Simple is not boring.

Living in a world of instant gratification, it's not hard to see why we're always on the go. We have access to literally anything at our fingertips thanks to our handy dandy smartphones and countless WiFi connections. 

This life can get hectic; at least mine seems to be most of the time. I've heard plenty of times that "You can do it all; just not all at once" and up until now, I did not agree. When we're young, ambitious, and excited, the possibilities are endless, am I right? I'm right.

I like to think that if I'm passionate enough about something, anything, I can do it! The second I decide I want to do something, I want to do it! But pretty soon things start to catch up; working late to get your paperwork done, pulling all-nighters to study for exams, spending time with your family, going out with your friends who you haven't seen because you've been so busy, etc. Things add up and then we're left to make choices. 

That's the beauty of being who we are- we choose what we want to do, who we want to be, where we want to go, and so on. Sometimes it's hard to just sit back and think because we may feel like we need to be constantly moving, but it's OKAY to take a break. We don't have to rush through life; or we shouldn't at least. 

It's actually a necessity. Don't be afraid to boring and just chill out once in a while. 

How else will you know how truly awesome you are? 

Music, I love you.

I have recently been introduced to the term “self-care” and let me tell you, it is definitely something I needed in my life. Doing everything on my day to day to-do list can be stressful at times, as I imagine it can be for others. Sometimes the hardest thing for me to do is take a step back, read a good book, do some yoga and just unwind. I am convinced that there is something in my DNA that prevents me from saying “no”- whether its work related or family related I feel inclined to help.

One thing I’ve learned in my journey to self-care is that it is OK to say no sometimes. I have to take care of myself to be a better resource and complete my tasks well. Having little time and what seems like a million things to do, I have found that any time I have to unwind is well spent with a little set of tunes.

Music has always been an important part of my life. No I’m not an amazing singer or anything (unless I’m singing my heart out in my car or the shower) but I love the meaning that music brings. Anything and everything I feel can be transmitted through a song. Certain songs remind me of specific people, events, and even lessons and I find that amazing.

When I feel like I am overwhelmed, without fail listening to my favorite jams is a quick way to clear my head, take some “me” time and go on with my day. Just like memories, music can take me back to my life lessons whether they were about dealing with heartbreak, depression, angst, genuine happiness, and of course love-especially love. And then there are songs that give me hope and the sense that everything will be right with the world eventually; Songs that have me feeling like I can take over the world because, well, I am me.

What is it that you do for self-care? 

Cesar Chavez: An American Hero

Yesterday, Fandango released the trailer for the upcoming film Cesar Chavez:An American Hero.  When I first saw it, I literally got chills.

Cesar Chavez is known for his passion and service through the creation of the United Farm Workers, in collaboration with Dolores Huerta. Because of his nonviolent tactics during the movement of the UFW and its boycotts/strikes, Cesar Chavez is still seen as an activist who inspired hope; someone who gave those who thought they were voiceless a voice. He is definitely a known figure in the Latino community.

Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta have become icons in the Latino community for their life changing involvement in terms of Civil Rights and the creation of the National Farm Workers Association. A film like this is the perfect platform not only to showcase the extraordinary story of these icons, but also to shed light on the long standing fight for civil rights in this country.

This film is showcasing a story that is relevant to the Latino Community. While watching the trailer and looking up more information online I couldn't help but compare past events from the UFW movement to what is happening now with the push for Immigration Reform and it’s a great example of how change should come today; No violence, no insincerity, and no apathy. What is happening is real and there are thousands of people who are affected. 

Cesar Chavez: An American Hero is directed by Mexican actor Diego Luna. The cast includes Michael Pena, who plays Cesar Chavez, Rosario Dawson, and America Ferrera. This film definitely comes with  huge responsibility and expectations because of the magnitude of the story its portraying. But also important, is that this film deals with a huge part of Mexican American history.  

Latism 2013 Recap!

Now that I am finally settled in to my daily routine I would like to share my experience from this past week at Latism 2013 in NYC! (To be honest, I’m still taking it all in!)

Latism 2013 was AMAZING! It was unlike any other conference I've experienced. From the moment I stepped foot into the Waldorf Astoria I knew I was about to be a part of something huge. The culture, tradition, music, and candela!, as many in attendance described it, definitely made me proud of my Latina roots and of being in attendance. Being in the same room as so many men and women who are truly dedicated to social good has definitely inspired me to continue to work toward social change.

It’s crazy to think that just a few months ago I started my internship with Bloggers of Health and now I was in New York City for one of the biggest Latino Conferences of the year!

The conference concentrated on issues like Literacy, Tech Innovation, Business, Health, Community Outreach, Culture, and Immigration reform. To be surrounded by men and women who are so passionate and full of life was immensely motivating. There is so much love, potential and ganas in the Latino Community and I am very lucky to have been exposed to that.

From left to right: Goldin Martinez, Jackie Gil, Danny Rivero, 

Lupita Riestra (me), Judith Barcelo, Karen Comas 

I feel extremely honored and privileged to have been part of the #FordMillennial panel along with five other individuals who are truly incredible. We were chosen to represent five major cities across the U.S. to share our stories not only as Millennials but as Latinos, who are making a difference in our communities through our work and involvement. I'm looking forward to continue working with my peers and the Ford Millennial movement. 

Gracias Ford en Español for allowing me to experience this amazing conference as a Ford Millennial Ambassador. And a BIG THANK YOU to @NataschaOS, @BlancaMejia, and Albert Collazo (Director of Hispanic Communications for Ford), for all the support and guidance! 

Amazing Team!

One thing that I have taken with me is that we all have been blessed with the power of choice; YOU are the one who decides what to do and that is something no one can ever take away from you. Whatever it may be, make sure that you do it with passion and consciousness.

Latism 2013!

Recently, I became an intern for Bloggers of Health. BOH aims to work and network with the use of social media to quickly and effectively disseminate useful information that will enable people to live healthier lives. Through this internship I will be able to expand my knowledge and get a feel for potential career choices. What is awesome about it is also the fact that this internship is built to fit me and not the other way around, so that's amazing!

Thanks to my internship, Latism, and Ford en Español, I will have the opportunity to travel to New York and attend Latism 2013!

Now that I'm entering a new phase, being informed on issues surrounding Business, Technology, Advocacy, Education and Health is very important to me because the more you know, the better you can help. Attending the Latism Conference will be the perfect opportunity to be exposed to these subjects and participate in making a change.

To be honest, I feel like this is a rite of passage for me. I’ve always believed that attaining an education will get me far in life, but it wasn’t until recently that I started to realize how important it is to be connected with people and issues that are significant in our community and I am SO EXCITED! 

Reasons I’m excited:

1)     I will be able to gather information about what are pressing issues in our society and how I can make a difference in my community.

2)     I get to meet professionals from so many different fields that are dedicated to promoting social good.

3)     I will have the opportunity to share what it means to be a part of Generation Y.

4)     IT’S IN NEW YORK! I mean, how amazing is that!

Just a little background for those of you who don’t know; Latinos in Tech Innovation & Social Media (LATISM) is the largest organization for Latino and Latina professionals engaged in social media, is a 501(c) 4 nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing the social, civic and economic status of the Latino community. LATISM also serves corporate brands, NGOs and government entities, with a broad range of services including research, event sponsorships, and leadership training. A pioneering social media organization, LATISM has been hailed as the most influential online movement in the new multicultural Web.” You can find out more about their mission here: latism.org.

So what is the "Millennial" generation? Basically, people born between 1982-2000 are considered to be "Millennials”. There are about 75 million people in this category, myself included, and we are sometimes seen as a care-free, self-centered generation-given our love and exposure to social media and the good ol’ internet. This however is not the case and that is the point that #Millennials are trying to make.

I, along with four other Millennials from Texas, Florida and New York, will have the opportunity to represent our generation and show that we are more than a carefree group of individuals. Being a Millennial means being young and vibrant and ready to make a change, however big or small it may be.

The panel we will be a part of is “Millennials: Creative,Sociable and Largest Market since Baby Boomers” and the great thing about this is that my peers and I will be able to share our stories and journeys, while representing a larger group. Each and every one of us have the opportunity to accomplish the goals we set for ourselves. And the great thing about living in this generation is the fact that we can find and connect with people that have similar goals with the touch of a button.

Social Media has bridged a gap that Baby Boomers grew up with. It’s so important that we our generation is represented and acknowledged. Everything from our culture, education, technology, and use of social media have shaped how we’ve grown up and what we will be doing with our futures. This generation is full of hope, passion and action and that’s something worthy of sharing!

As a Latina and first generation college graduate, being a part of this conference means a lot. I think that it’s SO IMPORTANT to be surrounded by individuals who can inspire you to do well and do Good. I’m so excited to meet people and hear their stories/advice, and bring back all the information I gather to my community.

(To follow our time at the Latism Conference in NYC follow the hashtags #FordMillennials #Latism and #Latism13)

With only a few more days until the conference I should probably start packing!