HaU BLOG Posts
Growing up my mom and I never got along. We fought almost everyday. Neither of us felt content unless the other one was miserable. I remember having so much hatred for my mom, I blamed her for all the trials in my life: divorcing my dad, having a one-bedroom apartment, working a full-time job, but most importantly her unmotherly nature. I only really hated my mom because I thought she hated me. She never onced hug me, kissed my cheek or uttered the words “I love you”. Whenever I would visit my friend’s house and see their relationship with their mother I would run to the bathroom and cry. I was filled with envy. I always felt as if a true “mother” was attainable, as if it was never meant for me to experience.
As the years passed, my mom and I learned to work out our differences. It wasn’t perfect but it was definitely better than before. The day I graduated high school was one of the most memorable times I have ever experienced with my mom. When I received my diploma and was reunited with my family I remembered the look on my mom’s face as I walked towards her. At this very moment is when my mom hugged me for the first time. Time felt infinite and we were both happy for once. The day I left college my mom did not come to help me move in, instead she gave me a quick hug and a written letter. I should have been excited on my move-in day but instead felt miserable the whole drive to my dream school. I unpacked and my siblings stayed for a bit and when they left I was completely alone. I laid in my bed to read the letter my mom had wrote me. Reading that letter made me finally realize that my mom has always been a true “mother”. I was blinded my whole life by my hatred. My mom never knew how to project her love towards my siblings and I because she herself did not know what love was. Her mother made her believe she was insignificant and worthless. When my mom got pregnant at 15, her mom kicked her out and made her figure it out herself. She moved in with my dad’s family was treated horribly there too, they constantly belittled her. Despite this she was able to graduate high school at age 16 and attend college part-time. My dad’s family grew to love her and taught her to do laundry and cook since her own mother could not teach her. Unfortunately my mom could not finish college, she left my dad due to his domestic abuse and his one-year affair with another woman. For a year we were homeless, moving from couch to couch to any family member that will take in my mom and her 4 children. Miraculously my mom was able to get a part-time job and get a one-bedroom apartment. My mom always struggled with money but never told us, she will make sure we will well fed, well-dressed, and made sure we enjoyed being children. Even though she would go to bed starving and only had one pair of good jeans she never complained, our happiness is what she valued above all. The end of that letter in black ink were the words “I love you”. My mom is my inspiration. The reason I am striving to be the best I could be is her for. My success would not have possible without my mom. My diploma is dedicated to her undeniable, unseen love for me.
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Transitioning to UCLA as a first generation college student was nothing less than intimidating because I felt I had to not only navigate this institution without the guidance of my family, but do it entirely on my own. After joining Hermanas I realized that this couldn’t be any further from true. My strength comes from the people I surround myself with; the women who have already been through it and can understand and validate all the emotions that come with the struggles. I love Hermanas because being surrounded by intelligent, motivated, hard working, ambitious, and passionate women constantly inspires and uplifts me, even on days I feel discouraged or questioning myself. The relentless positive energy you all bring to my life grounds and reminds me of who who we are. I remember this is bigger than just ourselves as we’re constantly breaking barriers and resisting the institutional oppression that has and continues to keep people like us out of these spaces. It also reminds me how lucky I am to have these role models, especially in older hermanas, because there were women before us who didn’t have the same privilege; they didn’t have these spaces to provide them with the guidance, support, and friendships that I have found in all of you. There were women who practically did have to do it entirely on their own. I find my strength in all of you.
Betsy Sanchez Briones Isn't time crazy
It's 2019 already And everyone expects a fresh start Achieve your goals sis! And make new ones too But if you can't If you feel like the year is already playing you IT'S OKAY The difference between 2018 and 2019 is one day ONE DAY You can't change yourself in one day It's not a delete button of last year 2019 is the continuation of 2018 You might still have the same bad habits Or the same bad luck But don't let it get to you Regardless of year You're going to progress at your own pace Don't lose yourself trying to keep up Because time is crazy And change is spontaneous Whether you made resolutions and are seeing them through Or you feel overwhelmed by the speed of time Take care of yourself And remember, Mental health above all else I’ve always felt Mexican. Ever since I was little I’ve had pride in my family and heritage, and not once hid my roots from people. However, here at UCLA I often find myself feeling like an impostor. Being at this institution and learning about Chicanx history has opened my eyes to the injustices that our community has faced/faces. I can relate to my communities struggle, but I have learned that I have a unique privilege: I am white passing. Fair skin, red hair, freckles. When my fellow Hermanas use the phrase “I love walking into a class and seeing people who look like me” I cannot fully relate, because most lecture halls here have students who look like me. I feel Mexican, and I identify with the Latinx community, however I have recognized that my experience at UCLA, while important, is still different from some of my Hermanas. I hope that anyone who has a similar experience is able to recognize their privilege, and be able to stay true to your roots and values.
Karina Camarena I'm a really shy person to the point where even just saying hi to someone seems terrifying at times. I joined Hermanas Unidas because I decided it was time to stop being scared and start putting myself out there. I didn't join my first year of college because of the fear of being alone but my brother, who was in Hermanos Unidos de Cal State LA, always talked about all the great times he had and so I gave it a shot. I went to the first meeting of Fall Quarter 2018 and I became an Hermana. I was really excited because I knew of girls who were in HaU and they always seemed to have so much fun and I wanted to be a part of that. I filled out the form to get a big and I'm so glad I did. I applied to be an intern for the HaU Advisors and I'm really happy I got one of the positions!! It all still seems a little scary but little by little I'm getting the hang of it and I'm really proud that I took these steps to start putting myself out there and do some things I wouldn't normally do. I'm excited to start getting to know all of the wonderful and beautiful ladies in HaU and make memories that I'll cherish forever. All of steering and general body seem so loving, funny, and outgoing!! Ya'll are amazing and I know that I made the right choice.
Melissa Najera I love going out on adventures. I love exploring LA and trying out new foods from different restaurants I find on Instagram or from recommendations. I love watching sunsets and going to the beach, exploring museums, hiking… basically anything touristy I love to do. Besides that I enjoy watching shows like The Bachelor/ Bachelorette and Grey’s Anatomy. I enjoy watching Youtube videos that are beauty and fashion related because I get makeup and outfit inspiration from them and through my makeup and outfits I express myself and I like being creative and being inspired by other beautiful mujeres.
Viviana Ramirez My journey through UCLA has been filled with many learning experience. Learning about myself and the value others can bring into my life. I have meet so many great people, I see staying in my life for years to come. As a third year, my time at UCLA is slowly coming to an end. I would like to make the most out of it. Something I look forward to this quarter would be doing well in my classes. I know this might be something everyone says but this is my first quarter where I will be taking four classes. In previous quarters, I wouldn't do good and usually drop a class so I think challenging myself this quarter will benefit me. This is something I believe will help me continue my growth as a person in that it will help me organize and prioritize things going on in my life. I will finish strong this year and am excited to see what next school year has in store. Flor Lorena Quinones |
AuthorThe following posts will be from your fellow Hermanas. Archives
March 2024
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