Hang in there!

             A variety of sources constantly make an effort to encourage students to apply and attend college or a university. I cannot stress enough how important continuing your education is. With an education you will get a higher salary, develop amazing networks, and advance professionally. I am extremely proud of Latinos who have decided to attend college, but their college drop-out rate is still a concern of mine.

 Many Latinos who attend four-year colleges or universities, which are usually in rural areas, are Latinos from the inner-city, and they are sometimes known as urban students. Whether or not an inner- city student feels at home or welcomed by their new community becomes a deciding factor for whether or not the student will continue their education. Culture plays a huge role on how comfortable a student will feel on campus, thus, one thing to mentally prepare for is a temporary culture shock.  If you are an inner-city student entering college in a small town or rural area, you will be faced with a culture different from what you are accustomed to. The Latino population on campus may not be as large as you expected; you may not find authentic Latino food; and, the pace in which people move and schedule time may be a lot slower or faster than you’re used to. 

At first it may be intimidating to be so far from home. You may become self-conscious of how your culture differs from the one that surrounds you. The good news is that the power is in your hands. As an inner-city Latino/a, you have a great advantage on campus, because you are used to dealing with more than one culture whether you realize it or not. You’ve been exposed to a diverse group of people, ideologies, personalities, and habits. In other words, you are very likely to be “worldly” even if you never left your city! You are also very versatile: coming from a Latino background (http://blog.marieladabbah.com/?p=286) I’m sure you’ve learned how to adapt to different situations and people.  Many students feel the need to assimilate so as not to stand-out. However, I have witnessed that those who maintain their cultural beliefs and practice them and share them peacefully on campus are well appreciated by professors, non-Latino students, and organizations.

My biggest advice to Latino students is to leverage your background and express your viewpoints in the academic and social realm. I am not suggesting you become a radical or extremely eccentric. Simply acknowledge that you contribute to everyone’s college experience, you may open up a new world to students, and it will help you discover new things about yourself you did not know before. After gaining confidence and accepting the way your background fits in with your new community, home may not seem so far. Choosing a college and getting accepted is the hardest part. Once you are in, inevitably, obstacles will come about once in awhile, but that will happen in the real world as well. Do not be shortsighted. Think about the benefits and perks an education will afford you and stick it out!

Teen Moms & Education

Recently teen pregnancy has been a popular topic across many media outlets. MTV’s show, Teen Mom, has attracted the attention of many viewers because the spectator gets to see the lifestyle and daily interactions of actual teenage parents in the real world. It also appeals to many viewers because they can relate; due to the increment of adolescent pregnancy. A great portion of the viewers are or were teenage parents, or have a family member or close friend who became pregnant during their adolescence. Parents and teachers hope that such shows and recent public discussions of the subject bring awareness to adolescents so that teen pregnancy can be prevented or decreased. To a degree the programs are educational because they demonstrate the importance of a high school diploma. On the other hand, the storyline sends a message that it is extremely difficult to obtain a high school diploma if you are a teen parent, and attending college seems even less feasible. The importance of the role education plays in the protagonists’ lives and their families is overshadowed by the dramatic events and quarrels that bring higher ratings. 

Angelica Medina, who became a mother at age 19 to her now two-and-a- half year old son, Isaac Aguayo, is a heroic figure—a mother who does it all. Unlike the MTV program’s perspective, Angelica believes education should not be overlooked but something on which to focus a bit more intently. In an interview with Latinos in College she shared the mix of excitement and displeasure her family and friends expressed after discovering her pregnancy. The undertone fit the stereotype many people have of teen mothers, and the belief that “there go all your dreams,” as she stated. Angelica knew it was not going to be easy to balance work and life but eight months after giving birth she enrolled in college as a full-time student, had a part-time job soon after and still had mom duties.

Angelica said that she always knew she would go back to school and would fulfill her dreams. In our conversation she said that the transition into motherhood was difficult at first, but her child became her complete motivation to return to school. She affirmed that “There’s always a way,” and advises all mothers who need support to look into the many free programs available. Many people are unaware of the government-funded programs such as daycare that are disposable to teen mothers because they are not mentioned in television programs or are hardly advertised publicly. Instead, people are convinced that you need to have a supportive father figure or family to get by. Angelica also gives a tip for mothers who want to continue their education but feel that they are betraying their child: “I made reading and writing important to Isaac. He sees me doing that and so I bought him child-like books he can write on so he can mimic me. It’s like we’re doing an activity together.” 

Now, a year away from receiving her college degree, Angelica continues to see the importance of cultivating education in her family. She stated: “Education is everything. In order to nurture and teach my son I need to keep learning. The more educated I am the more involved I can be in his life, I need to serve as an example in his life.” Many mothers do not acknowledge that education can be very important to raise your child because you become his or her role model and you become more relatable when he or she starts school. It may be difficult to attend classes, work, and be a mother all at the same time but there are people and free programs that are willing to help. More importantly, the end result is worth it. With a college degree you substantially increase your career opportunities and the income while the level of unemployment you may experience throughout your life will drop to half of what it would be without a degree.

Every mother has an individual story but as Angelica mentioned “There is always a way… don’t be afraid or too proud to ask for help.”

Considering your Generation..

 A few weeks ago I attended a retreat hosted by the Posse Leadership Scholarship Foundation centered on the Millennial Generation.  Loosely defined, the millennials are those born in the 1980s and 1990s. We, for I am myself a millennial, are distinguished from earlier generations because we make up the most diverse group. There are over 75 million millennials in the U.S, at least 20% of us have one undocumented parent, the internet existed for us as we were growing up (which is why we are considered to be technologically savvy), and our economic position is significantly worse than what our parents’ was.

The social, cultural, and economic reality we have grown up with identifies a big portion of who we are. Still, I noticed during the retreat of 50+ students that having one definition of who the millennials are is unfair because we are a multidimensional and complex group of people.  Nonetheless, there are some generalizations made about our group. It is said that the millennials are in many ways a product of society. We multi-task because we live in a fast paced environment, we are innovative and self-inventive because we have to compete in a tough job market where our creativity can set us apart, we are interactive and social because we have learned the value of networking, and we are significantly closer to our family members than prior generations. We are seen as an impulsive bunch who are often unsatisfied with what meets the eye and are always in search for more—for better. Also, we are called “the future” but many of the millennials do not see a bright future for themselves. For many millennials the “American dream” is non-existent or farfetched.

It is great that we have a personality of many shades that is unlike any other generation; however, our economic situation is a huge setback for many millennials. During the retreat there was a debate among student attendees about “planning for the future”. Most upperclassmen (juniors and seniors) were comfortable with the idea of living with their parents after college. In fact, most expected to live with them while first-year students and sophomores were more likely to reject the idea of living with family straight out of school. As a senior in college I am beginning to see the reality of my situation and my generation’s situation.  I am fortunate enough to have networks, interviews, and a supportive family but lamentably not everyone has the same resources.

I encourage you to research more about your generation, especially if you are a millennial. It is important because by doing so you will become informed about the politics of your generation. You will get up to speed about social conditions, education, and the economy. As you become well informed you will hopefully begin to consider what you can do to develop a bright future for yourself. The reality for the millennial generation is that to accomplish your goal of getting your dream job, getting into your dream program, dream university, or graduate school is a process that can take years, so it’s always best to start early. As a high school or college student you will need to develop work and academic experience, build your resume, and demonstrate your creativity and hard work to set you apart.

I want to learn more about the Millennials. How do you define yourself and your generation? What are the unjust stereotypes casted on your generation? What historical and personal events have impacted your disposition on life? What are your sleepless worries? Do you think a high school and college diploma will be important to obtain?

Demonstrating your Accomplishments!

I previously spoke about studying abroad and many of the benefits that root from such an amazing experience; however, in addition to being a great experience, study abroad also looks great on your resume!  

What is a resume? In its simplest form, your resume is a synopsis or outline of all of your experiences that relate to the field of work you are interested in. It should be tailored to fit the job you are applying to or to the field of study you are interested in furthering if you are including it in your graduate school application. 

Why is it important to have an impressive resume? In our current economy, the job market is very competitive. Because there are many people in search of a job, your resume needs to set you apart from the rest and help you get your foot in the door. You need to highlight and demonstrate the repertoire of experiences, qualifications, skills, and interests you have had that will benefit the organization.

Note: You are marketing yourself so it is okay to show off!

What exactly should you include in your resume? You should divide the relevant experiences you have had into different sections, such as: education, internship and work experience, extracurricular activities (including volunteering or community service), skills you have developed such as proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, an editing program, your fluency in multiple languages, etc., awards and honors you have received, and references. It is helpful to keep a master copy of your resume with all of your experiences, but remember to tailor each resume you give out to the specific internship, job, or field of study you’re applying for and to make it only one page.

Note: When you write the experiences on your resume include a brief description of each project you have accomplished answering the following: What was the project/task? Who was it for? What was the purpose? And, what skill, knowledge, or accomplishments did you gain after completing it? 

What if I don’t have experience the job I am really interested requires? If you realize that you cannot tailor your work and academic experiences to fit the job description you are applying for, perhaps you need to take on a new project, volunteer at an organization where you can gain that knowledge/skill, take an extra class, or intern (unpaid or paid) at a company that parallels with the field of your interest. Or, for the time being you can emphasize on the characteristics you have that are valued by the institution or that can be applied to other areas. For instance, demonstrate that you are a leader, great team player, able to work in a professional environment, etc.  High School students, you have a great advantage because you have the opportunity to start early! College Students, visit the career link on our website where there are numerous resources available to you, and visit your own university’s career center! If you do not fall in either category, the Latinos in College website offers resources for all age groups and for all disciplines.  

  

Note: This blog advises you about why you should build your resume and what you should include, but formatting your resume is a completely different conversation. The links below will guide you on how you should structure and organize your resume before submitting it:

http://www.trincoll.edu/depts/career/guides/resume.shtml/
http://www.mahalo.com/how-to-write-a-resume 
http://www.freeresumehelp.net/your_resume_format.html

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Flip the Script

Have you gone through a phase when you feel unmotivated? Maybe you didn’t get the grade you worked hard for, your academic semester exhausted you, your familial or romantic relationships are not where you want them to be, you over commit yourself, or you’re simply having a bad day. Numerous events and situations can lower your spirits and it may be difficult to pick yourself up again. However, there are several things you can do to turn things around! Let’s get you motivated! Here are a few suggestions:

      Acknowledge what you already have. When under stress it’s easy to overlook the support available to us and the simple things in life and our relationships. Take a step back and reflect or observe the small but meaningful details: the kind gestures, the warmth of your home, the taste of your coffee in the morning, or the smell of your favorite perfume or cologne, etc.

2.     Think about now and not later. This suggestion may seem redundant to the first one. The difference is that we fail to acknowledge what we have or the good things that have happened to us during the day the moment something unplanned happens. Other times we dwindle on our future plans, and when our path seems to be directing us another way we fear the loss of control. Sometimes taking things day by day can be a good thing. Still set goals and maintain your vision—just be flexible. 

3.     Reach out. Call the person that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. If you’ve been holding off on a phone call or an email, don’t think about it any longer and just do it. Speaking with other people can boost your energy, especially when you discover similarities. Volunteering or committing to an organization can increase your self-esteem as well. 

4.     Reward yourself. Cook your favorite meal, buy yourself something nice, give yourself a facial, or spend extra time in the gym. Treat yourself to something comforting and pleasing. 

Share with us what gets you unmotivated. How do handle it?

Pack your bags and GO!

Another perk about going to college is the golden opportunity to study abroad! My junior year of college I studied abroad in Granada, Spain for a semester. It was a life changing experience! Many Latino students do not pursue the opportunity to study abroad because of financial barriers and worry about leaving behind family and close friends. Perhaps you need an extra push and more information to assure you that the benefits are much greater than the costs. Here are a few reasons why you should study abroad:  

Growth- Traveling to a foreign country on your own may sound daunting and dangerous, but once you do it you will discover new skills you never imagined you had. The four months away from home forces you to assimilate into a different culture, practice your communication skills, and recreate or enhance your social skills. You will interact with people from different cultures who will give you new insights. All things combined, you will build self-confidence and independence because you were able to do it alone.

Relationships- If you’re worried about leaving your family and friends—don’t be because you’ll gain a family and make friends there! Prospective study abroad students have the option of living with a host family or living with other students. I chose to live with a family who grew to be like a second family. Even more, I had a roommate in the same program as me who turned out to be one of my greatest friends along with three other ladies that lived in the same building as us. I think every student in the Central College Study Abroad Program made life-long friendships that are irreplaceable. You may also make life-long friendships with the people native to the country you’re studying at.  

Academic Learning- The beauty about studying abroad through a program is that academic life can be extremely flexible. In my case, I only had class twice a week and meetings every other day, but we never had class on Fridays and I was free to explore the city in the evenings. Also, learning a language is easier when you can practice first-hand with fluent speakers in their native land. By gaining a deeper understanding of the Spanish culture, I also gained a deeper understanding of my American culture and of the United States. You will see the breath of advantages and opportunities America offers that often times are unknown or overlooked. I developed a greater appreciation of my home country and my Latino culture.

Night Life - The night life in Europe is awesome! Everything looks beautiful, the atmosphere is encouraging, and in Granada the city never sleeps! It was exciting meeting with friends at night to go for a walk, the local bar, or the club areas. Going out with friends was also a great way to meet new people, have interesting conversations, and just let myself be free! While I chose to study in Europe there are other continents worth investigating that I’m sure will offer great opportunities!

Adventure- Studying abroad is an escapade in itself but it only gets better! During my study abroad semester I traveled to the major cities in Spain, England, Morocco, and Italy. You have the chance to try new things, attend diverse events, meet new people, and enjoy the sightseeing. Every day was an adventure because there was always something to learn and someone to meet. It was a liberating feeling and I can’t help but to feel a little nostalgic from time to time.  

Diversity – Your personal experiences, host family, and friends will challenge your diversity of thought. As you start spending more time with a diverse group of people you may find a stronger common ground than you expected. You may begin to deconstruct the initial stereotypes you had prior to your trip, allowing you to form a different range of perspectives to view the other traditions and cultures in the world.

Award – Since my first year of college I knew I wanted to study abroad my junior year. I realized it wasn’t going to be easy so I started preparing during my sophomore year. Studying abroad requires a lot of preparation and hard work. I had to fill out applications, speak to students who had already studied abroad, research programs, save money, and take out a loan. It was extremely rewarding when I finally accomplished my long-time goal. I recommend study abroad to everyone. If I could do it all over again, I would—even if it means investing so much time. The trip was a special well-deserved gift to myself. It was especially rewarding because I earned it.  It was even more rewarding that two of my sisters were able to share a special moment with me when they came down to visit <3.