Motivos magazine Resilience-themed Edition by Jenee Chizick

RESILIENCE EDITION

The Secrets behind the Scars, p. 14 Los secretos detrás de las cicatrices Cultura: A Yuma in Cuba

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::C ::p ::C ::p ::x ::v ::x ::v 2 From the Founder | 3 Letters to Motivos Motivos | 4 Punto de Encuentro

CULTURAL EXPRESSIONS:

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5 Poetry! Dive In and Dying, Alive 6 A Yuma in Cuba

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10 Community Voice: Strategies to bounce back from stressful situations LA VIDA 11 Joke with a Moral: How to recover from an LA VIDA embarrassing moment 12 Know Your Value 14 Inspirations in Our Community: Meet Natalia Nottingham 18 Fashion: A look to the runway’s future 20 Relationships: Getting over a break up 21 Immigration: More states allow undocumented people to drive CAREER

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22 College Student Perspectives: Navigating the path through setbacks 24 Insider Tips for College: How to manage your time and COLLEGE REP advocate for resources 27 Dinero for College: Must-have list! CAREER scholarships EXPLORATION

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28 Finding a Path to the Stars . . . and Stripes! LA VIDA

Motivos Team Moments:

MOTIVOS WELCOMES SUBMISSIONS!

1. 12.6.2019: Motivos founder, Jenée Chizick Agüero, presents at Springfield Township High School, Springfield, PA

2. 12.12.2019: The Revolution School hosts official launch of Motivos Endurance edition, Philadelphia, PA

Share your personal story, poetry, photography, and/or illustrations with Motivos. No more than 1200 words in English or Spanish. Edited text preferred. Next edition deadline: May 8, 2020

3. 12.14.2019: Motivos attends partner Taller Puertorriqueño’s 45th Anniversary Gala, Philadelphia, PA

4. 1.25.2020: Motivos’ quarterly team-building and training retreat at Taller Puertorriqueño, Philadelphia, PA 5. 2.12.2020: Motivos team interviews aerospace engineer Fernando Torres, Philadelphia, PA

Send your articles to: editor@motivosmag.com, or mail to: Editor, Motivos magazine, P.O. Box 34391, Philadelphia, PA 19101.

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6. 2.26.2020: Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate Mia Concepción offers poetry workshop at Motivos team meeting, Philadelphia, PA 7. 2.28.2020: Motivos founder, Jenée Chizick Agüero, presents at CUNY Emerging Leaders Conference, Brooklyn, NY

8. 3.7.2020: Motivos fellow, Lizmary Ortiz, is honored by the Phenomenal Women’s Committee and with a citation from City Council for excellence in journalism and photography, Philadelphia, PA

Comparte tu historia, poesía, fotografía ó ilustraciones con los lectores de Motivos. No más de 1200 palabras en inglés o en español. Se prefieren artículos ya editados. Envía tus artículos antes de 8 de mayo de 2020 a: editor@motivosmag.com o por correo a: Editor, Motivos magazine, P.O. Box 34391, Philadelphia, PA 19101.

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VOLUME 14, NUMBER 1 Founder/Publisher Jenée Alicia Chizick Agüero Editors/Translators Ariel Pichersky, Vera Senderowicz Guerra, Olive Kuhn, Ramses Montes, Katie Smith, Agustina Tullio Graphic Design Jenette Antonio Sityar Contributing Writers Anwar Alcide, Jorge Arturo Agüero, Oscar J. Barbosa, Esq., Jenée Alicia Chizick Agüero, Alyha Colón, Mia Concepción, Milarys Denis, Desiree Fernandez, Gaby Fernandez, Karyme Font, Eric Gerena, Jessica Janniere, Madeleine Janz, Cheryl Johnson, Parish Johnson, Lauren Lee, LuzSelenia Loeb, Natalia Nottingham, Lizmary Ortiz, Bianca Rodriguez, Viviana Sánchez Gómez, Jessy Sandoval-Barrett, MD, James Zhang Artwork/Photography Yohel Agüero, Jenée Alicia Chizick Agüero, Daniel Font, Elizabeth Grimsley, Ahmrii Johnson, Courtesy of Natalia Nottingham, Jared Piper, Courtesy of Fernando Torres Youth Media Team Aaliyah Brewington, Desiree Fernandez (Media Fellow), Gaby Fernandez, Karyme Font, Kiara Lynn Garcia, Vincent Haro-Moss, Madeleine Janz (Media Fellow), Olive Kuhn (Writing Instructor), Ramses Montes, Lizmary Ortiz (Media Fellow), Steven Ramsey Jr. Cover Photo: Photography courtesy of Natalia Nottingham. Cornell University gymnast Natalia Nottingham, p. 14 Special Thanks to: Lutheran Settlement House for hosting Motivos’ team meetings, The Revolution School for hosting our Endurance edition launch, and Taller Puertorriqueño for hosting our quarterly team training and retreat!

Welcome to the Resilience edition!

Bouncing back from setA veces, recuperarse de los rebacks in life can sometimes veses de la vida puede parecer abruseem overwhelming. Often, mador. Sin embargo, con frecuencia From the Founder though, it’s not the pushing lo que nos ayuda a avanzar con forthrough, but the patience taleza y perspectiva renovadas no es needed to reflect on our situation, that forzar las cosas, sino tener la paciencia necesaria helps us move forward with renewed para reflexionar sobre lo que pasa. strength and perspective. Esta edición trae estrategias e inspiración. This edition offers strategies and Gaby cuenta que cambiarse de escuela le calmó inspiration. Gaby shares how she calmed los nervios (p. 5); nuestra columnista de relacioher nerves to rise above switching schools nes, Jessy Sandoval-Barrett, ofrece consejos para (p. 5), our relationship columnist, Jessy recuperarnos de una ruptura (p. 20); y la oradora Sandoval-Barrett, offers advice on how motivacional Jessica Janniere (p. 12) nos da to recover from a break up (p. 20), and estrategias para dejar de ser víctimas de nuestras motivational speaker Jessica Janniere circunstancias. (p. 12) gives us strategies to overcome Ofrecemos diversas formas de levantarnos el being the victim of our circumstances. ánimo y manejar mejor las situaciones difíciles While we offer many ways to lift (p. 10), aunque hace falta sanar más profundo moods and better handle difficult situapara superar las adversidades del pasado. Los tions (p. 10), deeper healing is needed to traumas pueden dejar en nuestro subconsciente overcome past adversity. Trauma can etch cicatrices que, aunque a menudo quedan bien scars in our subconscious that are often ocultas, influyen en nuestras acciones y dan well hidden but influence our actions and forma a nuestra personalidad. Natalia shape our personality. Natalie (pp 14-17) (pp. 14-17) comparte con los lectores de Motivos poignantly shares her personal struggle su conmovedora lucha personal contra las with self-harm with Motivos readers in autolesiones, para que comprendamos mejor order to increase understanding and break este fenómeno y terminemos con los prejuicios. down stigmas. She proves that it is “indeed Ella demuestra que "de hecho es posible ser possible to be vulnerable yet still couravulnerable y al mismo tiempo valiente, endeble y geous, delicate yet determined, fragile yet determinado, frágil y resistente, estar quebrado, resilient, and broken yet relentless.” pero ser incansable". My hope for you is that the stories we’ve Ojalá que las historias que recopilamos le compiled speak to our collective need to be hablen a nuestra necesidad colectiva de ser seen—not just in victory but in defeat— vistos, no solo en la victoria, sino también en la and that we all might better support one derrota, y que todos podamos apoyarnos mutuaanother on the journey in between. mente en el camino de una a otra. Con cariño,

Motivos is printed quarterly and distributed via participating youth-serving organizations, schools, libraries, cultural organizations, and colleges in the United States, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, and Colombia. For a list of locations where Motivos is available, or to order online for your organization, go to: www.motivosmag.com.

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Copyright © 2020 Motivos, LLC. All rights reserved. Copying, reproducing, or transmittal of this publication by any means is prohibited without the permission of the Publisher. The Publisher is not liable for any damages due to editing, changes, cancellations, errors, or omissions. All work submitted for publication is assumed to be the provider’s original work, and the Publisher accepts no liability as a result of publishing such works. The viewpoints expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Motivos. Motivos is a nationally registered trademark. Unauthorized use of the Motivos name is prohibited.

Cultural exchange in Costa Rica, p. 6

Home delivery! Get 1 year (4 editions) for only $15! ¡Recibirá una suscripción anual por solo $15!

Cultura: Poetry of Curaçao

Singer Christia n Daniel y camino su al 3 pasos para el éxito éxitoyou , p.1 How to lift while climb 0 La Vida:

Inmigración: Ayuda legal para inmigrantes necesitados Cornell student creates art to heal

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Motivos encourages self-expression, college and career exploration, and community and cultural engagement. Motivos promueve la expresión personal, la exploración de universidades y de carreras, y el compromiso comunitario y cultural.

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LETTERS to MOTIVOS I really loved the Motivos launch event. Great advice for my future ahead. I plan to take what I heard and put it into action. Might look into the “Game Time” columnist position, too! ~ Mhalik, high school student, Girard College, Philadelphia, PA I loved today! It was so informative and fun at the same time. Amazing! ~ Clare Dunfee, attendee at CORA Peer Helpers conference led by Motivos founder, Philadelphia, PA

It was fun and educational. The activities were so entertaining and made me a better person and listener. ~ Catie Kain, 8th grader, St. Anselm School, attendee at CORA Peer Helpers conference led by Motivos founder, Philadelphia, PA Great event! It was awesome to see young Latinos in Philly striving for greatness! Well done! ~ Attendee at Motivos’ Meet the Author event, Philadelphia, PA I LOVE the cover photo [Vol. 13 No. 4] and the corresponding article! ~ Barbara Walsh, Spanish teacher, Girard College, Philadelphia, PA

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One of my students who really doesn’t talk a lot in meetings and is on the shy side was completely engaged, totally interacting, having such a great time [at the Peer Helpers Conference]. It’s just so wonderful to see kids come alive in such a short time with other kids that they don’t even know . . . acting like they’ve been together for a long time! I love Jenée’s ability to have this goofy quality that really lets everybody just be who they are, and I feel like that was a big part of why, within half an hour, these kids were completely engaged, not shy, enjoying themselves, and even writing. I’m really impressed. Thank you so much! ~ Eve Boyd, CORA Counselor, Philadelphia, PA

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1.20.2020: MLK Day Keeping the Dream Alive Program, Philadelphia, PA Temple University undergraduate admissions hosted about 40 high school students and their parents for a program that showcased the university’s student support services. These are available as early as ninth grade and continue through undergraduate years. They include tutoring, internships, shadow days, college credit-bearing courses available even to high school students, Upward Bound, financial services, pre-college programs, and peer mentorship programs. Panelists stayed after the program concluded to make sure all questions were answered. For more information, visit: https://studentsuccess.temple.edu/; https://diversity. temple.edu/; https://education.temple.edu/upwardbound

1.28.2020: 8th Annual Youth Nonprofit Symposium, Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia Councilmember At-Large David Oh designed this symposium to create a dialogue between youth-serving nonprofits and organizations that offer designated funding for them. Fourteen foundations and corporations were represented, and 176 attended. President and Executive Director of Health Partners Foundation Staci Scott offered a moving keynote entitled “Lose the Wait” and encouraged those present to take action. An opening panel was followed by smaller sessions between attendees and speakers to help foster relationships and gather more personalized information about funding for their specific programs. The symposium was held at Pierce College, who has hosted the symposium since its inception in 2013. Contact the councilmember’s office for more information or to participate in next year’s symposium: http://phlcouncil.com/DavidOh/

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Panelists at MLK Day Program

20.1.2020: Día de MLK - Programa Keeping the Dream Alive, Filadelfia, PA Admisión de pregrado de Temple University recibió a unos 40 estudiantes secundarios y a sus padres en un programa para conocer los servicios de apoyo estudiantil de la universidad. Estos servicios están disponibles desde el noveno grado y continúan en los años de pregrado. Incluyen tutorías, pasantías, shadow days, cursos con créditos universitarios incluso para estudiantes de secundaria, Upward Bound, servicios financieros, programas preuniversitarios y programas de tutoría entre pares. Los panelistas se quedaron al finalizar el programa para responder todas las preguntas. Para más información, visita: https://studentsuccess. temple.edu/; https://diversity.temple.edu/; https://education.temple.edu/upwardbound

28.1.2020: 8vo Simposio Anual de Organizaciones Sin Fines de Lucro para la Juventud, Filadelfia, PA El concejal at-large de Filadelfia David Oh diseñó este simposio para generar un diálogo entre las organizaciones sin fines de lucro al servicio de los jóvenes y las organizaciones que ofrecen fondos específicos para ellas. Estuvieron representadas 14 fundaciones y corporaciones, y asistieron 176 personas. La presidenta y directora ejecutiva de la Fundación Health Partners, Staci Scott, dio un conmovedor discurso titulado "Perder la espera" y alentó a los presentes a lanzarse a la acción. El panel de apertura fue seguido por reuniones más pequeñas entre los asistentes y los oradores para fomentar lazos y obtener información más específica sobre cada programa de financiación. El simposio se celebró en el Pierce College, que ha sido su sede desde sus inicios en 2013. Para obtener más información o para participar en el simposio del próximo año, contacta a la oficina del concejal: http://phlcouncil.com/DavidOh/ Send your “Punto de Encuentro” to: editor@motivosmag.com Envía tus “Puntos de Encuentro” a: editor@motivosmag.com

Photography by Jenée Chizick Agüero and Jared Piper

Philadelphia City Councilmember David Oh with keynote speaker and Executive Director of Health Partners Foundation, Staci Scott

By Gaby Fernandez, 8th grade, Cedarbrook Middle School, Cheltenham, PA

I dive into the pool head first full of worries, My head spinning with restless thoughts about my future I am frightened by the big changes happening in my life My face hits the water and I realize that nothing is going to be the same—ever again My body is completely underwater; The water is cool and bubbly, but calmed with soft muffled noises My feet are tingly from the little bubbles and my arms are chilled by the cool water Yet, in the tranquility, my mind is agitated My mind forgets all of my brooding thoughts as I remember the need to breathe My head emerges to the surface and I gasp for air— And for a split second, my mind comes to ease However, I put my head back into the worrisome sea My legs start moving at a faster rate— Meeting the air then coming back down My arms start swinging in a constant pattern that I repeat in my head over and over again: 1-2-3-4-5-6 breathe, 1-2-3-4-5-6 breathe, 1-2-3-4-5-6 breathe... My mind is calmed by the steady repetition However, I finish a lap and I need to do a flipturn Ruining the comfort of my pattern And the restless thoughts come back This time I can’t escape my worries for they are too strong I remember my dilemmas; I remember that I might never see some of my friends ever again; I remember that whatever I choose will impact my entire family for better or worse; I remember that everything that was once familiar to me will not be anymore I fight back tears All of my worries turn into anger, which turns into determination I start to swim even faster My arms start paddling furiously and my tired legs kick faster The forward motion brings a new calm to my troubled mind Tranquility bubbles up, soothes my worries Change doesn’t need to be feared; Life is all about changes No matter how big the dilemma is, I know that I can thrive I see the wall and the muffled voices become louder, the denial stops, and I realize: There is more to life than staying in a place I’ve always known There are adventures, risks, and the potential for greatness My mind that was once filled with despair is now filled with ambition Because I know that I can get through what lies ahead I am filled with excitement as I reach out to touch the wall A smile slowly spreads across my face as I pull myself out of the pool— Ready to dive into the next one

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By Mia Concepcion, 2019-2020 Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate and senior, Science Leadership Academy, Philadelphia, PA Abuela, Beneath stark sheets in that hospital bed, That dead man’s crib, I still see so much life. That ruby red flame of a head of hair Envelopes gray wisps; Yet all the heat is still there. Those fragile bones tapping on the rails Are still your swishing, swaying hips. Beneath those tired, fluttering eyelids is a fiesta. You, a dying woman, are reborn. I see you, hovering over a pot of arroz con gandules, Stirring and singing and hyena-laughing. Taste-testing and Season-adding and Two-stepping across the kitchen. You tango, you salsa; yet the room moves around you.

You, silent and incoherently mumbling, Brain surrendered to lemon-sized tumors, Speak a lively dance into existence. Every thickly accented word is as clear as the Caribbean. Spanish and English come buzzing off your tongue— How loud your silence is! The oxygen tank pumping life into you Sets the eight-count beat of this dance: Puffing in, puffing out. We rejoice, we celebrate you. Only a week left to live But your aching joints can still move. This death is far from a funeral, Abuela. Sleeping peacefully, yet wide awake, Your body will never be laid to rest. Because it doesn’t know how to. motivos

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A vintage Volkswagen Beetle driving along El Malecón in Havana. / Un Volkswagen Beetle antiguo pasando por El Malecón en Habana.

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Parking lot outside of José Martí Airport, which is the only airport in Cuba authorized to receive flights from the United States. / El estacionamiento afuera del Aeropuerto José Martí en Cuba, cual es la unica aeropuerto que puede recibir a los vuelos de los Estados Unidos.

trip we rode in a teal 1956 Chevrolet 210 Beauville station wagon, which seated ten and greeted us at the airport. My cousins, Anita and Kristofer, my brother, and I sat in the third and fourth rows, while my mother, father, aunt, uncle, and the driver rode in the first two. It was raining as we drove past the elysian tropical earth and tall palm trees. Among those trees, I saw two billboards: one that read “Bloqueo: El genocidio más grande de la historia” (Embargo: the largest genocide in history) with the “o” in “bloqueo” represented as a noose, while the other read “70% de Cubanos nacidos bajo el bloqueo” (More than 70% of Cubans were born under the The teal 1956 Chevrolet Beauville embargo). While they referenced that we drove around in during our visit. / El Chevrolet Beauville verde the embargo of the 1960s, azulado del año 1956 que guiamos Anita told me they were posted durante nuestra visita. after stricter relations with the US were established that year. We passed many billboards like those, while others welcomed tourists, as we drove past the lush green grass that lined the highway. My cousins’ house was in the neighborhood of Mantilla on the outskirts of Havana. During the week we stayed with them, I observed the role of yumas in Cubans’ lives. On the first day, my cousins’ friends came by just to see my brother and me. According to Anita, many of them had never seen an American-born Cuban. In the city, looking Cuban, but being a yuma, affected my interactions with the Cubans I met. One day my uncle and I

Photography by Daniel Font, 7th grader, Maria Eugenio de Hostos Charter School

didn’t know the word “yuma” until my Cuban cousins started calling me it. Like the word, for most of my life, Cuba itself had lived in obscurity in my mind. As the daughter of a Cuban, my perception of the island was shaped from the artesania that decorated our home and my father’s description of the first 26 years of his life there. Although I learned a lot from my father, the country itself seemed untouchable—until a few years ago. It was on an August day that I met the island’s heavy air as I descended the short metal staircase from airplane to landing strip. I entered a completely different society, but I hadn’t realized that, like me as a Cuban-American, Cuba had a dual personality, one that acquainted itself one way with visitors but lived contrastively among its people. Unlike many visitors to communist countries, I would be able to meet both sides because of my dual-identity as a Cuban with family As soon as I spoke to him in on the island and as a visiting American. my nonnative Spanish, he I would meet the rushed behind the counter, beauty that greets apologized, and rang us up the tourists and with a smile on his face, solely come to understand directing himself towards the reasons why me even though my uncle was the country lives in obscurity to many. the one paying. For most of the

A vintage car in Mantilla. / Un carro antiguo en Mantilla

Yuma (U-ma) noun 1. Cuban slang word for the United States Example: El está en la Yuma = He is in the US. 2. Refers to anybody who lives anywhere but Cuba, primarily from the US Example: Yo soy Yuma = I am a person from the US.

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walked into a shop in Old Havana. The shopkeeper didn’t look up to greet us but welcomed European tourists moments later. As we walked up to the register, the shopkeeper walked out from behind the counter and doted on the tourists. We waited there for ten minutes until my uncle sent me to tell the shopkeeper we were ready to pay. As soon as I spoke to him in my nonnative Spanish, he rushed behind the counter, apologized, and rang us up with a smile on his face, solely directing himself towards me even though my uncle was the one paying. He treated me differently because I was American. I noticed this demeanor, this dual way of treating Me sitting with Cuban women dressed in traditional people based on country of origin, often and wondered why Cugarb in Old Havana. / Yo sentada con mujeras Cubanas bans would treat their own people as second class. Then I realized vestidas en trajes tradicionales. that yumas like me bring in the CUCs, a currency which foreign money is changed into upon arrival in Cuba, versus which the less valuable local currency called the CUP. The duality in demeanor was a means of economic survival for the locals. Reminiscent of US currency, Cuban CUPs are adorned with the faces of revolutionary symbols like poet Jose Martí, and guerrilla fighter Che Guevara’s face can be seen on nearly every street corner. Despite occurring 61 years ago, the Cuban Revolution and its leaders continue to influence the people of Cuba. My cousins told me that in their history classes, they learn nothing more than the revolution. “Sometimes I get sick of hearing about those old men,” Kristofer remarked in a hushed voice, risking punishment that can come from criticizing his government. Many like Kristofer are beginning to question communism, A homeless man resting on the beach. / Un hombre while older generations remain loyal to the system. Some of the vagabundo descansando en la playa. younger generations have stopped attending school, because they do not see the use my aunt and uncle were to their children, of higher education in a country that will Young Cubans throughout the expressing affection at random moments of not allow them to strive and earn a better world represent sparks that will the day, and my cousins’ lack of embarrassliving. Many have started protests against eventually grow into fires of ment for their parent’s actions. Dinner is the government only to face police brutalalways eaten with the family, no cellphones resilience that fuels the fight ity. Young Cubans throughout the world in sight. My family and I spoke about the represent sparks that will eventually grow for what they believe in. day’s events while we each ate our plates of into fires of resilience that fuel the fight congris con ropa vieja and picked disfigured for what they believe in. cubes of avocado from a plate in the middle Havana is a reflection of a manifold concoction that has been of the table. Each night after dinner, the following events would its history. It is a harmonious mingling of Spanish, American ensue in no particular order: an impromptu dance party in the and modern architecture. The Spanish influence is present in living room; a game of parchi, the Cuban equivalent of Monopoly; the wooden street that acts as the foot for the Plaza de Armas, and talking until dawn on the roof as the effulgent moon began while the pre-revolutionary American era is seen in the Capitoto set. They view every day as a celebration of family—which is lio, which was modeled after the White House, and in the sea of much different than my family life in La Yuma, where at dinner Cadillacs and Bugs. The contemporary interior of some buildings sometimes everyone’s mind seems to sojourn in its own celestial is a stark contrast to the city’s decaying outer surfaces which hamlet. Communism is a double-edged sword: the system isn’t desomehow contributes to the surreal beauty of the place. signed to promote freedom of thought or enterprise, so economic During my stay, I had the opportunity to compare the facets conditions are harsh, but perhaps this draws families closer toof family values from both Cuba and the United States. In Cuba, gether, not distracted by capitalist tendencies toward materialism the family unit is treated as something sacrosanct; it is an entity that I often observed in the states and with my own family. so valuable that it should not be interfered with. I saw how close As a Cuban-American yuma, I was able to briefly experience the duality of the Cuban persona and learn about a lifestyle and The view from the roof of my cousins’ house in Mantilla. / La value system that is different than my own. The obscurity that vista desde el techo de la casa de mis primos en Mantilla. clouded my conscience cleared as the diversified nature that lines the highways, the humanity, resilience, and family values of my people, and the vibrant living timeline that is Havana became fragments of my own identity. I was finally able to meet the “untouchable” island, to understand some of its mystique, and feel like so many other Cuban-Americans do—that despite its defects, it holds an eternal glow in the midst of my yuma-ness.

Yuma en Cuba

Una

Nos hospedamos en casa de mis primos, en las afueras de la o no sabía qué era una yuma hasta que mis primos empezaron a llamarme así. Como hija de un cubano, mi perspecHabana. El primer día, todos los amigos de mis primos pasativa de la isla solo se basaba en imágenes de libros, las arteron por la casa solo para vernos a mi hermano y a mí, porque nunca habían visto a un cubano estadounidense de su edad. Sin sanías que adornan mi sala y las descripciones de los primeros 26 embargo, fue en la ciudad donde percibí una de las características años de vida de mi padre. de la personalidad del país. Un día fuimos a una tiendita en la Un día de agosto me encontré con el aire húmedo de la isla al Habana Vieja. Cuando entramos, el empleado ni siquiera nos miró descender por la escalera metálica del avión. Ese día, comprendí mientras atendía con amabilidad a turistas que habían entrado que acababa de adentrarme en una sociedad diferente a la que momentos después que nosotros. Mientras caminábamos hacia la conocía, pero sin saber aún que esa nueva sociedad guardaba una caja registradora, el empleado salió rápidamente de detrás de la doble personalidad para mí. Una, como turista, y la otra, por vivir caja y les preguntó a los turistas si había algo como una cubana más. A diferencia de otros visiTan pronto como más en que pudiera ayudarlos. Esperamos por lo tantes en países comunistas, yo vería las dos caras, el hombre notó mi menos diez minutos hasta que mi tío me sugirió cosa que debo a mi dualidad como estadounidense hija de un cubano. que dijera que estábamos listos para pagar. Tan acento, se apuró a pronto como el hombre notó mi acento, se apuró Nuestra travesía fue mayormente en un verdoso tomar su puesto en la a tomar su puesto en la caja, se disculpó por la y antiguo Chevy Beuville de 1956. Mis primos, Anita caja, se disculpó por demora y nos cobró, dirigiéndose solo a mí, aun y Kristofer, mi hermano y yo sentados en la tercera la demora y nos cobró, cuando mi tío era quien pagaba. Eso pasaba a y cuarta fila de asientos mientras mis padres, mis dirigiéndose solo a mí, menudo, no solo con mi familia, sino con otros tíos y el chofer iban en las dos primeras. Estaba aun cuando mi tío era lloviendo, mientras pasábamos por una paradisíaca turistas. Al principio yo no comprendía por qué quien pagaba. los cubanos trataban así a su propia gente, pero vista terrenal, cuando divisé dos carteles: uno decía pronto comprendí que para ellos los yumas sig“Bloqueo, el mayor genocidio de la historia”, con nifican dinero. Actúan así como un mecanismo de supervivencia, una horca como la “o” de la palabra “Bloqueo”; el otro cartel por la pobreza que asola a la mayoría de la población. decía “Más del 70% de los cubanos nacieron bajo el bloqueo”. Si Aun habiendo ocurrido hace 61 años, el pueblo de Cuba sigue bien se referían al embargo de la década del 60, Anita me dijo influenciado por la revolución y por las figuras que la condujeron. que los habían colocado ese año, después de que se establecieran Así como nosotros tenemos a los padres fundadores en nuestros relaciones más estrictas con los Estados Unidos. Otros carteles daban la bienvenida a los turistas y muchos más exhibían una dólares, ellos ilustran su moneda, el peso cubano, con la cara de fotografía de Fidel Castro. José Martí, y el rostro del Che Guevara se puede ver en casi todas

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El Teatro Alicia Alonso en Habana. / The Alicia Alonso Theater in Havana.

Photography by Daniel Font, 7th grader, Maria Eugenio de Hostos Charter School

Una calle en el vecindario de Mantilla. / A street in the neighborhood of Mantilla

 Diez CUP Cubano, el dinero que usan los locales. / Ten Cuban CUPs, the currency the locals use.

 Coco Taxis se pueden ver guiando por la Habana llevando dos turistas a la vez. / Coco Taxis can be seen driving around Havana carrying two tourists at a time.

 Uno de los muchos carteleras del gobierno en Habana. / One of the many government-backed billboards in Havana.

Usado en Cuba. Sustantivo 1. Estados Unidos; él está en la Yuma (‘él está en los Estados Unidos’). | 2. Extranjero, en especial estadounidense; Yo soy yuma (‘Yo soy estadounidense’).

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las esquinas. Mis primos me dijeron que en escuela todos los años les enseñan sobre la revolución comunista. “A veces nos aburrimos de oír hablar de esos viejos”, comentó Kristofer en baja voz, corriendo riesgos por pensar así. Como Kristofer, muchos han comenzado a cuestionar el sistema, mientras las generaciones más viejas permanecen leales a Tuve la los valores comunistas. Las nuevas generaciones oportunidad de están dejando de ir a la escuela porque no enespiar a los ángeles cuentran sentido en obtener una mejor educación y los demonios de en un país que virtualmente no ofrece posibilidades de una vida mejor. Muchos han comenzado un país por el que, a protestar por esa realidad, solo para terminar independientemente de reprimidos por la policía. La generación más josus defectos, siento un ven representa una chispa que tarde o temprano amor incondicional. encenderá un fuego de resiliencia, de luchar por lo que se cree. La ciudad de la Habana es una reflexión en sí misma del paso de la historia. Se aprecia la presencia de la cultura colonial española mezclada con estructuras del período prerrevolucionario y las adiciones modernas en el interior de las edificaciones más antiguas. La influencia española está presente en las calles adoquinadas de la Plaza de Armas, mientras la era prerrevolucionaria, se levanta junto con el Capitolio, erigido a imagen de la Casa Blanca, y con el mar de Cadillacs y otras joyas del automovilismo de la época. Los modernos interiores de algunos edificios ofrecen un contraste abrumador con su empobrecida fachada, provocando una imagen surrealista. Como yuma cubano-estadounidense, En este viaje eché pude ver las dos caras de un estilo de vida diferente al mío. Tuve la oporluz a esa oscuridad tunidad de espiar a los ángeles y los que una vez me demonios de un país por el que, indepenimpidió ver una parte dientemente de sus defectos, siento un de quien soy y aprendí amor incondicional. La diversidad de la que uno no puede vivir El Capitolio en Habana. / The National Capitol Building in Havana. naturaleza, la humanidad y la resistende perspectivas ajenas cia de mi gente, y la vibrante Habana son fragmentos en mi identidad. En este sin más, sino que debe viaje eché luz a esa oscuridad que una vivir las propias para About the Author vez me impidió ver una parte de quien comprender. Karyme Font is a sophomore at the Arts soy y aprendí que uno no puede vivir de Academy at Benjamin Rush, in Philadelperspectivas ajenas sin más, sino que phia, PA. She likes fashion design and debe vivir las propias para comprender. Algún día volveré, y quizás para plans to study it in the future. She is a entonces será libre. huge George Michael fan and her favorite Cuban sweet is arroz con leche. Yuma

C OM M U N I T Y VO ICE

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EXPLORATION

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What mental, physical, or emotional strategies have helped you bounce back from difficult or stressful situations? Prayer, exercise, eating healthy, and drinking water help us deal with stressful situations. In addition, talking with positive people who have experienced a similar situation really helps, along with working together to solve CHERYL AND problems. Finally, I love to take a bath after a PARISH stressful day and listen to gospel music. ~ Cheryl and Parish Johnson, Olney Youth Arts Festival, Philadelphia, PA

ANWAR

I’d say my best strategy for dealing with stress is taking a quick break and talking to a friend. It will comfort you, and they might even have a solution for you to consider. ~ Anwar Alcide, 9th grade, Revolution School, Philadelphia, PA

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Whenever I find myself in a nerve-wracking or draining situation, I practice meditation. Mediation doesn’t always mean sitting in the lotus position while listening to soft classical music. It can be as simple as focusing on taking slow, deep breaths during a difficult LIZMARY exam, or pausing your study session for a short relaxation break. We often allow ourselves to feel overwhelmed by stress, which makes difficult situations worse. However, taking a second to recollect yourself and think positive thoughts could help you find the answer to that tough test question, or to finally finish that essay that’s due. ~ Lizmary Ortiz, freshman, Holy Family University, Philadelphia, PA

When I’m stressed or going through a difficult situation, I like to just be by myself for awhile. I allow myself to breathe and think of all the things I’m grateful for. Sometimes I have to get out of my room and do physical activities. I notice that if I’m down, I DESIREE feel better mentally if I’m around people, and enjoying their company and talking. Once I’m around people, my mind allows me to focus on the good and blocks out negative thoughts. Blocking out negative thoughts will lead me to a better day. ~ Desiree Fernandez, freshman, Community College of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA

It has been hard not having my mom in my life because she was always in prison, which caused me to miss a lot of school. One day, the Department of Human Services came to my school and took me. I’ve been living with my step-grandma since ALYHA then. It was difficult for me to talk to my step-grandma and grandpa until I realized my mom wasn’t going to change. My step-grandma and grandpa always encourage me to be better than my mom and stay in school. It has been difficult, but having the support of my grandparents has helped me get through it and even get good grades in school. ~ Alyha Colón, 8th grader, ASPIRA John B. Stetson Charter School, Philadelphia, PA

HECTOR

I think there needs to be more help for kids with ADHD to help them understand the work in school so they won’t get upset and stressed. ~ Tanon and Hector, Olney Youth Arts Festival, Philadelphia, PA

Being a young adult isn’t easy. Finding my true self has been difficult, especially after graduating college. Not knowing exactly what to do next causes me anxiety, stress, and depression. To deal with this, I like to take an entire day for myself. First, I take VIVIANA a shower while listening to and singing to my favorite songs. Then I go window shopping at my favorite stores. When I get back home, I like to get comfortable on my couch and watch Netflix. When my mind is finally clear, I make a list of everything that I need to do and get started. ~ Viviana Sánchez Gómez, recent graduate, Penn State University Abington, Abington, PA Dance, sing, write, and act! Getting involved in creative outlets helps you become resilient in life. ~ Lauren Lee, Olney Youth Arts Festival Volunteer, Hatfield, PA LAUREN

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EXPLORATION

LA VIDA

with a Moral

con moraleja

Joke! Some time ago while visiting a Latin night club, I asked Margie's sister to dance a merengue. While we were dancing, she kept trying to tell me something and finally asked, “Are you a cook?” I immediately thought that Margie had told her how good I was in the kitchen, since we worked together. “Of course!” I replied, super proud. “Why do you ask?” “Because your hands smell like onions!” she replied.

Moral! How did I recover from this situation? I really don't remember. Maybe I made up something quickly to escape being embarrassed and continue dancing. But the key to recovering from an embarrassing moment or bad situation is to love and accept yourself—with all your mistakes and imperfections—and to have confidence that everything will be fine. Remember that in the dance hall of life, people dance to different types of music. You decide which you want to dance to and how you’ll dance to it. Keep striving to be happy! Until next time...

¡ Chiste! Hace tiempo, mientras visitaba una pista de baile de música latina invité a la hermana de mi amiga Margie a bailar un merengue. Pues claro, a eso va uno a esos lugares, a mover el esqueleto. La muchacha se me acercó y me preguntó: –¿Eres cocinero? De inmediato pensé que Margie le había contado lo bueno que era yo en la cocina, ya que trabajábamos juntos. –¡Claro que sí! —respondí súper orgulloso —¿Por qué lo dices? –¡Por el olor a cebolla que tienes en las manos! —respondió ella. ¡Ja, ja, ja!

¡ Moraleja! Realmente no recuerdo cómo salí de aquella situación vergonzosa. Quizás dije algo espontáneo y seguí bailando. Pero la clave para recuperarse de cualquier mal momento o situación es amarse y aceptarse a uno mismo, con sus errores e imperfecciones, tener la confianza de que todo va a estar bien. Recuerda: en la pista de la vida se bailan diferentes tipos de música. Tú decides cuál y cómo bailarlo. ¡Esfúerzate por ser feliz! ¡Hasta la próxima!

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Illustration by Yohel Agüero, age 23, tattoo artist, Cuidad Neily, Costa Rica; Instagram: yohelagueroart

By Jorge Arturo Agüero

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U`ktd By Jessica Janniere

1. G et around people who will see your worth and remind you of it often. It’s also important that the people you choose to surround yourself with are adding value to you and your life. 2. K now that you are not what happened to you. What happened was an experience, not an indicator of your value and worth. Your value and worth were threaded into the very creation of you. 3. W rite a list of all the things you believe make you valuable. (For example: I look out for the needs of others. Therefore, I am a caring person, and a caring person is a valuable person. 4. N ow take that list and use character words to create an affirmation (I am a caring person.) Speak those affirmations over yourself. The words you speak will become your reality. As I look back on my life, I understand now that I was never made to fit in; I was made to stand out. And so were you. There is something unique about you, and it is valuable. You are valuable. I believe in you, and without knowing you, I know you are valuable and you deserve the best life has to offer.

About the Author Jessica Janniere grew up surrounded by abuse, dysfunction, and poverty to the degree that she attempted suicide three times within three years. Her younger sister’s murder at the age of 15 was a turning point for her. While grieving and soul-searching, personal development and prayer led her to a new determination to live life purposefully. She learned to separate her identity from the negative situations she had been through. Now Jessica is a national adversity expert, sought-after keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and the founder of Look Up and Beyond Inc. She is the best-selling author of two books: My Colored World and Look Up and Beyond. Jessica inspires and empowers people to live on the other side of adversity every day.

Photography by Daniel Font, 7th grader, Maria Eugenio de Hostos Charter School

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here is a big difference between our value and our experiences that make us feel not valued. As I travel the country to speak with students, especially those who have to overcome adversity in order to pursue their academic goals, I notice one common thread: they don’t believe they deserve good things and a chance to a better life. The root cause? Not knowing their incredible and powerful value. I was that student once. For as long as I could remember, I never felt like I fit in anywhere. It started when I was moved from my grandparents’ home in Germany to my parent’s home in the US when I was 6 years-old. I remember it like it happened yesterday. My mom is German and my stepfather is an African American man. When they married, they had four biracial children. My stepfather was an alcoholic and would abuse my mom and me. When I was put into American schools, I was placed in a small classroom by myself to learn English, and every day I would have to run home because mobs of children would bully me. It was exhausting and made me believe that there was something wrong with me. I learned over time that nothing was wrong with me; I was just a victim to my circumstances. I had no control over that, but what I did have control over was my perspective. Look at it this way: if someone rips up your $10 bill, has its worth changed? The answer is no. Sure, you’ll have to piece it back together, but its value is the same. What happened to the bill does not have the power to decrease its value. In a similar way, what happens to you does not have the power to decrease your value as a person. Unfortunately, when you experience something negative and painful, your perspective about a situation can limit you from seeing this. You will need time to heal from bad experiences, and that healing process is different for everyone. But regardless of the healing journey you embark on, you start at an important place: a place of inherent incredible value. You are valuable. And nothing that happened to you, or will happen to you, can ever change that. Once you recognize and embrace your unique value, you become stronger and better. I encourage you to look up and beyond all the bad things that have happened to you and see your value. It was threaded into your being when God created you. That didn’t and won’t ever change. If you are struggling to see your worth and value here are a few things you can do to start the process:

Get around people who will see your worth and remind you of it often.

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ay una gran diferencia entre lo que valemos y las experiNecesitarás tiempo para sanar de las malas experiencias, y encias que hacen que no nos sintamos valorados. Al viajar ese proceso de curación es diferente para todos. Pero indepenpor el hablando con estudiantes, en especial dientemente del viaje de sanación en el que te con aquellos que tienen que superar la adversidad embarques, comienzas desde un lugar imporDesde que tengo para alcanzar sus objetivos académicos, noto un tante: un lugar de un increíble valor inherente. memoria, nunca sentí hilo común: no creen merecer cosas buenas ni la Tú vales. Y nada de lo que te haya sucedido o que encajaba en oportunidad de una vida mejor. ¿La causa princivaya a sucederte puede cambiar eso. Una vez que ningún lugar. pal? No conocen su increíble y poderoso valor. reconozcas y aceptes tu valor singular, serás más Yo fui como esos estudiantes. fuerte y mejor. Desde que tengo memoria, nunca sentí que encajaba en Te invito a mirar más allá de todo lo malo que te haya sucediningún lugar. Todo comenzó cuando me mudé de la casa de mis do y a ver tu valor. Está adherido a tu ser desde que Dios te creó. abuelos en Alemania a la de mis padres en los Estados Unidos, a Eso nunca cambió y nunca cambiará. Si te cuesta ver tu valor, mis 6 años. Lo recuerdo como si fuera ayer. Mi mamá es alemana puedes hacer algunas de estas cosas para comenzar el proceso: y mi padrastro es afroamericano. Cuando se casaron, tuvieron 1. Rodéate de personas que vean tu valor y te lo recuerden a cuatro hijos birraciales. Mi padrastro era alcohólico y abusó de mi menudo. También es importante que las personas que te romadre y de mí. Cuando me enviaron a la escuela en los Estados dean sumen valor a tu vida. Unidos, me llevaban a una pequeña aula para que aprendiera inglés en soledad, y todos los días tenía que correr a casa porque 2. Ten presente que no eres lo que te ha sucedido. Aquello fue grupos de chicos me hacía bullying. Todo eso era agotador, y me una experiencia, no un indicador de tu valor. Tu valor es parte hizo creer que había algo mal en mí. de lo que te constituye. Con el tiempo aprendí que no había nada mal; solo era 3. Escribe una lista con todas las cosas que crees que te hacen víctima de mis circunstancias. No tenía control sobre aquello, valioso. (Por ejemplo: Me preocupo por las necesidades de los pero sí tenía control sobre mi perspectiva. Míralo de esta demás. Por lo tanto, soy una persona empática, y una persona manera: Si alguien rompe por la mitad un billete de $100, empática es una persona valiosa). ¿cambia su valor? La respuesta es no. Claro, tendrás que re4. Ahora toma la lista y usa palabras de carácter para hacer una construirlo, pero el valor será el mismo. Lo que le ha sucedido afirmación (soy una persona empática). Di esas afirmaciones al billete no tiene el poder de disminuir su valor. Del mismo sobre ti. Las palabras que pronuncies se convertirán en tu modo, lo que te sucede a ti no realidad. tiene el poder de disminuir tu Tú vales. Y nada de valor como persona. LamenAl mira atrás en mi vida, ahora entiendo que nunca debí lo que te haya sucedido tablemente, cuando experimenencajar; yo estaba hecha para destacar. Y tú también. Hay algo o vaya a sucederte tas algo negativo y doloroso, único en ti, y es valioso. Tú vales. tu perspectiva de la situación Creo en ti y, sin conocerte, sé que vales mucho y que mereces puede cambiar eso. puede impedirte que lo veas. lo mejor que la vida tiene para ofrecer.

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INSPIRATION IN OUR COMMUNITY

The Secrets behind the Scars Masking the Psychological Pain of Prolonged Trauma By Natalia Nottingham

Trigger warning: self-harm and mentions of abuse

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could see my legs stretched out on the locker room floor in front of me, could vaguely sense my arms hugging my chest, but my chest was nothing more than a hollow, deserted container. My body, shutting down from suffocating fear, had become a detached and separate entity: an armor enclosing the emptiness but nothing more. When combined with my inability to distinguish past from present and physical sensations that felt excruciatingly real but were fabrications of my psyche, it was enough to make me question my sanity and grasp on reality.

Natalia embraces teammates Sammie and Maci after the recognition of seniors at the Ivy League Classic, Cornell University, February 2020.

Natalia Akemi Nottingham

Natalia doing a side aerial on the beam, November 2015.

Age: 22 Born in: Philadelphia, PA Lives in: Philadelphia, PA; attends college in Ithaca, NY Heritage: Mixed heritage, including Japanese and European ethnicities Education: Cornell University, Class of 2021; Julia R. Masterman High School, Class of 2016 Awards and Achievements: USA Gymnastics AllAmerica Scholar Athlete, 2017 and 2018; Eastern College Athletic Conference All-Academic Athlete, 2017 and 2018 Extracurricular Activities: Team member and volunteer student assistant coach, Cornell University gymnastics team; volunteer and counselor, Camp Kesem, a student-led national non-profit dedicated to supporting children impacted by a parent’s cancer Future Goal: Pursue a PhD with a research focus in quantum computing systems and algorithms Inspirations: Each person who has provided love and support during my toughest moments. Favorite Quote or Words of Wisdom: “It’s not about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, how much you can take and keep moving forward.” -Rocky Balboa // “Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are. Choosing authenticity means cultivating the courage to be imperfect.” -Brené Brown How to Connect: @natalianottingham on Instagram; find original full article on athletehumanity.org (https://athletehumanity.org/Athlete_Humanity_The_Secrets_ Behind_The_Scars_Natalia_Nottingham.html)

Paradoxically, in these of relieving mental and moments of absolute terror, emotional pain. I never I believed the abuse when triggered to relive expected to reach that was my fault: that past traumatic experiences, level, that is, until selfif I were perfect my only effective coping harm became my only way enough, worked hard mechanism was more pain. of coping with prolonged enough, then maybe I never used to untrauma. I wouldn’t be abused. derstand why someone It took me a long time would intentionally harm to realize I’d been traumathemselves. Every natural tized, and longer to trust instinct in our body is inclined toward that what I’d endured was bad enough to protection. It takes extreme suffering to warrant my psychological response. Beself-inflict physical wounds as a means cause my more recent trauma did not fit

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Photography by Jeremy Entner and courtesy of Natalia Nottingham

a stereotypical cause of a traumaThus, as the flashbacks and related disorder—I hadn’t been dissociation became debilitating, raped, hadn’t been to war, hadn’t escalating to where I was non-funcbeen in a school shooting—I tional for days and weeks at a time, believed it wasn’t valid. FurtherI became increasingly reliant on more, I brushed off the abuse, self-harm. I eventually found myself which I’d sustained throughout sitting on the floor one night, tears ten years of early childhood, as streaming down my face, pulling “nothing.” Part of me did think it away from my roommate’s grasp as to be nothing; I’d been made to she held tightly onto my hands to believe that my difficulty in withprevent me from hurting myself. As standing the abuse was an indicaI sat there shaking and hypervention of what was fundamentally tilating, I felt helpless and terriflawed in me. Knowing little else fied that she was keeping me from within that context, I embraced what had become my main comfort. it as a weakness in my character, It’s not that the physical pain was not my abuser’s. Wanting so badly enjoyable; the emotional pain was to believe that the trauma had unbearable, and the worst physical not happened, I told myself that pain I’d intentionally put myself its impact was negligible, avoidthrough was still far less than the able, and inconsequential. Wow, pain I was experiencing emotionNatalia on the floor exercise, was I wrong. ally. Simply deciding to stop cutcompeting at a home meet vs. During my first several months ting—without having an alternative University of Pennsylvania, of therapy, my therapist continueffective coping strategy—was February 2018. ally pointed out my psychological absolutely terrifying, because it responses matched what was charmeant removing that safety net for acteristic of traumatized individuwhen the dissociation, flashbacks, self to a deep distress that stole my desire als: frantic attempts to avoid repanic, self-blame, hopelessness, and minders of the trauma; tension and nerves to live. Everything that usually made me fear became unmanageable. feel alive suddenly felt perilous. Sensing to the point of panic attacks; flashbacks This is what many fail to comprethat were indistinguishable from the pres- my body switch off in response to intense hend: self-harm, in itself, is not the terror, I finally understood the phrase ent moment; dissociation, causing me to issue. The same would be true had “paralyzed by fear.” Trying to move my be so separated from my mind and body the story been about substance abuse, limbs was as futile as aiming to lift an inthat I could barely move or speak; emoalcoholism, or disordered eating. While animate object by staring at it from across it’s essential to spread awareness about tional numbness and disconnection from my thoughts; and hopelessness from being the room, and trying to speak resulted the negative impacts of these behavin muttering a few incoherent words shattered apart and unable to trust that I iors, doing so without discussing what before staring lifelessly into the distance, could piece myself back together. leads to such behaviors in the first disconnecting from any lingering tangible And those were just the obvious ones. place only increases isolation and guilt aspects of myself as the world turned As I continued therapy, I began to recogamong those struggling, and fosters foggy, dreamlike, unreal, and unreachnize that my core personality traits—perjudgement from those who are not. Yes, able. I could hear a voice in fectionism, intense work ethic, self-destructive and addictive behaviors the back of my head telling self-criticism—had developed are a problem. But it’s not the problem. Stigma can me to do something, but the as a means of protecting myIt’s a means of coping when the actual only exist when thoughts were not mine, and self as a child. I believed the underlying issue is too much to bear; understanding their translation into actions abuse was my fault: that if I it’s a desperate attempt to escape, or was altogether gone. were perfect enough, worked at least partially alleviate, a pain that is absent. My whole life I’d lived by hard enough, then maybe I has become intolerable. Removing the “mind over matter.” I told wouldn’t be abused. mechanism that dulls the pain does not myself that if I maintained the right The self-harm, too, was a manifesremove the pain itself. mindset and positive thoughts, I could tation of trauma. When triggered by I’m not saying we shouldn’t pull out of the suffocating traumatic memories—which haven’t been stop. It’s our responsibility to state that was taking control properly processed—your brain fails to do what we can to heal, and Be a hand to distinguish those memories from the pres- of me. But science was self-harm hinders the abilhold, a shoulder ity to heal fully. But there’s against me on this one: when ent. Assuming that you are in immediate to lean on, or a your body’s danger response danger, it sends your nervous system into no quick fix. After years of body to hug. is activated, your logical fight-or-flight mode, eventually shutting prolonged trauma, you start thinking brain is temporardown your body to prepare for the worst. to believe that’s how it’s ily disabled. You can’t think Cutting released energy in a way that supposed to be. The trauma yourself out of a flashback in the same tricked my body into believing that I had becomes your “normal,” and never havmanner that you can’t think yourself fled or fought the danger and signaled to ing known life without it, you believe into correctly processing memories; the my nervous system that I was safe. your destiny or purpose is to suffer. The conscious mind lacks direct connection to Allowing myself, instead, to reach the your nervous system and memory storage. point of shut-down meant subjecting my~ Continued on page 23

Los secretos detrás de las cicatrices Advertencia: mención de autolesiones y abuso

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odía verme las piernas y los pies, podía sentir vagamente los brazos a los costados del pecho, pero mi pecho no era más que un contenedor vacío. Mi cuerpo se había vuelto una entidad aparte, un disfraz, una armadura que encerraba una vacuidad; en cualquier caso, no era parte de mí. Por fin comprendí la frase "paralizada por el miedo". Paradójicamente, en esos momentos de terror absoluto, cuando se me activaba el recuerdo de una experiencia traumática, mi único mecanismo para enfrentarlo era más dolor.

de mis padres no contaba, y que admitirlo Nunca había entendido por qué alguien me pondría en una posición dramática y se lastimaría intencionalmente. Cada uno de ingratitud respecto de todo lo bueno de de nuestros instintos busca protegernos mi vida. Sobre todas las cosas, aceptar que y evitar daños. Hace falta un inmenso nivel de sufrimiento para había sufrido un trauma significaba aceptar que el autoinfligirse heridas Cuando se activa la trauma había sucedido, físicas como medio para respuesta del cuerpo y yo quería olvidarlo por aliviar el dolor psíquico y al peligro, la parte completo. Entonces me dije emocional, y nunca pensé que el impacto de aquello que yo sería esa persona... del pensamiento era intrascendente. Cómo Hasta que lo fui. Para mí, lógico del cerebro cortarme era una forma queda temporalmente me equivocaba... Durante los primeros mede sobrellevar los efectos desactivada. ses de terapia, mi terapeuta psicológicos de un trauma señalaba continuamente reciente, efectos que primcómo mis respuestas psicológicas coincidían ero negué, relativicé y minimicé. Me llevó mucho tiempo darme cuenta con las de quienes habían sufrido un trauma: evitaba lo que me recordara el trauma de que había sufrido un trauma, y aún y me sentía ansiosa cuando no podía, al más tiempo ver que aquello que había punto de padecer ataques de pánico; experipasado en verdad era tan malo como para mentaba flashbacks tan reales que los conexplicar mi respuesta psicológica. Como mis autolesiones no se habían originado en fundía con el presente; se me disociaba la mente del cuerpo y ni siquiera podía hablar; un trauma estereotípico —no me habían me sentía emocionalmente anestesiada, violado, no había estado en la guerra ni desconectada de mis pensamientos; tenía en un tiroteo escolar—, creía que no eran la identidad alterada y compartimentada; válidas. Cuando mi terapeuta descubrió y más que nada, me sentía desesperanzada que, además de mi trauma más reciente, por estar hecha añicos. Y esos eran solo los había sido abusada durante diez años síntomas evidentes. durante la infancia, también lo descarté También las autolesiones, o al menos lo como "nada". Me hicieron creer que había que me provocaba las autolesiones, eran una falla fundamental, una debilidad en una manifestación del trauma. Cuando se mi carácter, no en el de mi abusador. Yo disparan recuerdos traumáticos que no se suponía que, como el abuso no provenía

Natalia competing (left) and with teammate Maci (right), at the USA Gymnastics Women's National Championships, Texas Women's University, Denton, Texas, April 2018.

Photography by Elizabeth Grimsley/College Gym News and courtesy of Natalia Nottingham

INSPIRACIÓN EN NUESTRA COMUNIDAD

han guardado ni procesado bien, sobrevienen en el primer plano de la mente y el cerebro no puede distinguirlos del presente. Supone que estás en peligro y pone al sistema nervioso en modo de lucha o huida, y puede llegar a desactivar el cuerpo preparándose para lo peor. Luego, al cortarse la liberación de energía, el cuerpo se engaña haciéndote creer que ha luchado o huido, y el sistema nervioso entiende que ya estás a salvo. Permitir que mi cuerpo alcanzara ese punto de desactivarse significaba someterme a una profunda angustia que terminó por sacarme el deseo de vivir. Sentía sofocantemente que todo era inseguro. Me desactivaba. Intentar mover las extremidades era tan inútil como tratar de levantar un objeto mirándolo fijo. Escuchaba una voz en el fondo de mi cabeza que me decía que me moviera, que hiciera cualquier cosa. Pero los pensamientos no eran míos y el cuerpo no respondía. Cuando esto se combinó con la incapacidad de diferenciar el pasado del presente, con sensaciones físicas tremendamente reales que eran pura creación de mi psiquis, fue suficiente para hacerme dudar de mi salud mental. Toda la vida había vivido según el concepto de "mente sobre materia". Me dije que si mantenía la mentalidad correcta y pensamientos positivos podría salir de aquel estado. Desafortunadamente, la ciencia me contradecía: cuando se activa la respuesta del cuerpo al peligro, la parte del pensamiento lógico del cerebro queda temporalmente desactivada. No puedes ubicarte fuera de un flashback, como no puedes procesar correctamente los recuerdos; la consciencia no tiene conexión

directa ni control sobre el sistema nervioso demás. Sí, las conductas autodestructivas y ni la memoria. adictivas son un problema, pero no son el Por eso, a medida que los flashbacks problema. Son un medio de sobrellevar una y los episodios disociativos comenzaron a situación cuando el problema real subyadebilitarme, y se intensicente es demasiado grande ficaron al punto de que Una noche me encontré para soportarlo; un intento quedaba no funcional dudesesperado por escapar, llorando en el suelo, rante días y semanas, me o al menos aliviar parcialintentando soltarme apoyé cada vez más en las mente, un dolor que se ha de mi compañera autolesiones. Una noche vuelto intolerable. Eliminar me encontré llorando en el el mecanismo que atenúa el de cuarto, que se suelo, intentando soltarme aferraba a mis manos dolor no elimina el dolor. de mi compañera de No es una solución para evitar que me cuarto, que se aferraba a rápida, y la recuperación es lastimara. mis manos para evitar que mucho más compleja de lo me lastimara. Yo temblaba, que parece. Después de años hiperventilaba, mientras los miembros de trauma prolongado o repetitivo, comiense me adormecían por falta de oxígeno. zas a creer que así es como deben ser las Sentí impotencia y terror de que ella me cosas. La mera idea de felicidad y seguridad estuviera apartando de lo que se había de pronto se siente lejana, y emprender ese convertido en mi principal consuelo en esas viaje para deshacer el trauma de una vida situaciones. No es que el dolor físico fuera entera puede parecer casi imposible. Una agradable; sino que el dolor emocional era vez comenzado, el camino está lleno de insoportable. Decidir sin más que intenrecaídas, problemas y contramarchas; cada taría dejar de cortarme, comprometerme paso adelante se entierra debajo de muchos con ese objetivo sin tener otra estrategia pasos atrás. Así y todo, hay pasos adelante. efectiva para enfrentar lo que me pasaba, Y no importa cuánto tiempo lleve, eso no fue absolutamente aterrador, porque convierte a nadie en un fracaso. implicaba quitar esa red de contención A quienes están pasando por un mopara cuando la disociación, los flashbacks, mento difícil: busquen ayuda. A quienes el pánico, la culpa, la desesperanza y el están apoyando a alguien que atraviesa un miedo se volvían inmanejables. momento difícil: escuchen para entender Esto es lo que a muchos les cuesta comy empatizar. Y a todos, quienes apoyan prender: que las autolesiones en sí no son y quienes reciben apoyo: cuestiónense la el problema. Si bien es esencial concientizar imagen que les viene a la mente cuando sobre la negatividad de estas conductas, escuchan las palabras "enfermo mental". hacerlo sin discutir lo que las provoca solo Consideren que de hecho es posible ser aumenta el aislamiento y la culpa entre vulnerable y al mismo tiempo valiente, quienes luchan contra este padecimiento endeble y determinado, frágil y resistente, y fomenta la mirada juzgadora de los estar quebrado, pero ser incansable.

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Cornell Women’s Gymnastics team huddle just prior to starting competition at the USA Gymnastics Women’s Collegiate National Championships, Texas Woman’s University, Denton, Texas, April 2018.

::v LA VIDA

Fashion! By Madeleine Janz

Colors: • Classic blue • Animal prints • Khaki • Deep yellow

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Tops: Classic tops like button-downs and t-shirts are a great way to begin an outfit this season. These basics are getting shaken up by the introduction of crochet this spring. What magazines and brands are calling “notyour-grandmother’s crochet” comes in fun colors and calls back to the 1970s. Crochet tops aren’t very practical but they are very on trend. On the colder spring days, turn to knit sweaters left over from your winter wardrobe. Crop tops haven’t completely left the fashion sphere, but definitely take this season to introduce more longerline blouses to your closet.

Bottoms: Suits remain very strong this season in loose and comfortable cuts. Basically all pants this season will be high-waisted, but a good pair of low-rise Levi’s can be worn well with a 1990s-inspired top. To follow this vintage

trend, mini skirts are coming back with a vengeance. Pair with sheer black tights on the colder days and go bare-legged when the flowers start to bloom. Don’t be afraid to wear bold colors on the bottom of your skirts or pants as this season—and all of 2020—is about infusing your personality into your dress. Accessories: Mini bags and sunglasses have had a short time in the sun and are now out of style. Bags can still be small but they must be practical, able to carry more than just keys and a lipstick. Backpacks are also very trendy and suitable for all activities including work, school, and fun. Try shopping vintage for your accessories as lots of leather bags land in thrift and vintage stores for a fraction of the cost. If you plan to buy new, try to invest in vegan leather. Lots of brands now partner with local artisans and makers, so seek out handmade options for earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Classics like pearl earrings and necklaces are also really fun options to find at vintage and thrift stores. Shoes: Loafers are the most popular shoes this spring and come in many comfortable shapes and sizes. Pleather loafers work best in bad weather, while velvet-covered loafers work best in good weather. For a night out, try kitten heels or short heeled booties for both comfort and style. On rainy days, don short rain boots and leave the knee-high ones in the closet. Sneakers, of course, are always on trend, and sustainable options are available at brands like Allbirds. Save money by investing in a pair of sneakers you can wear both for exercise and out during the day.

Illustrations by Ahmrii Johnson, sophomore, The New School’s Parsons School of Design, New York

his spring, many look to the future with hope for new beginnings. With large political shifts on the horizon like the next Presidential election, fashion acts as a solace, creating a space for people to express themselves. More and more brands are investing in sustainability initiatives and ethical production policies. Keeping all of these social shifts in mind, fashion’s aesthetics this spring will also reflect our need for hope and tranquility. Pantone’s color of the year is “classic blue,” a calming and simple blue that works well for dresses, tops, and outerwear. Suiting and high-waisted bottoms remain trendy, while minidresses and cropped blazers make a new appearance. Look to Aidy Bryant, Timothée Chalamet, and Yara Shahidi for style inspiration.

¡Moda!

Colores: • Azul clásico • Animal print • Caqui • Amarillo profundo Arriba: Los prendas clásicas, como las camisas y las camisetas son una excelente punto de partida para tus atuendos de esta temporada. El crochet, que aparece esta primavera, levantará estas prendas básicas. Lo que las revistas y las marcas llaman "no-el-crochet-detu-abuela" viene en divertidos colores y nos lleva a la década de 1970. Las prendas de crochet para el torso no son muy prácticas, pero están muy de moda. En los días más fríos de la primavera, elige suéteres tejidos que te hayan quedado del invierno. Los tops no han abandonado por completo la esfera de la moda, pero no dudes en hacer lugar en tu armario a más blusas largas. Abajo: Los trajes, en cortes sueltos y cómodos, siguen con fuerza esta temporada. Básicamente, todos los pantalones serán de tiro alto, pero un buen par de Levi's tiro bajo va perfecto con una prenda superior inspirada en los noventa. Siguiendo esta tendencia vintage, las minifaldas vuelven para vengarse. Combínalas con medias negras los días más fríos, o sin medias cuando las flores comiencen a abrirse. No temas usar colores fuertes en las prendas inferiores esta temporada —y en todo 2020—. La cosa es llenar tu look de personalidad. Accesorios: Los bolsos pequeños y las gafas oscuras ya han dado un breve paseo al sol y deben regresar al clóset. Todavía puedes usar bolsos pequeños, pero deben ser prácticos, para cargar más que tan solo las llaves y un labial. Las mochilas también están de moda y son prácticas para todas las actividades, incluidos el trabajo, la escuela y las salidas. Intenta comprar accesorios vin-

tage, ya que muchos bolsos de cuero terminan en ferias y tiendas de segunda mano por una fracción de su costo. Si buscas un bolso nuevo, intenta invertir en cuero vegano. Ahora muchas marcas se asocian con artesanos y fabricantes locales, así que busca aretes, collares y pulseras hechos a mano. Los clásicos, como los aretes y collares de perlas, también son opciones geniales que puedes encontrar en tiendas vintage y de segunda mano. Calzado: Los mocasines son los zapatos más populares de esta primavera y vienen de muchas formas y tamaños cómodos. Los mocasines de cuero sintético van mejor para el mal tiempo, mientras que puedes reservar los de terciopelo para los días de sol. Para salir de noche, prueba con unos kitten heels o unos botines de taco corto para tener tanto comodidad como estilo. Cuando llegue el agua, guarda los tacones en el armario y luce unas botitas de lluvia. Por supuesto, las zapatillas siempre están de moda, y todas las marcas tienen opciones sustentables, como Allbirds. Ahorra dinero invirtiendo en un par de zapatillas que puedas usar tanto para hacer ejercicio como para andar por ahí durante el día.

About the Author Madeleine Janz, AKA Madeleine Campbell, is a sophomore at The New School in Manhattan, where she studies journalism and design with a concentration in fashion communications. She has written for Motivos since her sophomore year at McCaskey High School in Lancaster, PA. Her ultimate goal is to become a fashion journalist. You can follow her on Instagram at @madilonglegs24 or at madilonglegs.com.

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sta primavera, muchos miran hacia el futuro esperanzados con los nuevos comienzos. Con grandes cambios políticos en el horizonte, como las próximas elecciones presidenciales, la moda es un refugio, un espacio para que cada uno se exprese. Cada vez más marcas están invirtiendo en iniciativas sustentables y políticas de producción éticas. Con todos estos cambios sociales presentes, la estética de esta primavera también reflejará nuestra necesidad de esperanza y tranquilidad. El color del año de Pantone es el "azul clásico", un azul simple y relajante que va muy bien en vestidos, tops y abrigos. Los pantalones de vestir y de tiro alto siguen de moda, mientras hacen su regreso triunfal los minivestidos y los blazers cortos. Busca inspiración en Aidy Bryant, Timothée Chalamet y Yara Shahidi.

::v LA VIDA

Relationships Response provided by Jessy Sandoval-Barrett, M.D.

QUESTION: My girlfriend and I dated through high school. We applied, got accepted to, and decided to attend the same college, but after the first couple weeks, she broke up with me. Seeing her around campus has been painful. How can I get over her when I see her everyday?

PREGUNTA: Mi novia y yo salimos desde la secundaria. Solicitamos admisión a la misma universidad, nos aceptaron y decidimos cursar allí, pero después de un par de semanas, ella rompió conmigo. Verla por el campus me resulta doloroso. ¿Cómo puedo superarla si la veo todos los días?

Involving yourself RESPONSE: with what your new Change is never easy. surroundings have to We can plan, prepare, and imagine it, but we can offer will assist with the never be sure what it will transition. bring. Graduating and moving on to higher education or full-time work is exciting. We envision what new opportunities these changes will bring and typically are both excited and nervous about them. Who we bring along with us for this new adventure is usually our support system: our family and friends. We experience the world in a fuller way when we can share our experiences with others and thrive on feedback, guidance, and affirmation from those who support us. When you started college, one of these support people was your girlfriend. Although we don’t know why she broke off your relationship, we can consider that you were both entering into a period of change: different environment, people, schedules, and opportunities. Your girlfriend made a decision to experience these changes without you. But you are also experiencing these changes and have in front of you all these new opportunities! Allow yourself to be aware of what you have. Take the time to appreciate your situation (college), your new classmates (likely from many areas beyond your own), and the many new opportunities (academic, social, sports, clubs) that you now have. Involving yourself with what your new surroundings have to offer will assist with the transition. Jump into a club or a sport! Hang out with your roommate and take time to find out more about your classmates. Rely more heavily on friends and family in your support system when times are tough. Although change can be hard, this is a chance to grow!

RESPUESTA: Los cambios nunca son fáciles. Podemos planificarlos, prepararlos e imaginarlos, pero nunca podremos asegurarnos de nada. Graduarse y entrar a la universidad o a un trabajo a tiempo completo es emocionante. Visualizamos las nuevas oportunidades que traerán estos cambios y, por lo general, estamos tan entusiasmados como nerviosos. Aquellos a quienes traemos con nosotros en esta nueva aventura suelen ser nuestro sistema de apoyo: nuestros amigos y familia. Experimentamos el mundo de forma más plena cuando podemos compartir nuestras experiencias con los demás y avanzar gracias a los comentarios, la orientación y la confirmación de quienes nos apoyan. Cuando comenzaste la univerInvolúcrate con tu sidad, uno de estos apoyos era nuevo entorno para tu novia. Aunque no sabemos por facilitarte la transición. qué rompieron, podemos considerar que ambos estaban entrando en un período de cambio: diferentes entornos, personas, horarios y oportunidades. Tu novia tomó la decisión de experimentar estos cambios sin ti. ¡Pero tú también estás experimentando estos cambios y tienes todas estas nuevas oportunidades delante! Permítete ser consciente de lo que tienes. Tómate el tiempo para apreciar tu situación (universidad), tus nuevos compañeros (probablemente de muchas áreas más allá de la suya) y las múltiples oportunidades nuevas (académicas, sociales, deportivas) que tienes ahora. Involúcrate con tu nuevo entorno para facilitarte la transición. Ingresa a algún club o deporte, sal con tus compañeros y tómate el tiempo para conocer más sobre ellos. No olvides que tu familia y tus amigos seguirán allí para apoyarte en estos emocionantes tiempos. Los cambios pueden ser difíciles, pero recuerda, ¡este es tu momento para crecer!

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About the Author

Jessy Sandoval-Barrett, M.D., is a child and adolescent psychiatrist who received her medical training at the University of Pennsylvania and Johns Hopkins University. She currently serves as the Medical Director of the Child and Adolescent Program at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, PA.

x :: After years of effort, v :: more states allow CAREER

EXPLORATION

LA VIDA

undocumented people to drive By Oscar Barbosa, Esq.

efore 2005, the United States was the world’s largest producer of cars. Since then we have been second to China, producing a little over 10 million vehicles a year according to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers. As a country proud of its vehicles, driving traditions, and the open road, we usually take getting a driver’s license for granted. But there are now 11 million undocumented people in the US who are unable to obtain that freedom. Under the 10th amendment, states regulate how driver’s licenses are issued, rather than the federal government in Washington DC. Thanks to the continued support and lobbying of pro-immigrant groups, there are now 14 states which provide individuals without legal immigration status the ability to obtain a license, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, New Mexico, New York, New Jersey, Nevada, Utah, Vermont, and Washington. Penn-

sylvania does not yet allow undocumented residents to obtain driver’s licenses. But, a bill was just signed for them to be able to do so soon in neighboring New Jersey, where it took over 10 years for organizers to pressure, demonstrate, and convince its representatives of the need. Some of the advantages of making licenses available to all are fewer hit-and-runs, more trust with local law enforcement, more insured drivers, and increased state revenue. However, federal authorities do not accept these licenses, people cannot board planes with them, and some worry it will increase voter fraud. Currently the Department of Homeland Security is reviewing the impact that driver’s licenses may or may not have on the enforcement of immigration laws. The continuance of these privileges and protections will only be decided by voters, as well as organizers that persist in protecting what has been achieved thus far.

Tras años de lucha, más estados permiten que personas indocumentadas conduzcan cal, más conductores asegurados y mayores ingresos públicos. Sin embargo, las autoridades federales no aceptan estas licencias, no se pueden usar para abordar aviones, y algunos temen que con ellas aumente el fraude electoral. En estos momentos, el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional está analizando el impacto que las licencias de conducir puedan tener en la aplicación de las leyes de inmigración. La continuidad de estos privilegios y protecciones solo será decidida por los votantes y por los impulsores del proyecto que persistan en proteger lo conseguido hasta ahora.

Sobre del Autor Oscar J. Barbosa es abogado de Inmigración en Lancaster, Pensilvania, con oficinas en Nueva Jersey, Filadelfia y Virginia. Lo pueden contactar a través de info@diasporalaw.com o en www.diasporalaw.com.

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ntes de 2005, Estados Unidos era el mayor fabricante mundial de autos. Desde entonces somos los segundos, detrás de China, produciendo algo más de 10 millones de vehículos al año, según la Organización Internacional de Constructores de Automóviles. Al vivir en un país orgulloso de sus vehículos, sus tradiciones de manejo y carreteras abiertas, solemos dar por sentado que nos darán la licencia de conducir. Pero en este momento hay 11 millones de personas indocumentadas en los Estados Unidos que no pueden acceder a esa libertad. Según la décima enmienda, los estados regulan la emisión de licencias de conducir, no el gobierno federal. Gracias al apoyo continuo y al lobby de grupos a favor de los inmigrantes, hoy 14 estados brindan a las personas sin estatus de inmigrante legal la capacidad de obtener una licencia: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawái, Illinois, Maryland, Nuevo México, Nueva York, Nueva Jersey, Nevada, Utah, Vermont y Washington. Pensilvania aún no permite que los residentes indocumentados accedan a una licencia de conducir. Pero se acaba de firmar un proyecto de ley para que puedan hacerlo pronto en la vecina Nueva Jersey, donde a los impulsores del proyecto les llevó más de diez años convencer a sus representantes. Entre las ventajas de dar licencias a todos están una menor cantidad de fugas tras choques, más confianza en la policía lo-

::p

SIONS

COLLEGE

REP

DON’T LOSE FAITH By Eric Gerena

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t took me five long years to get my bachelor’s degree. I spent the first three years making poor LA VIDA scheduling choices, which made some semesters easy and others impossible, and dropping courses that I was at risk of failing. By the end of my junior year, when I checked my graduation requirements, I realized I was 42 credits behind. That feeling of defeat left a bad taste in my mouth. I knew I had messed up, but I didn’t lose faith. I pushed myself in the final year to take two grueling 21-credit semesters to avoid extending my time in college any longer—I was determined to graduate. I knew I had Now I have my B.S. in messed up, but I electrical engineering and will didn’t lose faith. be starting a new job soon for the State of Delaware’s utility company. It’s important to avoid comparing your path to success to anyone else’s, because you’ll never be satisfied with your accomplishments and never get over your failures. Failing does not make you a failure. If you learn from your mistakes and remain resilient, you are guaranteed to move forward with your education and persevere in whatever you set your mind to.

e llevó cinco largos años obtener mi bachelor's degree. Pasé los primeros tres años tomando malas decisiones de agenda, por lo que algunos semestres se me hicieron fáciles y otros imposibles, y abandonaba los cursos que corría el riesgo de reprobar. Al final de tercer año, cuando me puse a revisar lo que me faltaba para graduarme, me di cuenta de que estaba 42 créditos abajo. Ese sentimiento de derrota me dejó un mal sabor de boca. Sabía que había complicado las cosas, pero no perdí la fe. En el último año me esforcé por cursar dos extenuantes semestres de 21 créditos cada uno, y así evitar que mi tiempo en la universidad se extendiera aún más. Estaba decidido a graduarme. Ahora tengo mi B.S. en Ingeniería Eléctrica, y pronto comenzaré a trabajar para la compañía de servicios públicos del estado de Delaware. Es importante no comparar tu camino al éxito con el de otra persona, porque nunca estarás satisfecho con tus logros ni superarás tus fracasos. Fallar no significa que tú seas un fracaso. Si aprendes de tus errores y eres resiliente, está garantizado que avanzarás en tus estudios y perseverarás en lo que te propongas.

About the Author Eric Gerena is a recent graduate of Pennsylvania State University, where he majored in electrical engineering.

ON ILLNESS AND RESILIENCE By James Zhang

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here’s never a good time to be sick— especially in college. In my freshman year, to the dismay of all my classmates and professors, I coughed my way through a week of classes, stayed up late to trudge through schoolwork, exacerbated my symptoms, and infected my roommate. Eventually, my uvula (the flesh that hangs from your throat’s ceiling) was so irritated that it drooped onto my tongue. I realized that I developed a toxic mindset in high school. When a fever came on in my junior year, I knew I could not repeat my earlier mistake. I tucked myself under the covers for two days. My homework and deadlines left me in the dust, but I knew I had to see the forest for the trees. Fighting through tough times my freshman year didn’t reflect strength, but stubbornness. Not taking care of myself made things worse. To me, resilience is not the ability to brave through a storm, but to know when to batten down the hatches.

unca es buen momento para enfermarse, en especial en la universidad. En mi primer año, para consternación de mis compañeros y profesores, durante toda una semana tosí en las clases, y como me quedaba despierto hasta tarde para avanzar con las tareas, mis síntomas se exacerbaron y terminé por contagiar a mi compañero de cuarto. Se me irritó tanto la úvula (la campanilla que pende del paladar) que al final me llegó hasta la lengua. Me di cuenta de que en la secundaria había desarrollado una mentalidad tóxica. Cuando en tercer año tuve fiebre supe que no debía repetir el error. No salí de la cama por dos días. Las tareas y las fechas de entrega me hicieron polvo, pero yo sabía que debía concentrarme en el bosque y no en los árboles. Haber luchado contra los síntomas en primer año no había sido un signo de fuerza, sino de terquedad. Al no cuidarme, las cosas empeoraron. Para mí, la resiliencia no es la capacidad de navegar enfrentando la tormenta, sino la de saber cuándo cerrar las escotillas.

About the Author James Zhang is a junior at Cornell University, where he studies environmental science and sustainability, as well as urban and regional studies. From Queens, NY, James now lives in Watermargin, a community-oriented household on Cornell’s campus where chores and responsibilities are distributed amongst housemates.

mere idea of happiness and safety feels distant, unfamiliar, and unattainable, and setting out to undo a lifetime of trauma seems nearly impossible. Once begun, the journey is full of relapses, setbacks and breakdowns, with each step forward buried beneath several steps backwards. The steps forward do happen, though, and no matter how long that takes, it doesn’t make someone a failure; it means they have survived a hell of a lot and are incredibly strong for finding the willpower to push through. Trauma exists on a spectrum that, in many ways, affects every single one of us. We all must process difficult life events and how we do that shapes our perspectives and influences our interactions with the world around us. Maybe those life events didn’t result in a diagnosed mental health condition or self-destructive behavior. But perhaps they lowered our self-esteem, shifted our previously optimistic outlook towards one of caution and doubt, caused us to seek continual reassurance and validation, or created the need to be perpetually busy to suppress otherwise inevitable emotions. Instead of being so quick to judge ourselves and others for these responses, we should recognize that they developed as coping mechanisms and subconscious attempts to navigate the obstacles we were facing. Instead of shaming ourselves for doing our best to survive, we need to start giving ourselves credit for all that we have survived. There exists a vicious cycle of secrecy and shame, in which those of us who are self-harming fear judgment from those who are not, causing us to sidestep the one thing—talking about it—that would help most in decreasing their judgment and thus our need to hide. I won’t deny that stigma is there. But stigma can only exist when understanding is absent. Opening up is uncomfortable, but leaning into that discomfort will allow it to slowly dissipate. To those going through a tough time: reach out. As scary as it may be, you’d be surprised by the amount of love you will receive. You are not a burden, you are not selfish for asking for help, and you do deserve to be happy. Arriving at that place of happiness may be the hardest task you undertake, but it will be the most rewarding investment you can make for yourself. And you are worth that investment. To those supporting someone through a tough time: listen to understand, empathize, seek a new perspective, and forge connection. Even if there are no words to mend the situation, be a hand to hold, a shoulder to lean on, or a body to hug. And for both groups: challenge the image that comes to mind when hearing the words “mentally ill.” It’s those you’d least expect who may be carrying the heaviest burdens and fighting the darkest battles. Recognize that it is indeed possible to be vulnerable yet still courageous, delicate yet determined, fragile yet resilient, and broken yet relentless.

TRUST THE PROCESS By Milarys Denis

ver the course of my life, my parents have always encouraged me to trust the Everyone had process. As a first-generation college prepared me for student, I felt the pressure to carry my family success; however, forward, and when I graduated, I thought no one had all my struggles would end. But then I lost prepared me for my first job. Everyone had prepared me for success; however, no one had prepared me for failure. failure. I felt vulnerable and defeated, but decided to not let the circumstances overcome me and instead to overcome the circumstances themselves. During this time, I learned these important things about resilience: 1.) Trust my own abilities 2.) Control my emotions 3.) Try to understand that things happen and are temporary 4.) Reward the small wins 5.) Never stop growing I start a new job on Monday as a bilingual instructor with an education company. Resilience taught me many lessons, but the most important lesson is this: life has phases where things do not go as expected, but if you trust the process, the outcome can be one you both want and need.

lo largo de mi vida, mis padres siempre me han alentado a confiar en el proceso. Como primera generación universitaria, sentí la presión de hacer avanzar a mi familia, y cuando me gradué, pensé que era el fin de todas mis luchas. Pero luego perdí mi primer trabajo. Todos me habían preparado para el éxito, pero nadie me había preparado para el fracaso. Me sentí vulnerable y derrotado, pero decidí no dejar que las circunstancias fueran más fuertes que yo, sino ser yo más fuerte que ellas. Durante este tiempo aprendí estas cosas importantes sobre la resiliencia: 1.) A confiar en mis capacidades 2.) A controlar mis emociones 3.) A tratar de entender que las cosas suceden y que son temporarias 4.) A recompensar las pequeñas victorias 5.) A nunca dejar de crecer El lunes empiezo un nuevo trabajo como instructor bilingüe en una empresa de educación. La resiliencia me dio muchas lecciones, pero la más importante es esta: la vida tiene etapas en las que las cosas no salen como lo esperas, pero si confías en el proceso, el resultado puede ser el que deseas y necesitas.

About the Author

Milarys Denis is a bilingual instructor for Educational Data Systems, Inc. in Reading, PA, and a recent graduate of Cabrini University.

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thatEXPLORATION has to get done. This will help you make better choices about how you spend your time, which should result in improved outcomes—like better grades. 2) Resources and Support

This is a time for you to practice advocating for yourself, unlike elementary and junior high school where your parents may have done most of the communicating on your behalf. Do not be afraid to You will have to start taking initiative on your own by ask for help if you are making doctor’s appointoverwhelmed or not ments, selecting courses, feeling like yourself. By LuzSelenia Loeb and meeting with your professors. Most schools have an array of departments to help support their students, which can be found on the student portal, school website, or by asking a counselor. In fact, most schools have assigned advisors for each student. Get to know this advisor, as well as “The things taught in schools and others in your support system such as a financial aid counselor colleges are not an education, but and your professors. Schedule an appointment to introduce yourself so that if you should need assistance later on you the means to an education.” have already established a connection. Do not be shy to ask for help, because these people are there to support your learn-Ralph Waldo Emerson, American poet ing and growth. Expand upon this support system by building friendships with other students who have similar interests or activities, like your classmates and roommates, or by joining very student attends school with a particular trajectory groups. You will find that a good deal of help and support will in mind, but it is often the very process of learning and come from your peers because they are having a overcoming challenges that truly define us similar experience to your own. and form our character—in college and beyond. Does it ever I can relate to Emerson’s quote now more than seem like there 3) Emotional Well-Being ever as a mother of three: one who just graduated is not enough college, one who is in college, and another who This is a hot-button issue at some high schools and time in a day? is currently applying to college. As I think back most colleges, because there is a lot of stress and to my own student years, I realize that I still rely heavily on life skills I learned during that time, such as time management and advocating for myself in seeking About the Author resources. Although there are a great many challenges to overcome in both high school and college, I will focus on three in LuzSelenia Loeb attended the Univerthis column that have come up for me time and time again. sity of Pennsylvania. She has helped her children secure full-paid scholarships to 1) Time Management attend some of the tri-state area’s top Does it ever seem like there is not enough time in a day? private high schools and universities, Failing to manage your time impedes your effectiveness and as well as study abroad programs. Her productivity, which is why time management skills are critical passion for assisting others with educato getting the most out of your high school and college years. tional resources started over a decade ago when she formed The best way to get started with a time management plan is to a Parent Teacher Organization for her children’s elementary make a list of your tasks and goals for each day. Access Google school, and she has been working to connect students and calendar online and select today’s date. Enter how you will families with educational resources and opportunities ever spend each hour of the day, including sleeping, homework, or since. LuzSelenia’s latest initiative, Winning Scholarships, sports. Then expand upon that over a week, month, or even connects students with resources for college success and the whole year. Download a productivity tracking app like scholarship obtainment. She can be reached at: Rescuetime, which will sync with Google calendar and help LoebLuz@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/ keep track of how you use your time. Viewing a visual chart of WinningScholarships123 your time will allow you to realize how limited it is compared

for College

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transition going on all at once, especially during exam time. Do not be afraid to ask for help if you are overwhelmed or not feeling like yourself. Transitioning into a new high school or college can be difficult especially if it’s away from everything and everyone you know. If you attend a college far from home, not having the support system you have relied on your entire life within arm’s reach can leave you feeling uneasy. Remember that there are people and strategies to help you improve or maintain your emotional well-being provided by your school through the health, counseling, or academic advising department. If you are unsure of who to speak to or where to go, confide in a staff member or friend who can help you find who to talk to. If you need more in-depth emotional support, know that you are not alone, and it is not the end of the world. So many students have been exactly where you are, including me. In college, it is OK to take a semester or year off from school to deal with personal issues, and then come back and finish. Everyone has their own path and works through things in their own time. Know that you will be okay, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. But make sure you seek help! If you need someone to talk to right this minute, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifelife at (800) 273-8255 (TALK) or Boys Town National Hotline (800) 448-3000. Both hotlines offer support assistance for those in emotional distress. Boys Town National Hotline focuses specifically on at-risk teens.

TIME MANAGEMENT CHART MONDAY 6:00 AM WAKE UP/EAT

TUESDAY WAKE UP/EAT

WEDNESDAY WAKE UP/EAT

THURSDAY WAKE UP/EAT

FRIDAY WAKE UP/EAT

SLEEP

7:00 AM GET TO SCHOOL GET TO SCHOOL GET TO SCHOOL GET TO SCHOOL GET TO SCHOOL 8:00 AM CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS 9:00 AM * * * * * 10:00 AM * * * * * 11:00 AM * * * * * 12:00 PM LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH 1:00 PM CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS 2:00 PM * * * * * 3:00 PM GO HOME GO HOME GO HOME GO HOME GO HOME 4:00 PM HW HW HW HW HW 5:00 PM * * * * * 6:00 PM * * * * * 7:00 PM DINNER DINNER DINNER DINNER DINNER 8:00 PM BREAK BREAK BREAK BREAK FREE TIME 9:00 PM STUDY STUDY STUDY STUDY * 10:00 PM * * * * * 11 PM-5 AM

SLEEP

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Esto te ayudará a tomar mejores decisiones sobre qué hacer con tu tiempo, lo que producirá mejores resultados, y mejores calificaciones.

LA VIDA

dentro

para el college Por LuzSelenia Loeb

"Lo que se enseña en las escuelas y las universidades no es una formación, sino los medios para acceder a una formación." -Ralph Waldo Emerson, poeta estadounidense

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2) Recursos y apoyo Este es un momento para que practiques la defensa de tus intereses, a diferencia de lo que sucedía en la escuela, donde la mayoría de las veces tus padres lo hacían por ti. Tendrás que empezar a tomar la iniciativa por tu cuenta, hacer tus citas con el médico, elegir tus cursos y reunirte con los profesores cuando sea necesario. La mayoría de las universidades tienen una serie de departamentos de ayuda a los estudiantes, que puedes encontrar en un portal para estudiantes, en la web de la universidad o consultando a un consejero. De hecho, la casi todas tienen asesores designados para cada estudiante. Conoce a tu asesor y a los demás miembros de tu sistema de apoyo, como el asesor de asistencia económica y tus profesores. Pide una cita para presentarte, así, si más adelante necesitas ayuda, ya habrás establecido una conexión. No tengas timidez para pedir ayuda; estas personas están ahí para apoyarte en tu aprendizaje y tu crecimiento. Amplía tu sistema de apoyo creando amistades con estudiantes que tengan intereses o actividades similares a los tuyos, como tus compañeros de clase y de habitación, o en grupos. Descubrirás que buena parte de la ayuda y el apoyo que necesitas vendrá de tus pares, porque atraviesan una experiencia similar a la tuya. 3) Bienestar emocional

Este es un tema candente en algunas secundarias y en la ada estudiante asiste a la universidad con una trayectoria mayoría de las universidades, porque la transición confluye con particular en mente, pero con frecuencia es el mismo proceso mucho estrés, en especial durante los exámenes. No temas pedir de aprendizaje y superación de desafíos el que realmente ayuda si estás abrumado o no te sientes cómodo. La transición a nos define y forma nuestro carácter, tanto en la una nueva escuela o universidad puede ser difícil, universidad como después. La cita de Emerson en particular si estás lejos de todo y de todos los resuena en mí más que nunca ahora que tengo ¿Alguna vez sentiste que conoces. Si vas a una universidad lejos de tres hijos: uno que acaba de graduarse de la que un día no tenía casa, la ausencia del sistema de apoyo en el que universidad, otro que está cursándola y otro que suficientes hora? has confiado toda tu vida puede provocarte incose está postulando. Cuando pienso en mis años modidad. Recuerda que hay personas y estrategias de estudiante me doy cuenta de que todavía para ayudarte a mejorar o mantener tu bienestar me apoyo mucho en destrezas para la vida que aprendí en aquel emocional. Consulta en el departamento de salud, de asesoramomento, como la gestión del tiempo y la defensa de mis intereses miento general o asesoramiento académico de tu universidad. al buscar recursos. Aunque tanto en la secundaria Si no sabes con quién hablar o dónde ir, confía en como en la universidad hay muchos desafíos que quienes trabajan en la universidad o en un amigo superar, en esta columna me centraré en tres que No tengas timidez que pueda ayudarte a encontrar con quién hablar. he encontrado una y otra vez. para pedir ayuda; Si necesitas un apoyo emocional más profundo, estas personas están ten presente que no estás solo y que no es el fin 1) Administración del tiempo del mundo. Muchos estudiantes han estado exactaahí para apoyarte en mente donde estás, incluso yo. En la universidad ¿Alguna vez sentiste que un día no tenía suficientu aprendizaje y tu no hay problema con tomarse un semestre o un tes horas? Administrar mal el tiempo bloquea tu crecimiento. año libre para abordar asuntos personales y luego efectividad y productividad, de modo que la caparetomar y terminar. Cada quien tiene su camino cidad de gestionar el tiempo es fundamental para y maneja las cosas a su propio tiempo. Ten la seguridad de aprovechar al máximo tus años en la secundaria y la universidad. que estarás bien, y de que hay una luz al final del túnel. ¡Pero La mejor manera de empezar un plan de administración del tiempo asegúrate de buscar ayuda! Si necesitas hablar con alguien en es hacer una lista de tus tareas y objetivos de cada día. Accede en este momento, llama a la National Suicide Prevention Lifeline al línea a Google Calendar y selecciona la fecha de hoy. Ingresa lo que (800) 273-8255 (TALK) o a la Boys Town National Hotline (800) harás en cada hora del día, incluso dormir, hacer tareas o deportes. 448-3000. Ambas ofrecen apoyo a quienes sufren de angustia. Luego desarrolla tus actividades de la semana, el mes o incluso el La Boys Town National Hotline se enfoca específicamente en año entero. Descarga una app de productividad, como Rescuetime, que se sincroniza con Google Calendar y te ayuda a dar seguimiento adolescentes en riesgo. a tu uso del tiempo. Ver un gráfico de tu tiempo te permitirá ¡Tú puedes con esto! comprobar lo limitado que es frente a todo lo que tienes para hacer.

Dinero for College

CORE RISE Scholarship

Amount/Cantidad: Up to $4,000 Criteria/Criterios: CORE Rewarding Increased Savings for Education (RISE) is a need-based scholarship program which offers students up to $4,000 in exchange for saving $500 of income, as well as financial literacy training. Must be a high school senior or current student of a two or four-year degree program with a minimum balance of $2,500 in eligible unpaid education costs. Household income must not exceed 200% of the federal poverty line and include some form of nonfederal income. To apply, visit www.corescholars.org. Deadline/Fecha Límite: Rolling basis Contact/Contacto: (267) 507-1690

Live Poets Society of New Jersey High School Poetry Contest

Amount/Cantidad: $5,000 Criteria/Criterios: The Live Poets Society of New Jersey aims to encourage young poets to continue into higher education. Poems must be in English and 20 lines or less, and will be published in the National Poetry Quarterly. Open to all US high school students until June 30th of their senior year, and entries may be submitted up to four times per year via email at entry@highschoolpoetrycontest.com or US mail. Visit www.highschoolpoetrycontest.com for complete details. Deadline/Fecha Límite: March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31, 2020. Contact/Contacto: info@highschoolpoetrycontest.com

who answer a prompt about the novel The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand in 800 to 1,600 words in English. The book is about the struggle of the free mind, creativity, and individualism against the common opinion, or people who think only about what other people think. To apply, visit www.aynrand.org/students/essay-contests/. Deadline/Fecha Límite: May 28, 2020 Contact/Contacto: (949) 222-6550 or essays@aynrand.org

College Is Power Scholarship

Amount/Cantidad: $1,000 Criteria/Criterios: Open to students, ages 17 and older who are currently in full-time, part-time, or online college or plan to start college within the next 12 months and are US citizens or legal permanent residents. To enter, complete an application and answer a prompt about your primary goal for going to school in 150 words or less at www.collegeispower.com/scholarship.cfm. Deadline/Fecha Límite: May 31, 2020 Contact/Contacto: service@collegeispower.com

Digital Privacy Scholarship

Amount/Cantidad: $1,000 Criteria/Criterios: This scholarship helps students understand the danger of what they post online. Must be a US citizen or legal permanent resident who is in high school, college, or graduate school. To apply, complete an application and 140-word answer to the prompt, “I’m taking responsibility for my digital profile by. . .” at www.digitalresponsibility.org/scholarships. Deadline/Fecha Límite: June 30, 2020 Contact/Contacto: scholarship@digitalresponsibility.org

Buenas Opiniones Scholarship for Latino Students

A Better Chance (ABC)

Amount/Cantidad: $2,500 Criteria/Criterios: Buenas Opiniones helps students of Hispanic descent to overcome continued cultural, economic, and societal barriers, and provide leadership and professional development opportunities, networking and mentorship opportunities, and financial and academic support. Must be of Hispanic heritage with a minimum 3.0 GPA, and plan to enroll in a technical, undergraduate, or graduate school during the spring or fall of scholarship cycle year. Deadline/Fecha Límite: August 31, 2020, for fall semester and January 31, 2021, for spring semester Contact/Contacto: scholarships@buenasopiniones.com

Anthem Essay Contest

Additional websites:

Amount/Cantidad: Various Criteria/Criterios: College Preparatory School Program (CPSP) nationally recruits, places, and supports academically-talented students of color enrolled in grades four through nine at more than 300 schools, and their ABC Scholars qualify for specially designated academic programming and scholarships. Must apply two years prior to the grade level aiming to enroll in, be a US citizen or legal permanent resident, have a B+-average or better, participate in extracurricular activities, demonstrate leadership potential, and receive good teacher recommendations. To apply, visit www.abetterchance.org. Deadline/Fecha Límite: April 15, 2020 Contact/Contacto: (646) 346-1310 or admissions@abetterchance.org

Amount/Cantidad: Up to $2,000 Criteria/Criterios: Open to 8-12th grade students worldwide, who answer a prompt about the novel Anthem by Ayn Rand in 600 to 1,200 words in English. The 100-page novel is a thought-provoking tale about a man struggling with his individuality in a dystopian communist society. To apply, visit www.aynrand.org/students/ essay-contests/. Deadline/Fecha Límite: April 30, 2020 Contact/Contacto: (949) 222-6550 or essays@aynrand.org

The Fountainhead Essay Contest

Amount/Cantidad: Up to $10,000 Criteria/Criterios: Open to 11th and 12th grade students worldwide,

adelantefund.org bestcolleges.com educationplanner.org cappex.com collegescholarships.org fastweb.com hispanicfund.org hsf.net

mycollegeoptions.org myscholly.com raise.me scholarships-for-school.com scholarships.com studentscholarships.org upromise.com zinch.com/scholarships

LuzSelenia Loeb is the founder of Winning Scholarships and mother of three–all scholarship recipients. She can be reached at LoebLuz@gmail.com.

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Finding a Path to the Stars By Bianca Rodriguez Aeronautical engineer, Fernando Torres

Photography courtesy of Fernando Torres

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nyone who says the American dream doesn’t excollege. That moment ultimately led him to where he is today, ist, they have to keep trying,” Fernando Torres said albeit not exactly the place he originally had in mind. resolutely as he spoke with a small group of Motivos Since he was a little boy, Torres’ dream job was to become an students about how he made the American dream a reality for astronaut. When he found out he would need to be a US citizen himself. to be one, he was unsure of what to do next until a teacher Born and raised in Venezuela, Torres’ life became increasingly helped him realize that he could combine his love of science, difficult when his father left his mother to care for four children math, technology, and aircrafts to become an aerospace engineer. alone in a culture teeming with machismo and a government inTorres jokingly explained, “If I couldn’t fly the rockets, I could undated with corruption on the brink of political unrest. At 15, help build them.” he courageously took his uncle up on an offer Towards that goal, Torres enrolled in to come live with him in Arizona, hoping to find community college and then Arizona State The number one tool as better opportunities. Upon his arrival however, University, while working three jobs to get by. you continue to grow is Torres was no longer surrounded by his commuAlong the way, he found networks of friends nity or native language; instead, he was living who supported him. “It is important to find networking and talking in the sweltering 111-degree desert heat—in people who care and believe in you,” he said. to people stark contrast to the mountainous rainforest he “Don’t let the negative people take your had left behind. Then a couple of years later his energy. Focus on the people that keep you uncle relocated and Torres was on his own. Although he was just moving and inspire you.” Torres credits the people who believed a teen, Torres was “focused on the vision of helping my family in him along the way for keeping him on track, and makes time back in Venezuela get out of their economic hardship.” even in his busy life today to offer this kind of support to others He had to figure out how to support himself without English through volunteering as a trustee at the American Helicopter skills or connections, and was concerned about his status as an Museum and Educational Center and through serving as past undocumented immigrant. “That’s the piece that is really diffipresident of Casa de Venezuela in Philadelphia, PA. cult for people to understand, being undocumented,” he recalled. His colleagues think highly of him as well. The Treasurer of “You know you have no voice at that moment. You have nothing. Casa de Venezuela, Liselotte Harrity, who has worked alongside You have to hide, and I had to hide from who I was.” him for the past four years, calls him a “thoughtful professional Despite these challenges, Torres secured jobs as a landscaper who is proactive and has great ideas.” She commented on his and dishwasher. He was eventually promoted to a job as a waiter, humility and concern for others saying he “made sure we all a role which forced him to get rid of his shyness, become outgoworked in a good environment and that all projects we did were ing, and build an even stronger network of friends by simply successful.” The Philadelphia Convention and Visitor’s Bureau’s talking to different people every day. PHLDiversity named him one of the 50 most influential leaders “The number one tool as you continue to grow is networkfrom across the Philadelphia region in 2017. ing and talking to people,” Torres said. “You will find amazing Today, Torres serves as the director of manufacturing and people who will most likely help you, rather than harm you, if supply chain for a multi-million dollar company, Greene, you just speak with them.” In fact, it was a conversation with a Tweed & Co., where he manages teams all over the world. Greene, customer, which led him to a job as an assistant to engineers in Tweed & Co. develops new and innovative materials for aircrafts,

semiconductors, and thermoplastic composite materials. These innovations lead to efficiencies that reduce environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable world. His role is to monitor all components of production to make sure everything is operating according to plan. At only 39, Torres is living proof that the American dream is possible if you work hard, take advantage of opportunities presented, and surround yourself with good people. Yet he points to former President Barack Obama commencement speech for Arizona State University in 2009, to encourage us to keep striving where he said, “No matter how much you’ve done or how successful you have been, there is always more to do, more to learn, more to achieve. You can’t rest. Your own body of work is yet to come.”

Fernando Torres, second from right, in his role as President of Casa de Venezuela, serves on “The Crisis in Venezuela” panel at the Wilmington Friends School, Wilmington, DE, April 2018.

ENCONTRAR UN CAMINO A LAS ESTRELLAS

combinar su amor por la ciencia, las matemáticas, la tecnología y uien diga que el sueño no existe no ha trabajado lo suficiente", dice Fernando Torres resueltamente a un grupito las aeronaves como ingeniero aeroespacial. Torres bromea: "Si no de estudiantes de Motivos mientras habla sobre cómo podía pilotear los cohetes, podía ayudar a construirlos". Con ese objetivo se matriculó en un community hizo realidad el sueño americano para él. college y luego en la Universidad Estatal de Arizona, Nacido y criado en Venezuela, la vida de Torres La herramienta todo mientras tenía tres trabajos. En el camino se hizo cada vez más difícil cuando su padre dejó a número uno a medida encontró redes de amigos que lo apoyaron. "Es su madre a cargo de cuatro niños, en una cultura que creces es hablar importante encontrar personas que se preocupen por dominada por el machismo. A los 15 años tuvo con la gente y tejer ti y crean en ti", dice. “No dejes que las personas la valentía de aceptar la oferta de un tío que lo negativas te chupen la energía. Quédate con quienes invitaba a vivir con él en Arizona, pero quedó solo redes. te mantienen en movimiento y te inspiran". Torres cuando un año después su tío se mudó. agradece a quienes creyeron en él todo este tiempo por mantenTorres tuvo que encontrar la manera de mantenerse sin saber erlo encaminado, y hace tiempo en medio de su ocupado día a día inglés ni tener conexiones, preocupado además por su condición de inmigrante indocumentado. A pesar de estos desafíos, consiguió para ofrecer ese tipo de apoyo a los demás como consejero voluntario en el American Helicopter Museum and Educational Center. trabajo como lavacopas y jardinero, hasta que por fin lo ascendiTambién fue presidente de la Casa de Venezuela en Filadeleron a mesero, un rol que lo llevó a desechar la timidez, a volverse fia. Sus colegas de allí tienen un muy buen concepto de él. La extrovertido y a construir una red de amigos aún más fuerte por el tesorera Liselotte Harrity, que ha trabajado junto a él durante solo hecho de hablar todos los días con personas distintas. los últimos cuatro años, dice que es un "profesional reflexivo, "La herramienta número uno a medida que creces es hablar con la gente y tejer redes", dice Torres. "Encuentras personas proactivo y de grandes ideas". PHLDiversity, de la Philadelphia Convention and Visitor’s Bureau lo nombró uno de los 50 líderes increíbles, y es más probable que te ayuden en lugar de perjudimás influyentes de 2017 en la región de Filadelfia. carte. Solo tienes que hablarles". De hecho, fue una conversación Hoy, Torres es director de fabricaciones y cadena de sumicon un cliente lo que lo llevó a un puesto como asistente de nistros en una compañía multimillonaria, Greene, Tweed & ingenieros en una universidad. Co., donde lidera equipos de todo el mundo. Greene, Tweed & Desde que era niño, el trabajo soñado de Torres era ser asCo. desarrolla materiales nuevos e innovadores para aviones, tronauta. Cuando descubrió que para ello debería ser ciudadano estadounidense, no supo con seguridad qué hacer a continuación, semiconductores y materiales compuestos termoplásticos. Estas innovaciones aumentan la eficiencia, reducen el impacto ambienhasta que un profesor lo ayudó a darse cuenta de que podía tal y contribuyen a un mundo más sostenible. El rol de Torres es supervisar los componentes de la producción para asegurarse de que todo funcione como debe. Con apenas 39 años, Torres es una prueba viviente de que el sueño americano es posible si trabajas duro, aprovechas las oportunidades que se presentan y te rodeas de buenas personas.

Bianca Rodriguez is a junior at Sacred Heart Academy in Bryn Mawr, PA. She is cofounder of the Power of Politics club, a member of the multicultural club, and plays lacrosse and tennis. Torres, as a teen, in Arizona in the late ‘90’s.

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