Back-to-School Shopping Para Las Mamás

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August 16, 2024

I’m pretty sure I’ve been a fan of back-to-school shopping since 1991 (aka kindergarten). Cute pencils and notebooks have always been my jam. I mean, did I subconsciously become a teacher because I was that into school supplies? Definitely wasn’t the main reason, but Flare Pens (iykyk) were an added bonus!

I’m not a teacher anymore and now have a work-from-home job, but my love of school supplies hasn’t diminished, para nada. And even though this time of year is all about the kids, why can’t it be about las mamás too?

Whether you are a mamá who stays at home, works from home, or works outside of the house, here are some fun “school supply” items from Latinx creators to make el trabajo a little more fun and cute! ¿Cómo se dice “Add to Cart” in Spanish?

A Fun Mousepad (That might also give you un poco de hambre)

A Notebook to Remind You of Your Mamá

Badge Reels for Profes and Enfermeras

Una Bolsa for Carrying All the Things

A Notebook Set Para Todas Tus Ideas

A Cute Mug for Your Cafecito

A Pen for Writing in All Your Cuadernos

A Weekly Planner Notepad to Help You Be a Little Más Organizada

A Todo List Notepad to Help You Get It All Done

A Pencil Pouch to Give You All the Buenas Vibras

Una Gorra for When You Haven’t Done Your Hair Yet

Since I live in the middle of the Midwest, there unfortunately aren’t any cute Latinx boutiques or shops near me. So when I want to support Latinx creators, online shopping is really my only option. All of the “Back To School” items featured in this post come from one of the following online stores. I would also like to mention that you can find lots of cute/fun Latinx-themed school supplies options on Etsy too!

Very That
Very That is a Chicana-based shop in Texas. Their goal is to “celebrate the rich culture and fierce spirit of the Chicana community!”

Hija de tu Madre
Hija de tu Madre is based in LA. This self-proclaimed Latina Lifestyle Brand has apparel and accessories that celebrate “the complexities of being a product of more than one culture”.

Artelexia
Artelexia is based in California but they source the products they offer from entrepreneurs in Chula Vista all the way to Chicago, and of course, straight from Mexico’s craft capitals. They are proud to be “intentional about the vendors and artisans [they] showcase, always looking to promote small, women- and Latinx-owned businesses.”

Looking for more back to school inspiration? Be sure to check out our Back to School Guide.

A Latina Mom’s Reflections: Navigating Back-to-School Amidst Joy and Fear

By

Jessica Sanchez Molina

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August 21, 2024

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As our children head back to school, Jessica reflects on the all too sad and real truth of back-to-school safety.

Many kids are going back to school or starting soon. Despite the excitement for the new school year, new school supplies (my favorite), and getting to see their friends again, there is another list that falls on the opposite spectrum, like dealing with bullying, tough new teachers, or even the terrible possibility of a school shooting. I wish we didn’t have to worry about this last one. With my three kids in mind, two of them school-aged, I wish this wasn’t a thing.

The Pain of Back-to-School Safety

Inevitably, it makes me think about mass shootings and the communities that have been marked by such tragedies. I know this got dark fast, but it was something that, as a Latina mom, impacted me and kept me up at night a few years ago. There was one particular event that affected me the most, I used to lie in bed afraid of the what-ifs. One night I asked my partner in tears, “Why do they hate us so much?” He hugged me tightly and that’s all I needed. When I heard about the shooting at a supermarket in El Paso, Texas, I was in disbelief.

Growing up in Mexico, in a northern state close to El Paso, a city we visited multiple times, I was afraid. I tried to understand how someone would drive for hours to get to a community to end lives based on some sense of superiority, targeting my community. I can’t imagine how this community has had to rebuild trust, apoyo mutuo, and try to make sense for the younger minds. Hundreds of miles away, from Florida, I still feel connected to this border city. It reminds me of school shopping with my mom, and visiting for las ofertas de Black Friday, and it will always have a place close to my heart—a familiar destination from my childhood and introduction to the US.

Back in 2019, when this event took place, I thought of the collective trauma we could all be experiencing, especially after another incident in 2018, closer to my current home at Parkland High School in Florida. A heavy feeling of defenselessness, the idea of our lives being at risk from others who are suffering greater traumas or are subject to ideologies that only bring us down as a society. It was a lot for my heart to think about, for our family, and our two kids at that time. Soon after, the pandemic distracted me with a different worry. With each new school year, I’m reminded of the catastrophic possibility, and I want to hug my babies closer and longer.

The Reality of Heading Back to School

I regularly receive notifications from my kids’ school about lockdown drills and random student screenings. And there is that duality of security and concern.

Are they too exposed?

How do they perceive the proactiveness of these practices? Are my kids afraid to go to school?

Could this have long lasting effects?

My kids are seeing the preventive measures, what about potential perpetrators and their access to firearms?

My mind doesn’t stop, but I try to focus on what I can control and arm myself with knowledge. I’m sure my boys are not unique enough to come home from school with a succinct “good” after being asked about their day. I wish I could know it all—to be a fly on the wall of every room they walk into to ensure it is a good day, or to be their Pepito Grillo on their shoulder who tells them right from wrong and keeps them safe. But I can’t; I have to let them learn their ways and trust those around them, to protect them and guide them in the right direction, as I know my time always comes to help them understand their emotions and questions as best as I can.

Most of the time, they seem oblivious to the real possibilities of these drills. However, just the other day, my 13-year-old shared that he had a dream about being chased by a person with a firearm, at school. I froze and listened. He asked how he felt in the dream and his reaction was almost as if he were describing his latest video game mission. I still don’t know what to think of it, but I have a feeling the subject can come up again in a different light. And I hope to be ready.

I want us to be ready, mija.

As scary as it might be, unimaginable to think, we’re more afraid of the unknown and although we cannot control it, we can be informed about talking about back-to-school safety.

Here is a great resource from the Child Mind Institute to help us ease our minds and prepare us to be the strength our children need. Plus, it gives us the validation we all seek, acknowledging that it is a hard topic to navigate. For our beloved teachers, I can only express my immense gratitude for the careers you’ve chosen and the dedication to which you fulfill them, and I promise to keep you and our children in mind at the polls, ensuring I support the candidates that will take the necessary measures to defend us.

When my firstborn started pre-k, I did a “cute” first-day school photo: “I survived my first day of pre-k.” After school, shootings became more prevalent, and after the incident at El Paso, I regretted it. I cried and hated those words, how real they felt and how hard it was to swallow them. I questioned how I was supposed to defend my baby against all of this. I couldn’t see answers back then, and sometimes I still struggle to find them, especially with other atrocities across the globe. Then I look at their smiles, their innocence, and their immense hunger to take on the world and make it better, and I try my best. I trust them and I trust the higher powers and our ancestors looking after them con fervor. When my first baby was 4 years old, he said “Mami, I like this world. I’m going to save it.” And I sure hope he does, because there are enough risks for all of us.

Looking for more back-to-school inspiration? Be sure to check out our Back to School Guide.

Future for Football: Bridging Generations Through Football

By

Ashley Arinez

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October 9, 2024

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Future for Football is an initiative of the National Football Foundation, created to highlight the lessons and values that football imparts. Get involved and sign up to play today by visiting Future for Football for resources, a League Locator tool, and much more.

“We’re going to miss the game,” I told my husband as we entered the Labor and Delivery Triage area.

Two days before my due date and just hours away from meeting my third daughter and my team was on my mind.

My favorite team was about to kick off, and there was no television in the triage room (I asked). I was pregnant with my third daughter, and although my water broke earlier, all I could think about was my football team. When you’re raised in a family like mine, Latinos who are dedicated to their hometown team, football is more than just a game; it’s a family tradition.

From One Generation to the Next

In many Latino homes, familia is the cornerstone of life. Traditions are passed down through generations, and football has woven itself into the fabric of our cultural experiences as Latinos in the United States. Once upon a time, it may have been fútbol (soccer) or baseball dreams that held the center of attention in most Latino families. But today dads are just as likely to throw a football with their daughters and sons. From Sunday game days to discussions over the latest local football games, football has carved out its own space at our family tables.

In my own home, this is our reality. My older brother makes sure that my daughters cheer for our family’s team even though we live in my husband’s hometown—with its own team. My daughters join us for cuddles on the couch on game days, and their daddy has taught them how to place their fingers in the laces of a football. Football is simply now a part of our family, and the little jerseys and questions during live games prove that within our home.

The Power of Representation: Latino Names on the Field and New Opportunities

One of the most empowering aspects of football’s rise in Latino communities is the increasing representation on fields across the United States. While we may still only represent a small portion of active players and coaches, the fact that we do make up a growing portion of fanatics is hinting that this will change one day. Today, you can spot Latino last names proudly emblazoned on jerseys or as commentators. Not only are we noticing our presence on (and slightly off the field), but the fact that professional games are now simulcast en español proves that our fandom is growing.

Football’s integration into our Latino culture is about more than just the game. It’s about the opportunities it brings. As more Latino families embrace the sport, they’re discovering the benefits it offers—discipline, teamwork, and the chance to pursue higher education through athletic scholarships. For many, football is not just a passion but a pathway to a better future. The dream of playing under stadium lights is no longer just a far-off fantasy—it’s a tangible reality for many of our Latino children.

Football’s Place in Latino Homes

The relationship between Latinos and football is growing stronger with each passing season. What was once seen as a predominantly American pastime has become a beloved tradition for many Latino families.

Abuelos reminisce about undefeated seasons and witness record-breaking performances. Tíos and tías whisper to our children, “Don’t forget you’re a [insert the mascot for their favorite team].” As Latina moms, we proudly wear team shirts with our children’s names and jersey numbers as we cheer for them on the sidelines of our local leagues.

As we continue to embrace football, we celebrate how it has united us and given us the chance to see our own step onto fields in starting positions while the ones who came to the United States for better futures engrain in us their passion for football. We are part of the game now, and that’s something worth cheering for.

Closing a Chapter: Honoring My Motherhood Through PCOS and Pregnancy Loss

By

Ana Diaz

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October 26, 2024

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Closing a Chapter: Honoring My Journey Through PCOS, Pregnancy Loss, and Motherhood

Ana reflects on how PCOS and pregnancy loss have affected her motherhood journey and how she’s closing each chapter of her story.

At a young age, I remember my mom taking me to a gynecologist’s office because I was experiencing strong menstrual cramping. Despite the remedies my abuela would try to give me with teas, my mom knew that I was leaning toward a womanhood full of pain like she had. On that occasion, the doctor mentioned that I was showing small cysts in my ovaries and that maybe birth control could help with those. The confusion was too much, but we had to trust the doctors. Later, at age 17, I had an official diagnosis of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS); at that time, the words “Will be impossible to be pregnant” were painfully embedded in my mind.

For years, PCOS has been the underdog of diseases; no one seems to know about it, believe it, or even get close to understanding the many symptoms and issues that come with it. Now 20 years later, I find myself with 5 blessed pregnancies, 3 beautiful living children, and 2 little angels watching over us. Life is filled with chapters, and in my book, my chapter on motherhood has been filled with mixed emotions, many journeys, and prayers. The road wasn’t easy, and the effects of my PCOS clearly made an impact on my life, but after gains and losses, I am now ready to be led to a new chapter.

The Next Chapter

This is the chapter on accepting and embracing. As I prepare to undergo a hysterectomy, a profound sense of closure has taken over me. I have always felt like God blessed me with the beauty of experiencing motherhood and now it’s allowing me to get to the closing of a chapter I never thought I would have to turn. But with this, I also reflect on the beautiful, painful, and many transformative moments that shaped my experience of motherhood, womanhood, and pregnancy.

My Pregnancy Loss Chapter and My Angels

I always carry their memory with me, as a testament to the kindness of God to allow me to be a mother and the hope they brought into my life, even in such a brief time, because no matter what, in my heart, I know I am not complete and I am missing 2 children who were meant to be with me. I still painfully remember the day I got to hold my little girl in my arms so tiny and fragile at only 24 weeks, knowing that I would never get to feel her kiss me or hear her call me mama. This loss took my world down and getting back up was beyond me, I have to praise and thank my son and God, as they were the forces behind my will to know I had to get strong.

However, with time, your hope begins to build and that seed of desire to have another baby with you grows again. You would think a second loss at an earlier stage would be easier, but the same feeling of helplessness and darkness just felt overwhelming. Their absence still lingers, etched in my heart forever. After 7 years of praying, crying, trying, and not losing hope, I was able to get my rainbow babies and feel happiness again. The loss was heartbreaking, but it also taught me to cherish every moment with the 3 beautiful children I’ve been able to raise.

My Favorite Chapter: Motherhood

Motherhood is the chapter that extends far beyond birth. It is an ongoing act of doubt, wonder, love, and sacrifice. I have been fortunate enough to say that I am living the joy and challenges of motherhood. Watching my children grow and seeing their personalities appear has been the most rewarding experience of my life. I am not putting an end to the chapter of motherhood; rather, I am preparing myself to build more strength to provide my children the best of me. Now I am prepared to close this chapter of pregnancy and womanhood. While I do realize that I will no longer carry the possibility of a new life, I will always carry the experiences that have shaped me to be the mom I am now. This next step, though difficult, is ultimately an act of honoring my children, my health, and my future.

Embracing Each Chapter

Thank you to my body, thank you to my uterus, thank you to my angels, and thank you to life. I am thankful for every moment, every experience, every pain, and every gain. PCOS won’t go away, and the hurt of losing 2 children will never be banished, but the hope of a more manageable life with less physical pain is near and that is something I have to embrace. I will always carry and honor my babies with me, and I will always show my scars with pride. Every lesson I’ve learned through this journey has shown me to be humble, empathetic, thankful, and helpful.

For now, I am embracing the strength to share these very heartfelt words because it is not easy to admit that I have suffered more than one pregnancy loss, that I am constantly in pain and a battle with myself, but even more, it is not easy to say that I am thankful and happy to move forward to get part of me out so I can be a more present mom, a happy mom. I am embracing this new chapter, the chapter of accepting and embracing, with all its complexities, knowing that the essence of my journey—pregnancy, pregnancy loss, and motherhood will always remain an integral part of who I am.

Colorism on Screen: What Telenovelas Are Teaching My Daughter About Latina Identity

By

Maddie Kiser

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November 4, 2024

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So I’ve recently started watching telenovelas on Netflix – I know that watching TV in Spanish will help keep my Spanish comprehension skills “fresh”.

Within the past few weeks, I was watching a telenovela (I have the audio in Spanish with Spanish subtitles) in the family room when my tween walked in. She heard them speaking Spanish and was watching the screen for a few minutes, and then she suddenly asked me if they (the actors) were Mexican. My tween knows that people from Mexico can be any skin color—I’ve even shown her pictures of the boxer Canelo to help prove my point. But I think from her point of view, Mexicans tend to look like her—various shades of tan and brown. The majority of the actors in this telenovela are in fact Mexican, so I told her that and also reminded her that Mexican skin tones vary.

But when my tween hears Spanish, she instantly thinks of Mexico, Mexicans, and/or Mexican-Americans. And I think that makes sense because we tend to think about what we’re familiar with; we think about what we have seen and what we have experienced. From her point of view, the actors in that scene were not representing Mexico; they were not representing her... because they all had a very light skin color. And in that moment I was forced to realize what was right in front of my face—colorism is alive and well on Netflix. It’s almost 2025, and the television that is being produced for Spanish speakers on streaming channels is still feeding into the stereotypes brought about by colorism.

The basic storyline of the telenovela I was watching, Accidente, is that there is this terrible accident involving children at a birthday party. The tragedy that occurs “sets off an unthinkable chain of events”. This telenovela is definitely entertaining, but it also supports the idea that people with lighter skin tend to be more affluent, more intelligent, and more successful. The majority of the men in the show work at this architectural company and basically have mansions. And the “help” in their homes? They all had a significantly darker skin tone. The maintenance man at one of the mansions ends up being blamed for a crime because the rich, lighter-skinned men think that he will be the perfect scapegoat.

This isn’t some telenovela from a decade ago; this limited series was just released this year, in 2024. And this isn’t the only show like this… “The Surrogacy (Madre de Alquiler)” was released just last year in 2023. An affluent, light-skinned couple is unable to have a child on their own, so they decided to pursue surrogacy. The surrogate? A woman with darker skin that doesn’t come from a lot of money. She’s forced into surrogacy for this powerful Mexican business family because she’s led to believe that it’s the only way to save her father’s life.

When you know better, you do better… and you should know better Netflix. I am the mom of a beautiful, brown girl… and I am begging you to stop feeding into colorism stereotypes. And if the bigoted and discriminatory effects of colorism are still prevalent in the real world in the majority of Spanish-speaking countries (we know they definitely still are in the United States), well maybe you could be brave and take a definitive stand against it. I want my daughter to see herself represented on the screen, but not within the prejudiced world streaming channels are still perpetuating based on skin color. My tween wants to be an anesthesiologist when she grows up, so she needs to see herself represented on TV as being able to do more than just cook and clean a home.

The Beautiful Chaos of Large Family Life

By

Nancy Sanchez

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November 7, 2024

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Growing up, large families were the norm in my world. My grandmother was one of ten, my mother one of six, and I’m one of four. But I knew early on that I wanted an even bigger family. I ended up with six children, though I would have had more if money hadn’t been a limitation. These days, it feels like large families are becoming a thing of the past. I look around, and families with four kids seem to be the largest I see. A part of me understands why, but another part of me still longs to meet a mother living a similar life, to bond over the same chaos and love that fills my small home.

It’s hard not to notice how society views large families now. We’re often seen as an anomaly, and sometimes there’s a judgment that comes with it. People assume we’re overwhelmed, chaotic, or that we must be “crazy” to have so many kids in today’s world. In an era where convenience is king, and the cost of living continues to rise, the idea of having more than two or three kids seems impractical to many. But for me, every child adds more love to our home, not more inconvenience. And while it might not fit into the picture-perfect, minimalist lifestyle that’s trending, the abundance of laughter, noise, and togetherness is something I wouldn’t trade for anything.

People often ask, “How do you live with so many kids?” I grew up hearing, “le echas más agua a la sopa”—you just add more water to the soup. It’s a simple phrase, but it carries so much truth. Another saying that resonates with me is “un bebé nace con el pan debajo del brazo”—a baby is born with a loaf of bread under its arm. It speaks to the belief that each child comes with their own blessings, and I’ve seen that play out in my family over and over again.

We live in a modest three-bedroom home with just under 1,700 square feet. Bunk beds are essential around here, and cosleeping is a way of life. Our king-size bed is never empty, always filled with little feet and the occasional late-night chaos. Yes, my grocery bill might give others a heart attack, but that’s life with a big family. We rarely eat out—it’s simply too expensive—and we’re perfectly fine with that. Cooking together has become a cherished family activity. Sure, there are messes, but those messy moments turn into quality time and memories I wouldn’t trade for the world.

Is there drama? Of course! With six kids, it’s a given. But the bond they share is stronger than anything I’ve ever experienced with my own siblings. The chaos is everywhere—sometimes it feels like we’re swimming in it—but I live for it. I birthed this chaos. I chose this life, and I would choose it over and over again.

Our home may not look like something out of a magazine, even though I dream of that perfect decor. That’s just not where we are in life right now, but it doesn’t mean we won’t get there someday. For now, my living room is filled with toys and children tumbling over furniture. We also have two dogs, our beloved additions to the chaos. Our black lab sometimes serves as a pony, and luckily, he’s learned to tune out the noise.

Large family life isn’t for everyone, but it’s definitely for me. Sanity tests and financial struggles aside, this crazy, love-filled life is exactly what I was meant for. And I wouldn’t change a thing.

El Legado de las Abuelas

By

Jessica Sanchez Molina

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October 4, 2024

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In this post, written entirely in Spanish, Jessica reminisces about her grandmothers (abuelas) and their love for gardening and the legacy they’ve given her through their passion.

Esta va en español. Para las matriarcas en nuestras familias, como en la mía, dirigida por mujeres fuertes. Madres, que dan la cara por sus crías y no se rajan. Desde que recuerdo estuve rodeada por mujeres luchonas que con el ejemplo sacaban adelante a sus familias. Empezando con mis abuelitas quienes nos honraban con sus comidas y el cuidado de siempre. Y la herencia que he disfrutado en vida, el amor a las plantas.

Algunos de los recuerdos más sencillos y apreciados que guardo en mi memoria son de mis abuelas cuidando de sus plantas y jardín en el hogar. Empezando con mi bisabuela materna quien salía todas las mañanas a limpiar su patio y regar sus plantas, las visitas a viveros con mi abuela materna, y la atención al jardín descubriendo nuevas fresas con mi abuela paterna. Atesorados momentos que espero compartir con nuestra descendencia.

Ahora de mamá y señora de casa disfruto del cuidado de mis plantas y la propagación de las mismas. Orgullosamente heredé el “green thumb” de mi abuela y eso de las plantas se me da, y me encanta. La práctica creció aún más durante la pandemia trabajando desde casa. En cuidar de mis macetas he reflexionado mucho en lo similar que es nuestro crecimiento al de las plantas, y me parece muy interesante cómo podemos aplicar muchas lecciones de su cuidado a nuestro propio desarrollo.

Riégate y háblate bonito

La primera enseñanza. Eso de platicarles a las plantas es de sí o sí. Mostrarles amor y respeto es una lección que mis abuelas inculcaron con su ejemplo. Y así debe de ser con una misma, quiérete, reconoce tu crecimiento y las dificultades que has sobrellevado. Palabras que afirman nuestros logros deberían de ser el pan de cada día. Igual a mis hijos, les recuerdo que debemos cuidar de las plantas que nos dan oxígeno, y ofrecerles palabras de aliento impulsándolas a seguir creciendo tan bellas como ellas solas. Quizás se pueda sentir ridículo, pero la neta es que si funciona, crecen más lindas como que les gusta la atención y los halagos.

Segundo, el medio ambiente donde se desarrollan influye mucho en el crecimiento que tendrá la vegetación. Yo tuve una planta que empezó en mi baño, creciendo bella y frondosa. Pero por cuestiones de espacio tuve que cambiarla de lugar a la sala. Inmediatamente noté el cambio, y no puedo evitar compararlo a como nuestro desarrollo está completamente ligado al lugar en que crecemos, las oportunidades que tenemos, y los ejemplos a nuestro alrededor. Hay lugares o grupos que nos pueden mantener en crecimiento constante, pero posiblemente lento, también hay ambientes que pueden catalizar nuestro desarrollo y hasta acelerarlo. Por el otro dado, negarnos de herramientas necesarias para sobresalir pueden detenernos o desviar nuestro camino. Mija, tu encuentra tu lugar y el de tu familia. Aléjate de situaciones y personas que te detengan o limiten, no dejes que nadie tome mas de lo que deben, tú quédate donde florezcas.

Habrá ocasiones que no importa lo que hacemos pareciera que una planta no mejora o carece de su brillo peculiar. Al menos esa fue mi experiencia con una monstera a la cual sus raíces estaban dañadas y a pesar de cambiar la tierra y maceta múltiples veces, no mejoraba. Algo diferente sucedió cuando la cambié completamente del medio en que crecía removiéndola de la tierra, limpiando sus raíces, y poniéndola en agua por unas cuantas semanas. Fue ahí cuando me di cuenta de un cambio y sus raíces crecieron de nuevo, fuertes y sanas. A veces nos pasa lo mismo a nosotros, cuando no importa lo que hagamos, seguimos estancadas en rutinas o prácticas que no nos dan resultados. Y por más vueltas que le des al asunto, no se ve la solución. Así que mija, hay veces que nos veremos forzadas a cambiar nuestra manera de abordar la situación para salir adelante. Y no tiene que ser por falta de conocimiento, simplemente que las cosas no se dan y puede ser por una razón válida que desconócenos al momento, como decimos, a fuerza ni los zapatos entran.

Reconociendo los matices de la vida

Aunque me encanta cuidar de plantitas, no todas se me han dado a la primera, o al menos así lo pensaba hasta que aprendía de cada una. No soy mucho de investigar a fondo que necesita cada especie de planta, al menos hasta que me doy cuenta que mis tácticas comunes no aplican. Así fue el caso con las orquídeas, en las cuales sigo aprendiendo y acepto todos los consejos que me ofrezcan. Yo pensando que después de florecer bonitas las mataba por mal cuidado, y en verdad es que estaban pasando a otra etapa de su crecimiento. Depende del cuidado que se les dé, las orquídeas florecen diferente. Por ahora la mía lo hace dos veces al año, el resto del tiempo crecen nuevas hojas verdes y fuertes. Y claro en eso me recordó a nuestras etapas de recargar energías, de agarrar vuelo para seguir adelante. No siempre tenemos que estar dando el 100%, no es realístico y menos con las demandas de hoy en día. Poco a poco he aprendido a reconocer las señales de mi cuerpo y ser productiva cuando tengo la energía, pero también descansar cuando la motivación o el ánimo son pocos. El amor propio es una característica que en muchas ocasiones no es evidente al crecer, porque puede ser señalado como egoísmo, pero ahora entiendo que si no me quiero y me cuido no podre cuidar a quienes mas aprecio.

Soy muy afortunada de aun tener a mis abuelas, aunque vivan lejos de mí, sus cariños y enseñanzas viven conmigo. Cada vez que cuido de mis plantas me siento mas cercana a ellas, y siento honrarlas al cuidar de ellas. Agradezco con el alma el amor y cuidados que mis abuelas me dieron de chiquita, porque fui afortunada de crecer con ellas, y con cada oportunidad que tengo de visitarlas me llevan a un viaje en el tiempo a la niñez que recuerdo con nostalgia.

Year 12: Tween Firsts

By

Maddie Kiser

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October 4, 2024

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Maddie reflects on her daughter’s (and her own) tween firsts as they both work through what it means to be 12 years old.

My tween turned 12 back in May and it has already been a whirlwind of a year (please don’t remind me how much of that year I actually have left). 12 has definitely already been a year of many “firsts”!

12 is the year she lost her first (former) “best friend” due to the friend bullying her and ostracizing her from the friend group.

12 is the year she started wearing makeup to school, and honestly, she applies highlighter better than me.

12 is the year name brands suddenly became very important to her. Adidas? No, apparently she’s only a Nike girl. And if we’re going to Sephora? It better say Glow Recipe, Fenty, Rare Beauty, or Sol de Janiero on that label.

12 is the year that I wasn’t allowed to pick out her backpack and lunchbox, nor her school supplies. No bright colors over here; only red and black folders, please.

12 is the year where she wants to spend most of her time in her room, listening to music or Facetiming with friends. And in the car? She just puts in her airpods, and she DEFINITELY doesn’t want to talk.

12 is the year that she moved across the city, changed middle schools, and became part of a blended family.

12 is the year she had her first “boyfriend”, and went on her first date (to see Minions at the movie theater).

12 is the year that she stays up super late, sleeps in until 11 AM on weekends, and suddenly naps are ok again. And her daily “uniform” consists of a hoodie, nike pro shorts, and white crocs.

12 is the year I heard her say her first curse word (at least while being around me).

12 is the year of hard conversations about friendship, vaping, and why she can’t have social media yet. And what type of pictures she should and should not be taking of herself. It’s also the year of conversations she found to be slightly awkward, like when I had to explain to her how to use a tampon.

12 is the year that she first experienced cramps, and was appalled at the idea of having to deal with “this crap” (her words) for the rest of her life.

12 is the year she went to her first concert (Ludacris… in the middle of a rodeo stadium… yeah, it was as weird as it sounds).

12 is the year that she wants to be dropped off at places, and thinks she doesn’t need me for anything anymore. If I do happen to be around her friends or classmates or teammates, she doesn’t want me to talk because I am “extremely embarrassing”. Who knew my mere existence could be so annoying to someone?

Some of these year 12 firsts as a tween mom have been easy to get used to, and others have been a bit more challenging (and exhausting). I definitely have a lot of “mom doubt,” where I am constantly questioning if I am making the right decisions. Year 12 has been about giving her more freedom, responsibility, and autonomy… while also helping her realize that she’s not ready for as much as she would like yet. I try to give both of us a little grace, because while this is HER first time being 12, this is MY first time being the mom of a 12 year old. Am I a good mom? Well, don’t ask my tween when she’s mad at me (lol). I’m far from perfect, but hopefully because I care about doing a good job raising her, (fingers crossed) I actually am.

John Leguizamo’s PBS Series Explores Latino History

By

Ashley Arinez

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September 27, 2024

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According to a 2023 study from Johns Hopkins University, “87% of key topics in Latino history were either not covered” in the books that were evaluated or “mentioned in five or fewer sentences.” That’s what John Leguizamo shares in a new three-part series about U.S. Latino and Latin American history premiering on PBS on September 27.

In “American Historia: The Untold Story of Latinos,” Leguizamo explores our history as Latinos he visits historic sites and even speaks with those who made history. Aside from Leguizamo, there are also narrations from actors Benjamin Bratt, Rosario Dawson, Edward James Olmos and Rosie Perez.

John Leguizamo at the Alamo in San Antonio. (NGL Studios / PBS)

The first episode of the series focuses on the rise and fall of Indigenous empires in the Americas — the Olmec, Inca, Maya and Aztec. The second episode features key Latino figures in U.S. history during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The final episode covers the civil rights movements that championed Latino activism and solidarity in the 20th century.

“To me, Latin people are the most resilient people on Earth because we came from almost complete genocide,” says Leguizamo. “Our culture was destroyed, our religion, our language. And yet here we are adding $3.6 trillion to the U.S. GDP annually.”

The Sept. 27 premiere of “American Historia: The Untold History of Latinos” will be followed by the second and final episodes on Oct. 4 and Oct. 11, respectively.

Somos Poderosas: A Latina Mom’s Guide to Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

By

Ana Diaz

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August 29, 2024

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A Latina Mom's Guide to Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

From an early stage of our lives, we are introduced to the impact of the power of women. We see our moms and abuelitas as superwomen who cook, clean, and still have time to serve and protect the whole family without even considering whether they have a career.

I see my mom make these perfectly shaped flour tortillas, and I am amazed at how she can cook so delicious and make perfectly round tortillas and cookies. Mi mamá makes the most delicious homemade Mexican meals that are one of a kind, and I find it scary to recreate her recipes. I can barely manage to make a decent meal on days when I don’t have over 30 things on my to-do list.

I see my amigas excelling in every role, from motherhood to their professional careers. All these amazing women are succeeding every day. However, our society continues to struggle with giving that actual empowerment to women, especially to Latinas. We are led into living with Imposter Syndrome.

The Path Latina Moms Walk

As women, we are already finding ourselves down that path of questioning our skills. However, as Latinas and mothers, we drag ourselves into the dark hole of this syndrome. We always doubt if we are good mothers, professionals, or even women. Societal pressure and our cultural expectations make it harder than expected.

Our cultural expectations are still in the process of admitting the power that Latinas bring to the table. As women and as Latinas, we inherit imposter syndrome that makes us doubt any big or small win we accomplish.

The meaning behind being a woman is powerful, yet the meaning behind being a Latina goes beyond description.

I am a woman.

I am a mom.

I am a daughter.

I am a friend.

I am a wife.

I am Mexican.

I am Hispanic.

I am Latina.

I am powerful.

I am me.

Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

As I embrace my journey of self-empowerment, self-love, and self-growth, I am in a constant battle against the imposter syndrome. I’ve been able to work through it through a few strategies that may help you.

Acknowledge your feelings but push negativity out.
Recognize your feelings, remember you are not alone, and that it is okay not to be okay. Refrain from negative self-talk when acknowledging your feelings. Validate all the feelings you have, but focus on them and move into a more positive path to get any negativity and harm out.

Celebrate and embrace your wins.
Embrace your wins. Be proud of your accomplishments, no matter how small. Every single achievement is worth enjoying. Keep a journal, and scrapbook, post on social media; do anything that works for you to highlight and enjoy what you accomplished. Don’t celebrate for the likes and acknowledgements from people, but rather for your pride.

Find support and create your community.
Don’t be afraid to seek support. Connect with mentors or friends who can understand your experience. You will be surprised at how many more women share the same struggles. Finding common ground with people who share the same struggles can lead to beautiful connections and friendships.

Practice Self-Love and Self-Growth
Set some manageable goals and that can help you understand that you don’t have to be perfect; you just have to be you and grow. Take care of yourself, and try to find some time to focus more on practicing self-love. Build up on your resilience and your strength, and most importantly, your happiness.

I am working on taking my mind off the idea that I am not capable of making great tortillas or chile colorado. I am embracing those small wins, like doing my daughter’s hair in different styles every day for school, and the big wins, such as earning multiple certificates at work. I am embracing the network and support I have found ever since I took a leadership class with 9 other powerful women who also noticed how we all were living with imposter syndrome. I am working on getting to know me.

getting to the Ana who is a career woman, a mother, a community member and a Latina woman.

Amiga, somos Latinas somos mujeres y mas que nada somos mamas. Si no nos queremos y validamos nosotras mismas como se lo vamos a enseñar a nuestras hijas, a nuestras futuras lideres. Eres una guerrera, eres una fregona, eres Tu! Acompañame a vencer este sindrome y amarnos mas. [Friend, we are Latinas, we are women, and above all, we are mothers. If we don’t love and validate ourselves, how are we going to teach that to our daughters, our future leaders? You are a warrior, you are amazing, you are YOU! Join me in overcoming this syndrome and loving ourselves more.]