latinagradstudent-blog

[latinagradstudent-blog]

Nada hay absoluto, todo se cambia, todo se mueve, todo revoluciona, todo vueka y se va. - Frida Kahlo

Nothing is absolute, everything changes, everything moves, everything revolutionizes, all flies and goes.

Que bonito saber que algo nunca se queda igual.  Todos y todo cambia con nuestros alrededores y con los que convivimos. 

This short  poem is relevant to our times of change and being that it’s October to our season changes as well.

Most importantly for me though, for my thesis progress since this is a blog about the progress in grad school.

 I got to the bottom of why I keept avoiding writing my statement of the problem. It wasn’t that I no longer feel that my original topic is not important but reading through the data I felt that my results wouldn’t aquire new findings, sad that not much have changed, and didn’t feel like I needed to replicate a study.  I am still going to concentrate on Latinas and their empowerment but through a different glance, I will be looking at sexuality, not so much health information that is distributed to them but more on their sexual practices, sexual intercourse. I mean c’mon Latinas are having sex before they get married, it’s just not being talked about because there is still a social stigma within their homes.  But it’s happening!  So I will aspire to look at how they navigate their sexuality given their many  ways in which their sexuality is influenced by strict cultural norms.  I am really excited so if you have any supporting articles send them by way!

[latinagradstudent-blog]

Glad I came actors your tumblr! I myself am a Latina studying Sociology & Spanish w/ minor in Latina American studies! I will graduate in May. Now & between Grad application due dates, I have tried to research Grad school programs but its hard since Soci is broad! I am interested in Politics, Intl higher edu & helping people in general! Been trying to get help & advice but its hard :/ But how is your Soci program going for u!

Hello Hortensia!  Congratulations you are almost there!  It is definitely difficult trying to find a program, specially if you your area of focus is so broad.  My program is going great.  One of the things that I often heard is that whatever your topic of interest is, by the time you began writing your thesis it will most likely change.  And I found that this is true. So I will say it doesn't matter where you go to school or what program you decide on.  What I have noticed that matters unfortunately, is that a lot of my colored peers dropped for one reason or another.  You need to have the dedication, commitment and mentally prepare yourself for grad school.  Check out programs in Cali and the CSUs, try to get one that is diverse you will get the best education for your money as oppose to only having one-sided views.  Also check with your current professors, they might have some great recommendations for you.  Although I don't know you, it makes me really happy to know that you are pursuing higher education, it's one of the best things we can do for ourselves, families and communities.  Best of luck and keep in touch with your progress. 

[latinagradstudent-blog]

[latinagradstudent-blog]

writing

It's not always that we tend to get excited about writing.  Today I began my second class for the semester and one of their articles inspired me.  Not in the sense that "I'm ready to change the world" but more of a reminder of why through out my life I have continued writing, and not in one particular format but multiple methods.  

The difference though, is that I always feel a little shameful for never finishing a journal, or stopping after a while.  And instead of going back to the same one, I began a new one and start afresh.  I don't throw them away though, I've always imagine I will use them to eventually someday when I am old reflect back on my life and perhaps even compose a narrative of the self.  But then I stop myself and wonder, who would possibly want to read about my life.  Anyway, my methods of writing are multiple, but always stay with me.  I have blogged, word documents, actual journals, sticky notes with current thoughts and even notes on my phone labeled with the subject matter.  Why do I continue on doing this being that they are so scattered but so organized to me?   

The article spoke about validity and how sometimes when we write we are retelling a story but the story is situational because our self is always present even though we try to remove ourselves from our writing, and with validity we feel that there is no single truth but we actually know more and doubt what we know.

Writing is a process of discovery, what have you discovered in your writings?

it brought a few moments of awe and comfort.  And it made me miss writing such that I had to come here and share with whoever reads this.  Read it, "Writing: A method of Inquiry" by Laurel Richardson,  

[latinagradstudent-blog]

thinking process

meet with my chair again today.  I hadn't completed any of the assignments she had assigned.  I guess I can sit here and make excuses for it but mainly it I didn't do them because I didn't think they would be helpful in getting me started.  There's a difference in her understanding what I want to write about and me knowing what I want to write about.  Anyway...so for today, I finally got the go to begin my proposal and then move to my theory.

to do:

-begin statement of the problem

    - add retention rates

    - add drop put rates

- begin theory

     -  3 pages

     - look at CTR

- organize the articles that I already have

    - create sub folders

- email chair to be added to website as a guest and request other CRT articles

[latinagradstudent-blog]

narrative essay

writing a short narrative essay on race...and the process alone has been brutal since I go through emotional phases of being pist and saying "fuck you!"  to our beautifully  created institutions, then being motivated to stand up and create change around me 

[latinagradstudent-blog]

@_IFB—thank you for making this!! 

(via Professional Blogger Spotlight: Glitter Guide | Independent Fashion Bloggers)

[latinagradstudent-blog]

[latinagradstudent-blog]

[latinagradstudent-blog]

[latinagradstudent-blog]

 front stage/back stage

[latinagradstudent-blog]

semester update

been super busy finishing up the semester with papers and presentations. 

But a lot has happen in between.  I saw my cohort change.  I knew it would and was kinda laying back until it did.  Right when they were getting comfortable out of their comfort zone things shifted.  Some fucked each other, others are dealing with the ego card between them, and the rest is either ageism or color.  Sad. really sad, given it's sociology and they themselves can't get past their own problems.  Makes me wonder how they will handle the "real world" or if they are even ready for that 

[latinagradstudent-blog]

50 Years of the Playboy Interview: Daniel Craig 

[latinagradstudent-blog]

time management

sometimes I know I have to handle my time better but I tend to get distracted with clutter everywhere.  And the thing is, I don't have a lot of clutter, to everybody else my desk is clean but for me it's a mess everywhere.  So are we really saving time if I were to read about saving time, given that I will waste a few minutes?? mmm does that even make sense, we can save time by wasting some?

[latinagradstudent-blog]

[latinagradstudent-blog]

[latinagradstudent-blog]