La Reseña del Éxito: “Ciudadanía Americana: ¡Hecho Fácil!"

La Reseña del Éxito:
Por Elizabeth Lopez

     Si usted está pensando en hacerse ciudadano de los EEUU, le tengo un nuevo recurso. El libro se llama “Ciudadanía Americana: ¡Hecho Fácil!”. Este libro repasa los requisitos básicos de elegibilidad, el papeleo que se necesita, y los temas abarcados en el examen escrito y oral. Se incluye un audio libro que repasa la pronunciación y respuestas de las posibles 100 preguntas del examen cívico.

Tips to Best Prepare For Taking the SAT/ACT Exam

Tips to Best Prepare For Taking the SAT/ACT Exam

By: Araceli Ortiz

Now that you know you will have to take either one or both of these exams, here are some tips to help you prepare for the big day.

• Prep Classes:  Most, if not all, schools offer preparation classes which can help students better familiarize themselves with the standardized testing process. Typically, these classes involve homework and practice tests. In addition, students have the opportunity to ask instructors personalized questions.
  
• Take Practice Tests:  Is it highly encouraged you take a least a few practice tests weeks before the day of your real exam. The more you practice, the more you'll feel comfortable with the format, structure, and content of the exam.  There are many practice tests online which you can download for free that also include the answer key and scoring guides.
  
• Read, Read, Read:  In addition to taking practices, you should also make it a habit of reading materials that may not typically be of your first interest. Keep up with current events through newspapers and reading diverse types of books. As you are reading, stop every now then to identify the author’s argument. You may also want to make note of any words you don’t know so that you can look them up later. This is will help when you are taking the comprehension section of the test.
  
• Sophomores and Juniors:  If you are going to be a sophomore this academic year be prepared to take a free practice SAT (PSAT) exam. Some schools require their students to register for practice exam your sophomore year. Juniors are highly encouraged to take the PSAT exam, but must register first and may be required pay around twenty dollars. The PSAT exam stimulates the real testing environment and gives students the opportunity to evaluate their areas of weakness and strengths in reading and writing. Even though these are practice exams, it is always important to be prepare yourself as if you were taking the real exam. If your scores are high enough on your PSAT you may be eligible to receive a National Merit Scholarship. Talk to your high school for more information or visit www.collegeboard.org for additional ACT/SAT resources.

Good Luck!

Teenage Times: Your Perfect Summer Gig

Your Perfect Summer Gig

By: Kenya Corona

     It’s summer; we want to go out with friends, buy new summer clothes, favorite books or go to the movies, but many times we don’t have the money so we just ask our parents for it. And personally I am tired of asking my parents for money. The question is HOW? How are we supposed to work, for teens that are younger then 16, like me. Don’t worry there are several options and I will introduce to you 6 ideas and help you get the job.

Babysitting: If you absolutely love children and know how to take care of them, this could be your perfect summer gig.
How: Offer to take care of the kid of any family member before they go out. Don’t ask for too much money your first time.

Garage Sale: If you have a lot of junk at home that you don’t want anymore and you know that is worth something, go for it! (Remember to ask your parents before putting something for sell)
How: First make sure your parents are okay with having a garage sale. Then start looking for stuff at home you and your parents are okay with selling. Next, start putting up signs of your garage sale. Finally start putting your things up with a sticker of their price. (Remember they are second hand things so don’t expect too much money)

Dog Sitting: If you are good with dogs and this is the perfect job for you. (Also make sure your parents are fine with it)
How: Offer to take care of your friend’s dog while they go on vacation. Don’t ask for much your first time.

Assistant: If your parents or a close family friend have a business, ask if you could help to organize files.

Survey: Take surveys online and get paid just for answering a few questions.
How: Here are couple sites you can sign up for: ‪SurveyCompare.net/Survey‬ And SwagBucks.com.

Tutor: If you are a very patient person and really good at a specific subject this could be the best job for you.
How: Talk to your counselor about being a tutor so she/he could refer you to kids that need help in that subject. Another way is putting up a couple posters around the neighborhood.

These are just a couple ideas of how to get money this summer. Remember, working won’t just help you financially but it also sharpens your business abilities and your confidence.

La Reseña del Éxito: "El Soñador"

La Reseña del Éxito
Por Elizabeth López

     Esta semana les comparto un bello libro de ficción de Pam Muñoz Ryan sobre la niñez del poeta Chileno, Pablo Neruda, titulado El Soñador. En la historia nos enteramos que Neruda fue un niño tímido pero lleno de sueños y con talento para las palabras, aunque su padre no lo apoyaba. La historia es una excelente selección para leer en voz alta en familia y le enseña a los niños sobre la perseverancia, la valentía, la libertad, y más que nada en siempre creer en sus propios sueños.

Amo Mi Trabajo!

Amo Mi Trabajo!

Por Sharo Reyes

     El trabajo de tus manos lleva el alimento a la mesa de tu comunidad, sana heridas en los hospitales, siembra la semilla del aprendizaje en los niños, construye ciudades, une famlias, y tu trabajo es una puerta abierta al conocimiento- sí, el trabajo que realizas es muy importante y valioso!!
     Por eso quiero agradecerte hoy por todo ese talento y habilidades que usas cada día para ayudar a otros. Tu trabajo es apreciado y es un motivo mas para ser feiz. El impacto de la posición que desempeñas es enorme, primero en tu familia, luego en tu comunidad y en la economía.
     Por eso es tan importante sentirnos plenos y felices al desempeñar nuestras labores; de esta forma incrementas tu autoestima. Al alcanzar tus metas y superarlas te preparas para seguir creciendo y desarrollándote en todos los aspectos; recuerda amar con todo tu corazón lo que haces, porque asimismo tus compañeros, jefes y tu familia se sentirán contentos y agradecidos por tus buenos resultados y actitud.
     Hoy es un gran día; enfocate en todos los aspectos positivos de tu trabajo o profesión, haz un recuento de todos tus logros y sigue dando el 120 por ciento en cada una de las cosas que haces en la vida- te sentirás pleno y satisfecho, haciendo de este mundo, un mundo mejor!

La Reseña del Éxito: "Qué Pasa en Mi Cuerpo?"

La Reseña del Éxito
Por Elizabeth Lopez

     Hablar con los hijos sobre el sexo puede ser una tema aterrador para muchos padres. Pero el libro, "¿Qué Pasa en Mi Cuerpo?" de Lynda Madaras, puede ser una buena forma de iniciar ese diálogo. Con más de 25 años de experiencia en el área de salud y educación sexual para jóvenes, su libro está repleto de información sobre la pubertad y los cambios físicos que ocurren en el cuerpo. La información se complementa con ilustraciones y lo que lo hace bastante accesible. Este libro es un buen recurso y sería un excelente obsequio, con una edición para muchachos y otra para muchachas.

La Reseña del Éxito: "Viviendo"

La Reseña del Éxito
Por Elizabeth Lopez

     Adamari López, la célebre actriz y presentadora de televisión, recientemente publicó su primer libro titulado "Viviendo". En "Viviendo", la actriz nos cuenta sobre su lucha contra el cáncer de seno desde que fue diagnosticada en el 2005. Su desgarradora historia incluye su operación, la quimioterapia, y las varias operaciones que se tuvo que hacer posteriormente. López comparte momentos de felicidad y tristeza – como lo es el diagnóstico de cáncer de su madre después de que su propio cáncer entró en remisión y su doloroso divorcio del cantante Luis Fonsi. Su historia es un testimonio de la fe, el valor, y la perseverancia que muchas sobrevivientes del cáncer tienen en común. Este es un excelente libro sobre un tema que afecta a miles de mujeres alrededor del mundo.

Teenage Times: Teenage Drug Addiction

Teenage Drug Addiction

By: Kenya Corona

     On April 10th 2003, 17 year old Andrew Gordon was arrested after killing Mr. Busa and brutally assaulting son Michael Busa, while being under the influence of the drug, crystal meth. About 60% of teenagers in America use drugs (statistics including alcohol and tobacco), and several of these teenagers don't know the consequences of them. Each drug has different effect to your brain and body but are all equally dangerous. Numerous teens use drugs because they have family problems at home, like violence or a family member with a drug addiction, while others just want to fit in or feel cool. There are ways to prevent drug addiction, like staying active, being involved in your community and ALWAYS keeping family and school as your first priority. If you know that a friend, family member, or even yourself are going through this situation, remember you are not alone. Talk to someone close that you can trust, like a parent, counselor, teacher or even Prisma Comm would love to help! There are also hotlines that specialize in teen problems:

 http://www.pamf.org/teen/hotlines.html#drugs

 http://teenlineonline.org/category/help-online/
 http://www.teenhealthandwellness.com/static/hotlines

     As teenagers we have think about our future, so the choices you make today (whether bad or good) will impact your life forever!

Teenage Times: There Is Hope

There Is Hope

By: Kenya Corona

     On May 23rd 2013, 12 year-old Gabrielle Molina committed suicide after restless online bullying. Suicide has become one of the biggest concerns in our generation; at the ages between 10 and 24, suicide is the third leading cause of death. It results in approximately 4600 lives lost each year in the United States. Several factors are involved in this tragic action like: history of depression or other mental illness, alcohol or drug abuse, stressful life events or loss, and especially exposure to the suicidal behavior of others. Remember, suicide doesn't only affect you but also everyone that surrounds you. The good news is that there is a way to prevent this situation. Talking to an adult or a close friend about what is troubling you can help relieve some of the stress and fear you may be feeling. Remember you’re not alone; believe it or not many people love and care about you. DON’T EVER GIVE UP BECAUSE LIFE GETS BETTER!

La Reseña del Éxito: "Aprenda Inglés con Imágenes"

La Reseña del Éxito

Por Elizabeth López

     Esta semana les quiero compartir una nueva herramienta para aprender inglés, especialmente para los principiantes. El libro se llama "Aprenda Inglés con Imágenes" de Mizar Multimedia. Este libro está lleno de actividades divertidas para las personas que quieren aprender un vocabulario básico para situaciones comunes. Las escenas que se abarcan incluyen la ropa, de compras, frutas y verduras, el tiempo, y en el restaurante, entre otras. Como la mayoría del libro es bilingüe (Inglés y Español) este libro también es una buena herramienta para los tutores de ambas lenguas.

How Else Can I Pay For School?

How Else Can I Pay For School?

By: Araceli Ortiz

     As summer is slowly coming to an end I am sure you are starting to look at your closely at your college costs. Most students end up realizing after they get their tuition bill that they do not have enough financial resources to cover the costs. Therefore, in many cases, students choose to take out students loans. A student loan is money you borrow for your education which you must pay back with interest. 

     There are two types of federal loans students can potentially qualify for:  Federal Subsidized and Federal Unsubsidized.  Both types of loans offer fixed interest rates and allow up to 10 years to be paid back, but the Subsidized Loan has the best perks because the government pays your interest accrued while you are in school.  Below is a chart that will allow you to clearly see the difference between both loans:

     You should always try to cover your educational expenses with scholarships, grants, or savings first before considering taking out student loans. Taking out student loans is a great way to invest in your education; however, it is a serious financial and legal obligation. Make sure you talk to your financial aid counselors to learn more about your payment options.

La Reseña del Éxito: "Trucos de Belleza Para Chicas con Prisa"

La Reseña del Éxito
Por Elizabeth López

La belleza interna y externa son partes fundamental en el desarrollo de la autoestima y seguridad de la mujer, pero con tantos productos de belleza en el mercado hoy día, la belleza puede costar bastante tiempo y dinero. Sin embargo, en el libro “Trucos de Belleza Para Chicas con Prisa” por Somer Flaherty y Jen Kollmer, puedes encontrar tips que son rápidos de utilizar y a un bajo costo. Las autoras recomiendan remedios para problemas con el acné, la hinchazón facial, cabello fuera de control, piel grasosa, y muchos más. Los remedios recomendados utilizan productos que la mayoría de las personas ya tienen en el hogar y muchas veces con ingredientes naturales. Te invito a que aprendas alguno tip nuevo con este librito lleno de información valiosa.

La Reseña del Éxito: "Cocinando para Latinos con Diabetes"

La Reseña del Éxito

Por Elizabeth López

     La diabetes es una de las enfermedades que más afecta a nuestra comunidad Latina. Lo bueno es que no es necesario sacrificar todos tus platillos favoritos para control el azucar. La Asociación Americana de la Diabetes recientemente publicó la segunda edición del libro "Cocinando para Latinos con Diabetes" que está lleno de recetas de los países hispanos que pueden disfrutar las personas con diabetes. Cada receta incluye el contenido nutricional y se abarcan una variedad de bebidas, salsas, ensaladas, sopas, platillos de carne y pez, y postres. Este libro es una buena opción para ideas de como cocinar de una forma más saludable, no solo para las personas con diabetes, sino para toda la familia.

Show Me the Money!

Show Me the Money!

By: Araceli Ortiz

     Saving money can sound daunting. You want to hang out with friends, eat out, and shop; why go saving all those nickels and dimes that could be put to use buying those Vans you've been eyeing for a while? Saving money doesn't have to be difficult. A little bit of money from working, recycling, and even birthday money can be set aside. The dough that you do save up will be beneficial in the long run when you begin to save for college and the expenses that come with it. Making a savings account can help make sure you don’t dip into your savings when you don’t need to, and having money saved up in general can provide a safety net to fall back on in case of emergencies.
     When should you put money away in your savings? Putting money away can be difficult sometimes but adapting one simple habit can a make a big difference. I would encourage any time you get money, whether it is for your birthday, graduation, from chores, recycling soda pop cans, babysitting and/or working, that you put at least half of that amount away in savings. If you have regular expenses each month then consider putting at least 10% of your paycheck away- you may always put away more if you wish.
     You can save your money in your piggy bank, a special container, underneath your mattress, or you may also want to consider opening up a savings account at your local bank. One of the benefits of having your money in the bank are the interest rates; although very low, these few pennies could  potentially make a difference in the long run.
     What should you use your savings for? You can use your savings for anything your little heart desires; however, I would encourage you to use that money for your college expenses. Scholarships and Financial Aid may cover most of your cost of attendance while in college, but remember it may not always cover it all. Having some money safely stashed away may relieve you of some stress. Also, you could use the money to pay other expenses your financial aid may not cover such as study abroad trips, spring break learning service trips, additional classes, or extra-curricular activities. Savings accounts will provide you with a sense of stability and security in times of emergencies.
     Other great resources that may be available to support you in the money saving journey are Individual Savings Accounts (IDA). IDAs are a type of savings account. What makes IDAs special is that you receive an additional deposit each time you add to your savings. This is called a match and is usually one to four times the size of each deposit you make. For example, if you receive a 3:1 match, each time you deposit $25, you will get an additional $75 toward your savings goal. Check with your local non-profits to see if you qualify or visit VIDA OREGON http://www.vidaoregon.org/  to learn more.

Happy Savings!