My reaction for part 1

I just finished watching the first part of CNN's Latino in America. I thought most of it was interesting although I didn't really learn anything new. Maybe it's because I am very much exposed to Latinos and have experience and knowledge about the minority. Maybe the information in this documentary simply was unoriginal. All I know is that I didn't like the documentary's portrayal of Latinas teenagers as baby-making machines...

Soledad O'Brien did a good job at interviewing people with different stories. However, I feel like I've heard hundred variants of such stories. Girls having to work to help their single moms and skipping classes in high school, then getting pregnant. Teenager boys who don't want to be associated with their parents' Latino culture. "Illegal" immigrants who were raised here since they were 2 and still don't have the right to go to college or work. Racism in church against Latinos.

This country has some serious issues.

CNN's Latino in America special

Time goes by so fast! I've been so busy with homework and tests that I haven't really kept this blog updated. I'm being graded on this so I think from now on, I have to try to write in this blog more often.

So here's the usual immigration news on campus:

CHISPAS as well as other organizations will be screening CNN's Latino in America special this Wednesday (October 21) in the Reitz Union's auditorium from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

This documentary should touche the issues of immigration in the United States as well as what it means to be a part of a minority in this country.

It should be very interesting. I won't be able to go out and watch it with CHISPAS, but I will watch it home as I study (I'm very busy lately with school work!)

I think I will give my opinions tomorrow on this blog regarding the documentary.

I sugest you tune in and watch it!

More immigration-related events at UF

Here's another CHISPAS event tonight. It will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in room 361 of the Reitz Union.

A Mile In Their Shoes: Immigrant Experience in the U.S.

"Ever wonder what immigrants have to go through when they arrive in the United States? Would you like to 'walk a mile in their shoes'?

Then come join CHISPAS for our HHM event! We will be providing an interactive look into the issue of an immigrant's daily life in the United States and the various implications for differing ethnic groups in society."

I find it very frustrating that organizations all pick the same date and time to have events. I was invited to FOUR events tonight at 7 p.m. I'm not even lying. I'm still unsure about which one to pick, but I am leaning toward going to a French Club event, as it will help me for my grad school applications if I get involved with the organization.

I was recently contacted to volunteer for the French Club by being somebody's French tutor. I think I better start getting involved so that I have at least something to show when I apply for grad school to study French Literature...

I've been very stressed lately because I need to start thinking (and quickly!) about which universities to apply to. I have to decide whether I will stay in Florida or not, I need to get my many applications ready, I need to get letters of recommendation from teachers, and I need to start studying the GRE despite my impossible schedule.

I know this has nothing to do with immigration, but I just thought I'd unleash my frustrations in here.

On a lighter note, I went to see the movie "Sin Nombre" last night. I had already seen it, but I invited some non-Spanish speakers to see it since it was shown with subtitles in the Reitz. It is a poignant and shocking story of what we call illegal immigration and it never fails to make me feel so grateful for already being in the United States.









Here is a link to the trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kN_ZrdccHy0

I would recommend this movie to everybody. It will be shown again tonight at the Reitz Union auditorium at 8 p.m. and at 10:30 p.m.
Sin Nombre is brought to UF by RUB Entertainment.

What does it mean to be an immigrant?

Tonight, CHISPAS will host an event called "CAFE CULTURAL:What does it mean to be an immigrant?"

It will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at La Casita (next to Chipotle on University Avenue).

The full address is 1504 W. University Ave.



Here's the description of the event which that I received in an e-mail:

"Have you ever wondered what it is like to be an immigrant? Have you ever wondered why these individuals came to the United States in the first place? Perhaps for the chance at a better life, more opportunities, or a change in routine and culture? The reasons are endless. Come hear UF students speak about their journeys to the U.S and then learn about how YOU can get involved with immigration issues that may affect us each and every day. Remember, "the great aim of education in not only knowledge but action." Guest speakers: Migrant Education Program - Victoria Gomez de La Torre Harvest of Hope - President- Philip Kellerman CHISPAS - Bianca Gras and Eliana Torres Don't miss out! Refreshments and Snacks will be provided!"

I really want to go but unfortunately I have a big test on Friday and would feel guilty not studying tonight. However, the least I can do is share the information!

Picture Three: Butterfly Rainforest

A UF student is eating a hamburger and drinking a Pepsi outside of the Florida Museum of Natural History on Friday after visiting the Butterfly Rainforest. FLMNH's newest permanent exhibit houses 55 to 65 different species of free-flying butterflies and is open year long, according to its Web site. Tickets cost $9.50 for adults and $7 for students.

Picture Two: Starry Night

A mother buys her children ice cream outside of the Florida Museum of Natural History on Friday night. The museum hosted 'Starry Night' in celebration of the International Year of Astronomy. Children could build telescopes, see a portable planetarium show and meet astronaut Winston Scott. The event was free and lasted from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Picture One: Progress Party

UF students Eric Tang and Jose Soto are tabling for the Progress Party Friday afternoon on Plaza of the Americas as a part of the Civic Media Center's Radical Rush week. During the week, they distributed flyers, CIW stickers and information about Students for a Democratic Society. Radical Rush week ended Friday night with a social at the Presbytarian and Disciples of Christ Student Center, where members shared their organization's causes.