"The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge." It would be that opening line that would influence my life. I was in 8th grade literature class and we were reading and learning about Edgar Allan Poe's short story The Cask of Amontillado.... Continue Reading →
LA Fires & Community Impact
As I watch the fires destroy LA my heart breaks and I feel so powerless to help. Through my church I was able to donate some items but I still felt like I was doing nothing. Until I saw all the items the church had collected from the community. It was inspiring to see people... Continue Reading →
2024: A Year of Renewed Hope
2024 was a good year for me in a while! And because it was a good year it has given me a renewed sense of hope. For the past couple of years I have really been focusing on my mental health. During the pandemic I started to notice my anxiety and depression come back stronger.... Continue Reading →
Cleaning for Earth Day
Today I spent the morning cleaning up trash with the South Bay Clean Creek Coalition for Earth Day. It served as a reminder that no efforts to help the earth and nature go to waste. Through the efforts of SBCCC over the years, salmon have been slowly returning to the area. Every piece of trash... Continue Reading →
What Does the 4th of July Mean to You?
For many, the 4th of July is a day to celebrate being free. But for many it is a hard day to celebrate because they do not feel free, even today. In 1776, it was only white men that were truly free. For many, the 4th of July really doesn’t mean freedom. For example: Women... Continue Reading →
Juneteenth
How I am observing Juneteenth this year: supporting, learning and donating.
Mental Health Awareness 2023
Let’s get cozy and talk about mental health! May is Mental Health Awareness month. Even though the month is ending, caring for your mental health is a 24/7 thing. It can’t be contained into just one month. You need to care for your mental health just like you care for your physical health. I have... Continue Reading →
Practicing Gratitude
A couple of days ago, in the United States, was Thanksgiving. It’s a holiday that most people spend by reflecting on what they are most thankful for. Right now I am most thankful for my health. This past year was a struggle for me, especially my mental health. I spend most of last year focusing... Continue Reading →
Read Spirit Run for Indigenous People’s Day
Today is Indigenous People’S Day, a day to celebrate and remember the culture and contributions of Native Americans. We also must remember the struggle and hardship Native Americans have had to endure. For today, I recommend people read Noe Alvarez’s book, Spirit Run. In it he shares what it is like growing up and living... Continue Reading →
Death Anniversary of Edgar Allan Poe
“Lord help my poor soul” (alleged last words of Edgar Allan Poe). Yesterday (10/7) marked the 173 year anniversary of Poe’s death. He has shaped my life in many ways. It’s because of him I fell in love with the study of literature and focused on it in college. May his writings continue to live... Continue Reading →