HaU BLOG Posts
When it was first announced that nearly all UCLA classes were going to be online, I was so disappointed I wouldn’t be able to experience living on campus as a first year. At that moment, it honestly felt like the end of the world to me. Looking back, I admit I was acting pretty dramatic, but that was because I felt defeated after not being able to have my high school
graduation, and now realizing my first year of college wasn’t going to be anything like what I had hoped for. I felt as though all my plans were ruined, and my excitement towards starting college faded away over the summer as I gradually accepted the fact that I was going to miss out on “typical” formative college freshman experiences. I lost all sense of motivation for a while until I started joining clubs and organizations like HaU that made me feel excited to be in college and reignited my motivation for school. Admittedly at times I still feel like I’m missing out by doing online school from home whenever I see other freshmen post on social media about their fun adventures and experiences living in Westwood, but I try my best to stay positive and optimistic instead of dwelling on things I can’t control. Although my college experience so far hasn’t exactly been what I expected, I’ve undergone so much personal growth and I’m so glad to have met so many amazing people these past two quarters. Everyone in Hermanas Unidas has shown me so much love and support, I’m so appreciative of my experience as one of the social chair interns for this quarter. I’m hopeful that next school year we’ll be on campus, and I can’t wait to hang out with everyone in person! - Olivia Baltazar <3
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Winter quarter has been hectic to say the last. I do not know if it is just me but this quarter has been very busy. Currently, I am taking five classes and involved in clubs on campus and outside. I have at least one meeting each day during the week. My busiest days are Wednesday and Thursday but I still manage to maintain my self-care routine. My self-care routine varies each day depending on my availability but above you can see some of the things I do. I hope my self-care checklist inspires other Hermanas to take some of these things and implement in their own self care. I am also extremely grateful for the opportunity to intern for Lety as campus liaison. I hope to intern again this upcoming spring quarter. We got this Hermanas! We just need to push through this week and next.
Sarahy Torres I do not know where I would be without Hermanas Unidas. This organization has been very close to my heart since Winter 2020. It has filled my days and nights with so much love, so many smiles and laughs, and an amazing support system that truly makes me so happy. I have had a hard time learning to love myself and to believe in my capabilities, but Hermanas Unidas has truly helped me in this chapter of my life. With the incredible and great abundancy of resources that HaU has offered me, I have grown so much. I am now able to look at the mirror and appreciate my reflection. I am now able to practice more self-care and be more motivated in my academic life. Study hours keep me super accountable and I truly appreciate everyone on steering for the love, time, and passion that is dedicated to all the events and resources. I enjoy going to HaU events as being around Hermanas makes me so happy! I am glad I was able to join HaU my first year and meet so many inspiring Hermanas. This quarter was very eye-opening and being an academic chair intern was an incredible experience. I was able to see a bit of the behind-the-scenes of HaU and I am so thankful for the dedication that is put to make this organization a home for us. Brenda showed me what the responsibilities of Academic Chair entail and how this pillar is so important so that Hermanas can feel supported in their academic life, but also in their mental health. Brenda is an amazing soul and her support and encouragement truly impacted me so much this quarter! To put this into a sentence: I cannot find the words to explain how much I appreciate HaU and how it has impacted me <3 The collage I made depicts some of this quarter's events that I was able to host such as study hours, study-a-thon, how to deal with stress/burnout, and an affirmation destressor. It was so fun to host these events, and though I was nervous before hosting, I appreciate all the Hermanas who were able to join me in these events. I love you all steering, veternas, alumni, and rookies! You are all mujeres poderosas con tanta hermosura por dentro y por fuera! Keep reaching for your goals and keep dreaming big! I believe in you and am rooting for you!! Thank you all for so much!! <3
Leslie Soto one of my hidden talents, well not really a talent rather a hobby, is writing poems! here are two that I hope you enjoy reading :) “when the party’s over” is inspired by SZA’s song “Drew Barrymore” and “reverse” is inspired by Mitski’s song “I Will” when the party’s over: it reaches a certain time when we’re too drunk, or too tired and we decide to leave the party. we leave to get some food, laughing along the way crossing in the middle of the road. you catch me right before I fall… but then comes my least favorite part. I don’t want you to leave I don’t want it to end– but I can’t stop you from leaving, and I’m left walking alone taking the elevator up to my floor. why is it so hard for me to accept that the party is over? reverse: don’t you think it’s beautiful? that the brown of your eyes reminds me of feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin. that when you ramble on about whatever it is you say, it reminds me of the feeling of slowly drifting to sleep. that your laughter reminds me of seeing an old friend and remembering good times. or that your silence is peaceful and it reminds me of the silence as you lay in bed after waking up, letting your thoughts drift before you get up. It could be beautiful. Instead, it’s me wishing you’d say this to me. xochitl aguila Hi everyone! My name is Aracely and I am a co-intern for the Community Service Chair for Winter 2021. It has been an amazing opportunity and I am so grateful for being able to work with Johanna! I am forever grateful to have joined Hermanas Unidas since it is easily one of the most supportive organizations I have ever encountered. It can be easy to lose sight of oneself amidst everything, but I can safely say that with HaU I feel as if I belong and actually have a place here at UCLA. It is my first year and I tend to struggle with a sense of belonging at such a distinguished institution where I feel out of place and undeserving. I often try to uphold incredibly high standards that may be out of my reach in efforts to feel that it was not a mistake that I am here. Through HaU, however, everyone that I have had the opportunity to meet has been so compassionate and supportive; I truly appreciate how genuine everyone is. As a first generation Latinx student pursuing a STEM major, it is incredible to see so many individuals with similar backgrounds and goals in HaU. It is truly uplifting that we can help each other reach these aspirations. Although I have always been a relatively anxious person, I took a chance and applied for the Winter Steering Internship to pursue something I am passionate about and I am incredibly glad I made the decision. I would really like to create an impact no matter how big or small and Hermanas Unidas has helped me take the steps toward this goal. All of the resources that have been provided have been amazing and truly helpful. Thank you to everyone for all the effort and generosity that goes into HaU! It is sincerely appreciated! With love and gratitude, Aracely Garcia Romero
Hi cutiesss, I just want to share a little about my plant collection. They bring me so much happiness and I love em all so much. I have a very large collection and it’s definitely been a process. If anyone has any questions on how to care for plants or which plants are easiest to care for feel free to reach out ❤️❤️
Johanna Perez Herrera It can be easy to lose yourself in the midst of all of your responsibilities and all of the stress that comes with it. Pandemic or not, winter quarter always reminds me how easy it is to get caught up with everything and lose focus of what’s really important — my well-being. I think sometimes we forget that our jobs, school, etc aren’t the most important things in the world; the things that bring us happiness and peace of mind are. As finals are approaching, this is a reminder for you all to take self-care days and go out and do things that make you happy! Here are a few of the people in my life that keep me going and remind me what happiness is<3 Con mucho amor, from Alissa, your Social Chair!
Hello everyone! My name is Giselle Flores and this quarter I had the amazing opportunity to intern for the treasurer position with Dali Jimenez as my mentor. Something I have learned since entering college is to place myself as a priority. Being a first-born daughter and first gen student, I always carried the responsibility of caring for others especially my siblings, that I would forget about me. This poem I wrote talks about me starting to love myself first before anyone else. For anyone struggling to place themselves as a priority, something I suggest is to set boundaries and know that it is okay to say no even to family and friends! :)
Starting at UCLA during the coronavirus pandemic was by no means easy. I struggled to transition from a community college to a prestigious and intense university like UCLA. I felt completely lost and isolated, especially as a low-income, first-generation Mexican-American woman. It was hard to find a space on campus where I felt supported and comfortable. I felt so alone during my summer and fall quarters and began to doubt my academic skills. I had thought to myself, “Maybe I don’t belong here, maybe it was a mistake.” It was hard for me to shake the imposter syndrome feelings and it all became too overwhelming. I had tried joining clubs but didn’t feel a meaningful connection because I was surrounded by students who did not look like me or had the same adverse experiences. In search of making a meaningful connection to UCLA, I attended my first HaU meeting in the Fall quarter and immediately knew I wanted to get more involved. I attended more meetings, study hours, and even applied for the Social Chair internship. I figured the best thing I could do was put myself out there and not be shy! I am truly happy that I stepped out of my shell and joined Hermanas Unidas because I have met the smartest and most supportive people. The steering members are welcoming and continuously remind us that we were accepted to UCLA for a reason and that we do belong at this prestigious university. I have met SO many kind people in this organization, a few to mention: HaU advisor Maricarmen, Social Chair Alissa, Secretary Sandy, Advisor Intern Marisol, and so many more I could go on! I am forever grateful to you all! Overall, HaU has made me realize I am a lot stronger than I think, and they continue to support underrepresented women like myself. Thank you, HaU, for all that you do! <3
With love, Jessica Esmeralda Martinez Hi, y’all! My name is Ana and I am one of the co-interns for the Community Service Chair aka Johanna for Winter 2021. I just wanted to introduce myself and give you all a little glimpse of my life. I am a third-year Political Science & Chicano, Chicana, and Central American Studies double major with a potential minor in Labor and Workforce Studies (I still have to apply). My goal is to become an immigration attorney and work for a non-profit organization such as KIND where I am able to work closely with undocumented youth. This is not only an academic and professional goal, but its also a personal goal because I, myself am a DACA beneficiary so it’s something that I am truly passionate about. In the pictures above, you can see that I am someone who loves Disneyland Parks – it’s truly my happy place and I can’t wait to go back. You can also see a glimpse of some of my friends, both from college and high school. Additionally, y’all can see a glimpse of my family, who are some of the most important people in my life, especially my niece/goddaughter. Lastly, the picture with Dolores Huerta represents my passion for advocacy, activism, and community service.
I turn and see there are only 30 seconds left I shout for the last shot glass and my bedazzled Centenario on the table “¡Apurate ya van hacer las 12!” 25 seconds left Yes, finally I can leave 2020 behind and all of its trauma it gave me! 20 seconds left Mourning the deaths of all who have lost someone to the pandemic 15 seconds left My blood boils rethinking about the injustice our beautiful communities face Because we are no longer in chains and can now be in the same spaces as THEM 10 seconds left Manifestation is my only hope for the future so we can be together again So my chest and mind can feel unheavy So our diversity can be celebrated, united, and loved everywhere So I can simply breathe. 5 seconds left How am I entering my 20s in this state? I feel closed. I feel alone. But then I remember. Life is about to change! I look at the people around me, and realize we shall not only be better But claim our reality and happiness back. Escucho el ponche de mi mamá hirviendo! 1 second left GRITOS Salud!!! Feliz Año Nuevo Marisol!! Cierro los ojos 2021 por favor, please heal our world's inhabitants. Embrace and seek an understanding for the future For we all deserve some hermanas en este mundo. Background on Poem Since it's the last day of the first month of 2021, I wanted to write a little poem on the thoughts circulating in my mind on New Years Eve. I love being an Hermana and I am so glad I decided to join and do the internship as well. I like journaling and writing down my thoughts, so I hope you all enjoy this sad but hopeful poem for 2021! Here are also two pictures of December 2020 Marisol and January 2021 Marisol <3 -Marisol Jasso Hermanas Unidas se convirtió en mi familia. Este collage representa mis más grandes amistades y memorias inolvidables. Ser parte de esta gran familia no solo me ha abierto las puertas socialmente, sino también personalmente y académicamente. Con mucho amor, Flor.
Last week a friend and I were texting and he asked me,“how do you feel about your LAST fall quarter?” Even though I’m a Senior I never took the time to reflect that this would be my last Fall quarter for undergrad, especially since it feels different over Zoom. Now that I’m back home my parents randomly remind me how much I used to visit home every weekend and came home crying because my STEM classes felt too difficult to handle. The imposter syndrome hit hard even though I wasn’t aware of that term yet. For the longest time I didn’t even admit to people my major or that I was pre-med in case I ever changed my mind. For one, I was tired of people telling me that I should pick an easier major that didn’t require having to apply for it. And second, I don't know if y'all heard but pre-meds at UCLA can be competitive. But even with all this self-doubt a part of me didn’t want to give up. I refused to miss class or a PLF session, and I always asked (possibly annoyed) my older peers from STEM classes for any advice/insight they could give me. I kept remembering who I was doing this all for: my family, my community, and myself. It was a challenge but what really helped me find my confidence was joining Hermanas Unidas. It was during Fall retreat that I saw I wasn’t the only one struggling. Also finding this community full of empowering womxn allowed me to come to the realization that I truly do belong at this university.
Overall my transition to college was a tough adjustment but the tough times don’t last forever. Once we overcome a challenge and make a breakthrough, we come out more knowledgeable and stronger than before. So as difficult as the journey may be, the process of striving towards your goals can be really beautiful. As I reflect I love seeing how much I’ve grown and how much more I still want to accomplish. I never imagined that by my senior year I would have: been accepted into the Human Bio & Society major, studied abroad in a physics program, added a minor, joined Steering, and (in the process of) publishing a research study in an academic journal and becoming a published author!! To conclude, my reflection this quarter has been nice because I feel proud of who I have become <3 -Val Fall 2020 was definitely an experience. We were online and I was only able to see a handful of my Hermanas :( but it’s okay as long as y’all stay safe <3. This quarter was definitely a hard adjustment and I went through some really hard moments that will forever stay with me but I never felt alone. I knew I always had someone to turn to and for that I am grateful. I am thankful that I am healthy and that my family is too. I want y’all to remember that the tough times don’t last forever and happy moments will always follow. If y’all ever need a friend or someone to vent to, I’m here. Las quiero <3
Also this is a small mood board of me throughout the quarter and they were moments I felt happy. 🤍 Every time I introduce myself and say what year I am, I feel a rush of emotions. Some of it is fear concerning the uncertainties of the future, but I’ve realized that most of it is excitement because I am SOOO close to finally obtaining a Biology B.S. and the thought of me being a !!!!BIOLOGIST!!!! literally brings a smile to my face EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. (because y’all, that sounds hella cool!!!!). I remember being a first year and attending a PEERS Presentation about the graduation rate of students in life science majors. Specifically, I remember the two slides on Biology. The first one showed the high percentage of students that enter the major during their first-year, and the second slide showed the even higher percentage of students that switch out of the major throughout their college career. I remember thinking that graduating college, especially with a science degree, was not attainable. But it wasn’t just the statistics that scared me. The Chem14 series and Physics series were rigorous and were known to be “weeder” courses, which meant that they were designed to “weed” out students from the major. The students in my classrooms had several Physics and Chemistry AP classes under their belt. The courses were dense and fast paced. And honestly I was overwhelmed & confused as to how I should navigate these courses with little to no prior knowledge in those subject areas. I know it may seem something so trivial, but my first two years of college I refused to put my major or graduation date on any of my bios on social media from fear of failing and having all my close friends and family notice. But the fear didn’t stop me from at least trying. I signed up for Chem & LS PLFs. I went to office hours to get help on coding. I joined an amazing org (*cough* Hermanas Unidas *cough*) that exposed me to amazing mujeres and countless stories that were both inspirational & empowering. Although there were several instances of doubt, stress, and many (MANY) tears, I passed all my pre-reqs and managed to complete a physics summer abroad program. I am now five courses away from finishing my major and although I have so much work left & so much post-grad decisions to make, I know I’m capable of finishing and look forward to what the future has in store for me. As I write this, I don’t have a single drop of doubt that I am worthy of being here and am grateful I didn’t give up because there is so much left for me to accomplish <3
Con mucho HaU love, Teresa Duarte I have many goals set for this school year a few are to maintain a GPA above a 3.5, manage my time wisely, workout at least 3 times a week and become more active in my community. Last year I really wasn't active in my community and I just focused on academics, but that made me miss out on many events with Hermanas and other things with friends and other clubs. This year I want to reverse that and do much more than just academics. I’ve never been good at time management, but this year I literally have no time to waste. I’m very active in Hermanas and ATD, I’m taking 18 units, and I’m trying to find more time for my friends and working out. I can’t wait to go to all the Hermana events and meet all the new girls <3 I’m really thankful for the amazing opportunity to be on steering and I can’t wait to see what this year brings us.
Hermanas has given me not only a home away from home, but also a family. It's crazy to think that I only met these girls two years ago, and now I can't imagine my life without them. I will forever be grateful for the unconditional love and support I have found within this org. Las quiero por vida.
- Karina Elizabeth Camarena From the minute I went to my first HaU event, I received an overwhelming amount of love and welcoming vibes from every single person I've met in this hermandad. I'm only a 2nd year but I already know being a part of HaU will be the highlight of my years in college. You are all my soulmates, thank you for existing ❤
"i thought one month would be enough i thought it’d feel like an eternity an entire month to focus on myself? what was i to do with one month dedicated just for me? little did i know it wasn’t enough for that month left faster than it came i didn’t want it to end but just because the days went by didn’t mean my time was up if i could be patient for someone else then why can’t i do it for myself" - 01/02/19 This is one of the many poems I've written over the past years. It feels so silly yet intimate acknowledging that I like to express myself through poetry, out of all things lol. This specific one felt different to me and I couldn't be happier. It was a sign of growth where a little over one year ago I couldn't fathom the idea of self-love and automatically associating it with me being selfish. Although I'm still learning, and I don't think I'll ever stop, understanding the importance of self-love has definitely made me realize that I am the priority of my life. It's allowed me to challenge any physical, mental, and academic challenges without doubting (too much) whether I'm qualified enough. HaU has only helped me embrace self-love and even taught me about self-care and it definitely doesn't hurt being surrounded by the strongest guerreras en este planeta. Thank you for taking the time to read my post <3
- Brenda Martinez |
AuthorThe following posts will be from your fellow Hermanas. Archives
March 2024
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