I was almost thirteen when I was diagnosed.  Change would not come easy or anytime soon.  I did not want to follow a diet and I definitely did not want to be checking my blood glucose (sugar) or taking an insulin shot before every single meal.  Nobody else my age had to do any of those things.  Why should I have to?  I couldn’t understand what the big deal was, especially because I didn’t feel sick.  Of course I didn’t.  There’s a reason diabetes is known as the silent killer.  It takes years of uncontrolled glucose levels to suffer the consequences.  I was told if I continued with bad eating habits and  uncontrolled glucose levels, I would eventually suffer long term complications such as blindness, amputated limbs, or kidney failure.  Although the thought of any of these things happening to me was scary, it wasn’t enough to make me comply.  I ignored my disease every chance I got- that is, when my parents weren’t looking.

The summer after being diagnosed, my family and I took a trip to Atlanta, Georgia for a family reunion.  One of my relatives volunteered to take my cousins and I to Six Flags.  After hours of nonstop fun and rides, it was time to grab a bite.  My parents were not there to supervise and I took complete advantage of it.  When my aunt asked what I wanted to order, I asked for a funnel cake even though I knew I wasn’t supposed to.  That night, I had the worst cotton mouth and couldn’t make the thirst go away no matter how much water I drank.  My mother noticed and immediately made me check my glucose.  Needless to say, it was through the roof.  She demanded to know why my glucose was so high and became furious with me after learning about the funnel cake.  The whole ordeal was frustrating.  I wondered why I couldn’t just be a normal kid that didn’t have to think twice about what she ate.  I hated being diabetic.  Aside from the inconveniences it was causing, it also made me different from my peers which is not something anybody entering their teenage years wants.

On one occasion in the seventh grade, I called my mom from school to ask if during lunch she would bring a cake for my friend’s birthday.  She brought the cake accompanied by a bag of sugar-free cookies for me.  I didn’t mind the cookies because I thought they tasted decent.  I remember thinking it was thoughtful of her to bring them.  That thought quickly changed.  One of my friends was curious and wanted to taste the cookies since she’d never heard of “sugar free”.  I was excited by her curiosity and handed her one.  My excitement was quickly turned to embarrassment the second she took a bite of the cookie.  Her face said it all before she opened her mouth and declared, “That’s disgusting!”  It wasn’t her comment that made me angry.  It was my mom’s failure to pretend, just this once, that I wasn’t diabetic.  I wished she hadn’t brought the cake in the first place.  It would’ve been less embarrassing to say, “She’s at work,” instead of “yeah, they’re pretty gross huh?”

I made up my mind that I would ignore my condition and continued with my rebellious ways.  Nothing was going to keep me from fitting in at high school parties or college social events.  That attitude landed me in the hospital twice a few years later.  I was handed a well deserved reality check.  I underwent two surgeries, one for my liver and the other for my appendix.  In order to recover from these operations, my sugars needed to be in control so that the wounds would heal correctly.  My disobedience had finally caught up to me.  One of the wounds became infected and I became very ill.  The physical pain of being sick made me realize just how much I’d been taking my health for granted.  Essentially I had been gambling my life away each time I refused to take my medication and made poor food choices.

Once I recovered from the long and agonizing hospital stay, I knew that I never wanted to feel that sick again.  I had a choice to make.  I could continue to risk my health or I could take responsibility for myself and own up to my behavior.  I chose the latter and never looked back.  I admit, there are days when I don’t feel like exercising and there are definitely days when temptation gets the best of me.  But what I realized is that Diabetes doesn’t have to control me.  I am the one in the driver’s seat and I am fully capable of managing my condition with the choices I make.  And for every healthy decision I make, I am essentially saving my life.

College: McCallum Fine Arts Academy

Age: 17

Hometown: Austin, Texas

Honors: In 2010, Michelle was the youngest Artist (accepted by a Jury) to participate in the East Austin Studio Tour of over 400 artists.  She has been commissioned by the Austin Classical Guitar Society to create a painting based on of one of the themes from Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition”.  One of her paintings was featured at the Austin’s Pictures performance on October 1st, 2011.

What challenges has she overcome?: Never considering herself a public speaker, Michelle has overcome a natural shyness.  She is thoughtful and articulate in her public announcements and introductions–ranging from describing her art and concepts to curators and critics, to fronting for her band in a crowd of peers.  Her artistic commitment empowers her in ever-increasing ways within her own age group and beyond.

What extra-curricular activities is she involved in?: Michelle’s hobbies include cycling and music.  She plays bass guitar in the band “Charlie Belle” formed with two younger friends.  For three consecutive years, her band has been invited to perform at several different venues for SXSW, an annual music conference and festival held in Austin, Texas.  The band was also invited to play at Pease Elementary’s “End of the Year” Festival for the last two school years as model examples of young locally-inspired musicians. They have also played at Cheer up Charlie’s, Antone’s, The Whip In, KUT Studio 1A, The Austin Convention Center, Planned Parenthood, and City Hall.

How is she a good example and positive role model to other girls?: Her busy artistic and family life often requires her to care for her two younger elementary age siblings, During these times she and her siblings have created handmade cards and paintings for homebound senior citizens, terminally ill patients, and many others. Soft spoken, Michelle has a balance of passion and compassion that is a rare gift in someone her age – yet she is still a very modern teenager.  After participating in the Young Artist program at Arthouse at the Jones Center, Michelle contributed three pieces of her art to be sold at the “Five x Seven” show, which is a fundraiser benefiting Arthouse’s other educational programs and exhibitions.

Organization: LULAC Council #1 Feria De las Flores

Age: 16

Hometown: Corpus Christi, Texas

Volunteer Experience:
She currently volunteers at Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas. As of this summer, She has volunteered given over 270 hours to the hospital in the past year.  She is also a Youth Leader at her church, Holy Family, where she spreads the Word of God to teens and been an alter server for over five years. She inspired her little brother to become an alterserver, like his big sister.  She is passionate about children and her goal in life is to change at least one child’s life for the better.  She plans on becoming a Pediatric Occupational Therapist. Her motivation to be the person she is today is her family, and of course God.

What challenges has she overcome?:
She believes that a good education opens unimaginable doors for the future that can make a very significant impact on one’s life.  A recent challenge she is working on is earning a spot in the top ten percent of her class.  So far she has worked her way from top twenty to top fifteen percent.

What extra-curricular activities is she involved in?:

She competed in the 52nd Annual Feria De Las Flores and placed as the first runner up and Miss Congeniality.  She participated in HOSA, Health Occupation Students of America competing in Physical Therapy and making it to the State competition; she plans to continue next school year. She is also part of the dance department; this year she will be in dance two.  Also, she is in the Health Science Academy at Foy H. Moody High School and applied for a Co-Op Internship at CHRISTUS Spohn.  She will start interning at Spohn Shoreline as a Rehab Tech in the Rehabilitation Department. Her hobbies are playing tennis, dancing and swimming and enjoys medical shows such as Dr. G: Medical Examiner and Bizarre ER.

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

As someone who cares for the well-being of others, she does her best to try to brighten someones day, one person and one day at a time by always keeping a smile on her face no matter the situation, because she believes that staying positive makes an enormous difference in the end. She believes a simple smile or “Hi, how are you?” to someone can really make their day; one never knows how another’s day is going.

Organization: Workers Defense Project

Age: 19

Hometown: Austin, Texas

Volunteer Experience:

As a youth member of a social justice advocacy organization Workers Defense Project (WDP), Cyndi has taken on a leadership role that rivals many of the adult members. She has run employment rights trainings in front of construction workers twice her age, and in addition to being able to hold her own and deliver the information, she is able to convince trainees to act out scenarios in front of the class. She has completed the leadership training course WDP offers and participates in monthly member meetings. Above and beyond her involvement as a member, Cyndi volunteers her time providing childcare, calling supporters about upcoming events, and contributing her ideas and energy to further the organization’s objectives. This is not simply volunteering: it is living as an energetic, active member of a dynamic community. At the root of Cyndi’s passion is her awareness that the issues she tackles with WDP are a matter of life and death, particularly in Texas, where every 2.5 days a construction worker dies on the job. Construction workers are subjected to unsafe working conditions that have cost many their lives and continue to jeopardize the safety of other construction workers, including Cyndi’s father.

What challenges has she overcome?:

As immigrants in the U.S., Cyndi and her family face challenges that most U.S. citizens do not think twice about. From workplace abuse to navigating the educational system to interacting with people and institutions that are unwelcoming and/or alienating to immigrants, Cyndi’s firsthand knowledge of injustice afforded her a unique perspective regarding inequality and the active role she can play in addressing and overcoming those injustices. Her high level of involvement with WDP connected her to others outside of school from which she could seek guidance in order to graduate from high school and prepare for college. As the oldest child in her family she uses her bilingualism to serve as the bridge connecting her parents to several institutions and to advocate for her parents and for her family’s well-being. Despite her young age, Cyndi has assumed responsibilities that one typically associates with adults/parents and displayed an exceptional degree of courage. Cyndi’s willingness to be so vocal and visible is even more remarkable given the anti-immigrant sentiment prevalent in Texas that has caused many immigrants and their families to remain silent when they are being taken advantage of and/or discriminated against.

What makes her a leader?:

She is a daughter, sister, friend, ally, and community leader. Working alongside her is confirmation that you’re on the right team. Through the hard work, time, and effort she contributes every day to building a strong community, she has made – and will continue to make – tangible, important differences in the world. The members, staff, and volunteers of WDP, Cyndi’s family and friends, and community members in Austin who fight for social justice have a lot to learn from such a vibrant, outspoken, inspiring, and fearless young Latina.

What extra-curricular activities is she involved in?:

Given all of her involvement in her family and community, it is almost surprising that Cyndi has energy to commit to other activities, but she does, and she approaches her interests with the same fervor as she approaches all other aspects of her life. Cyndi recently graduated from high school. She will be taking her passion and talent for art and self-expression to Austin Community College to study graphic design and photography. Cyndi’s love of music, anime, and experimenting with make-up and fashion are also all a testament of her creative and unique spirit. In general, Cyndi is not afraid to push and expand boundaries not only for her sake, but also for the sake of others.

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

Cyndi has changed the lives of the people around her both through her commitment to advocacy and activism and through her compassionate, winning personality. The work she does changes the lives of people in her community, and the attitude she brings to it changes whomever she meets. Cyndi provides an amazing example of empowerment to her younger sister, who at age seven knows a good classroom rule is, “que respetamos a las mujeres!” She encourages the younger girls who participate in WDP to stand up for themselves and take care of one and other, and their adoration for her is proof that she has made a positive impact on their lives.

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.

¿Qué es ser humano? El diccionario Merriam – Webster dice “compasivo, simpatía, o consideración por los humanos o por los animales.” ¿Por qué hay tanta gente luchando por los derechos de los animales y aún nada ha cambiado? Las fábricas de carne continúan con sus maneras poco éticas de matar animales. Y los humanos continúan satisfaciéndose con hamburguesas de 99 centavos.

En el 2010 se dio a conocer un documental llamado “Earthlings“, sacan a la luz los procesos tan horribles utilizados por la Industria de la Carne. Dirigido por Shaun Monson y Maggie Q los cuales son vegetarianos. Han habido varios videos que exponen a las industrias de la carne, tales como: “Earthlings, Peaceable Kingdom, y The Witness.”

No es el típico video que rentas para una noche de películas con tus amigos, pero debería de ser. Earthlings se enfoca en temas que ya hemos olvidado. El propósito de este video no es el asustar a la gente hasta convertirlos en vegetarianos, pero crear consciencia en el trato de los humanos hacia los animales. Al yo ver el video, tuve que voltearme en varios momentos. Luché para no llorar. Al ver un video tan poderoso como éste, te deja pensando en muchas cosas. La parte mas impresionante de la película fue el hecho de que las personas que están masacrando a los animales parece que lo hacen sin pensarlo dos veces, con toda la frialdad del mundo. Después de este video me revelé. Ese día decidí volverme vegetariana. El mensaje del video me impactó tanto que ni siquiera dudé mi decisión. Creo que sería hipócrita de mi parte el llamarme amante de los animales y seguir comiéndomelos.

Los humanos deciden cuando, como y donde los animales morirán, en la película, Joaquin Phoenix se dice algo muy cierto “si tuviéramos que matar nuestra propia carne, todos seríamos vegetarianos”. Es una desgracia que las ignorancia de los humanos cause el dolor y sufrimiento de tantos animales.

Pollos botados unos arriba de otros, vacas siendo sacrificadas sin anestesia, puercos quemados vivos, la crueldad a su esplendor. No es tarde para cambiar, debemos de cambiar la manera en la que tratamos a la Tierra, cambiar la manera en la que nos tratamos los unos a los otros, y cambiar la manera en la que tratamos al planeta – ¿Qué es lo que debemos hacer?

Seguramente no todos van a evitar una hamburguesa después de ver este video, pero al ser la especie dominante de este planeta tenemos la habilidad de ayudar a nuestro prójimo, con el cual compartimos la misma Tierra. Una persona puede hacer La Diferencia. Ninguna creatura debe de morir de la manera en la que mueren estos animales inocentes. Debería de ser inaceptable la manera en la que son tratados. ¿En que momento llegó el hombre a este nivel de trato?

Como ser humanos tenemos que darnos cuenta que debemos de cambiar nuestro trato, ayudar a otros tan sólo beneficiará a la sociedad. Queda en todos los humanos que habitan esta Tierra el darles una mejor vida a aquellos que nos sirven como alimento, ropa y compañía.

Mientras parece que el mundo no siempre estará de nuestro lado una cosa que los Latinos tienen en común es la familia. La familia sin duda, es un tema recurrente cuando hablamos de nuestras vidas, nuestras experiencias e incluso de nuestras penas.

“Lo que me gusta sobre la tradición Latina es el aspecto familiar. No cambiaría eso por nada del mundo,” dijo la venezolana, Cecelia Temponi.

Una gran parte de la tradición Latina es la celebración de la vida. Desde la sobrina que está celebrando sus quince años o una reunión familiar al otro lado de la ciudad, los Latinos disfrutan pasar tiempo juntos. Y no solo es la fiesta lo que hace la constante vibra familiar entre Latinos, sino que es la comida típica preparada por las mujeres,  por lo cual son famosas. Nuestras tías hacen el mejor arroz, nuestras abuelas hacen unas deliciosas enchiladas y nuestras madres siempre recuerdan nuestro platillo favorito.

“Sin importar el motivo de la reunión familiar, siempre sé que habrán mis platillos favoritos hechos por mi maravillosa madre,”  dijo el vicepresidente de la Asociación Hispana de Estudiantes de Negocios del Estado de Texas, Gabby Mendoza.

Los Latinos  son conocidos por organizar las mejores reuniones. “La comida de las mujeres, la ayuda de los hombres, al menos en mi lado de la familia. Las mujeres tienen aquella increíble habilidad para cocinar, la cual yo no heredé,” dijo Temponi.

Conforme envejecemos intentamos ser mas independientes. Es normal a veces no querer escuchar a nuestra madre, aunque sepas que te dirá el famoso “Yo te lo dije.” Nuestras familias están ahí para nosotros como nosotros para ellos. Valora lo que tienes a tu alrededor y agradece por aquellos que son parte de tu vida.

El jueves 6 de Octubre del 2011 la comunidad de Austin se juntó en alianza con la Protesta Occupy Wall Street de Nueva York. Los organizadores le llamaron la protesta en el ayuntamiento, la toma de posesión de Austin (Occuppy Austin), la cual reunió  a un gran número de personas sin pedir intervención por parte de la policía.

¿Sobre qué era la protesta, que esta sucediendo en Wall Street, y de que modo nos relacionamos con estos eventos nacionales? La toma de posesión de Wall Street comenzó hace tres semanas para demostrar el disgusto de la gente americana y su frustración debido a la escases de oportunidades de trabajo y el aumento de desempleo. Para decirlo de una manera simple, el grupo consiste de diversos grupos de ciudadanos activistas que protestan en contra de la avaricia en nuestro país y como ésto afecta a la clase media, la clase trabajadora, y pobre, básicamente, todos aquellos que no pertenecen a una corporación poderosa CEO, gente de negocios. Lo que protestan es que nuestro gobierno otorga demasiada oportunidad para hacer dinero a los grandes negocios, mientras existen personas sufriendo la recesión económica por la que estamos pasando.

Por todo el país hay ciudades que están cayendo en los pasos de Nueva York. A través del uso de redes y organizaciones sociales, hechas la mayoría por estudiantes de la Universidad, jóvenes de Austin, se han unido para manifestarse en el ayuntamiento. En ésta toma de posesión de Austin los manifestantes proclamaron la caída de impuestos de los ricos, así como cambios sociales, económicos y políticos.

Como Latina, que viene de una familia de clase trabajadora, ésta es una causa que apoyo. Yo quiero que el gobierno preste atención a las necesidades de la gente pobre y deje de enfocarse tan solo en el dinero. La avaricia provoca muchos problemas, como es una gama bastante amplia entre los ricos y los pobres, recortes en la educación, fianzas corporativas que los ciudadanos tienen que pagar. ¿Porqué no cambiar esto?

Mientras las masas se unían y entre mas veía y oía por parte de mis amigos sobre los mítines, mas cuestionaba las intenciones de algunos de los participantes. La mayoría de los manifestantes eran hombres blancos de clase media. Esto me hizo pensar que esta gente no se da cuenta que las minorías, Latinas/os, afroamericanos y Nativos Americanos, gente con discapacidades y los pobres han vivido con problemas económicos durante mucho tiempo. Los blancos de clase media se levantan y comienzan a hablar hasta que sienten esa avaricia corporativa.

Tienen que mirar a su público y pensar por qué no se les han unido otras minorías. En muchos sentidos, están excluyendo a personas afroamericanas y latinas, ésto esta muy mal pues están dejando al verdadero 99% hasta el fondo de la cadena. A mi me preocupa el conseguir trabajo al salir de la universidad. Pero no me dan ganas de levantarme y protestar cuando los protestantes proclaman que hablan por todos cuando realmente excluyen de su movimiento social a gente de color.

Por esta razón la gente de color no debe de apoyar esta propuesta. Y si alguna vez quieren hacer un verdadero cambio en nuestra sociedad, definitivamente necesitaran de nuestra ayuda y soporte .

Name

Volunteer Experience:  Calista has fed meals to the eldery during Thanksgiving. She was one of the top 5 fundraisers for the iWin Joe Jonas Fun Run Benefitting the Special Olympics. Calista has also volunteered at a local children’s home during their annual Funlympics Day. Her 3rd place Lemonade Stand for Most Successful Business for National Lemonade Day, proceeds went to a local charity. Calista also participated and helped plan and facilitate a Girls Inc town hall on the topic of nutrition and health for kids at Girls Inc.

What challenges has she overcome?:  Her parents divorced early in her life. The adjustment from moving between parents was tough. However, both her mother and father keep a healthy relationship for Calista’s well-being.

What makes her a leader?:  Calista is a natural giver. Whether it is helping the elderly, children or animals, Calista always wants to give back and help those in need. Calista is a very humble young lady. She knows she is fortunate to have parents that award her of many opportunities and experiences, and she realizes that many are not that lucky. Her big heart is what motivates her to help others. She is always thinking of ways to better serve the needy and the underserved.

What extracurricular activities is she involved in?:  Calista’s extra-curricular activities include: Kate Schenk Elementary Student Council President; Peer Assistant Leadership (PALs); photography club, patrols, and choir.  Her hobbies include: singing, guitar, swimming, dance, art, modeling and acting.

How is she a good example and positive role model to other girls?:  Although Calista is only 11 years old, she has had ample opportunities to build her leadership skills. With these leadership skills she now possesses, Calista is always willing to help girls her age find their inner strength. Calista spends her summer with Girls Inc enrolled in the Glenda Woods Girls University Summer Camp. She is with girls younger and older than her for 10 weeks out of the summer. Throughout the days the girls are taught different curricula. If a girl doesn’t understand a concept, Calista is the first to help that young girl out. If someone gets hurts during sports, Calista is the first to be by her side to see if she is ok. Calista serves as an ambassador for Girls Inc in which she has spoken on behalf of Girls Inc to board members, community members and media. The girls see her as a role model because she is not afraid to speak to other adults or especially in front of the camera. After they have seen her poise, the girls are always interested in learning about the ambassador program.

For Immediate Release

Contact:
Alicia Rascon
915.219.8554
latinitaselpaso@yahoo.com

WHAT:  The charity fashion show features clothing for girls, teens and women.

WHO: This family-friendly event is hosted by Latinitas and designed to showcase female talent in El Paso.

WHEN:  March 25, 2012 from 3:00pm-6:00pm

WHERE: Always & Forever Ballroom (3333 N. Yarbrough)

WHY:  The charity event is aimed to support the scholarship fund for Latinitas, a nonprofit dedicated to the empowerment and advancement of local Latina youth. Guests will enjoy a fashion show, listen to live music, watch a video screening, view an exhibit of youth artwork, see dance performances and hear an inspirational guest speaker. The fashion show is in partnership with El Paso Fashion Week.

CONTACT: To request more information, please contact latinitaselpaso@yahoo.com or 915.219.8554.

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