Teenage Times: Abusive vs. Healthy Relationships

Teenage Relationships: Abusive vs. Healthy 

By: Kenya Paloma

"Immature love says: 'I love you because I need you.' Mature love says 'I need you because I love you.'"
-Erich Fromm

     Abusive relationships are rarely seen in teenagers, but 1 in 11 high school students report being physically, sexually, or emotionally abused by their partner. An example would be if Katie met this guy, who was smart, attractive, athletic, funny, and sweet, called Alex. She was head over heels for him, and he was too. When he finally asked to become official he suddenly changed. Alex demands to know where she is at all hours, he won’t let her hung out with her friends or talk to her guy friends, and he doesn't let her wear her normal clothes or makeup. When Katie has enough of him she tries to leave, but he threatens her with hurting her or himself!

    A healthy relationship is made out of seven components:

• Mutual Respect - respect in a relationship means that each person values who the other is.
• Trust - it's OK to get a little jealous sometimes — jealousy is a natural emotion. But how a person reacts when feeling jealous is what matters.
• Honesty - it’s tough to trust someone who can’t be honest.
• Support - in a healthy relationship, your partner should be there to support you in the good and bad times.
• Good Communication - it’s important to ask if you're not sure what he or she means, and speak honestly and openly so that the miscommunication is avoided.

     You probably have that friend that has that perfect movie relationship, but we have to face the fact that there are abusive relationships out there. Maybe you or a friend are in one right now, and in that case the right thing to do is to get help. Talk to a parent, counselor, a close friend or call the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline at 1.866.331.9474. You can also visit LoveIsRespect.org for help and advice.

La Reseña del Éxito: "La Guía para Mamás Primerizas"

La Reseña del Éxito
Por: Elizabeth López

Tener el primer hijo suele ser un momento de gran felicidad que también trae consigo muchas dudas e inquietudes sobre la crianza y el cuidado del bebé. "La Guía para Mamás Primerizas" de Larousse es un libro que puede ayudar. Esta guía está específicamente escrita con la intención de compartir consejos útiles a nuevas madres para el primer año de vida del bebé. Algunos de los temas incluyen la preparación del hogar para la llegada del bebé, alimentación, cuidado higiénico, y el desarrollo físico, emocional, y social. Este libro es un buen complemento para el conocido libro, "Que Esperar Cuando Estás Esperando."

School Is Out, Now What?

School Is Out, Now What?

 By: Araceli Ortiz

            Congratulations, on surviving another school year! Now that school is officially out, it’s time to kick back and enjoy three months of freedom bliss.  Some of the great things about summer time is the ability to sleep in late, hang out with friends, play sports, be glued to Facebook, watch Netflix, and read a good book. Although all these activities sound super fun I would like to invite you to use some of your free time helping others.  Summer is a great time to get involved in your community and make a big difference by volunteering your time. Here are some tips on how to get started.

Start doing your community service search by visiting some of these places:

• Churches
•  Hospitals
•  Libraries
•  Local Food Bank
•  Soup Kitchens
•  Non-profit Organizations
•  Animal Shelters
•  Senior Centers

Benefits of doing Community Service:

•  Increases your opportunity to get more scholarships ( Money for College)
•  Helps you discover new interests, passions, and skills.
•  Expand your social and professional network.
•  Provides an opportunity to land a great job.
•  Helping others will make you feel good and warm inside

Volunteering your time can help make a real difference in your community. Get up the Couch, Get off Facebook, and Go Volunteer!

“We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community... Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.”

-Cesar Chavez

Teenage Times: Protect Your Future!

Protect Your Future!

By: Kenya Corona

     In our modern generation one of our biggest concerns is becoming a teenage parent. Today we have a testimony from a teenage mother, Vanessa. Vanessa didn't plan to become a mother before finishing school but with so many problems at home and at school she ended up getting pregnant at the age of 15. After she had her baby her partner left her. She was sixteen when she became a single mother; to provide for her baby she dropped out of school and got a job. 

     Without much education she couldn’t find a job that paid a lot and was flexible with hours. So she took a job as a sales person in a flea market. She didn’t have anybody to leave her baby with and the owner didn’t allow her to bring her child to work, so she would bring her baby wrapped in blanket and in a box so no one would know. She said, “There were many times where people would go up to me and tell me that they noticed the baby. Several asked if they could buy him, or they would just try to grab it from me; it was a horrible. I would never want any of my daughters to go through what I went through,” she said. 

     Today Vanessa, a proud mother of four, told us that the advice she would like to give to all the teens out there is to make smart decisions and to focus on school and go to college so when it's your time to have children you are prepared and can offer a better and safer future to them.

Protege Tu Futuro!

     En nuestra generación moderna una de nuestras mayores preocupaciones es llegar a convertirse en madre siendo aún adolescente. Hoy tenemos el testimonio de Vanessa quien se convirtió en madre a los 16 años. Ella nos menciona que no tenía planes de convertirse en mamá antes de terminar la escuela. Pero con tantos problemas en casa, en la escuela y la falta de información, quedó embarazada a los 15 años. Después de que ella tuvo a su bebé fue abandonada por su pareja. Tenía dieciséis años cuando se convirtió en madre soltera.
     Para mantener a su bebé tuvo que abandonar la escuela y consiguió un trabajo. Sin mucha educación,  ella no podía encontrar un trabajo que pagara suficiente  y que fuera flexible con el horario. Así que ella tomó un trabajo como vendedora en un mercado. No tenía con quien dejar a su bebé y el propietario no le permitía llevarlo a su trabajo. Así que ella lo llevaba escondido muy bien envuelto en una manta y lo metía en una caja para que nadie se diera cuenta. "Hubo muchas veces que la gente me decía que ya sabían que tenía a mi bebé y querían comprármelo. Otros solo querían llevárselo; pasé experiencias horribles. Yo no quiero que ninguno de mis hijas pasen por lo que yo pasé."
     Hoy, Vanessa es una orgullosa madre de cuatro hijos y los ha sacado adelante gracias a su trabajo y sacrificio. Ella destacó que el consejo que le gustaría dar a todos los jóvenes es:  “Hay es tomar decisiones inteligentes y centrarse en la escuela e ir a la universidad, así cuando llegue su tiempo para tener bebés se encontrarán  preparados y podrán ofrecer un futuro mejor y más seguro para sus hijos.”

¡NADIE DECIDE POR TI!

¡NADIE DECIDE POR TI!

Por Sharo Reyes

     Hace algún tiempo encontré a una persona en su trabajo llorando porque su jefe la hizo sentir mal. Le dijo que debía mejorar sus resultados, pero ella se sintío agredida por la forma prepotente en que él le habló. Como sabemos amigos nuestras emociones influyen en todos los ámbitos de nuestra vida, por eso es tan importante usarlas a nuestro favor.
     Es bien cierto que en la escuela, el trabajo, en la tienda o hasta en la casa nos encontramos algunas veces con respuestas poco amables, y hasta agresivas de personas que tal vez no están teniendo un buen día o que por causa de las presiones de la vida diaria o del estrés estén pasando por un mal momento.
     Cualquiera que sea la razón debes estar preparado con una buena actitud, ante este tipo de situaciones para que no afecten tu día, tu autoestima y tu vida.
Pero qué hacer ante estos casos? Lo que yo hago normalmente es pensar que tal vez ese día la persona en cuestión tiene un problema, pienso que no es su intención herir, trato como decía mi mami de equivocarme con la gente por el lado bueno. Asi mismo te sugiero pongas en práctica lo siguiente:

• No contestar a la agresión de la misma forma
• Mantén la calma
• Piensa que es una prueba que pule tu carácter, y lo que no te mata, te engrandece!
• Sonríe, usualmente la respuesta suave cambia la actitud de la gente
• Y lo más importante, se asertivo: No debes sentirte víctima y recuerda que NADIE puede decidir cómo vas a sentirte en tu día, SOLO tú!!!

Hoy es un gran día; elige sentirte inteligente, valioso, amado (a), elige sentirte PLENO (A)!!!!!

La Reseña del Éxito: “Salvaje”

La Reseña del Éxito
Por Elizabeth Lopez

     En “Salvaje” su autora Cheryl Strayed narra la historia de los 1800 kilómetros que ella caminó en su recorrido por la cordillera del Pacífico de los Estados Unidos conocida como la “Pacific Crest Trail”. La autora toma esta decisión después de que el fallecimiento de su madre por cáncer y la separación de su esposo la dejan destrozada. Sin alguna experiencia anterior en este tipo de excursiones, Strayed narra una historia poderosa llena de momentos de suspenso, alegría, locura, y miedo que finalmente le ayuda a recuperar las riendas de su vida.

What is Federal Work Study?

What is Federal Work Study?

 By: Araceli Ortiz

     If you have already received your financial aid award from your respective institution you might have been notified of being awarded “Federal Work Study”.  Federal Work-Study is a form of financial aid awarded to students who demonstrate financial need and meet certain eligibility requirements. The work-study program provides part-time employment to undergraduates and graduates to help with college expenses.
     If you are eligible, your Federal Work Study award will be listed on your financial aid award notification. If you have already filed your FAFSA for this year and did not show interest in Federal Work Study but are interested now, you should visit your school's Financial Aid Office to determine your eligibility.
      It is important that you begin to start looking for work study positions the first week you get on to campus. Generally, schools having job postings or announcements that get sent out electronically to students who are eligible for work study. Don’t be afraid to ask around either, you never know who is hiring. Most positions are treated as a real job so doesn't be surprised if you are required to submit a resume or interview for the position.
      Some of the benefits that along with having a work study job include the following:

• You'll get MONEY to help fund your college expenses and treat yourself once in a while.
• You’ll be able to take advantage of all the resources that your school has to offer you.
• Your employer will give you flexible work hours to work around your class schedule. In many cases, sometimes you may be able to even work on your homework.
• You will be able to meet a variety of students, staff, and faculty which will allow you to create a good support system for when things get a little tough.
• Work study income will not effect your future financial aid eligibility.
• Future employees are often impressed by students who have work study experience while in college.
• You will develop your transferable skills that will be useful in future jobs such as leadership skills, communication skills, professional skills, and time management skills.
• Research shows that students who work at least 20 hours a week while in college get better grades.

I hope this encourages you to take advantage of this great opportunity. Happy work-study job hunting!

Teenager Time: ‬Summer Time!

‎Summer Time!

Es Tiempo De Verano!

By: Kenya Corona 

     Its summer: no school, no teachers, no homework, and no responsibilities! I bet everyone is super excited for those hot, wild summer nights! Many teenagers are planning to go out on road trips, parties, or on adventures with just friends. But we have to remind ourselves to be careful and must have caution, so here are ten easy tips to stay away from danger this summer:
1. Do not go out by yourself, no matter how safe you think your neighborhood is.
2. Always let your parents now where you’ll be going or staying.
3. Think twice before drinking alcohol or using drugs, as the consequences can be severe.
4. Do not drive while texting.
5. Do not drive at night.
6. Never use alcohol when doing any kind of water activities.
7. Attend beaches, lakes, and pools that have lifeguards around.
8. Do not go swimming at night.
9. Have a responsible person with you when partying.
10. Be responsible when choosing which friends to hang out with.

Hope everyone stays safe and has fun!

Your Words Are Your Energy

Your Words Are Your Energy

By: Araceli Ortiz

     Inspired by the challenges and accomplishments of my fitness journey…
     I have always admired people who have enough self-discipline to go to the gym or go running regardless of our unpredictable weather.  How do they do it? What keeps them going? These were some of the questions I set out to answer as I, myself, jumped on my own bandwagon on my own fitness journey. That first week I was so motivated and proud of myself that I even signed up to run my first half marathon. 

     I AM NOT RUNNER.

     As time passed I realized that my motivation was dying off.  I started feeling tired, my schedule was getting too busy, and I soon began make up every excuse possible in the universe to not go running.  If running is good for me than why did I make up all these barriers for myself?  Soon, I noticed that whenever I told myself I “should” do something (anything including running) I would feel very overwhelmed, stressed, tired, and irritated. But most importantly, if I didn't get the task done I would end up feeling guilty and disappointed with myself. I found this pattern to be very counterproductive for not only my marathon training but for life in general.

It took me a couple of weeks of battling with this internal conflict to finally accept what I was doing wrong.  I had to remind myself why I decided to run in the first place. The answer was simple. I wanted to be healthier.  “Wanting” something normally stems from a place of desire and passion. I like to say that it comes from a deep place in your heart.  On the days I  REALLY don’t want to go running I close my eyes and tell myself I “want” to be healthy or I “want” to give my body this gift of running. As a result, I actually find myself being more energetic and I end up running more than I set my goal to be.

My grand discovery so far is my words have power and energy. Words can either prevent or push you to move forward in life. It is up to us to decide what your internal dialogue sounds like and what we really “want ‘to accomplish in our lifetime. 

It's Worth a $100 Million Dollars!

Share YOUR Story: It's Worth a $100 Million Dollars

By Araceli Ortiz

     Did you know that according to the National Scholarships Providers Association approximately $100 million dollars of scholarship money goes unclaimed every year? That’s right! $100 million dollars! Money is just waiting to be given to you. What do you have to do? It’s simple:  APPLY. One of the top reasons why students are not winning scholarship money is because they simply don’t apply!

     Applying for scholarships can be very scary, overwhelming, and time consuming. Most of us are terrified with the idea of writing a scholarship essay. These are all valid reasons and fears for not applying. However, applying for scholarships is more than just writing an essay. It’s about taking the opportunity to share your life story!  This is your chance to let other people know what an amazing human being you are.  Here are three main focus points you can share that will help effectively and successfully present your life story:

• Obstacles- big or small, we all have obstacles in our lives. We all have had to live through a significant experience that has taught us how to be a better person. What kinds of skills or qualities have you learned from that experience? Scholarship committees want to invest in someone who is resilient and open to growth opportunities.
• Community Service- What kind of projects or work have you done to help out your community? Perhaps you have volunteered at your local food bank; maybe you regularly babysit your sibling after school or maybe you traveled abroad to help build a school. Whatever it maybe, tell the scholarship committee about the amazing things you are doing to make your community a better place. What are you learning about yourself in the process? How are you bettering self as a result of this experience? 
• Life Purpose- What is your life purpose?  What makes you get out of bed each day? What motivates you? This is your chance to share your strengths, goals, gifts, talents and dreams.  It is important to recognize that a career choice is not a life purpose but rather a vehicle to help you fulfill your purpose in life.  This portion of your essay is one of the most important ones because the scholarship committee wants to see what you have a clear vision of life and know exactly what you want to accomplish in life.  In addition, it also helps you stay grounded and focused when making daily life choices.

     Reflecting on these three concepts may take a few hours but in the end you will be grateful that you sacrificed a few of your favorite T.V. episodes when you graduate from college debt free.

     What about if you are rejected for a scholarship? Well, you send a thank you card to the committee for taking time out of their busy schedules to review your story and move on to the next. True, rejection hurts but there are plenty of other committees that are dying for a chance to get to you know and invest in you.
     Apply, Apply, Apply, and keep on applying. 

To learn more about how to write a winning scholarship essay please refer to “Path To Scholarships®” website:  www.edudaris.com.