Year Two of Grad School -- Over!

Some course materials ... except for The Great Gatsby. Had time to sneak it into my reading. :-)

I can breathe! Returned from my back-to-back trips to Hispanicize and a much needed family vacation to the end of my second year of graduate school. Can't believe I just typed those words. They look bizarre on the page: second year of graduate school. I've survived it all! Presentations, role-playing, writing and reading assignments. This week sees the end of my 100-hour practicum at the middle school, then a short breather before summer school starts next month.


Meetings, Meetings and More Meetings

I've been exposed to A LOT at the middle school: initial and three year IEP meetings, transition from middle school to high school meetings, 504 meetings, parent-teacher meetings, administration-guidance meetings, student group meetings, counseling sessions with students. In short, I've gotten a broader glimpse into what the job of a school guidance counselor entails. How they're able to cram so much into their days, know the names of the over two hundred students they're assigned, and keep it all straight -- I don't know! Often they don't eat lunch, run from one meeting to the next, when they're not on the phone with parents, community services, or filling out the reams of paperwork that mandated. A good amount of endurance and a healthy sense of humor are required.

Being a parent myself and having the experience of going through the IEP process has helped me to appreciate being on both sides of the table.

Tim Wise: White Privilege, Racism, White Denial & The Cost of Inequality

Multicultural Counseling Weekend

One of the best experiences I had this semester took place over several weekends, both Saturdays and Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Crazy, right? Truth is I couldn't wait to get to  Multicultural Counseling for Children and Adolescents. We tackled some pretty heavy-duty material that made some uncomfortable, while reaffirming the experiences of others. Racism, stereotypes, micro-aggressions, a close inspection of our own biases and assumptions, and advocacy for underserved populations were just a few of the topics we covered.

What I didn't know before starting this program at Cambridge College is that the role of the school guidance counselor is evolving into one of being an agent of social change. Be ready to make yourself heard.

Microagressions and Stereotypes Matching Lesson

Here's an interesting classroom lesson ... matching microagressions to their corresponding stereotypes ... the class did a pretty good job of identifying the pairs. Encouraging to know that educators entering the profession have a high-level of awareness that will help all of us effectively advocate for students and their families.

Micro-agressions and Stereotypes Matching Lesson

This colorful class project has been hanging on one of the walls of our building since I started school. The bright colors, symbols and energy depicted in it make me smile every time I walk by it. Yup, even adults do art projects in school. :-)

I'm anticipating the future and am already thinking about looking for a job in the spring. I cannot wait for either school or the internship to start in the fall. In the meantime, my husband and son are happy to have my undivided attention and I'm happy to just "be."

Feeling blessed.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: Head's in the Clouds

Women Empowering Women

I remember in my younger years refusing to take advice. Didn't matter if it had to do with school, boyfriends or clothes. I declared my independence at a young age, did what I wanted, disregarding los consejos of woman who had a lifetime of experience. Not any more.

Creating Choices

The Adelante Movement: The Wisdom of Latina Legends promotes women empowering women. It taught me the importance of mentorship and that we should heed the advice of the Latinas who've come before us, not be afraid to "ask" for their help. We should be helping each other, not competing.

Left to Right: Rita Moreno, Charo and Maria Elena Toraño

Experience = Wisdom

I was in awe of the extraordinary Latina legends who spoke candidly with us; these women are accomplished, fit and filled with positive energy. They shared their stories of success and after hearing the obstacles and hardships they battled along the way, it became clear to me that their lives have been no easier than ours. What distinguishes them from 99% of the population is that they never gave up.

Charo

Charo, whose energy was jaw-dropping, shared that she overworked herself between the ages of seventeen and twenty-six, depriving herself of all her youth and life had to offer. Her advice to daughters is to live a full and balanced life.

Rita Moreno

Rita Moreno, who is relishing her freedom, read an excerpt from her newly-released memoir. She reminded us that the possibilities are limitless "for those of us who choose to no longer play the victim" and shared that she found dark places while writing her memoir. She wept when she revisited her wounds, but that their hold released on her.

Maria Elena Toraño

Maria Elena, the founder of the National Hispana Leadership Institute (NHLI) and a three-time presidential appointee, spent her life "searching for peace." She advised that when you "overcome your ego, your priorities change." Also, that we must learn to like ourselves.


Adelante Advice

• "Mission" and "Money" are not the same. Pursue your passion, but if your passion is not earning you an income, reevaluate. You must make an income first. There is no shame in making money. 
• Have a big goal.
• Learn from those who came before us -- knowledge is currency.
• To be chosen, you must choose yourself first.
• "Nothing will make you feel better than self-reliance."
• "It's never too late to right the wrongs of the past."
• "Maintaining our health and wellness is the best form of self-love." 
• We all need therapy.

I love that The Adelante session is that good shake Latinas need to squash complacency. We should all be setting goals and supporting each other. My Adelante pledge is that although I can't promise to be fearless, I can promise to be brave. I will view those things outside my comfort-zone as "experiments." Most will fail, some will lead to breakthroughs. I will live life on my terms.

Tanto que quiero a mis blogueras-hermanas.

They inspire, support and help guide me.

 

The Adelante Movement creates opportunities through Coca-Cola and promotes women empowering women in entrepreneurship. Follow them on Twitter at @AdelantePower and Facebook to learn more.

Thank you Nely, Adelante and Coca-Cola for promoting women in entrepreneurship.

Finding Humor in Books

It was a horribly tense week here in Boston that started with the senseless loss of several lives and that ended, yesterday, with two more families mourning the loss of their loved ones. I'm thankful that members of my husband's family living near and in Watertown were able to sleep soundly last night, but am grieved for all whose lives will never be the same. My thoughts and prayers are with them.

I finally turned off the television and went searching for something to lift my spirits this a.m. and found this awesomely nerdy TED Talk given by two Harvard scholars, Erez Lieberman Aiden and Jean-Baptiste Michel. They discuss Google's mass digitization of the world's books and documents and how their historical record chronicles cultural trends (culturomics) through the number of times a word or phrase (n-grams) appears in text through history.

Although it made me chuckle, I was left wondering how what happened at the Boston Marathon and in Watertown this week will trend into the future.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: Remembering Boston While Far From Home

Fenway Park, Boston MA

ADELANTE: It's About Giving and Sharing

Adelante
Hermanas
Vengan alrededor
Miedo
No tengan
Por favor
It's about sisterhood
It's about mentorship
It's about selfless support
Giving and sharing
Experience
It's what they aim for
Don't be afraid of the dark
Don't be afraid to explore
Embrace what you've endured
Made you strong
Step through the door
Survival
Tenacity
Let fear be your guide
Go find your wings
So as hermanas
We fly

Left to Right @FarahMesa @EzzyLanguzzi @SofiaKeck @AdrianaBoatwright

LUNES MUSICAL: I Dreamed a Dream from the Film Les Misérables

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: Follow Your Dreams

©2013 Ezzy G. Languzzi

ADELANTE in Miami!

©2013 Ezzy G. Languzzi

Exactly one week from tomorrow, I'll be on a plane headed south to meet up with mis blogueras hermanas at Hispanicize, the premier Latino trends event slated for April 9-13 in Miami, Florida. The five days are going to be jammed with educational sessions and special events. One program in particular I'm certain not to miss -- Nely Galán's The Adelante Movement. I had the opportunity to hear Nely Galán twice last year and am looking forward to hearing her empowering message once more. I'm grateful that I get to attend and wish to thank our friends at Coca-Cola for helping to make my trip possible.

The Adelante Movement: The Wisdom of Latina Legends will feature special appearances by Hollywood icons Rita Moreno and Charo, two inspiring women who are going to share their experiences and thoughts on everything from personal and economic empowerment to complete health.

2012 Hispanicize, Miami, FL -- Amigas, it's going to be a reunion!

I hope you'll follow the event because once you've heard Nely Galán, there's no going back. Here's a little wisdom she imparted last year that will always stay with me ...

... that "failure is not a fact, it's a feeling"
... the importance of not being isolated in "community"
... that it's a lot easier to be Latina in the mainstream, than within the Latino community
... and the importance of cleaning our own "luggage," because we could all use a little professional help

What will Rita Moreno and Charo reveal? Will they share their vulnerabilities? I'm eager to find out, because it's when you hear amazing women such as these discuss their fears, that you realize you're not alone.

I'll be tweeting highlights and pictures from Adelante and Hispanicize next week. Follow me on Twitter at @EzzyLanguzzi and @AdelantePower, hashtags, #CokeHispz13 and #Adelante to stay on top of the action. If you're at Hispanicize, I encourage you to attend. Admission is free and space is limited. You can register at  www.theadelantemovement.com .

To learn more, please visit Adelante, the Coca-Cola "Coming Together" website and the Coca-Cola company Journey website and blog.

©2013 Ezzy G. Languzzi

Featured Speakers

"RITA MORENO has won all four of the most prestigious awards in show business: the Oscar, the Tony, two Emmys, and a Grammy. Her countless credits span more than six decades, from her Broadway debut at age 13 to her current role on the TVLand series, Happily Divorced. Moreno has performed on Broadway; London's West End; appeared in more than 40 feature films, and has performed in numerous regional theaters, most recently starring in her one woman show, Life Without Makeup at the Berkeley Rep. Rita was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2004 and the National Medal of Arts by President Obama in 2010. Her book, Rita Moreno A Memoir was published in March by Celebra."

"CHARO is a household name. She is instantly recognizable as the “cuchi cuchi” girl, Charo’s trademark expression, which has endeared her to millions around the world and made her name synonymous with music, fun and excitement. She has appeared in countless hit television shows, including more than forty-five appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. She also appeared on the long-running comedy “The Love Boat” than any other star. Charo also appeared in such films as MOON OVER PARADOR with Richard Dreyfuss and AIRPORT 79: THE CONCORD." www.charo.com

"NELY GALÁN – Founder of The Adelante Movement Nely Galán is a first generation Latina and self-made media mogul, who was the first Latina president of a U.S. TV network (Telemundo), She was recently featured in HBO’s “The Latino List: Volume Two” and was also named one of PEOPLE En Español’s 25 Most Powerful Women. She is an Emmy Award-winning producer of over 600 episodes of television in Spanish and English, including the hit reality series “The Swan” and the first Latina to appear on Celebrity Apprentice with Donald Trump. Galán recently went back to school and completed her Masters and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology."  www.nelygalan.com

The Peeps Chronicles

Peeps Rainbow Pops are NOT allergy-friendly
(Perhaps they're packaged on the same floor as the Peeps Bunnies.)

Easter Bunny's Gone Bye-Bye

A couple weeks ago Junior cornered me at CVS as we examined the Peeps Marshmallow display that contained one of the few allergen-free Easter candies that he can enjoy, again. He asked me as we compared the ingredients on the packaging if I was the Easter Bunny. He'll be eleven this year. I guess it was time.

We Have Food Allergies

It was during this same visit to CVS that he proved himself an adept label reader. So while I'm sad that my baby isn't a baby, anymore, I feel a sense of relief that he's now able to make educated decisions and avoid packaged foods that might contain dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, fish and/or shellfish.

Note: Allergen Information on the Peeps Rainbow Pops states that they may contain
peanuts, tree nuts, milk, wheat, soy, eggs, and coconut.

Peeps! We Can Enjoy Them, Again

For a while he'd enjoyed Peeps Marshmallows during the major holidays. That is until a couple of years ago an allergen-warning showed up on the packaging. We were disappointed because it was a candy that he was able to enjoy with his peers that didn't leave him feeling left out.

So imagine my surprise when he waved a box of Peeps Marshmallow Chicks in my face and said, "I can have these!" I was skeptical because the Peeps Bunnies I'd just scrutinized had the allergen information warning. But he was right; the Peeps Chicks did not. Thinking it was a packaging mistake, I told him that I didn't feel comfortable letting him have the Peeps Chicks. Being the practical kid that he is, he asked that I please call the Peeps people to verify.

Upon calling the Peeps 800 number, a pleasant customer service lady verified the information. She explained that the Peeps Chicks and Peeps Bunnies are manufactured on different lines on different floors and that in spite of their rigorous flushing of the equipment, that they are required to place the allergen information warning on the label, for which I'm thankful.

Really, it's little things such as these that make this Mama happy. We can enjoy our Peeps Chicks worry-free.

Happy Easter ... Peeps. :-)

Peeps Chicks Are Allergy-Friendly!

Peep Marshmallow Chicks are allergy-friendly

Peeps Bunnies Are NOT Allergy-Friendly!

Peeps Marshmallow Bunnies | Not allergy-friendly