Embrace You!
Who Am I?
Hi. My name is Blanca Rios and it literally translates to "White Rivers" which is kinda cool. Around school and friends, I am called by my first name, Blanca, but around my family, I am called by my middle name, Isela. I am currently a Junior at James Logan High School of the class of 2021. I am proud to be a Mexican-American and to be part of the small group of the first generation in my family.
At a young age, I started to dance Ballet Folklorico--traditional Mexican dances that emphasize local folk culture with ballet characteristics--in a local group from Our Lady of the Rosary Church, and since the first rehearsal, I found a great connection and became one of the things I love most. Throughout the years, my passion for dancing has grown significantly and decided to continue dancing at James Logan during Freshman year and continue doing so.
I am very shy when it comes to talking to a public or when it comes to meeting new people, but I am slowly coming out to bring myself to find the confidence to speak more. I also love to eat a lot. However, I like to consider myself honest because I know that lies bring even more lies and get people hurt.
I not only value my family and friends but I also value my education. My parents always taught me that as long as I work hard towards something I will achieve it and education is my path to that success. I work hard to make my parents proud of all their sacrifices, but I have also acknowledged that I am doing this for myself. This is me!
"I Am My Ancestors' Wildest Dreams"
Background
My parents migrated to the United States in their late teens in the late 1900’s from Sinaloa, Mexico. They seeked for a better life full of opportunities that they knew they wouldn’t have staying back in Mexico. I know that it wasn’t easy for them leaving their entire lives behind, and that it is still hard on them as it hasn't been possible for them to visit their families. But if it hadn’t been for that decision, I wouldn’t be here where I am and for that I am thankful, however, I can’t help feeling selfish.
My Family's History
The story of my mom’s side is very short as I don’t know much, which is ironic as I met the majority of her family. I just know that our ancestors have lived in Sinaloa for a while and some might have migrated from Durango & Sonora.
However, I have heard interesting things from my dad about his family side. My abuela’s family are of pale skin tone, but it's hard to know from which colonizers they pertain as they have been living in Mexico for a long time. On the other hand, my abuelo was very pigmented with some indigenous roots. Until recently, I found out that my last name Rios comes from my abuelo’s mother maiden name and that my abuelo’s real father's last name was Pardo. From what my dad told me, my abuelo’s biological father was a man, of many, who roamed and controlled the towns with weapons and force and abandoned the women they conceived with, one of which was my abuelo’s mother
My Family Photos<3:
These photos from this past December/January 1st are very special to me, especially with all of the things that have occurred and are happening. I had the great pleasure of spending the holidays and my birthday with my grandparents(my mom’s parents) for the first time. I’ve only had contact with them through phone, and got to spend time with them at least once. Unfortunately, he passed away a few months ago and I remember him with a big smile on his face, like the ones on these pictures. They remind me of the last time everyone got together and enjoyed each other’s company, right before COVID went down. My family is my pride and joy!
Ballet Folklorico:
(To the left) These are some videos of my performances of Ballet Folklorico from the regions Sinaloa and Jalisco, Sinaloa being my favorite. If it weren’t for the support and encouragement of my family in this passion of mine, I wouldn’t know what my life would’ve been without it because Ballet Folklorico completes who I am.
Where Am I Gonna Go? Pt.1
Looking at the senior year and beyond my potential aspirations means learning as much as I can before I finally take on a leadership role. I am very open to whatever opportunities the future can bring, particularly with regard to social justice. I plan to continue to educate myself more about many movements, particularly those that impact me and my community most, such as women's rights, immigration, and racism. Once I have been able to educate myself effectively, I will take action to educate others, such as in my community and social media. It's hard to think of ways to communicate and educate people in difficult times like COVID right now, meaning that social media is the most important tool we've got together with our voices. COVID or something else is not an excuse to be separated from others, so it's important to bear in mind that whether we need to speak up or take action to do so, there's always a way, whether it's virtual or in person.
Where Am I Gonna Go? pt.1
I want to become a NICU Nurse or a Pediatrician because I love children and want to help them grow up healthy and in the best conditions. I hope to achieve this by probably doing 2-year community college then transfer to a state university or go directly into a 4-year college and hope to graduate with a 4.0 or higher GPA to get a scholarship if possible.
I will be doing my part of serving the people by contributing myself to any issue and try to make a change such as the issue of poverty because the economy isn't getting any better and those in poverty will need more help than ever. I hope to still keep in touch my ESSJ class and make events like sharing and informing issues in this world as we are doing now but better.
Immigration is a Human Right
Family Separation
Article Title: Bay Area church and immigration leaders express outrage over family separation policy”Summary
In the city of San Jose, Patrick J. McGrath, a Bishop, released a Pastoral letter in which he called the policy, "un-American, un-Christian and inhumane." Bishop McGrath added, "We cannot lose what is at the heart of this tragedy: the fact there are children and families in the cross-hairs of our government's actions and that the trauma that these children suffer will have long term effects on their spiritual, emotional and physical well-being."Deacon Steven Herrera with the Diocese of San Jose expressed his frustration, "To use children as a pawn in a game of economics and trade policies is immoral and unethical, and it defeats what we stand for as a country."A country that is actively prosecuting adults crossing its borders illegally. Herrera told ABC7 the practice is being felt and feared in places like Santa Teresa Catholic Church in San Jose.Not simply separation its children’s suffering. San Francisco Republican leader, Howard Epstein said it's an unfortunate price that needs to be paid. Alex Mensing with Pueblo Sin Fronteras said people will find a way to come into the United States if it means safety for their children and families.
Analysis
Family separation is a huge issue surrounding every immigrant coming through the southern border. Illegal has always been regarded and been happening for decades, but ever since the Trump Administration was administered with the presidency of Donald Trump, it seems like it is more important to separate families than focusing on the real issues at hand. Bishop Patrick J. McGrath has seen past the “crime” of illegal immigration to fight and support the injustices proked by the insanities of Trump. Although many of those migrants know that it is wrong to come in this country undocumented they will stop at nothing to seek a brighter future not specifically for them but for their children, to escape from poverty, and/or crimes. They need asylum, but Donald Trump is too naive and self-centered to see the need for undocumented immigrants. "This practice is mean-spirited and betrays our nation's tradition of welcome to migrants and refugees.” America is not keeping up with the expectations and promises made in the land of the free. This is very hypocritical in part of all who support the Trump Administration in allowing these family separations because “they came here by sneaking in”, this is no valid explanation as to driving children into a traumatic experience of abandonment because their parents just wanted them to grow up in a safe and humble environment.
My Hxstory Poem
The X is hXstory is for the communities left out of the typical Eurocentric curriculum. The X is intended to reflect the many distinct identities, struggles, and intersectionalities as an inclusive and progressive term. The X is a way of recognizing our untold histories and pushing forward collectively to recover what has been stolen from us.
My X in my hXstory is for the people of color who have and undergo suffering and bigotry.
My X in my hXstory is for those that have lost their lives because of dumb sterotypes that have been issued to those who kill that terror.
My X in my hXstory is for the immigrants who have suffered too much trauma and are branded undesirable by those who pretend to be inclusive and compassionate. All lies!
My X in my hXstory is for the social injustices womxn have and currently face in my hXstory. Womxn is not the extension of men, but of their own free and separate entities.
My X in my hXstory is for all those who have had the misfortune to live in a world where they are not welcomed or embraced because of their differences.
My hXstory is fighting for our place in this world. Acknowledgements and apology are not enough, but it is an action that will help us to move forward. It is our responsibility as future leaders, to be the narrators of our own hXstory and be the change we want to see in this world.