Journal of Me: Entry #3

It's still hard to fathom that I am in college. From a young girl, though I dreamed, I never thought I would have the opportunity for higher education. My friends did not talk about it, neither did my parents, it is strange that I became so fixated on doing everything I could to succeed. I guess that just about anything is possible for a young Latina with a degree of desire, a game plan, and the time to search for scholarships and grants. The thrill of moving into the resident hall has not worn off but I admit I have some trouble adjusting to the conditions. I've never had a place where I've had everything at my fingertips. Computers, libraries, faculty, activities, and friends are surrounding me now and sifting through what I need takes time. I have friends who are always wanting to go to the mall or out to eat and it's hard for me to do that on a regular basis because I don't have a lot of extra spending money. I'm frustrated by this and maybe once I get adjusted to my schedule I can start looking for a job.

I have friends in my dorm, but I needed to find people like me. To help me, I went to the student activities fair and found the Latino Student Union. I looked through the information and with a friend, we went to an introductory dinner and connected with more Latinos along with learning more about the organization. I made some great contacts and have gotten asked to group dinners and someone even has the same major and we are studying on a regular basis. The next meeting that I went to, they were looking for a first year representative for LSU and I got nominated and won. After talking with the advisor and several others, I accepted the position and found out that many of the leaders got their start in that same position. For one of the first times, I feel extremely comfortable with my surroundings. I can communicate in English or Spanish and the students/advisors seem to understand what I need to succeed.

Classes are going as smoothly as possible. I'm having trouble though adjusting to one of my chemistry courses and looking for help. I've tried to stop by my advisor's office but they have different office hours than my schedule. One of my friends from the LSU suggested that I schedule an appointment at the learning center. I have to admit, I've never been to a help center before and I feel embarrassed that I haven't figured my work out on my own. Though I feel grounded social, academically I will have to what and see what will happen in the future.

Portraits of a Latino Woman

This has been truly a historic year for women.  The American people have had women run for top positions in government and provide a great example of leadership for young women of many ethnicities.  Though people may not agree with their politics, it is hard to deny that they have broken barriers and opened gateways for women to try and succeed in the future.  Examples of strong women can be found throughout history but it takes research and being in tune to a culture in order to find heroines in Latino culture.  One of the strongest examples of a driven woman was the innovative Frida Kalho.

Frida Kahlo was a Mexican painter who was born in 1907 in the town of Coyoacan.  Originally going to school for the premedical profession (like my voice), she suffered a tragic accident that left her bed ridden for several months.  Suffering through many tragedies such as constant pain, polio, a miscarriage, and divorce, she has become a symbol of resilience

 for Mexican women. Growing up around the time of the Mexican Revolution, she no doubt had knowledge of the soldaderas of the war.  These women soldiers were political figures and role models who were ordinary women, but doubt to out of the ordinary circumstances, were called to action to fight.  Her art exposed the brutal reality of women in showing the truth, power, and suffering through self portraits and paintings.  Over a third of her art portrays pain of some kind.

Providing a strong vision of women was a continuing theme in her artwork.  In particular was the unique culture of the women of Juchitan de Zaragoza. In the city, the women have formed a matriarchy society where women control a large amount of commerce and daily tasks to make the area livable.  In the 2000 documentary Blossoms of Fire (Ramo de fuego), it shows the women of Juchitan, Mexico.  The society in the documentary is portrayed as strong, using progressive politics, and a tolerance for homosexuality.  The documentary defies the stereotype of the spit-fire Latina who is hyper-sexualized and dominating.  It portrays a balance of women who believe strongly in their community and has gotten everyone to "buy in" to equality for the greater good.  This is just one example of how Latino women have created a life that they can call their own. 

In America, much of the stereotypes and views are skewed by movies and television.  In recent films such as "The Women" and "Vicky Cristina Barcelona", the woman, is portrayed in the spitfire image.  In other types of media, such as "Lost", Michelle Rodriguez's character shifts to that of the tough woman.  In either case, Latino women are not the victim but unfortunately due to marginalization and tough life situations, many women can not relate to this portrayal.  This compared to early snapshots of Latinas which would fit into the characters of the saintly and exotic figures of Old Hollywood.  Though progress has been made to create strong role modeling in media among Latino woman, there is still work to be done in all cases in creating characters that show respect to women of all ethnic backgrounds.

Video:

Frida Kahlo

An early portrayal of Latinos in movies:

 West Side Story: Portrait of Maria

 West Side Story: America

Nuyorican Dream: A Film to Voice Connection

When evaluating new means of exploring my voice, I choose to select a film that helped depict a part of the Latino culture.  I came across a documentary, narrated by young man who spoke about his struggles of achieving a college degree and the current state of the fastest growing ethnic group in America.

Nuyorican Dreams focuses on the family of Robert Gutierrez, who has achieved a college degree and is now working in the education system in New York City.  The film maker introduces the viewer to his mother, who is raises many of her offsprings children, Robert's siblings who are either addicted to drugs, in a state of poverty, or in and out of prison.  The rare light of hope is Robert's sister, Milly, who he is determined to keep her on the right path.  For Robert, one of the main frustration's is that because of his job (through a college education) he has burdened himself to be a source of financial and emotional stability to the family.

Through Robert's family situtation of poverty may be extreme, he points out the state of Latinos around the country are drawn to the myth of the American dream.   It was said that 37% of all Latinos/Blacks are in a condition of poverty in American.  This financial disadvantage puts people at risk to use extreme means such as robbery, drug dealing, and other forms of crime to live day-to-day.  Using his brother, Danny, as an example, this causes a large majority of those in the ethnic minority to end up in prison.  Of the people currently in prison, over 65% come from that ethnic minority. 

One point that Robert experienced that my voice may would be the feeling of alienation.  A college education for a person who's environment does not merit this would find it especially difficult to make a connection back home.  Their friends, might not understand their new commitments to student activities, have little understanding for college classes, or may not be able to relate to as much as usual.  With their family, siblings might be angry that they did not have an educational chance or that they are losing their brother or sister to a profession or individual dream.  Parents may not be able to understand the avenues in which their child needs to go through in order to be successful.

Robert points out, like the student organization, an understated point in recieving a college education is that of service.  For Robert, it is important that he works with area Latino youth in providing them support, tutoring, and a role model.  Though not everyone is an educator or feels comfortable as a leader, it is important that people try to incorporate a value of service into their work.

For first year students, especially coming from poverty, student affairs professionals need to understand the major transition that takes place.  Nancy Schlossberg in her article, "Marginality and Mattering: Key Issues in Building Community", highlights how to create a connected community with students.  Like the strong leadership and role modeling that may have taken place for them, it is important that we give all students opportunities to be apart of something bigger than themselves.  With this personal responsibility, it creates them mattering to a group or organization.

Nuyorican Dreams highlighted the hardship of Latinos in this country and how students will come in with a wide variety of socioeconomic statuses, access to resources, and family experiences.  Robert, like many, show how hard it is to balance a college education with supporting and integrating family and friends.

Leguizamo, J. (Producer), & Collyer, L. (Producer/Director). (2000). Nuyorican Dream [Movie picture]. United States: California Newsreel.

Schlossberg, N. (1989). Marginality and mattering: Key issues in building community [Electronic Version]. New Directions for Student Services, 5-15. from Google Scholar.

The Latino Student Organization

The Latino Student Organization can be found on many college campuses.  While each may hold a different viewpoint on the types of activities they conduct, the keys to a successful organization is to not to only appeal to their constituents but the general campus body. 

Outlined is a model based on a student organization audit conducted through my internship.  It goes through key points and is based on examples of Latino organizations around the country.  These include:

Learning

Community

Service

Advocacy

An organization should be educational.  The mission of the group should not only establish standards but be progressive in it's approach.  This learning should not only take place for it's members but also for the campus community.  For example, at the University of Maryland, their Latino Student Union hosted a Hispanic Heritage Month that took place from September 15 through October 15.  During this month, they held Salsa, Merengue and Bachata dancing lessons, a Latino style dinner, and movie nights.  Florida State University introduced Hispanic literature, poetry, and conducted a seminar on examining oppression and racism in the Latino community. For in-group educational events, many organizations act as a miniature student affairs office.  At the University of Virginia, they bring in a career workshop, while Purdue University provided its members with information about internships.

Creating community within the group and campus body is a vital part to the livelihood of the organization.  Positive community creates better chances of satisfaction and retention. If this can be seen visually, it helps in the process of recruiting new members.  Ways of creating group community can range from general meetings to social events.  One example is at Western Washington University, where students gather for a heritage dinner on a monthly basis.  This is not only educational by introducing individuals to foods from different countries but allows students a sociopetal event to make connections and network.  Duke University hosts ice cream socials, opportunities to see performances, and introduction to ethnic foods.  Texas State University at San Marcos has not only an unique educational component but one that provides community.  They have created two kinds of workshops.  One is the leadership workshop which provides discussion and a guest lecture, while the culture/traditions workshops introduces different Latino cultures and provides community, presentation, and information.  A strong inner-group community creates an environment for a support base.  For my voice, Maria, this group support will be especially important because it provides a chance for friendship and to interact with faculty, staff, and other parts of campus.  In order for a complete community, the group must be self-promotive in nature and be a visible part of campus.  Whether this is participating in homecoming or putting on a cultural fair, allowing the general campus body not only allows them to be educated but a chance to become part of the group.

Service, is by far one of the most overlooked components of a student organization.  Anne Frank once said "How wonderful it is that a person doesn't have to wait one moment to change the world". Outreach and empathy are key values that can be beneficial to any one, rarely takes experience and many places in a community are looking for volunteers.  Service, creates a visible part of the student organization and is reaching outside both the general membership and campus community.  IUPUI Latino Student Association participates their Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, soup kitchens, and volunteers at local elementary schools.

The last aspect of a quality latino student organization is that of advocacy.  An advocate is one who speaks on the behalf of another person, a cause, or group of people.  Through education, community, and service, an individual in an organization gets the sense of being a representative of that group.  This may be educating the general community about a Latino studies course or actively recruiting members to continue to educate about the cultures and traditions of Latinos.  Successful advocacy has two main bodies.  The first is the advisor.  From the student organizations audit conducted, an advisor should be an individual who is supportive, knowledgeable, and challenges in the areas of inclusion and service.  Though many groups have hands-off advisors, one of their main functions is to ensure the group of staying with the mission and purpose of the organization.  The general student group is the second body of advocates.  Through education and community, they can build a strong support for activities and services that create a visible precise of a group on campus.

In the end, through learning, service, community, and advocacy, an organization can be a strong, well-rounded group.  The balance of all four, allows to create an organization that can appeal to all constituencies and allow for them to be progressive in nature for future endeavors. 

Links to Latino Organizational Groups

University of Maryland

Western Washington University

Texas State University at San Marcos

IUPUI Latino Student Association

University of Virginia

Purdue University

Defining a Path: Josselson's Women Theory

When looking through a lense of Josselson's Model of Women's Identity, it is important to try and find where Maria may be in her statuses of development.  For Maria, she strongly believes in what she is pursuing (to be a doctor) as a noble cause and one that she can use to change her environment for the better.  She has strong ties to her parents, especially her mother, and she defines her attitude as hardworking, constantly learning, and observant.  Though she is apprehensive about what her college expereince entails, she is confident that if she has a positive attitude and stays motivated, she will be on the right path towards achieving her goals.  From Josselson's perspective, Maria would be considered to be in foreclosure.  Meaning , she has not had any crisises but has made a commitment to her values and her future.

Once identified as foreclosure, an advisor or higher education administrator may want to be especially observant to how Maria may react to large problems that happen in her life.  Furthermore, encouraging Maria take part in a leadership role or committee would help in exposing her to new people that have different ideas and values.  This would challenge her, for her values may be tested and pulled to either recommitment herself to her values or pursue a slightly new direction.  Not only could she enjoy student activities but be able to work on projects on her own or in a group could help her find confidence in her abilities.

Exploring Media:

I found a video blog that profile's Latina women who share acedonts on identity, family and other aspects of their lives. 

Latina Confession's

http://www.youtube.com/user/LatinaConfessions

The Election & Financial Aid in America

In light of the election, I decided on researching both candidates policies and promises in accordance with higher education.  While each presidential candidate provided interesting information, Barack Obama's plan highlighted some interesting statistics that could apply to my voice.  It is said, based on Obama's website that "12 percent of Hispanics...eventually earn a bachelors degree" and the "average college graduate leaves with $19,000 in debt".  This meaning, that higher educational institutions may need to strengthen the policies of financial aid and create opportunities for lower to middle class individuals to apply for college.  

Both John McCain and Barack Obama outlined a plan to simplify the process of applying financial aid.  The FASFA (Free Application for Federal Aid) form currently consists of 5 pages and 127 questions that the applier has to fill out.  Based on the FASFA site, one needs a worksheet just to complete the form.  Being unfamiliar with financial aid, I explored the website and the worksheet and through my voice, found the information hard for a first time user.  I looked up my dependency based on my voice and even filed for financial aid in order to go through the questions and see what items were asked.  As to the presidential candidates, I would have to agree that the forms are confusing and may deter many from applying.  Even a YouTube video from FASFAonline.com, an online resource,  admits that the "interface is not terrific and pretty easy to get lost". The questions were jumbled with finances intermixed with personal information and for a young women, like Maria, she would have to have her parents by her side in order to complete the form.  If they were too busy, or did not have all the information right beside them, in terms of annual income and residency status, they would have to make several trips to the website in order to complete the form.  Words that could describe a first time user of FASFA such as Maria would be confused, frustrated, irritated, nervous, and overwhelmed.  

There are a variety of financial aid that can come from scholarship, grants, and work studies and I resources online that were found through the techno-savy means of the Internet, podcasts, and videos.

Financial Aid Basics

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCqlbs2i6us

2008 FAFSA Tips for Financial Aid

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJDU-eXFq5o

Through this journey into the world of financial aid, I found that students are immediately met with anxious thoughts as they think about college.  Though advisors and resources are on campus, parents and their paper work are not.  With the economy, lately, effecting the status of employment and yearly income, students, I predict even more, will need to understand the benefits of financial aid.  Not only should financial aid officers know this information but RA's, hall directors, greek house advisors, and others should be informed  to the world of financial aid in order to help their friends, residents, brothers, and sisters successful navigate through the higher education financial aid system.