like your shyness is hurting you or you dread the moments when teachers begin to randomly call names, then you know you must do something about it. Here are some tips to help you overcome shyness.

1. Sit in Front:

Shy people are often known for sitting in the back of the classroom. Sitting in front of the classroom can actually push you into taking an initiative to overcome shyness. It can help you begin feeling comfortable being in the class. If you feel uncomfortable when people turn to look at you when you speak, being in front can actually help you not notice those glances, and slowly you’ll gain the confidence to voice your opinions. By sitting in front you can confront your fears and maybe realize that your fears weren’t so scary after all. Maria Galvan, 21 college student, states: “It always helps to sit in the front; you’ll hear everything clearly. For me, I would sit in second or third row because it makes me comfortable. You’ll still be in front, but not the very front. You’ll feel like you’re a part of the classroom. If you sit in the back it gives the message,’ I’m not going to be engaging, I don’t want to be interacting.’ But if you sit closer to the front, it gives the message that you’ll be part of the class and that you are ready to share with others.”

2. Speak up! People are not going to judge you:

Do you sometimes feel as if a fellow classmate can tell if you are nervous? Well, the truth is that most of the time they are unable to tell that you are nervous.  There are many times where we feel that they are because we tend to be a little too self-conscious, but after taking the initiative of overcoming your shyness, like not letting the fear of being judged paralyze you with fear, you start to realize that others think do not matter — only YOUR opinion matters. Most of the time, the person who you think is “judging” you is more than likely not. Remember to keep your mind off of what others think and if you decide to raise your hand to answer a question, keep your mind on that. If you have to make a presentation to the whole class focus on the materials that you are presenting and not on how they may be judging. There are also times when you think you made a mistake, but they won’t be able to tell either, so if you do make a mistake: keep moving forward.

3. Keep trying and push forward:

Think sitting in the front or making bold moves like speaking more in class is too risky or difficult?  Set a goal for yourself and start small by speaking once per week. Over the course of the semester, slowly build up how many times you talk in class, but don’t give up. It might feel awkward at first, you might feel self-conscious or maybe even embarrassed, but this will go away the more you keep at it. There will be instances where speaking up may not turn out as glamour as you have imagined, but everyone makes mistakes. Try not be too critical on yourself, but instead feel proud that you did speak up and expressed your opinion. Keep moving forward! The more you get out of your comfort zone the easier it will get. Keep in mind that by moving forward gives you that confidence booster that you can do it and it is not as scary as you originally thought it was. If you stumble or stutter in your journey, always remember to be kind to yourself, don’t beat yourself over your mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes and being kind to yourself should be a priority.

4. Talking, the right or wrong answer:

Sometimes we might be afraid to speak up for fear that others might criticize our thoughts/opinions. Criticism, especially when we feel attacked, can really hurt a shy or introverted person. Another fear can be having an opinion that is very different from your peers. Don’t let fear dictate your life, because all opinions are equally valuable and it is through the diversity of opinions that you are able to experience vibrant interactions. Don’t be afraid to participate for fear of having the wrong answer, chances are that almost everyone has had a wrong answer at some point. Know that what you have to contribute is important and must and deserves to be heard. To overcome this fear, try being more open with your family or friends by talking about topics you normally don’t discuss with them but are of interest to you. Build up your confidence and transfer that to the classroom.

5. Engaging in social interaction:

“There was one point in my life where I thought I was painfully awkward. Going to my first high school party was excruciating because I was terrified of the people there. Social engagements in the company of a boy you have a crush on at 16 can feel like the end of the world. The sheer fear of being awkward or embarrassed made me force my sister to drop me off a block away from the house so I could breathe and clam down. [At the party] I mostly did not speak all night and came home feeling utterly ashamed at my introversion! I think the only thing that helped me was to keep going to social experiences. Shyness (or social terror) definitely can flare up, though. 

Looking back, I see now that it was part of the whole growing process. What I do when this happens is a technique a speech professor gave me: take a deep breath *exhale* and think to yourself, ‘ah, I’m so grateful to be here.’ Every experience with another human being is a divine one, I believe. For whatever reason this person has crossed my path, now what are we to learn? This has worked numerous times when I felt I would be out of place.

But feeling shy, awkward, and out-of-place is all a part of finding and growing into a new place. Usually shyness can come from feeling out of one’s element. It’s uncomfortable, but it signifies that a person is growing, and the fast-beating heart and sweaty palms means they are truly alive!” “ shares Michelle Knight, 22 year old college student.

 

Filed Under: Dealing, Get Real, Teens

Importance of Being Bilingual

January 31, 2013 By Leave a Comment

In the diverse world we live in, there is a need to know more than one language, or at least the ability to be able to hold a conversation in a language other than your native tongue. In the United States, for example, Spanish is the second most common language and in some parts it’s the language most spoken. The ability to know another language helps maintain international relationships, and it helps extremely with your career. For some jobs it’s even mandatory to know another language. You are always going to find someone who’s English is not their native language, and just displaying an ability to speak another language says a lot about your character.

For many Latinos, speaking both English and Spanish comes in handy depending on the setting. According to the Pew Hispanic Center, “About 60% of bilingual Hispanic workers usually speak more English than Spanish at work (29%), or use only English at work (33%). Widespread Spanish language usage at work is relatively rare among bilingual workers.” When it comes to speaking Spanish at home, “English/Spanish speaking Latinos are about evenly divided in their use of Spanish and English.” All in all, Spanish is always a great plus and quality to have.

For Melisa Garcia, a graduate from the University of California, Riverside, knowing Spanish is like she has a “second identity.” Garcia stated, “I am able to help others who are new to this country, and it is all a chain. I can only use it for positive things. My children will benefit from it and will help others. It will benefit me as well, in my writing and for work.”

In my case, I grew up with English and Spanish, but when I was younger I didn’t find the real importance of Spanish. I also had a bad habit of responding in English when my parents and grandparents spoke to me in Spanish. It was probably because I didn’t feel comfortable speaking the language, especially since I got frustrated when I couldn’t remember how to say something in Spanish. For whichever reason, like all kids, I was young and naive.

It wasn’t until I entered middle school that I found the importance of knowing another language because at times I had the opportunity to help someone interpret or translate English to Spanish and vice versa. The point in my life where I fell in love with knowing more than one language was when I got to college and spent a year abroad in Spain. I felt the benefits of mastering two languages because I helped my roommates in Spain with their English. I learned that if I can help someone with a language that is not their native tongue, and if I continued speaking Spanish, the possibilities are endless. Once I came back from studying abroad I became a Spanish tutor and graduated with a Minor in Spanish.

Alexandra Landeros, Public Relations & Outreach Director for the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance and Founder/Owner of Roots Public Relations, an independent agency promoting environmental stewardship and cultural heritage, states, “Knowing Spanish has given me an advantage in getting certain jobs where reaching out to the Latino community is important, it has helped me meet new friends I wouldn’t have met if I didn’t speak Spanish, and it’s expanded my reading and film viewing options.”

When someone is bilingual, they have a window of opportunities in comparison to someone who only knows one language.  There is no better feeling than starting to learn a new language. It doesn’t matter what language it is, the only thing that matters is that it fascinates you enough to learn.

“Most major cities in the United States have another major language besides English. Knowing more than one language helps you become a better communicator. It gives you certain advantages over others who only speak English, or who only speak a foreign language,” added Alexandra.

In a country like the United States, you not only celebrate the culture of where you’re from, but you also celebrate the languages of other countries. Language is one of the many keys to success.

Filed Under: Culture, Latina Beat, Teens Tagged With: ,

Cecilia Rodriguez: A Notable Latina

January 31, 2013 By Leave a Comment

By Joel Zapata

Cecilia Rodriguez was born and grew up in El Paso, Texas and is a second generation American. She has dedicated her life to social justice. She has focused her work to advocate for the human and civil rights of Mexican immigrant and Mexican-American women. Aware of discrimination and injustice Mexican immigrants and Mexican-Americans have faced in the United States, she worked for social justice from a young age.

As a child, Cecilia Rodriguez was punished for speaking Spanish in her school. She was attending school in El Paso in the 1970s when a judge ruled that local schools had historically practiced segregation against Mexican-Americans. She knew Mexican-Americans, and all Latinos, were treated unfairly not only in her hometown but nationwide. She wrote about this unfair treatment for her high school newspaper, but her writing was banned by the school administration. However, Mexican-American students at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) published her work in the university newspaper. When Cecilia Rodriguez started college, she joined groups like the Movimiento Estudiantil De Aztlan (A Chicano student civil rights group). In college, she protested for Mexican-American’s housing rights and labor rights. Then in 1977 she moved to the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas to write a newsletter for a local TV station. There she worked for the rights of farm workers and autoworkers in Brownsville Texas.

Returning to her hometown in the 1980s, Cecilia Rodriguez helped organize La Mujer Obrera (The Woman Worker) in 1981. La Mujer Obrera is a workers’ advocacy group that began working for the rights and fair treatment of garment workers along the border. The group has since advocated for the civil and human rights of all women workers along the U.S. Mexico border and beyond. Cecilia Rodriguez helped fund La Mujer Obrera because she saw women in dangerous work conditions while being paid little. Sometimes garment factories withheld women’s wages. Meaning, women were not paid at all. Cecilia Rodriguez, along with other women of La Mujer Obrera, organized two hunger strikes that pressured the government to investigate women’s unpaid wages. Because of the hunger strikes it soon became a major crime in Texas not to pay workers their earned wages. The hunger strikes also helped workers get holidays off work.

More so, Cecilia Rodriguez led La Mujer Obrera in providing women on the border with free health screenings. Another program she helped start with La Mujer Obrera was a literacy program for illiterate women, or women who did not know how to read and write. Cecilia Rodriguez also helped start programs to aid women with immigration issues and programs to prevent them from becoming homeless. Much like she did in high school, Cecilia Rodriguez wrote articles for a worker’s newspaper that she and her husband handed out in garment factories. Most importantly though, La Mujer Obrera, led by Cecilia Rodriguez, worked to include Mexican-American women in the political process. She helped open doors for Latinas to become stronger in their families and their communities. She helped women become strong role models for future Latino generations.

Cecilia Rodriguez’s work goes beyond the United States. In 1994, she was invited to the Mexican state of Chiapas to aid Indigenous people with land problems. The problem was that Indigenous people in Chiapas had their land taken away by unfair government moves. Their land now belonged to a few rich individuals. While in Chiapas as a human rights advocate, she was raped by men who wanted her to stop fighting for social justice in Chiapas. Cecilia Rodriguez responded by making her attack public. She said, “I will not shut up, I will not stop my work or travel to Chiapas or my work in the United States.” She continued to organize health and educational projects in Chiapas for years.

In 2001, Cecilia Rodriguez moved to California to find a new way to serve others. She entered John F. Kennedy University and earned a master’s degree in transpersonal psychology. Presently she works as a family and marriage counselor in California and has focused her work on low income individuals. She continues to speak for civil and human rights. She blogs about her experiences as a Mexican-American woman and about injustices people face. She continues to push for immigration rights, environmental responsibility, workers’ rights and women’s rights—especially Latinas’ rights. Cecilia Rodriguez works for a more just and fair world.

Filed Under: Her History, Leading Latinas, Teens

Peer Pressure Advice

January 31, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Being young and trying to move smoothly through school, life and friends can be difficult, and may lead you to many road blocks. There are many instances where you might not know how to deal with situations that come your way. Good and bad events in your life are all part of the process, Latinitas has a way to help you get through uncomfortable or difficult times when it comes to what’s most important in your life.

“What do you do when most of your friends are gone because they’re into partying, drugs and drinking?”
Being the odd one out is tough, especially when your friends are off making decisions that you don’t feel particularly comfortable with. Keep in mind that there is no reason you should ever feel pressured to give into partying, drugs, or drinking! Stay true to yourself and your beliefs. If your friends have decided that partying is more important than spending time with you, then you should reevaluate your friendships. Take some time for yourself and focus on what makes you happy and what you like to do. Even better, go out and make new friends that share similar interests with you. Don’t be scared to say no to your friends and start to drift away to make new ones. It happens to all friends, especially when tough issues like drugs come into play. Step outside of your personal comfort zone and have fun in a safe, healthy way. If you feel you can’t say no to your friends, be honest about the way you feel with them. Let them know how their actions have negatively affected your friendship. Reflect and grow.

“One of my best friends sometimes lacks hope and belief in herself. She complains about how she doesn’t think she can complete certain things. Whenever I try to encourage her, she tunes me out and is ‘hard headed.’ I want her to not worry and always have faith in herself. Any suggestions?”
It’s difficult to spend time encouraging someone only to be turned down, but keep at it. Despite what she can portray by being “hard headed,” chances are she’s hearing you from time to time in the back of her head. You may feel like you’re repeating yourself too often or that she’s never going to accept your encouraging words, but she will and she’ll appreciate it. It’s important to remind the people we care about the most how loved and appreciated they are, especially when they’re feeling the exact opposite. It’s part of being a good friend. Being there when friends experience the good and when they experience the worst is extremely important. If you feel like you’re not being heard through spoken word, maybe try writing a letter. Write down what you’ve said before so that she can look at a written copy of it. If she see’s you’ve taken enough time to sit down and think about her, she’ll definitely notice your support. Most importantly, continue being as encouraging and kind as you’ve always been to her. Let her know that no matter how she may feel you will always be there to support her.

“I’m always busy with work and school, which is stressful. But my friends think I am ignoring them and always making excuses about being tired and have sometimes not invited me to places because I am always “busy.” What do I do?”
Don’t feel bad about not being able to balance school, work, and your social life. Those things are hard to keep balanced, especially when one is busier than the other. You’ve made the right choice in focusing on what’s important to you, which is your studies. Be honest with your friends about your priorities. Definitely do not disregard their friendship or their invitations, but make it clear that as much as you would love to hang out, you are busy with school, work and pursing your education. They might need to know exactly what is keeping you busy and away from them. If your friends not inviting you to places has started to hurt your feelings, maybe try to invite them to do something, or say yes every once in a while. This will show that you care and that you’ve taken steps to be with them and enjoy their company. Better yet, if you have a class that you’re all in maybe suggest having a group study date. You’ll have fun and learn together.

Filed Under: Advice, Get Real, Teens

Film Spotlight: Precious Knowledge

January 31, 2013 By Leave a Comment

The Latino population is growing every year in the United States and as a result schools are welcoming a new wave of Latinos students. They come with their own background, culture, language and they bring diversity into the classrooms.  As a Latinita, I feel that the inclusion of my culture in the curriculum could make the class more interesting and might give me more inspiration to go to school. There are many other Latinos who feel the same way and there have been movements to incorporate Latino heritage into the curriculum.  Latinitas, teachers and members of our culture have encountered resistance by groups of people who think Latino topics should not be taught in schools. With the rise in the number of Latino students, there should be classes offered that target the students’ background, heritage and culture.

A problem many students face is dropping out of school.  Annually, over 3 million students drop out and  approximately 17% of these students are Hispanic, according to the Education Week Children Trends Database. Once these students drop out of school the percentage of ending up in prison or committing a crime increases. What then can the education system do to help these students and motivate them to stay in school?

The 2011 film documentary Precious Knowledge directed by Ari Palos shows how Hispanic studies courses in Arizona helped Hispanic students feel more motivated to go to school and how they performed better in other classes. The school district of Arizona created elective courses targeted to Hispanic topics, especially Mexican. The classes discussed the Mexican-American history, culture and promoted critical thinking.  The classes created a community within the schools where it was okay to be a Latino. Many students enrolled in these classes, and as time passed they realized how many of the Hispanic students were graduating and going to the university at a higher rate.  One of the members of the program mentioned, “Everybody knew that the school system was discriminatory, there was an urgency for us to make a statement.”  This statement was greeted by many members of the Latino community, but it received a lot of negative attention by others.

Tom Horne, who during the film was the Arizona State Superintendent of Public Instruction, was one of the biggest protesters of these classes. He believed that the courses are “something that is very wrong, which is dividing students up by ethnicity and treating them separately by ethnicity. [He is] calling on Tucson Unified School District  to shut down the ethnic studies program and start teaching kids to treat each other as individuals and not on the bases of what race they were born into.” He had very strong negative opinions about these courses that were being offered, but he never went into the classroom to see what they were teaching. He made these comments on what he believed happened in the classroom instead of what he saw. Precious Knowledge shows how students battled against  what Tom Horne and his followers believed.  This battle is still being fought.

One of the main problems in classrooms it that they at times don’t make enough connection to real life events.  There have been philosophers such as Lev Vygostky, who believe that little of what is known as “living knowledge” enters the classroom. He believed that if we made a connection between students’ daily life and education, then not only was the student going to be more interested, but the education process would be enhanced. If we followed his line of thought, then the Hispanic Studies Program is a great alternative for students who wish to learn more about themselves and their background culture.

As Latinitas, we have to fight for our rights in education. As Latinitas, we have to strive for more. As Latinitas, we have to think about our future and the future of our children. As Latinitas, we have to be strong, powerful and proud women. We Latinitas are the future, let’s teach it to our children and fight for what is right in our schools.

Filed Under: Fun, Teens, TV & Movies

Why I Love My Major

January 31, 2013 By Leave a Comment

If you are getting ready to apply to college or have at least started thinking about applying, you are probably wondering how in the world are you going to choose a major. You might already have your parents or other family members pressuring you into pursuing a major that they think is best for you. It might make you less stressed out to know that many college graduates change their major several times while they are in college. Don’t worry, most college graduates agree that your major doesn’t necessarily define the career you will have for the rest of your life.

Getting a college degree in any major only broadens your chances of achieving success. However, it is important to make sure you choose a major that you are passionate about. Your major may not define your career choices but it will influence the types of classes you will take in college. By choosing the right major you can ensure that you will take classes that interest you, instead of some that might put you to sleep. Pursuing a major that motivates you can help make your college experience meaningful and prepares you for a career you will love.

Take it from these five undergraduate Latinas as they explain why finding a major they love has made their college experience more beneficial and has brightened their future.

Maria Librado

Major: Youth and Community Studies

Minor: Sociology

What influenced you to choose this major? I realized there was a strong need for direction in today’s youth. There is also a lack of availability of resources that has negatively influenced the community a child is brought up in.

Why do you think this major suits you? My major suits me because I have a passion for helping youth through community outreach.

Was this major your first choice? No, my first major was sociology. When I realized this major was more focused on research I realized I wanted to major in something that allowed me to make a direct impact on youth.

What has been the best class you have taken for your major and why? Mexican Americans in Higher Education has been my favorite class because I learned about the issues that have deeply impacted the educational attainment of Mexican American students. I learned that alternative paths can be taken to help these students gain access to higher education.

How do you see your major helping you achieve your goals for the future? My career goal is to one day become a counselor focused on helping minorities get into higher education. I feel that my major is giving me the preparation I need to work with and understand youth and communities collectively as a counselor.

 

 

Nicole Garcia

Major: Health Promotion

Minor: Education with specialization in disability studies.

What influenced you to choose this major? I have come to realize how important our physical and mental health is. Coming from El Paso where it’s encouraged to eat, or else grandma gets upset, I never realized how important it is to watch what we are putting into our bodies. Promoting health is important to me because there are people out there who get diagnosed with brain diseases or cancer, diseases that we can’t prevent. So we should do what we can to take care of the healthy bodies we are given.

Why do you think this major suits you? I want to be able to help people and give back to my community, my major gives me the foundation for that. It has also given me the opportunity to take classes that teach a great deal about autism which my brother was diagnosed with during my senior year of high school. After some of my kinesiology classes I am now able to understand him a lot better

Was this major your first choice? No, I started off with exercise science and switched to health promotion. They are in the same umbrella of kinesiology though, so there wasn’t a big difference.

What has been the best class you have taken for your major and why? Programming For People With Disabilities, because my passion has always been to help those with special needs and this class taught me about different disabilities and how to accommodate people with them so they can participate in physical education. This class also gave me and opportunity to volunteer with UT’s Autism Project where I was able to interact with children who have autism. This was by far one of my best experiences at the university.

How do you see your major helping you achieve your goals for the future? My major has given me the information I need to be able to go back home and start programs or interventions that I feel El Paso really needs such as better physical education and nutrition being included in our high school health class.

 

Bethany Ward

Major: English

Minor: RTF (Radio, Television and Film)

What influenced you to chose this major? When I was in high school I had a really good English teacher who taught me how to think critically and outside the box. After that I had very good English teachers throughout high school. I also love to read and write, its always been something I enjoyed.

Why do you think this major suits you? With English major there is no right answer.  As and English major you get to come up with your own opinions and answers to questions.

Was this your first choice? Yes!

What has been the best class you have taken for your major and why? The American Novel After 1920. We got to read many classic American books and the professor was really open and encouraging with the class.

How do you think your major will help you achieve your future goals? Being an English major makes you well rounded, you learn a lot more than just about books. You learn how to analyze and become a more critical thinker which is an admirable trait in many job positions.

 

Patti Martin

Major: Microbiology

What influenced you to choose this major? I have always been interested in science and learning about how bacteria and viruses can infect us and make us sick. It really amazed me that tiny microorganisms have the ability to make people die!

Why do you think this major suits you? I think my major suits me because I like to think analytically and with science there is always an answer. Also I feel as though being able to learn about different symptoms and diseases will help me when I become a dentist because I am going to have to diagnose my patients.

Was this major your first choice? No, first it was biology then I realized I could specialize in an area and I chose microbiology and have stuck with it since that day.

What has been the best class you have taken for your major and why? My favorite class has been organic chemistry because the professor I had was truly an inspiration to me. He showed me that hard works truly does pay off and taught me to never give up.

How do you see your major helping you achieve your goals for the future? I have been accepted to dental school and the first year is basically all science including microbiology, immunology, and physiology which are all courses I’ve had to take under my major. As a dentist I will have to diagnose and treat my patients which is also something I have learned to do in many of my classes.

 

Linda Serna

Major: Women and Gender Studies

Minor: Sociology and Social Work

What influenced you to choose this major? My experiences growing up as a female have encouraged me to pursue this major. I have also always wanted to help and give back to the community.

Why do you think this major suits you? My major suits me because it allows me to surround myself with diverse people. Gender studies is also a new field so there are many more research possibilities.

Was this major your first choice? No my first choice was social work, which I still hope to pursue a Master’s degree in.

What has been the best class you have taken for your major and why? Intro to Women and Gender Studies has been my favorite class because it made me realize how interested I am in this new field.

How do you see your major helping you achieve your goals for the future? My major will teach me to reach out to marginalized groups and create a safe space for all people to express themselves and learn.

Filed Under: Girl Talk, Teens, Your View

Tips for That A+

January 10, 2013 By 2 Comments

Do not let the procrastination bug bite you. Here are some great tips to keep your nose in the book to get that A+ you deserve.

  • Social media tempting you to check what your crush is doing right now? Don’t worry about it. Apple has an app for that. If you are a Mac girl, there’s a free app called ‘Self-Control’ that allows you to block any website you want for an x amount of time. Once you block those websites, there’s no way in using them until the time runs out. If you are a PC girl, there’s a Google Chrome extension called ‘Stay Focused.’ All you have to do is download Google Chrome to your desktop, then download the extension for free. The extension is as easy as ‘Self-Control’ so you will not be tempted to Facebook stalk your friends.
  • Do you have a sweet tooth, but have a huge amount of pages to read for class or an exam? Use your sweet tooth to your advantage! Buy a bag of gummy worms (or anything gummy) and place one piece of the gummy candy in your mouth every two-three paragraphs. Every time you reach a gummy, you can eat it. It’s a delicious way to keep you motivated to read! By the way, don’t use anything that’s chocolate. That might dirty your book and leave a huge mess. Then you really won’t be able to read for class.
  • Every girl needs some color in her life. Use markers, gel pens and color pencils to add some personality to your boring black and white notes. Having colorful ink in your notes helps to keep your  attention on your notes. You can use different colors to elaborate what is truly important, the most important concept and to add separation between sections. Just be careful that the ink does not run through the paper or you will end up ruining your notes.

  • Notecards are a girl’s best friend. If you have a billion and one terms to memorize, write them down on notecards. You can get colorful notecards to divide the terms into sections or just to keep your attention on the cards. If you can only get the regular notecards, use the markers from tip 3 to make those cards colorful and study-worthy. Don’t have time to go to the store? Get some paper, and cut them into squares!
  • Are you a music lover? Or cannot study in a quite place? Try listening to some classical or instrumental music while studying. Studies have shown that listening to classical music can help improve grades. Tip: Don’t try to listen to anything with lyrics especially if it’s your favorite band/songs. You’ll get distracted by the lyrics and will be tempted to sing along. So do not be listening to “One Direction.”
  • Play hide and seek with your phone. Hiding your phone (or asking someone in your house to hide your phone) is a great trick to getting you to study and keep you productive. Without your phone, you cannot text, check social media or play Angry Birds. You will be forced to study that boring subject, read the chapters you “forgot” to read and get the A you wanted.
  • Be comfortable! I know many of you are stylish fashionistas, but you should study in something comfy. You’re going to be sitting down with your nose in your book so not many people are going to notice that you’re wearing American Eagle sweatpants and your school’s spirit shirt. Your main priority should be your notes and that high G.P.A.
  • Chill out once in a while. Do not study in huge chunks. Studying for 45 minutes and then taking a small 15-minute break is more helpful than studying for  two hours straight — give your brain a break! You can do a set of math problems, read a chapter or work on that essay. After the 45 minutes are up, you can always creep on your crush over Facebook, text your friend or catch up on your favorite band via Twitter. In addition, have a bigger goal in mind. After you reach your goal, treat yourself. Did you finally finish reading the three chapters from your biology book? Catch up on Gossip Girl or read that book you’ve been dying to get into.

Grades should always come first. Doing well now will open doors for you in the future. Stay motivated. Stay positive. You can do well on those final exams and ace that class. After you ace your class, you can always celebrate the holidays by relaxing during your vacation.

Filed Under: 411, School, Teens

Resolutions Worth Keeping

January 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Most people set a new resolution every year, but end up forgetting about them by, um, mid…. January. However, these five New Years Resolutions are truly worth keeping all year! You may ask: why? Answer: because these resolutions are good for both your heart and soul.

1.) Stay Active!

Try joining an after school activity or sport at school or your local recreation center. There are many fun ways to stay fit and healthy while having fun doing it. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), children and young adults from ages 6-18 should do three essential types of physical activities. Your exercise routine should include aerobic activity, such as running or jogging. You should also mix in muscle strengthening like sit-ups or push ups as well as bone strengthening like running or jumping rope. The CDC recommends doing these three activities three times a week for an hour or more. Check your local recreation centers for a list of their different activities, they can vary from dance classes to gymnastics; remember to try something new, you never know what you may learn or if you”ll end up loving it! Also, get your friends to join, physical activities can be more enjoyable if you have a friend of workout buddy.

2.) Get Involved

There are many ways for you to get involved in your community. Volunteering can be very rewarding, not only for the person or animals you will be helping, but also for yourself. Mari Ruiz who volunteers with Latinitas and at her church mentions, “It is really rewarding to volunteer in the community because you give your time and effort to help other people who need it and you don’t ask for anything in return.” Not sure where to volunteer? Check out your local organizations via a simple Google search or look through your local newspapers.  Try looking for local animal shelters, crisis shelters, and/or organizations for the less fortunate — it helps if it’s for a cause you’re passionate about. Too busy with school or work to volunteer? Many of these organizations and shelters accept donations, look them up and call them.  You never know that what you may have laying around the house could benefit others.

3.) Learn a New Skill Or Try Something New

We all have many things we would like to learn to do but never seem to have the time to do them! Focus on one and stick to it. This new skill can be learning about photography, but it can also be an old family tradition you acquire from abuelita ( like learning how to make her delicious home made cookies). Don’t limit yourself to learning one new skill try for two, three or ten if possible! This year, make time to learn something new like Daniela, who is dabbling in new fashion resolutions, ”Sweatpants, a bun and no makeup was my fashion trend last year. Really practical, but every time I ran into someone it was the most embarrassing thing, especially when it was someone I had not seen in a long time. I wanted to start the new year fresh and with a new look, so I made that one of my new year’s resolutions. I’ve been working on it and trying to make it a habit. I wear more casual clothing and try wearing eyeliner and eyeshadow that combines whatever I’m wearing. Up to now, I’ve been getting compliments for looking different and that’s awesome.I feel better about my looks and I don’t have to worry about bumping into somebody and looking like I just woke up.”

 

4.) Explore New Attractions:

You would be amazed at how many new things there are to discover in your home town. Grab your best friend and be tourists of your own city! Remember: You can also be the star photographer and take your camera to document your trip.Your local newspaper is filled with events taking place that weekend. If possible, check out local event guides that are normally free. The Visitors Bureau also offers pamphlets on local attractions or local museums. Feeling adventurous? Go downtown and explore the different historical buildings, parks, natural attractions, local cultural art centers, conventions, museums, shops and more. Look up your city’s history, you might be surprised at what historical landmarks and attractions are available. Don’t be shy, try something new, or meet new people, but always remember to be safe.

I had my own adventure, check it out:

 

5.) Relax!
 With all of these new activities to try on top of your normal routines, you will also need time to relax and rest. There are many ways to unwind that can be fun, like snuggling on the couch and reading Latinitas Magazine, taking your dog out for a walk, or catching a movie with friends. Remember that relaxation and rest are  very important for your mind, body and soul. We must treat our bodies with respect and always allow time for recovery when exercising or doing other strenuous physical activity.

Filed Under: Girl Talk, Teens, Your View
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