Indiana’s Premier Bilingual Magazine
June 2013
The Beautiful Fragility of Language Page 8
Nature’s Bounty Page 12
Feature Article From the Dorm to Corporate America Page 20
COLLEGE STRATEGY GROWS AND TRIUMPHS IN CORPORATE
Alfonso Barrera Founder, Hispanic Pro
JUNE 2013 From the Editor:
Indiana’s Premier Bilingual Magazine - JUNE 2013 Que Viva! , LLC 219-973-5488 / www.QueVivaIndiana.com The Que Viva! Team in Coordination with: Daniel O. (Danny) Lopez
Guest Columnist Guest Columnist
Jerry Davich
Guest Columnist
Raul Ramos y Sanchez
Health Segment Contributor SCIENCE CONTRIBUTOR
Dr. David L. Cedeño
Art and Layout Director
Domi Edwards
COVER & Feature story photos SPANISH LESSON
David Carrillo
Domi Edwards
Maria Guillen
Sales/Ventas
Sales@QueVivaIndiana.com Editorial & Submissions/Editorial y Presentaciones
ContactUs@QueVivaIndiana.com
Dear Que Viva! Friends, We are pleased to bring you our June edition with a variety of topics. For those of us who want to take a little break from the daily notes on Facebook or Twitter, which we also use by the way, we want to bring you some information that might be fun for you. At the same time we bring you substance that may be of benefit to you. We have some real life stories that are touching, in the case of Maria Konnikova, she shares a touching story of how she fell in love with language and the impact it has had on her life. She now writes for Scientific American and graciously agreed to have us share her story. We bring to you some practical information from Attorney Roy Dominguez on a very relevant topic, texting while driving. This is an everyday topic of conversation and given the importance of safety on our roadways especially as the nice weather arrives, we urge you to please be careful on the nation’s highways and by-ways. Dr. Marisa Garcia-Verdugo from Purdue University highlights educational trends for Hispanics at the university level and offers very interesting reading. Our diverse team of writers brings you additional information that proves to be fresh and vibrant. Don’t miss our piece on the Indianapolis Zoo, it is quite a place to visit and you will have a panoramic view right here on line. Hopefully with the nice weather you have the opportunity to visit.
Elimine la incertidumbre al manejar su negocio Al incorporar la experiencia de Horizon Bank dentro de su negocio, tenga por seguro que nuestros expertos le desarrollaran un plan de préstamos personalizado para su negocio que le añadirá más confianza...y le restara incertidumbre...en el año 2013 y el más allá.
Our feature story relates to Mr. Alfonso Barrera, a Chicago area native who started his company while he was in college at De Paul University. He shared many interesting ideas and has a very strong network that may be of assistance to many of our readers. We encourage you to read his story as it is both inspiring, informative and above all very useful. We thank you for your readership and want to listen to your opinions about our team of folks who make Que Viva! the vibrant publication it is. We absolutely love to do this month in and month out and would love your feedback. You can reach us at contactus@quevivaindiana.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/quevivaindiana All the best,
Reto Empresarial
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JUNE 2013
3 Que Viva! Editorial
16 International Awareness Section Hispanics in the University - Marisa Garcia-Verdugo, Ph.D
5 Guest Column
18 feature article
Empowering Latino Families in Education – Danny Lopez
College Strategy Triumphs in Corporate America - Que Viva! Staff
7 Diversity Section
25 business section
Overly Defined – Rarely Implemented – jamal smith
Where are the Hispanics - Pablo Schneider
8 Culture Section
28 legal section
The Beautiful Fragility of Language - Maria Konnikova, Ph.D.
Texting and Driving - Attorney Roy Dominguez
11 Education Section
32 summer programs
Digital Learning - Karen Cator
Keeping Kids on Track: Indiana Youth Institute - Kate Coffman
12 Entertainment Section
33 science section
ndianapolis Zoo - Que Viva! Indiana Staff
Images of our beautiful world - David Cedeño, Ph.D.
Nuevos Cambios en el Sistema Escolar les dan a los Padres Más Poder, Más Responsabilidad By danny lopez
“La educación es la clave del futuro. La clave del En Indiana, School Choice ya existe. En su primer año destino del hombre y de su posibilidad de (de) actuar de existencia, casi 750 familias latinas aprovecharon del en un mundo mejor.” – Presidente John F. Kennedy programa para trasladar a sus hijos a otra institución. Este Los oficiales electos y los directores de organizaciones y agencias al nivel local, estatal, y federal demuestran frecuentemente la tendencia de hablar de temas importantes en términos bien entendidos por su contribuyentes. Es mejor decir, demuestran la gran capacidad de hacer lucir cualquier tema cien veces más complicado de lo que es en realidad.
año, el programa ha sido expandido y se espera que aún más estudiantes latinos participarán. Desafortunadamente, hasta ahora el departamento de educación estatal ha confiado que los distritos escolares y los grupos locales les estén proveyendo información sobre este programa directamente a familias. Sin embargo, yo he hablado con cientos de familias en diferentes partes del estado y muy pocas de ellas entienden bien sus opciones y derechos bajo la nueva ley.
Déjenme entonces abordar el tema de la reforma educacional y el proceso de darle aún más control sobre la educación El programa de School Choice es un recurso nuevo e a la familia de esta forma: la reforma educacional es algo importante para la comunidad latina no solo porque le da a positivo para la comunidad latina en Indiana. los hispanos de bajos ingresos la oportunidad de matricular a sus hijos en escuelas religiosas, sino también porque le da El sistema educacional de Estados Unidos – creado en a esas mismas familias la opción de seleccionar una escuela otra época, en otro clima social, y para otro tipo de estudiante pública más exitosa. Cada familia ya puede controlar la – simplemente no se ha adaptado suficiente para mantenerse calidad y el tipo de educación que reciba sus hijos, a pesar relevante para muchos de nuestros pupilos. Entendemos, de ingreso o de la ubicación de su hogar. a través de miles de investigaciones sobre el tema, que el ambiente en muchas escuelas públicas tradicionales no les Quiero quedar bien claro: la educación empieza en casa, ofrece a los estudiantes la oportunidad de aprovechar de una y los padres son los maestros más importantes que tendrán educación diseñada a sus medidas. A pesar de este hecho sus hijos. El déficit entre el éxito escolar de los estudiantes las instituciones controlando nuestro sistema escolar han caucásicos y el de los hispanos seguirá creciendo hasta que firmemente resistido los cambios necesarios para darle aún nuestras familias tengan la información necesaria para hacer más control sobre la educación individual a la familia, de buenas decisiones y el compromiso a desarrollar en sus darles a los padres la habilidad de decidir el mejor camino hijos la disciplina y determinación que necesitarán para ser para sus hijos. Pero gracias a los esfuerzos de líderes de ambos estudiantes ejemplares. Demasiados padres latinos dicen que partidos, hemos empezado a otorgar a nuestras familias el quieren que sus hijos aprendan pero no están dispuestos de poder de seleccionar la educación mejor para sus hijos y la exigirles sus mejores esfuerzos. No existe legislación ni política gran responsabilidad de educarse sobre todas las diferentes pública que pueda arreglar la situación sin la participación opciones. activa de nuestras familias.
DIVERSITY Overly defined and rarely implemented
By Jamal Smith Just recently I found myself sitting in a Chamber of Commerce meeting in Southern Indiana. Many things were discussed; most notably, an hour long discussion about the local economy and how the change in the local demographics was affecting everything from banking to the local market. Of course, I’ve had more of these discussions than I care to mention. However, what I found most interesting about this particular conversation was the Chamber member’s concerns that recent legislation would adversely affect their growth. After the Chamber meeting I drove more than 90 miles to meet with a beleaguered superintendent who, amid a few alleged racially charged incidents, was facing an increasing amount of criticism from parents and community stakeholders. Her problem: the district’s student demographic make-up was changing faster than the administration that governed them. Solution: There was none. A bunch of talk about cultural competence and some pretext about budgetary restraints were the apex of the conversation. Afterward, I drove another 140 miles to meet with executives from a
manufacturing plant eagerly trying to fill their shifts with a diverse group of individuals skilled enough to engineer their products and operate the machinery used in their plants. Their problem was twofold. First, the company’s target demographic was as varied as the world itself; however the location of the plant was limited to a relatively isolated and homogeneous community. Secondly, the skill-set needed to operate the machinery had evolved as much as the innovation needed from their engineers. Unfortunately, the background of the company’s candidates was as limited as the community it called home.
years. There are still pockets of people – young and old, rich and poor, black, white, red, and brown – who are still fighting for access. These people are fighting to be included in the process; to be at the table and not on the menu. Unfortunately, too much of the fight has been reduced to rhetoric. Time spent defining Diversity instead of implementing it.
Correspondingly, just as much time is spent contesting the idea of Diversity. Why should I have to include someone because they are a [veteran or black or white or disabled]? Answer: You don’t and shouldn’t have to include anyone. However, we should all be In retrospect, the day’s events con- inspired to include the most capable firmed a few things for me. First of and incisive people we can find from all, I needed an oil change and a good a variety of different backgrounds and experiences. Diversity (or variety, night’s sleep. assortment, change) is, ironically, one In theory, the Diversity conversa- of the few certainties you will find in tion seems to be as overdone as the American culture. It is here whether housewife reality shows that appear we accept it or not and its implemento consume the majority of televi- tation will undoubtedly serve all that sion air play. Over the years I’ve had embrace it well. countless conversations and numerous debates about Diversity. What is Diversity? Is Diversity important? Interestingly enough, the discussions haven’t changed much in the last 10
Mr. Jamal Smith is the Senior Advisor on Minority Affairs for Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels. He is also the Executive Director for the Indiana Civil Rights Commission. ¡QUE VIVA! | june 2013
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The beautiful frag By Maria Konnikova
Alas, this is not how my first day of kindergarten went. Credit: Creative Commons, Archives New Zealand. I remember my first day of school with such clarity that it might as well have happened last week. I was five, and I was starting in the local kindergarten, along with all the other kids my age. Except for one difference: I didn’t speak a word of English. Not a one. The only thing I knew how to do was write my own name—MA-R-I-A—so that I could recognize it if the need arose. I practiced it over and over in the days leading up to that morning. It was my one safety net, the only thing I knew I could be sure of. I was ushered off the school bus—my parents had walked me to the stop and fed me to the yellow monster, despite my protestation of a (very real, might I add) stomachache—and into a mob of other lost-looking little people. We made our way downstairs in a wobbly attempt at a line, and I was shown into a bright room with a sandbox in the corner. In the middle was a table with laminated cards on pieces of string. Our name cards. We were to find ours and put it on, that much I gathered from the flurry of activity. I was prepared. M-A-R-I-A. But when I got to the table, M-A-RI-A was not to be found. I looked again. I walked around to the other side of the table. I watched as the supply of cards dwindled down to one. And still I didn’t have my name. I could feel the threatening rumble of tears in the corners of my eyes, and it was all I could do not to burst out crying in front of my new classmates. The teacher, sensing my imminent distress, bent over and took the remaining card
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¡QUE VIVA! | june 2013
from the table. She handed it to me with an encouraging smile. I shook my head. That wasn’t me. She tried again, thinking I didn’t understand, motioning for me to put the string over my head. But I understood only too well. My card was irretrievably lost. I wasn’t the somebody she thought I was. I burst into tears.
Russia or insert your foreign country of choice) speak French. So young, and so fluent! And no accent in sight.
But if you stop to think about it for just a second, language, in all its rich complexity, is the last thing in the world that should make intuitive sense. However do we grasp it as quickly as we do? How do I’d been right. My card was nowhere we remember it all (so much to memorize! to be found. I had been, on that first day, so many irregularities and exceptions! ushered into the wrong classroom. My but do you actually recall memorizing a room and my teacher, and—hurrah—my single word, apart from when you were name card had been waiting next door cramming for your SATs?). Where did the whole time. it even come from to begin with? Some ***
We tend to take language for granted. Our memories of not understanding it, of not being in control of it, of not being able to use it to communicate our needs, our wants, our desires, our emotions are, on the whole, blissfully nonexistent. As soon as we’re born, we’re able to pick out key features of the language that surrounds out—infants even a few hours old can already distinguish between different rhythmic families, reacting differently to, say, English, in contrast to French or Japanese—and long before we can say our first word, we have a fairly good idea of what’s going on around us. We’re well-oiled languageacquiring machines. It’s like that old joke that somehow never gets old, of how wonderfully little children in France (or
of the greatest minds of our time—Noam Chomsky, Steven Pinker, to name just a few—have wrestled with these questions. But when it comes to the language we speak every day, we don’t tend to ever ask. We forget that there was a moment when
gility of language we, too, had to learn, when we, too, didn’t know. It just seems so, well, so simple.
speak without a foreign tinge—I even know families where parents can’t communicate properly with their children: It’s not. I was lucky: I was very young, they don’t speak fluent English but never and had very good teachers. For my first wanted the stigma of foreignness for their few years in school, I would go to an ESL offspring and so made a point of not teachprogram for several hours during the ing them Russian; it kills me to see the day—I resented it, because it set me apart contortions they go through in endless from the rest of the class, but in retrospect cycles of non-understanding—and there I can appreciate its effectiveness—and are the native speakers whose language by the time the end of first grade rolled machine is somehow thrown out of whack. around, I’d almost forgotten the pain of Sometimes, the malfunction happens later not having the slightest glimmer of what in life—a stroke that renders someone was going on. I never had an accent. I unable to speak, painfully reacquiring the didn’t have time to fall behind in reading lost movements, letter by letter; a lesion that leaves its victim babbling incoherently or repeating a syllable over and over and over or trying but failing to retrieve the proper word, which he knows is right there, just out of reach; a tumor that makes the process of communication no longer simple at all—and sometimes, it’s with us from birth—the various dyslexias that make the same thing that comes so naturally to most children come not at all to others, the developmental and cognitive quirks and turns that make language a constant struggle. But whatever the specific case, the theme is constant: language is fragile. Our grasp of it, equally so. It’s not something to be taken for granted. Not at all.
or writing. Lucky, indeed. For others, the story of language acquisition is far more than a nice anecdote. There are the immigrants who move later in life and struggle for the rest of their lives with not being able to
*** I lied earlier. I never did forget the pain of being lost, without a single word to help me out of the confusion. That first day of kindergarten, I didn’t calm down when I was finally restored to the
proper classroom. If only it were that simple. Instead, I couldn’t stop crying, no matter what anyone did or said. I was inconsolable. And so, my teacher sent for reinforcements. In what was to become an almost daily ritual, my older sister—my selfless, eternally patient saint of an older sister— was pulled from her sixth grade classroom upstairs to come and soothe the pain. Only then did I calm down—only to erupt again on the bus ride home, when I thought the driver had missed my stop, and I had no way of telling her that if she didn’t turn the bus around, I’d never get home. The cycle continued, over and over and over. Nearly every day, I cried. And nearly every day, my sister came to make it all better. I remember the tears. I remember the embarrassment. I didn’t want to be the girl who was always crying. I just couldn’t help myself. It was too frustrating to never be able to say what I wanted or communicate what I felt. I wasn’t used to that helplessness, after all. Up to that point, I’d been just fine in my Russian world. Everyone understood me perfectly. And now that they didn’t? It all came out through my tear ducts. Perhaps that’s where my love of language was first born, the knowledge that I should never take a single word for granted, that the understanding that seems so natural and matter-of-fact can be taken away just as easily as it was first given. Perhaps I should be thankful for those endless tears, after all. Reprinted with permission and original article may be found online at:
http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/literallypsyched/2012/12/13/the-beautiful-fragility-of-language/
About the Author: Maria Konnikova, a writer living in New York City, is a doctoral candidate in Psychology at Columbia University. Her first book will be published by Viking in 2013. Follow on Twitter @mkonnikova.
Every Day Should Be Digital Learning Day by Karen Cator
Today is Digital Learning Day! As teachers across the country welcome powerful learning technologies into the classroom, students are engaging and benefitting from enhanced opportunities to achieve.
evolved especially as technology has become increasingly easy to use and available. Like most educated adults, teachers use technology for personal activities – reading, writing, shopping, communicating with family and friends, seeking health advice and more – and Access to technology has become as im- they are also using technology for professional portant to learning as access to a library, yet growth. In addition to finding resources on teachers remain the critical link between students and the content. As new, more mobile technologies have entered the classroom, often in the backpacks of students, teachers become orchestrators of projects and seek the best emerging digital environments for improving motivation, relevance and depth of learning. Teachers are setting expectations for multiple revision cycles of student productions, made possible with professional tools for writing, composing music, creating video documentaries, and design. They are learning along with their students and modeling good questioning and Internet research strategies, assigning more complex and challenging projects and facilitating communication and collaboration even across borders. Age used to be considered a barrier to technology use in the classroom, and we would call teachers “digital immigrants” and young students “digital natives.” But teachers have
Teachers unions and professional associations are supporting the inclusion of digital learning. The American Federation of Teachers launched Share My Lesson, “a place where educators can come together to create and share their very best teaching resources”. The National Science Teachers Association maintains one of the most robust online communities supporting thousands of science teachers nationwide.
Last August, we launched Connected Educator Month. Over 150 organizations participated, offering close to 100,000 hours of online professional learning, with offerings such as book groups, challenges and contests, discussions, webinars, as well as interactions focused on everything from how to manage the first six weeks of school to how to create your personal learning network. The archives of the sessions are all online. The most common sentiment we heard was that “every month should be connected educator month”. Yes, and every day should be Digital Learning Day! The education profession is as complex and challenging as it is rewarding. There is plenty to learn but luckily, the opportunity to learn has never been greater. And today myriad education related topics, they are – Digital Learning Day – we celebrate and joining communities of practice to learn with thank all those educators who are leading peers and publish and share their ideas and the way. expertise.
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The Indianapolis Zoo: Ful by Juliet Bustos
¡ Que Viva! Indiana Magazine Correspondent Located in White River State Park, the Indianapolis Zoo is a 64-acre tripleaccredited zoological and botanical complex where animals, plants and people connect through education, exhibition, conservation and research. The Zoo takes pride in providing year-round and lifelong recreational learning experiences for visitors and instilling in them a sense of stewardship for the Earth’s plants and animals. The mission of the Indianapolis Zoo is to empower people and communities, both locally and globally, to advance the conservation of earth’s animals. In order to be a leader of conservation, the Indianapolis Zoo purchases 100 percent of their electricity generated from clean, renewable energy sources; recycles cardboard that rivals the weight of six adult elephants and pallets that equal the average combined height of 98 giraffes. The zoo also helped establish and support the International Iguana Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that brings all interested parties together and dispenses funding for relevant conservation field
studies. From a social media standpoint, the zoo launched the web site mycarbonpledge.com to encourage everyone to reduce carbon emissions and help save the polar bear from the effects of global warming.
can go “behind the scenes” and talk with keepers during two-way interactive distance learning sessions. With optical fiber running throughout the Zoo, students seated in a classroom setting can see, hear and converse with zoo staff performing tasks such Among its many offerings, the as feeding the sharks or bathing an Indianapolis Zoo has ample oppor- elephant. tunities for extended learning in its The Indianapolis Zoo was among educational department. Each summer the Zoo offers a number of weeklong the first in the nation to offer these day camps for children ages 7 through two-way interactive video “field trips.” 14. Activities include behind-the- Students around the state and the scenes tours, distance learning sessions, nation have gone “behind the scenes” to crafts, skits, songs and close encounters experience the zoo vets at work, design with Zoo inhabitants. Older children of zoo exhibits and learn about careers help the keepers feed and care for zoo within the zoo. There are also opporanimals and even have the opportunity tunities to participate in sessions with to conduct their own research. The internationally acclaimed scientists as zoo also collaborates with White River well as enjoy other activities typically State Park on a not accessible to everyday visitors. This special summer technology is available to classrooms camp that in- around the country through satellite volves the other hookups. attractions in the Park. As visitors travel through the Zoo, they go from one fascinating Through the ad- eco system to another. The Zoo recvances of modern reates natural environments such as technology, stu- an African Savannah and an Asian dents and visitors temperate frost, which provide a great
ll of Life and Biodiversity sense of appreciation for the diversity walk-through aviaries with bird of life. From the arctic land of the feeding opportunities, a new playpenguins and polar bear near the front ground for toddlers, a new 4-D theater, of the Zoo, to the realm of the King a backyard bird habitat, and a Nursing of the Beasts – the majestic African Moms Nest for the human moms with lions – near the far end, a visit to the babies of their own. Exotic bird species Indianapolis Zoo can be representative from around the world are going to be of a trip around the world. featured for a fascinating experience. Through daily animal shows, narrated feedings and interactive chat sessions with keepers, a Zoo visit includes face-to-face encounters with a variety of animals as well as a chance to learn more about animals, plants and nature by talking with zoo staff. A new attraction for 2012 is Dolphin Trainer 101. This brand new two-day opportunity is for young adults, ages 10-14 and during the first day it takes participants behind the scenes to learn about the Zoo’s dolphins, trainers, and other marine mammals. On the second day, participants will get in the water for a Dolphin In-Water Adventure. However, spaces are limited for this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Along with the fun filled exhibits, the zoo also features the White River Gardens. A 3.3-acre landmark botanical attraction combines the best of gardening ideas, plant information and inspirational design to serve the needs of all visitors. With hundreds of plant varieties on display plus entertaining special exhibits throughout the year, White River Gardens is an international showplace for Indiana where visitors can enjoy and learn about the bounty of the natural world. Whether collecting plant information from the resource room, staging a wedding in the most attractive location in the city, or simply strolling through miles of flowered pathways, visitors to the Gardens will be inspired, impressed and entertained.
area designed with spray nozzles and water jets that amaze and entertain the kids all summer long. Riley Family Fitness Playground is an area that includes play items accessible for children with disabilities such as a slide, walkways and tactile objects, plus a unique rubberized surface accessible for wheelchairs. Dean’s Arena, which hosts the new daily dog shows for 2012 in addition to elephant bathing during the summer months and special events like the annual Zoopolis 500 presented by the American Dairy Association in May. There are also fun rides for the kids including a carousel, a train ride and a Kōmbo Family Coaster presented by Outback Steakhouse.
The Zoo’s season officially opened up on March 18th. They open their gates at 9am and closing hours vary depending upon the season. For a full schedule you can visit indianapoliszoo. com. Admission prices for the 2012 season are $15.25 for adults during peak-season operating hours and $9.00 for non-peak season hours. Seniors 62 years and older and children ages The Indianapolis Zoo features 2-12 are $10.25 during peak-season many different eco systems including More features of the Indianapolis operational hours and only oceans, the dolphin adventure/marine Zoo include a dynamic Splash Park $7.00 for non-peak mammals, deserts, forests and plains. presented by Kroger, season. Children one A new exhibit opening up this 2012 a play and under are free to summer is in the Encounenter. ters Biome which introduces Flights of Fancy. It features three
El Zoológico de Indianápolis: Lleno de Vida y Biodiversidad por Juliet Bustos
¡ Que Viva! Indiana Magazine Correspondent Situado en el Parque Estatal White River, el Zoológico de Indianápolis cubre 64 acres y es un complejo zoológico y botánico con triple acreditación donde los animales, las plantas y las personas se conectan a través de la educación, exposición, conservación e investigación. El parque zoológico se enorgullece en proporcionar experiencias recreativas durante todo el año y el aprendizaje permanente para el público al proveer e inculcar un sentido de responsabilidad hacia las plantas de la tierra y los animales. La misión del Zoológico de Indianápolis es el apoderar a las personas y comunidades, tanto local como globalmente, el avance de la preservación de los animales de la tierra. Con el fin de ser un líder de la conservación, el Zoológico de Indianápolis compra el 100 por ciento de su electricidad generada de fuentes de energía limpias y renovables. También recicla cartón con un peso equivalente a seis elefantes adultos y tarimas de madera que igualan la altura de 98 jirafas.
El zoológico de Indianápolis tiene amplias oportunidades de aprendizaje a través de su departamento de educación. Cada verano, el zoologico ofrece una serie de campamentos con duración de una semana para niños de 7 a 14 años. Las actividades incluyen excursiones tras el escenario, sesiones de aprendizaje a larga distancia, artesanías, parodias, canciones y encuentros cercanos con los animales del zoológico.
Los niños mayores ayudan con la alimentación y el cuidado de los animales del zoológico, e incluso tienen oportunidades de llevar a cabo su propia investigación. El zoológico también colabora con el parque estatal White River con un campamento de verano El zoológico ayudó a establecer y especial que permite oportunidad del apoyar a la Fundación Iguana Inter- disfrutar de atracciones dentro de este nacional, una organización sin fines parque. de lucro que reúne a todos aquellos A través de los avances de la tecinteresados y distribuye los fondos para los estudios pertinentes hacia la nología moderna, los estudiantes y los conservación sobre el terreno. Con visitantes pueden ir “tras el escenario” respecto a “social media” ha puesto y conversar con los encargados a través en marcha el sitio mycarbonpledge. de un sistema de “doble línea” de comucom para promover la reducción de nicación a base de fibras ópticas que las emisiones de carbono y ayudar a se han instalado en todas las áreas del salvar al oso polar hacia los efectos del todo el zoológico. Con esta tecnología calentamiento global. El zoológico fue el estudiante, sentado en su salón de uno de los primeros en participan en clases, puede ver escuchar y converel Plan de Supervivencia. sar con el personal del zoológico para 14 ¡QUE VIVA! | june 2013
aprender acerca de temas tales como la alimentación de los tiburones o el proceso de bañar a los elefantes. El Zoológico de Indianápolis fue uno de los primeros en la nación en ofrecer excursiones a través de este tipo de vídeo interactivo. Los estudiantes dentro de Indiana y el país han podido ver como los veterinarios del zoológico trabajan y como se diseñan las exhibiciones de los zoológicos. A la vez pueden aprender sobre los tipos de carreras disponibles en este campo y pueden participar en sesiones educacionales con científicos de reconocimiento internacional. Hay muchas actividades a las cuales esta tecnología permite acceso ya que esta se basa en conexiones por satélite que por lo general no son accesibles al público en general dentro del zoológico. Al visitar el zoológico de Indianapolis, uno se traslada de un sistema ecológico a otro en forma fascinante. El parque zoológico ha reproducido ambientes naturales tales como la sabana africana y las regiones congeladas de Asia. Estas reproducciones le dan al público una gran apreciación hacia la diversidad de la vida. Desde la tierra antártica de los pingüinos y los osos polares hacia la parte delantera del zoológico, hasta el reino del “Rey de las Bestias” – El Leon majestuoso africano hacia la parte trasera del zoológico, su visita al zoológico de Indianápolis es, literalmente, un viaje alrededor del mundo. Su visita al zoológico incluye es-
pectáculos de animales, alimentaciones diarias narradas y sesiones de charlas interactivas con los cuidanderos, y encuentros con una gran variedad de animales. Tal visita le da a usted una gran oportunidad de aprender más sobre los animales, las plantas y la naturaleza, al conversar con el personal del zoológico. Una nueva atracción para 2012 es el Entrenador de Delfines 101. Este curso de dos días le brinda la oportunidad los jóvenes entre las edades de 10-14 años. Durante el primer día los participantes van tras el escenario y logran aprender sobre los delfines del zoológico al tener roce con los entrenadores y otros mamíferos marinos. Durante el segundo día, los participantes se integran al agua para una aventura única del poder nadar con los delfines. Hay que hacer reservaciones con tiempo debido a espacio limitado de esta oportunidad escasa y única. El Zoológico de Indianápolis cuenta con una gran variedad de ecosistemas, incluyendo los océanos, los delfines, mamíferos marinos, desiertos, bosques y llanuras. Una nueva exposición ha sido la apertura de este verano 2012 es el “Encuentro del Bioma” que introduce los “Vuelos de la Fantasía”. Cuenta con tres exhibiciones de enormes pajareras que le brinda la oportunidad de alimentar a una variedad de aves. También hay un área de juegos para los niños, un nuevo teatro 4-D, y un hábitat de aves. Las variedad de aves exóticas procedentes de todo el mundo presentan una experiencia única y fascinante. Además de exhibiciones con amplias oportunidades de diversión, el parque
zoológico también cuenta con el White River Gardens. Un parque con tamaño de 3.3 acres de atracciones botánicas combinando lo mejor en ideas de jardinería, información acerca de las plantas e ideas para darle inspiración hacia un nuevo diseño de jardines propios para el público. Con cientos de variedades de plantas en exhibición además de muchas exhibiciones especiales durante todo el año, el White River Gardens es un escaparate internacional de Indiana, donde el público puede disfrutar y aprender acerca de la generosidad de la naturaleza. Ya sea que usted busca información de plantas, o le gustaría diseñar un escenario para su boda en este lugar tan atractivo dentro de la ciudad, o simplemente gusta pasearse dentro de esta largo camino lleno de flores, usted podrá inspirarse, impresionarse y entretenerse con esta gran exhibición. El zoológico de Indianápolis también cuenta con un parque dinámico llamado Splash presentado por Kroger. H a y
también un parque recreativo, diseñado con boquillas de aspersión de agua y mangueras para entretener a los niños durante todo el verano. La zona de juegos Riley Family Fitness, incluye elementos de juego accesibles para niños incapacitados, tales como una diapositiva, las pasarelas y los objetos tangibles, además de una superficie de goma para sillas de ruedas. Arena de Dean, que alberga los nuevos programas diarios de perros para el año 2012, además de baños de elefantes elefante durante los meses de verano y eventos especiales como la Zoopolis 500 presentada por la Asociación American Dairy en mayo, y algunos paseos divertidos para los niños, incluyendo un carrusel, un viaje en tren y una montaña rusa familiar Kombo presentado por el Outback Steakhouse. El parque zoológico de la temporada se inauguró oficialmente el 18 de marzo. Las puertas se abren a las 9 am y las horas de cierre varían dependiendo de la temporada. Para un calendario completo visite indianapoliszoo.com. Los precios de entrada durante el 2012 sera de $ 15.25 para los adultos durante temporada de alta y $ 9.00 durante temporada baja. Para los mayores de 62 años de edad y los niños de 2-12 años el precio es de $ 10.25 durante temporada alta y sólo $ 7.00 durante temporada baja. Los niños menores de un año entran gratis.
Hispanics in the University
by Marisa Garcia-Verdugo, Ph.D.
Dept. of Foreign Languages and Literatures Professor Purdue University Calumet
According to the predictions of Indiana Government, the group of population that will outgrow the rest during the next fifteen years it will be the Hispanics. The federal classification considers Hispanics individuals who speak Spanish as a first language and descendants of Spanish speakers. That group in our region of NWI is composed by Mexicans, but it includes also Porto Ricans, Dominicans, Cubans, Hondurans, Salvadorians, Guatemalans, Colombians, Venezuelans, Chileans, Peruvians, Bolivians, Ecuadorians, Argentinians, Uruguayans, Spaniards and some Philippines who consider themselves Hispanics because their grandparents spoke in Spanish. In each region of the Spanish Speaking world there are different traditions, cuisine, music and literature; but besides Spanish they also have in common something else: the pride in their heritage, it doesn’t matter how humble may be their origins, the cultures are rich. This is the way the Purdue Calumet students I meet everyday are, people who search their cultural roots, people that learn the language, people who want to improve their Spanish; there is thirst for knowledge, desire to cultivate the intellect. The university is the place where some meet for the first time culture and science in Spanish, for other is the opportunity to build on the foundation acquired within their families, we explore in Purdue Calumet what
is Hispanic. Some students venture beyond the familiar and take, French, Chinese, Japanese or German. May students take nursing or engineering, but still need to partake in an intellectual culture. When a student attends a university the effect on the education multiply, extends to their families, their children and grandchildren, and to their social environment. A university education is a social asset. This is the reason why we help first generation university students. The difference between having a university education or not it affects not only the economic compensation for your job but also, and most important, your aptitude in society. One learns to think and during the painful times that seemed waited studying an author dead for five hundred years, you cultivate critical thinking, make surprising connections and above all, you learn to persevere confronting difficulties, and immigrants already know a lot about that. This growing population must get educated, it must get ready to take over positions of responsibility, positions that require resistance against com-
petition, good negotiating skills and a good knowledge of English and other languages. They will be the generation that will erase the reputation that USA is the most monolingual developed country in the world. Hispanics are necessary; they have a job to complete and responsibility towards the country that houses them. Our children need to learn about
the artistic, cultural and scientific heritage in their world, even better in the worlds where they live.
Los hispanos en la universidad
by Marisa Garcia-Verdugo, Ph.D.
Dept. of Foreign Languages and Literatures Professor Purdue University Calumet Según las predicciones del gobierno de Indiana, el grupo de población que va a incrementar por encima de los demás en los próximos quince años es el grupo de los hispanos. La clasificación federal considera “hispanos” a las personas que hablan español o que son descendientes de familias que en su día hablaron español. Ese grupo que en nuestra región está compuesto
en su mayoría por descendientes de mexicanos, incluye también puertorriqueños, dominicanos, cubanos, hondureños, salvadoreños, guatemaltecos, colombianos, venezolanos, chilenos, peruanos, bolivianos, ecuatorianos,
argentinos, uruguayos, españoles y algunos filipinos que se consideran hispanos porque la lengua que hablaban sus abuelos era español. En cada región del mundo hispanohablante hay tradiciones diferentes, los acentos, la música, la comida o la literatura cambian, pero además del español todos tienen otra cosa en común: el orgullo de su herencia, no importa cual humilde desde el aspecto económico sea su entorno, es rico desde el punto de vista cultural. Así son los estudiantes que veo cada día en Purdue Calumet, gente que investiga sus raíces culturales que aprende o mejora su español y que tienen sed de conocimiento, de cultivar su capacidad intelectual. La universidad es para algunos estudiantes el lugar donde se encuentran por primera vez con el mundo cultural y científico en español, para otros es donde construyen sobre su base adquirida en familia, en Purdue Calumet exploran la universalidad de lo hispánico. Algunos van más allá de lo suyo y se aventuran a estudiar francés, chino, japonés, o alemán. Muchos estudian ingeniería o enfermería pero necesitan también tener una cultura intelectual. Cuando un estudiante o una estudiante asisten a la universidad, el efecto de la educación que recibe se multiplica,
pasa a su familia, a sus hijos, a sus nietos y a su entorno social. La educación universitaria es un bien social, por eso es tan importante ayudar a los estudiantes que son primera generación, porque la diferencia entre tener o no tener educación universitaria se refleja no solo en la compensación económica por el trabajo, sino más importante aún, en la actitud ante la sociedad. Uno aprende a pensar y en los años de padecimiento que se pasan escribiendo trabajos o investigando un autor muerto hace quinientos años, se cultiva pensamiento crítico, se aprende a hacer conexiones entre hechos que parecían producto del azar y se aprende sobre todo a perseverar a no rendirse ante las dificultades, de eso los inmigrantes saben mucho. Esta población que va crecer debe educarse, debe prepararse para ocupar puestos de responsabilidad, puestos que exigen resistencia ante la competencia, buenas habilidades para negociar, buenos conocimientos del inglés y de otras lenguas. Serán la generación que consiga que USA deje de tener la fama ser el país occidental desarrollado más monolingüe. Los hispano hablantes son necesarios, tienen una labor que cumplir y una responsabilidad con el país que les ha recibido. Nuestros hijos deben aprender sobre la herencia científica, cultural y artística del mundo en que viven, o mejor dicho de los mundos en que viven.
¡QUE VIVA! | june 2013
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Alfonso Barrera Collegiate Links Transformed into bridges to the Fortune 500
By Que Viva! Staff
Innovative thinking combined with a knack for bringing people together were the cornerstone for Alfonso Barrera to build his company, Hispanic Pro. The building blocks for the organization which now has major sponsors such as Telemundo, Kellogg’s, Verizon, CBS TV, Nielsen and Hoy Newspaper were conceived in Barrera’s mind when he was still an undergraduate student at De Paul University in Chicago.
soon allowed him to act as a liaison between student clubs and major corporations.
Hispanic Pro (www.hispanicpro. com) acts as a clearing house for Hispanic professional talent and major corporations. He has built a network of over 56,000 professionals and sends out a weekly informative newsletter with content that offers a wide variety of career tips and advice for recent graduates as well as seasoned Barrera, who grew up in Wauke- professionals. gan, just north of Chicago, studied marketing at De Paul. His curiosity Hispanic Pro also works with and ability to network as a student major corporations seeking out His-
panic talent by organizing major networking events that allow companies that are “passively” seeking out talent from various industries in a minimal pressure environment. One of the many events he has spearheaded has been alongside the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute which is headed by Dr. Juan Andrade. Between the two organizations they bring in seasoned Hispanic professionals to interact with young students in a forum that permits future leaders to derive inspiration from current leaders in government and industry.
Thoughts for Professionals New and Seasoned Barrera shared some thoughts on how young professionals can benefit from keeping an open mind toward exploring new frontiers. “Keep your options open. It is important to get out of your comfort zone” said Barrera, “Many times significant growth occurs when you explore avenues that make you stretch and acquire new skills through meeting new people in new environments” . At a very early age while still in college Barrera was able to secure sponsorships from major corporations to help sustain student organizations toward growth and success. “I was dealing with corporate executives and felt somewhat intimidated at first, but with each subsequent meeting and interaction, I was able to galvanize my confidence in spite of my relative youth” added Barrera.
outlets like LinkedIn be a primary tool to maintain a professional network “safety net” in case the unexpected happens as it relates to a career. He cites Dr. Robert Rodriguez who says “don’t be a 911 network”. In other words, don’t be caught in a situation where you’re calling for help on an emergency basis. A good career strategy is to have plenty of options open in case of job loss for any reason whether attrition or consolidation. The better prepared the professional to make a move, the softer a landing he or she will have during corporate shake ups. Barrera started his career with an outdoor recreational products sales and marketing organization where he spent nine years managing their marketing strategy and execution toward the Hispanic Market. After the company shifted its focus toward the European Union, he knew it was time to take Hispanic Pro from a part time endeavor toward a thriving and solid business enterprise. That transition took place in 2009 and the rest is history. He is now entering his fifth year fully dedicated to Hispanic Pro and has received many accolades for his business acumen and ability to open up new trails.
On Entrepreneurship
Barrera’s take on entrepreneurship is that it must be a full-time endeavor in order to be taken seriously by corporations who are approached for sponsorship and client relationships. “Acquiring a level of expertise is important and that is further conveyed in a credible manner when you are fully For more seasoned professionals committed to entrepreneurship” says Barrera recommends that social media Barrera “it is important to know that in many cases entrepreneurship requires 20 ¡QUE VIVA! | june 2013
a good bit of sacrifice and sometimes family time may be part of that” Barrera has also had the opportunity to assist and contribute resources to community organizations such as Fiesta Del Sol, McCormick Tribune YMCA, Metropolitan Leadership Institute, National Latino Education Institute, National Hispanic Sales Network, Old Town School of Folk Music, and the United Neighborhood Organization. He is a highly visible advocate for Latino entrepreneurship, corporate diversity and a proud supporter of some of Chicago’s most prominent philanthropic organizations. Alfonso has been recognized throughout the years with awards for leadership and volunteerism. Most recently, Alfonso was selected to the Club Leaders of the Future Chicago 2012 by Latino Leaders Magazine.
Toward Advancement Barrera’s chief message to Hispanic professionals, whether employees or independent business people, is to stand up and be noticed. Striving toward excellence requires an individual to stand up and take a leadership role and take well thought out risk and go for the gusto. Barrera feels it is an interesting time in an ever changing labor and business environment. Managing one’s career in this new age of information technology presents many opportunities and the demographic shifts of our community and the economic muscle the Hispanic community brings to the table will continue to foster a vibrant environment of opportunity for professionals who take proper measures to manage their careers or businesses
Alfonso Barrera Sus enlaces colegiales se transforman en puentes hacia las empresas de Fortune 500
Por el Personal de Que Viva!
Una idea innovadora combinada con una habilidad para unir a las personas fueron la plataforma por la cual Alfonso Barrera fundo su empresa, Hispanic Pro. Los componentes básicos de la organización que en la actualidad cuenta con importantes patrocinadores como Telemundo, Kellogg, Verizon, WBBM TV, Nielsen y Hoy fueron concebidos en la mente de Barrera, cuando todavía era un estudiante universitario en la Universidad De Paul en Chicago. Barrera, quien creció en Waukegan, al norte de Chicago, estudió marketing en De Paul. Su curiosidad y capacidad de formar alianzas aun como estudiante pronto le permitieron actuar como enlace entre los clubes de estudiantes y las grandes corporaciones. Hispanic Pro (www.hispanicpro. com) actúa como centro de intercambio de talento profesional hispano y las grandes corporaciones. Él ha construido una red de más de 56,000 profesionales y envía un boletín informativo semanal con el contenido que ofrece una amplia variedad de sugerencias y consejos desde aquellos que son recién graduados hasta aquellos que ya son sólidos profesionales. Hispanic Pro también trabaja con grandes empresas de búsqueda de talento hispano al organizar grandes eventos los cuales permiten que las empresas conduzcan búsquedas “pasivas” del talento de diversas industrias e capacitaciones en un entorno de presión mínima. Uno de los muchos eventos que ha encabezado ha sido junto con el Instituto de Liderazgo Hispano de Estados Unidos el cual es encabezado por el Dr. Juan Andrade. Entre las dos organizaciones que permiten que una gran variedad de profesionales his-
panos el poder interactuar con los jóvenes estudiantes en un foro que en los cuales estos futuros líderes puedan lograr inspiración de los líderes actuales en el gobierno y la industria.
Consejos para profesionales nuevos y experimentados Barrera compartió algunas ideas sobre cómo los jóvenes profesionales pueden beneficiarse de mantener una mente abierta hacia la exploración de nuevas fronteras. “Mantén tus opciones abiertas. Es importante salir de tu zona de confort “, dijo Barrera,” Muchas veces un crecimiento significativo ocurre cuando uno explora caminos que le hacen estirar y adquirir nuevas habilidades a través de nuevas personas en nuevos entornos”. A una edad muy temprana cuando aún estaba en la universidad Barrera fue capaz de conseguir el patrocinio de varias grandes empresas para ayudar a sostener unas organizaciones estudiantiles hacia el crecimiento y el éxito. “Yo trate con los ejecutivos corporativos y me sentí un poco intimidado al principio, pero con cada encuentro e interacción posterior, tuve la oportunidad de galvanizar a mi confianza a pesar de ser tan joven”, añadió Barrera. Para aquellos con más experiencia profesional, Barrera recomienda que los medios de comunicación sociales como LinkedIn son una herramienta primordial para mantener una “red de seguridad” profesional en caso de que lo inesperado suceda en lo que respecta a la carrera. Él
cita al Dr. Robert Rodríguez, quien dice que “no conduzca una red de 911”. En otras palabras, no te pongas en una situación en la cual tengas que pedir ayuda en casos de emergencia. Una buena estrategia de carrera es tener varias opciones abiertas en caso de pérdida de empleo por cualquier razón ya sea por el desgaste de una industria o la consolidación. Cuanto mejor preparado este el profesional para hacer una transición, más suave será el aterrizaje durante la sacudidos corporativos.
Barrera también ha tenido la oportunidad de asistir y aportar recursos a las organizaciones comunitarias, como Fiesta del Sol, McCormick Tribune YMCA, Metropolitan Leadership Institute, Instituto Nacional de Educación Hispana, la Red Nacional de Ventas hispana, La Escuela de Música Popular, Old Town, y la Organización de Vecindarios Unidos .
Él es un defensor muy visible en el espíritu empresarial hispano, diversidad corporativa y un partidario Barrera comenzó su carrera con orgulloso de algunas de las más promiuna empresa de marketing con pro- nentes organizaciones filantrópicas de ductos para el campamento. Se paso Chicago. A el se le ha reconocido a lo nueve años dirigiendo la estrategia de largo de los años con premios para el marketing y ejecución hacia el mercado liderazgo y el voluntariado. Más recihispano. Después que la compañía entemente, Alfonso fue seleccionado cambió su enfoque hacia la Unión para los dirigentes de los clubes del Europea, tomo la decisión de dedicarle Futuro Chicago 2012 por la revista tiempo completo a Hispanic Pro hacia Latino Leaders. una prosperidad solida. Esa transición se llevó a cabo en 2009 y el resto es hisHacia el Logro toria. Ahora en vísperas de su quinto año totalmente dedicado a Hispanic El mensaje de Barrera a los profePro ha recibido muchos elogios por su sionales hispanos, ya sean empleados visión para los negocios y la capacidad o empresarios, es aquel de ponerse de de abrir nuevos caminos. pie y darse su lugar. El camino hacia la el logro y la excelencia, requiere El espíritu empresarial que firmemente se tome un papel de liderazgo y a la vez estrecharse a tomar Barrera opina que el tomar la un calculado riesgo con gran valor. iniciativa empresarial requiere un Barrera cree que hoy en día existe un esfuerzo a tiempo completo para que considera que es un periodo intereasi el empresario se tome en serio por sante en la fuerza laboral y empresarial. las empresas que se avecinan para el patrocinio y relaciones con los clientes. El manejar una carrera durante esta “La adquisición de un nivel de experi- nueva era de la tecnología informática encia es importante y tal experiencia presenta muchas oportunidades. Los solidifica la credibilidad cuando hay cambios demográficos de nuestra coentrega total hacia la iniciativa empre- munidad y el poder económico de la cosarial”, dice Barrera “, es importante munidad hispana seguirá fomentando saber que en muchos casos el ser em- un ambiente vibrante llena de oporpresario requiere grandes sacrificios y, tunidades para los profesionales que a veces el tiempo con la familia puede tomen las medidas adecuadas para el ser acortado” manejo de sus carreras o empresas. ¡QUE VIVA! | june 2013
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Pablo Schneider: Where are the Hispanics? by Pablo Schneider Originally published on FOX News Latino on April 17, 2012, reprinted with permission Imagine going to a dinner of 150 or so top leaders from a variety of sectors. There are corporate executives and board members representing 33 Fortune 1000 companies. There are owners of local, state, national, and global businesses with seven, eight, and nine figures in revenue. There are accomplished professionals including attorneys, physicians, MBA’s, Ph.D.’s, authors, and artists. There are leaders of local, state, and national non-profit organizations. There are elected officials including a member of the United States Congress. Sitting in a room full of top leaders like that one must ask, “Where are the Hispanics?” When it comes to leadership positions across all sectors of America, Hispanics are few and far between. Regardless of the sector, industry, or geographic area, Hispanics commonly hold in the low single digits of leadership positions. This is unfortunate considering the critical mass of population, purchasing power, customers, workforce, and supplier base represented by Hispanics. The value of what Hispanics bring to the table is being underutilized. Some might ask, “So what? What’s the big deal about that?” Here’s what. Here’s the big deal. Hispanics are already
integral to the fabric of America. We already comprise 1 in 6 Americans. We already have over $1.2 trillion in purchasing power and are the 14th largest economy in the world. We already account for around half of the consumer spending growth in America. We already represent a critical part of the workforce and in the next decade will represent 74% of workforce growth. We already have over 3 million businesses owned by Hispanics. And guess what? We already spend lots of money. Here are some examples. According to the Miami-based strategic intelligence firm Geoscape, U.S. Hispanics spend $204 billion per year on housing, $111 billion on transportation, $84.2 billion on food and beverage, $65.2 billion on personal insurance, and $51.2 billion on utilities, and the list goes on. The Hispanic phenomenon is already happening in a big way. Moving forward it will continue happening in even bigger ways. One of the key questions being asked among the powers that be in corporate America, in government, in academia and across all sectors is, “Where is our growth coming from and where will it come from in the short, mid, and long run?”
Hispanics are the main growth engine of America. During the time it takes for America to add 100 million people… • Anglos will comprise less than half of the total population and America will become a majority-minority country; • 78 million predominantly Anglo baby-boomers will reach retirement age; • The proportion of African-Americans in the U.S. population will remain constant; • The number of Asians will about double – but on a relatively small population base; • The number of Hispanics will go from 1 in 6 Americans to nearly 1 in 3 Americans. Over 60 million of the next 100 million Americans will be Hispanic. If America wants to continue growing and remain competitive in the global economy we must fully utilize all of the talent and capabilities of our people. So, back to the dinner. Imagine going to a dinner of 150 or so top leaders from a variety of sectors. Imagine sitting in that room looking around and asking, “Where are the Hispanics?” Last night at the Renaissance Dinner in Chicago, the answer was that of the executives, board members, non-profit leaders, business owners, professionals, and elected officials, three out of four people in the room were Hispanic! Unfortunately, this is the exception rather than the rule. But for the sake of America’s future this needs to become commonplace.
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Things Legal, Cosas Legales
Hands - Free Calling and Texting are Dangerous Roy Dominguez Attorney at Law
Many of us drivers enjoy the modern vehicle accessories of hands - frees ( blue- tooth ) calling and texting but they are a mental distraction to your driving attention and are dangerous. Nowadays some vehicles come equipped with “apps” whereby the driver is able to connect with Facebook and other sites. “In the most comprehensive study of its kind to look at drivers’ distraction, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that as mental workload and distractions increase, reaction time slows, brain function is compromised, and drivers scan the road less and miss visual clues, researchers say. This could potentially result in drivers being unable to see items right in front of them, such as stop signs or pedestrians.” Many States and local communities have banned such use while driving. In fact, police officers will issue traffic tickets for those violations. The fine and cost varies from community to community. But, the cost could range from $ 150.00 to over $300.00 depending upon each jurisdiction. However, the real issue is Safety! Current research data have demonstrated that as drivers’ mental workload increased, their reaction time was slowed; field of vision narrowed and missed various visual cues. This can decrease traffic safety for all concerned. We all should be aware that traffic safety requires everyone’s attention while driving. Many groups are asking the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to review and broaden its driver distraction guidelines to include the kind of mental distraction associated with voice - activated calling while driving. Likewise, such requests have been made to the auto- manufacturers and electronic industry to reconsider the installation of these types of accessories based upon the current research reports. As we continue to access our modern technologies while driving its important to use such devises wisely and always beware of traffic safety. Of course, don’t violate traffic laws that prohibit their use while driving. Drive Safely its everyone’s responsibility! 28
The opinion is the writer’s and not necessarily that of Que Viva! magazine. ¡QUE VIVA! | june 2013
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All they need are the tools to get there. These resources are online and totally FREE! Explore different career paths. Prepare for career training or college. Plus students and parents can network and stay up-to-date on the latest college and career planning news via Trip To College on Facebook.
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Keep Kids on Educational
Track during Summer By Kate Coffman
While summer can be a chance for children and teens to relax, play outside, get a part-time job and take a break from the demands of school, it’s important that parents also plan opportunities for their children to build on what they learned in the classroom or to make plans for college. According to the National Summer Learning Association, “two-thirds of the ninth grade achievement gap (between low-income and middle- and upper-income children) can be explained by unequal access to summer learning opportunities during the elementary school years.” Even children in families in the higher income brackets lose knowledge over the summer if they fail to take part in activities that stimulate them physical and mentally. So what can parents do to stave off summer learning loss? For younger students, a weekly visit to the local library to check out books and free activities can help strengthen literacy skills and encourage a life-long love of reading. Area zoos often have programs where students get to interact with animals. Take a day-long road trip to the Indianapolis Children’s Museum or Curious Kids Museum in St. Joseph, Michigan, for educational exploration and fun. Area colleges are another source of summer learning activities. Older students can make summer visits to college campuses, meet with an admissions representative and explore financial aid options. But plan a second visit in the fall when the college or university is in session, so students get a better feel for the campus, its atmosphere and all the school has to offer. High school students can conduct research on and apply for scholarships using several major scholarship search engines: www.fastweb.com; www. scholarship.com; and www.cappex.com. With some spare time to focus and not be distracted by school work, summer is a great time for college-bound students to enroll in an SAT or ACT preparation course or take practice tests available at www.collegeboard.org or www.act.org. Most colleges make admission applications available at this time of year. Students can use the summer months to write essays, seek recommendations and document their activities and achievements—all common facets of a college application. Using the summer to complete a meaningful volunteer opportunity or project can be an amazing learning experience for students—and it looks great on college applications. Church organizations, the United Way, high school guidance counselors, and other civic groups are good sources of information on volunteer opportunities. The Web site www.volunteermatch.org lists volunteer opportunities by city. And finally, visit www.TripToCollege.org for a free Web resource with grade specific information to help students plan, prepare and pay for college. Summer’s here, it’s time for fun, but don’t let your kids sink into the lazy, hazy days of summer—active minds and bodies now will help prepare them for future success. (Kate Coffman is the Program Manager for the College and Career Counseling (C3) initiative of the Indiana Youth Institute. C3offers the free www. driveofyourlife.org and www.triptocollege.org websites, which allow Hoosiers students to explore career options and Hoosiers students and families to find more for college, respectively.)
Images of our Beautiful World By David L. Cedeño, Ph.D.
green and blue, RGB). The signal was then codified so that rays of different energies could induce the emission at a different RGB color. Color CRT dominated TVs and computer displays until liquid crystal (LC) technologies were advanced enough to produce a dynamic liquid crystal display (LCD). LCDs are based on chemical compounds that can switch the direction of light upon the application of an electrical signal. One of the biggest advantages of these devices is that they allow for the digitalization of the image and improved resolution. The LCD also allowed for a revolutionary advancement that allowed for a huge volume Almost everyone in our country owns at least one of these reduction of the display permitting for TV and computers to be devices. If you think about it, all of them have become an interactive “flat” and portable (i.e. laptops). window to distant worlds (real and fiction). In this interaction, Miniaturization of color LCDs with enough resolution resulted the display plays a crucial role. It is the window that allows us in their incorporation into cell phones. Do you remember the bulky to view and interact with the distant site. cell phones (without displays) from the end of the 1980s, and Display technologies have evolved significantly over the years. the not so distant cell phones with monochromatic LCDs? How The first displays available were based on cathodic ray tubes (CRT) far have we advanced in a short time! Higher resolution and and are also available in oscilloscopes and radar screens; these touch-screen technologies are the current trend. The invention were seen in classic movies with submarines or evil scientists in of colored light emitting diodes (LED) is the newest technological them. Do you remember the old-style black and white TV sets breakthrough now commonly found in TVs, computers, cell phones and computer screens? The devices required a heavy power supply and tablets. The elimination of the backing fluorescent light and coil to generate the image and were both bulky and had required in LCDs has allowed for slimmer designs, while the low low resolution. A big technological breakthrough consisted in the cost of LEDs provides us with cheaper devices at amazing image creation of a display that could project in color. The transition to resolutions. Novel technologies, based on organic LEDs (OLEDs) color was a major accomplishment that revolutionized the way would allow for larger range of colors, and flexible displays that we interpret our distant world. Thanks to color displays we can can be rolled and stored. enjoy the true colors of the likes of the African savannah and I hope that next time you use your TV, computer, cell phone the Hawaiian ocean into recesses of outer space or the recesses or tablet and see those vibrant images of a distant place you of our very own brains. appreciate the effort of the scientists and engineers and the I still remember seeing my first soccer match in a color TV companies that invested in their work to make our lives comfortable back in 1978! The technological breakthrough was the invention and simply amazing. of phosphor screens that emit light in the visible range (red, Close your eyes and imagine your life without a cell phone, flat-screen TV, tablet, or computer. It does not look very exciting, does it? Have you ever wondered how is that we came to enjoy them? They are the product of years of research and development by scientists and engineers that dedicate time and effort into making our lives more comfortable and stimulating.
Dr. David L. Cedeño is Associate Professor of Physical Chemistry at Illinois State University and Que Viva! Science Contributing Correspondent. He has won numerous awards for his outstanding dedication to scientific teaching.
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