Infertility Confessions - Normalizing Miscarriage

First and foremost, I want to thank my husband for his continuous support and for trying to remain positive. This post is the first I’ve written since starting fertility treatments four years ago. Since our journey started, we’ve endured countless struggles. It’s time I stop letting people silence me and normalize miscarriage and navigating loss. 

To say that we’re devastated is an understatement. For eight years, my husband and I have been trying to start a family, but each time we are let down. Any time I start a baby book, I stop because it’s no longer relevant.

Now before I continue, this post does not welcome backhanded comments or religious comments because, quite frankly, I’m tired of the bullshit, fake suggestions, and commentary. This is a real-life matter that people need to start taking seriously.

This week, we learned that our third FET (Frozen Embryo Transfer) stopped growing. This was my first time getting past the six-week mark, and to see a heartbeat was exciting. Unfortunately, when I went to my seven-week appointment on Tuesday, there was a faint heartbeat (the first time I heard it; it's still there, but barely), and the embryo reduced in size. It likely stopped growing shortly after my appointment last week, but unfortunately, I don't think we'll ever get a definitive answer (yes, it was chromosomally normal). This morning, my doctor confirmed loss, and I’m currently waiting for it to expel itself; if not, we’ll be looking into the next steps.

I say all of this in detail because I’m tired of people leading with the narrative that it’s, ‘In God’s hands’ or ‘When the time is right,’ among other unnecessary comments. Many of you have friends and family who are silently struggling because of these comments or a lack of support in general. It’s also why many of us do not or have stopped sharing our stories. I’ve even been told not to talk about it by people I trusted and strangers. Also, let’s stop supporting and hyping these influencers while simultaneously not supporting your friends or family who are going through the same thing. I’m not discrediting their experience, but your friend or family member needs you now more than ever. Further, do not tell us about someone else's story or that we should consider adoption, fostering, or surrogacy - IT IS NOT THE SAME. These are wonderful options for some people, but for me and many others, it’s taking away an opportunity that we've longed for.

Infertility is a ROUGH road that challenges your relationships, your marriage or partnership, and even the confidence you have within yourself. It is not easy, but until you’re counting how many angel babies you have (we now have four) and questioning your motherhood (to those who have lost, remember we are mothers), you’ll never understand the difficulty of every holiday, passing due date, trying to be happy for others, scrolling quickly past pregnancy and birth announcements, and many other occasions. This is not easy by any means.

What I do ask of you is to check on your friends and family members. Do they have PCOS or endometriosis? Is male-factor infertility a possibility? Did someone have a loss (or even a successful live birth) and has been struggling to conceive ever since? We can’t continue to allow the 1-in-4 pregnancies to be ignored, especially those of women of color, including those with a history of loss. My last clinic sent me home bleeding - no ultrasound after I asked, only an HCG test that showed I was still pregnant (it takes up to two weeks if not longer, to go to 0), so you can imagine how terrified I was after my appointment this week. Needless to say, I’m grateful that my current doctor took her time to retest me for practically every known condition to make sure I was ready, and I think her current level of care is exactly where it needs to be and that her suspicion as to ‘why’ this time around may be right. So please, ladies, talk to your doctor. Be persistent in that everything is charted and make sure it is charted (if they refuse, tell them to chart the refusal so you can hold them accountable and pursue legal action if something goes wrong). You’re your only and best advocate, remember that.

To all who have lost, I’m here with you. Whether we’re grieving in silence or finding a way to cope, we’re here together.

To our four angel babies - we love you. You are now protected by your ancestors. I'm sorry I couldn't protect you. Until we see each other again.

Why Did I Go on a Blog Hiatus?

It's easy to say that I went on hiatus to travel or try new products, but that's not the case. I've received a few DMs and emails asking why I haven't blogged, and truthfully I just have/had a lot going on. So Luxe fam, let's find out where Lola has been!

In January, my company downsized its office to focus on brick and mortar business. I had been with the company for nearly three (yes, 3 years). It was rough, but I began working retail right after because you know, girl gotta pay rent. My schedule has been crazy, working shifts that have me leaving my house at 4:30am (yes, you read that right), and sometimes working overnights. But that's the piece you pay to work in fashion with an amazing organization (it really is great, so I'll go into detail later). The job has been incredibly rewarding, but I'm exhausted by the time I get home. So any new beauty products, hair care tips, health information - it's the last thing on my mind before I catch those ZZZs. Until today.

I owe you (my readers) so much, including transparency and a special thanks. Without it, I'm not a blogger or advocate - only a consumer. So for now on, I will write weekly blogs and post more consistently across Luxe Like Lola's social media (some are personal and you're totally able to add me as a friend). Who's ready for weekly beauty reviews, hair care products, and health and wellness tips?! Thought so.

Oh, and did I mention I'm getting married? I might have missed that, but I will be able to post some of my ventures (not all because hubbs is heavily involved and wants most of it to be a surprise). But I make no promises to that, because I love you guys so much.

Anywho, let's get to it luxe loves!

Food Favorite - Tots Love

I'm not one to blog about food, but because I was asked to give my honest opinion, so I will. 

I recently received a promotion for Ore-Ida Tots and figured it would be a great way to re-kindle my munchy-relationshionship with tater tots. Now, I don't even like fries, but there's something about tater tots that i've always loved. Is it the shape? The crunch? Not too sure, but what I will say is that they are delicious. Whether you're looking to add them to your burger-esque dinner or BBQ (or just to eat them - errrr....like me), you won't be disappointed. 

Caution: You might taste a tad bit more salt than anticipated depending on the batch, but add some ketchup (or Polynesian sauce from Chick-Fil-A) and have a great day! :) 

Living a Job Hunt Reality

When you're on the job hunt, no one held your hand or told you that it was easy. And if they did - they lied. Being a recent graduate in 2014/2015 isn't easy, and I know that first hand. But if you think jobs are being handed out, keep reading - you're about to hit reality. 

As a December graduate, I faced many challenges in the spring of 2014. I applied for various jobs, beginning in October/November 2013, jobs that I knew I was qualified for or that I would grow into. But you see, when you haven't obtained your physical transcript stating you've graduated, it can pose an issue. I was passed over for about five jobs because I applied before my graduation date (I applied mostly in November and had to reapply in January). This is probably the most nerve-wrecking comment I had heard. But, I didn't let that phase me. You can't, or it will consume you. 

Flashing forward to January 2014, I applied for jobs upon jobs. My days were satisfied by sitting on my dorm bed (I was attending graduate school at night), and my hard drive was filled with cover letters. It had gotten to the point where, I wasn't able to get an internship either since I didn't have the needed number of graduate credits. It's truly exhausting. But after a few phone interviews and face-to-face time, I was back at the drawing board. Was it my lack of corporate or agency experience? Was it that I lived in White Plains, NY? Or was it that I just wasn't what the company wanted or needed? These are questions I still ask myself. But eventually, I found my way to interviewing at a salon in the City (NYC for those who aren't sure). That being said, I found my way into my first job as a Public Relations Coordinator. 

Now, I know what you're thinking -- "Why are you job hunting when you have a job?" To that, I do agree, but hear me out: Your first job may NOT be your only. It's so important to keep yourself up with the times, industry, and most importantly, yourself.  In just a few weeks, I will have (hopefully) my Master of Arts in Media & Communications. I've worked hard. I've stayed up late, lost sleep, almost lost my current job due to being so overwhelmed by previous semesters cutting into my work day, and have lost a lot of friends in the process. But now that I'm near the end, all I want to do is grow into the professional I aspire to be. The days of Facebook and Twitter for personal use are near extinction and LinkedIn will become your best friend. I can't tell you the times I log into my account, praying there's a job opening in editorial, social media, or PR for a company looking for a MA candidate, but there's nothing. I didn't have the privilege of interning at a magazine (various attempts though) or with a firm because of one thing over another, but I'm still applying. If it takes me one or two low-end jobs to establish a career in PR or editorial, so be it. My mind is made up and being on the job hunt only fuels my creativity in cover letters, in hopes that I can make my next company, home. 

Seemingly enough, I am pretty outspoken and have no shame on voicing my opinion. Sometimes it takes an outsider to understand your next move. Do you have a mentor? A friend or former colleague in your industry? Why not utilize them! It's called networking and connecting, something that really should be engraved in our minds. There's never too much education, drive, passion, or strength, but do watch for your words during interviews. Something so meaningless may take over your interview, resulting in a longer hiring process. It's 2015 and the reality of a college graduate's job hunt is exactly what I am explaining to you (at least, here in New York). But don't worry, everything will fall into place eventually. The beaches of Bora Bora are waiting for some of us to pay off our student debts!

Shopping discrimination / Stereotypes

Tamara covers topics on shopping discrimination

Post grad employment - Breaking into the real world!

Tamara & guest Rachel cover topics on post grad employment such as networking, breaking into the real world, and taking chances.

A Model's Lifestyle Journey - Kalyea Moss

As a child, we all go through events that leave a semi to permanent mark on us for years to come. But in 2005, Kalyea Moss took the comments from her surroundings and turned it into the dream - the dream of becoming a model.

Upon graduating from Hofstra University, Kalyea went to work in the medical field while paving her path into the field of communications. Realizing that this is not what she truly wanted, she took to modeling during a time where plus size models were beginning to slowly break in.

"In a short time, I secured a successful and professional plus modeling career," said Moss. "But I also crossed into acting and television, especially in the last few years."

After being signed to an agency in NYC, she worked with several clients, to include Baby Phat, Deron, Mandee, Sean John, and Apple Bottom. Emerging from the cracks, Moss was also fetured in Essence, Glamour, and People, later appearing on the Rachel Ray Show, BET's Rip The Runway, Lifetime's Cook Yourself Thin, leading roles in off-Broadway productions and more. However, Kalyea hit a turn in 2010 after being nominated  and winning FFFW's (Full Figure Fashion Week) Plus Fit Model of the Year and landing a national campaign with Dove. Little did anyone know, while shooting Invisible Body Wash with Dove, she was carrying her son.

"Being a mom changed my mission and modeling career," said Moss. "I went back to school to become a certified holistic health and wellness coach and launched K.Moss Consulting (formerly The Curvy Health Coach). The Institute of Integrative Nutrition allowed me to merge my love for fashion and beauty with my new love of health and wellness."

She says that the last few years have been a working matter, as she tries to help her clients face the society that says "I'm fat and ugly." K. Moss Consulting provides the every day woman with tools to live a health and happy life in THEIR skin.

"My goal is to inspire women to love themselves, no matter her weight, size, or looks. She should value the greatness inside," said Moss.

In the last two years, Moss has branded and shared her weight loss journey. Appearing on ABC News Nightline and ABC World News with Diane Sawyer, she has heard from women across the country. In 2013, her career took another turn after speaking at the PIX 11 Health & Wellness Expo with Dr. Ian Smith. She has also been featured on the Bethany Frankle show, 'Bethany.'

Kalyea says "Change is inevitable and it;s your decision to grow and overcome your obstacles or stay a prisoner in your own fear."

To learn more about Kalyea and her beauty and wellness journey, please visit her website or email kalyea.moss@gmail.com

Finding Your Worth in Relationships

When it comes to the holiday season, there are so many things that run through the mind, including relationships. As a young professional and graduate student, it can be difficult to find ways to provide for friends, family, and even yourself. But there's always something that will replay in the back of your mind: self-worth.

The "W" word has been something I've seen close friends struggle with over the last few years. In the fall of 2012, I took a freshman (we'll call her 'K') under my wing because I could relate to her. Our families didn't have much money, we attended private school ($50K/yr) and were struggling to enjoy college. In the first 24hrs, she practically gave me her life story, including how she had made friends with one of the senior football players. Well, this is where the "W" word comes in to play....sans touchdown (no pun intended).

As a freshman, I never thought I could dare to even speak to a senior boy, let alone an athlete. Having the fabulous physique she still has today, I knew she wanted to play her cards right...that was until I learned that the senior was on and off with his girlfriend. Being the honest individual I am, I told the young woman I didn't think it was appropriate for her to engage with him. 'K' asked why, so I explained that her worth isn't worth risking her person. In college, you don't know someone after a week of being campus-mates, and you certainly don't know them if you don't know their relationship status. However, she didn't take my advice to lightly.

During the late fall/early winter, we began to shop for the holidays. Knowing she had been spotting my Coach bag, I opted to pick something up for her with the money I had saved up. Our friendship was more family like at this point, and I decided to buy her a black Calvin Klein bag, which her face lit up so bright when she opened the package. Shortly after, I spotted her getting ready for a party. I figured it was a campus party, but it wasn't. A campus organization was hosting a holiday gathering off campus and she was going. I knew 'he' (the football player) was going to be there, so I chatted with her. Asking her to be careful of what she consumed and who she stood with, she agreed to text or call if need be. And off she went, in a Christmas red, fitted dress and the CK bag.

After not hearing from her, I text one of my friends and they happened to be with her. The story goes that he saw her, she saw him, and he was with his on-and-off girlfriend of possibly four years. 'K' was devastated, but remembering what I had told her about engaging with him, she bounced back. When I woke up to her on my bed the next day,  she gave me a hug and kept saying "Thank you mom, you were right." Apparently the look on his face was just as devastating as hers, but she took his face and ran with him. Knowing she shouldn't have marched on that situation, she resulted in conquering his position. For the months that followed, he would run into her and not say a word, while she just smiled; he would text her and she would ignore him. Why you ask? She knew her place wasn't with some senior football player who was going back and forth - she realized her worth was more than flirting with some guy who would be graduating in four months. She knew her worth was worth $50K a year for happiness and friendship, not puppy relationships.

You may be reading this and think that the story has nothing to do with holidays, relationships, or even self-worth....but you're sadly mistaken. Worth comes in different forms, and in this case, it came with knowing your stance and making the most of it. I value my friendship with "K," not because we're like family, but because she knew what she had to do, but needed someone to give her that extra push of encouragement.

Break The Mold - Live Through Your Life

       Breaking even is something that every individual wishes they could do, and then some. No, we’re not talking about finances or business; it’s all about the mentality. But the mentality is only a facet of who you are and what you’re capable of being.

            Speaking with men and women out of college is something we partake in every day. As an observer, I tend to notice things that the average person wouldn’t. For instance, I took a walk around the city with my business partner and he made me realize so many things. From stopping and taking photos of building, tourists, and individuals around the city, more people often walk around luxury retailers than that actually have an interest in making a purchase. In a society that influences everything we do, it’s difficult to not want what someone else has. But why is this?

            As I walked around Columbus Circle, I didn’t see too many full-figure people. Granted, this doesn’t depict the rest of the area’s clientele, but it does show that I noticed more than I should. Wanting to take photos of myself, my partner attempted hundreds of times, but each time people kept looking at me with that face. You know, the face of ‘Why is she wearing that and why is she sitting on that in such and such way?.’ I could have let it get to me , but I didn’t. We so often see people taking photos and become discouraged in minutes of years a snide comment, and yes it’s hard to deal with – but you can get through it. I’m a walking example of this. I’ve been guided to an area of a store than I would “fit in” but the clothing was horrendous. I’ve also been told that I should straddle a post or sit with my butt propped up; well, birdie to you too, sir. We are humans and we have rights.

            It’s hard to break barriers, but it’s even harder to maintain them. I’ve learned that if I make a statement, continue it. I’ve seen the negative comments on Instagram and I’m sure people on my Facebook say things to each other, but that’s you. I’m writing this to help change – change a stereotype or ‘norm’ that shouldn’t be so normal. Go ahead girl, straddle the pole stump (whatever it’s called) and take a picture! If you don’t, you won’t get that moment back (especially if you’re wearing a cute lace shirt and thigh high boots!

The Post-Grad Reality

Our country has made it quite known that securing a job after graduation is one of the most difficult things we could possibly do in this economy. But do we really understand the reality of it? And do we know how to overcome it? Probably not, but let me help you get an idea of what to expect.

   Just the last few months have given me exactly what I expected: no luck and no job. This isn't uncommon amongst college grads, but it is frustrating. I've written countless cover letters and attended several career fairs. Sound familiar? I thought so. In the communications major, thousands of students will graduate in the tri-state area (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut). Sounds scary, but it's probably one of the more popular majors around and everyone wants to do it. So what happened to me?

  Having interned with several small businesses and two (2) non-profits, I have gained experience in different areas, allowing me to understand a business. But what I find interesting is that I have experience, but companies want their own unique type of experience. So...this has led me to pretty much checking Indeed.com almost every day. I've written probably over 100 e-mails and letters and what's the most time consuming is the waiting game. Tedious? Yes. Worth it? Totally.

  Now, some may wonder what I've been doing while waiting for callbacks. Simple: I applied to a store in the mall, Rue 21. I had my first day this past week and I love it. My goal is to work in fashion and beauty, and that's exactly what they're giving me the opportunity to do. Rue has amazing fragrances and they're only $9.99!! And instead of spraying multiple times a day, they are oil based and you may only have to spray a total of 2x depending on what you're doing. I sprayed Revert, a nice clean, refreshing, and eco-friendly fragrance, only once and it lasted me all day. And no, I'm not just saying that. But let's get back to the point: stay occupied!

 Whether you're interested in psychology, education, or communications (like me), keep yourself busy. By researching happenings in your field of choice and current events, you will become more aware and confident on any interviews you will go on. If I hadn't decided to apply to Rue, I would be stuck in my room looking for almost nothing. A start is a start and that's the reality of it.

  Tips For Staying Occupied Post-Graduation

• Apply, apply, apply!
• Network (Use LinkedIn to connect with Alumni and group members)
• Research and read
• Go on an informational interview
• Take up a hobby related to your field
• Work retail (you'll want extra $$ for the commute to interviews anyway)
• Ask Questions 
• Spruce up your resume
• Read All Work, No Pay
• Pre-order Welcome to the Real World

Selena Gomez Battles It Out With Lupus: Let Her Be

   Privacy. Something that doesn't exactly exist in  limelight. Singer and actress, Selena Gomez, has done a pretty good job with keeping her personal life on the DL until now.

   For the last week or so, rumors have been circulating with reasons as to why Gomez cancelled her tour. Not that it's really anyone's business, but she does have a few things going on in her personal life. According to the Huffington Post, Gomez has been battling Lupus since her late teens and from what they are saying, her flares are shining their way to the surface. For those of you who do not know what Lupus is, it's an autoimmune disease that can damage parts of the body such as joints and organs, including skin from as little as six weeks to a few years.

 What can you do and how does this effect the entertainment industry? Well, considering Gomez has cancelled a number of shows, there's nothing we can do. This is a personal matter and it is up to her and her family as to whether or not continuing is in her path. It may just be best to stay close with family and wait for the flares to tone down and take the loss. From a public relations perspective, I think this would be ideal and she has made the best decision for HER health. It seems that her family and friends are getting a hold of the reins, so let's pray that she recovers and stays clear of any further flares.

What Did I Get For Christmas?

If you follow me on YouTube, Instagram, or even Twitter, you probably have noticed I did not upload a "What I Got For Christmas" video. Just to catch everyone up, things have been really hectic and I haven't filmed at all, probably in about two months. It's not because I don't want to, but because I've been super busy. So why am I even mentioning this?

My family celebrates Three Kings Day/El Dia De Los Reyes in January, so I didn't think it would be fair to post separate videos. Maybe I should film separately, but I'll explain why I'm combining the videos during the week. In the meantime, I will be blogging a little more (hopefully) this week and hopefully throughout 2014.

But while you wait for my "Holiday Gifts" video, here are some photos of what I received from my family.

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**I am in no way, shape or form bragging. I am only sharing with you items I received and a entirely grateful for all that I have.**

Being Driven

The seasons are changing and so are the lifestyles of the average person. Okay, corny opening, but you see my point. We're already in November and each time I look at the calendar, I ask myself where the time has gone. But there is one thing that I have noticed that I cannot question, and that my dear is my drive. 

   Many of you are probably reading this wondering why I'm writing out of nowhere, and the truth is time. I have not had time to really sit down and write any blogs because of my other obligations. Now, I have filmed a few YouTube videos, but those are quick and easy; writing, not so much. But I haven't let that stop me. I love to write and I could do it all day (with the occasional writer's block). At the beginning of the semester, I was hired as the Features Editor for my school paper, and I absolutely love it. Now, I won't lie about the difficulty I face when looking for weekly pitches, but nonetheless it's a great position. And let's be real for a moment: It's nearly impossible to land a journalism gig without clips. Yes, blog writing is great, but many bloggers who don't send their work to be "published," and that hinders them. I'm not saying it hurts everyone, but it does hurt quite a handful. Which, again, is one of my drives. 

   Being driven doesn't just mean to have a goal, but it does mean to be motivated. You can have five goals, but you're probably only motivated to reach one or two. My drive happens to be instilled in me by my father. He doesn't want me to live the life I lived for eighteen years, so when I went to college, I also went to town. I knew what I wanted to do, but then I was intercepted by a new program at my University so I took a stab at it and now I really know what I want to do with my degree. My "drive" is to not be in the same place my parents were when they were my age. I can't say I don't have other goals (because I do), but I do know that I have to be realistic. For right now, I'm driven to complete my Bachelor's and soon begin my Master's (and to find a job in my field). 

   What are some of your goals? What drives you to do what you do? Tweet your responses to me at @Laprincesalola.

XOXO

Am I Latina Enough?

  "Where are are you from?" he asked me, while I was ordering food at the Cuchifrito in El Barrio. 
     "I'm Puerto Rican," I responded.
     "Stop kidding yourself; You're una blanquita?"

     I didn't know what to think, say, or even how to react to that. But I do remember looking at him and saying "If I'm not Puerto Rican, then you're not a man?" It was the only thing that I could think of to say, leaving him a little insulted,..and a tad bit stunned.

    Whenever I meet someone new or walk in my own neighborhood, people stare at me and my cousin, who's lived in East Harlem her entire life. She and I are very similar in that we finished high school, have jobs, enrolled in college, and went about our business. My cousin is very tall, thin, very light skin, and speaks Spanish...fluently. Me on the other hand? I'm 5'3, average, medium-light to tan skin, and I speak 'Spaniglish'; however, I didn't grow up in East Harlem or New York. I've lived in various because of my dad's job, so I was never forced to speak Spanish. Why do I bring this up? Because apparently my upbringing doesn't make me "Latina."

   Ever since Cosmopolitan for Latinas caught my eye last summer, I've been hooked on every issue. It just so happens that when I saw Summer 2013 on the newsstand (you know, the one with Michelle Rodriguez), I immediately picked it up. Coincidentally, there's a "Real Talk" article about what makes us Latina. According to article "You Talk like a White Girl," 69% of 3rd generation Latinos are English dominant. My father moved from Puerto Rico in the late 1980s/early 1990s and my mother was born in Brooklyn, NY after my grandparents decided to stay in New York after individually moving back and forth from Puerto Rico and various areas around the world. I don't know if that constitutes me as 3rd generation, but I think it's close enough.

   I was born in Brooklyn, New York where I lived until I was 3 or 4; that's when I moved to Hawai'i.

   Did I speak Spanish when I was younger? Yes, but I wasn't forced. Everywhere I moved to after that, the Hispanic population was fairly small and rarely present...at least until I started high school in Georgia. All of my friends in high school were of different races, so I never thought about identifying with any specific group. The difference between my school and others? It was predominantly white. But when I went off to college, is when I began to question my identity.

  "You don't look Puerto Rican," These are words I hear on a constant basis. Even other Puerto Ricans and Latinos don't think I'm Puerto Rican. My mom is fair skin, dirty-blonde hair, blue eyes and my father has olive skin, black hair, hazel eyes. Me? Curly, dark brown hair, medium-light skin, brown eyes--but of course this isn't enough. When I was born, I had Asian features; I was never told I looked Latino. The only thing that I probably have going for me is the stereotype that some Latinas tend to be larger chested, but I can't that at the moment. Do I care about this? No, but I do care about being called 'ma,' 'mami,' 'chula,' and all of the other names women are called that surround our culture. Boys, it's not attractive.

   Acting Latina? Being called those names may be a part of urban culture, but I think it's a personal choice. I've been told I don't belong in my own neighborhood and that I don't act Puerto Rican, but what is acting Puerto Rican or Latino? No, I don't throw around slang terms, nor do I try and act like something I'm not. Yes, I may sound like a "white girl," but I wasn't raised around an abundance of Latinos to gain or keep a dialect or accent and it shouldn't matter where I, or anyone else was raised. Am I in college? Yes I am and yes, it is Caucasian-dominant, but so was my high school. Does this make me a "white girl?" No, but it does show that I can adapt to any environment and that my family wants the best of their children. Adapting and being confident is how we should all handle life situations. As for acting 'Latina', does that constitute going clubbing or hanging in the street or even dressing like the staged segments we see on television? I would hope not; it's only a stereotype, and television is scripted and costumed. Guess you didn't think about that, now did you?

   Thus being said, here's a little information about me and I'll let you decide based on my perspective and my YouTube videos.
 

• I'm Puerto Rican
• I'm a college senior, graduating a semester early
• I recently applied for graduate school
• I don't speak fluent Spanish
• I've been straightening my hair for over 10 years and recently stopped straightening it 
• I cook (and yes, I cook Spanish food)
• I have a diverse vocabulary and speak properly
• I do not like being called 'ma,' 'mami,' 'chula'
• I'm not much of a fan of Spanish music 
• I enjoy community service
• Hockey is my favorite sport

Now, please tell me if I am "Latina" or if I'm just a good person.

**These are my thoughts on how I have been treated based on my upbringing. I am not sponsored or endorsed by any organizations, as these are my own thoughts.**
 

SHARE a DYMOND Moment With a CURVY COACH

You may be wondering what I've been up to this summer. Originally, I was set to work full-time at Pure Dymonds, an event planning and design company in Virginia Beach, however, under personal circumstances, I had to resign my 'physical' position and leave Virginia to take care of some business. Now, I am back in New York where I am a Communications intern at SHARE (Self Help for Women with Breast or Ovarian Cancer). I didn't think I would find a position that would give me office experience (since I have mostly been working virtually and one-on-one with companies), but I've found with dedication, positions such as mine, can be obtained.

    I was first introduced to SHARE at the February event, ManiCURES, hosted by Cherry Girls NYC and Diosa Nails. This was a fundraising event to raise money for SHARE and bring awareness to Breast and Ovarian cancer. It just so happened that a few months later (end of May), my university posted the position just after I found out I would have to change my summer situation. Since June I have been working with SHARE virtually and physically (since I am now in the area) and I have enjoyed each moment of it.

  What am I doing at my internship?

   We've all heard the horror stories about interns being abused by their employers, being overworked, harassed; the list goes on forever. My job description is simple: work with the Director of Communications. Honestly, I wasn't sure what I would be doing aside from managing their social media accounts, creating social media for blog posts, and assisting in ways to promote their events and programs. Because I was able to manage all of these tasks and create e-blasts (newsletters), other employees began to ask me for help with minor things. (psst....Asking the other departments if they need help WILL HELP YOU!) I have learned a little bit about everyone's job, what they're responsible for, and how the Communications department interacts with the others. So now do you understand why I like my job? I hope so; working at a cancer organization is probably one of the best internships I've had (and I'm still working with Pure Dymonds and another company that you'll find out about later). I can certainly say that I will miss working at SHARE, come August.

   Do I get to do anything fun?

    Yes. I think it was my second or third week at SHARE and I was asked to assist at a function. I knew what the event was, but I never thought I would be asked to attend. After a pep-talk from a volunteer, I knew that it was in my best interest to attend. Not only does attending events and after-hours programming show your commitment, but it also gives you an opportunity to meet with others in the area that share the same interest (you're both at the same event; there has to be some type of connection). I've also stayed and assisted with programming that SHARE offers to those living with breast or ovarian cancer. It really gives you a sense of awareness and allows you to see beyond the desk you sit at.

What's coming up next?

   Well, as mentioned earlier, there are many events that SHARE hosts, which includes fundraisers. Right now SHARE is preparing for their annual fundraiser; A Second Helping of Life. This year will mark the 10th anniversary of the fundraiser, which has granted SHARE with the opportunity to raise a generous amount of funds. It is a wonderful night of food prepared by the top female chefs in NYC with a few local NYC celebs. I think I know where I'm trying to be that night!

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Anywho, yes, I am working with three companies: SHARE, Pure Dymonds, and Live Beautifully Health Coaching. How am I managing this? I have no idea, so if you know, please tell me. Pure Dymonds is honestly an amazing company and founder Tricia Epps has such a creative mind and is a great supervisor. I am currently writing blogs for Ms. Epps that relate to the latest trends in weddings, children's parties, milestones, and so much more. I am also working with Kalyea Moss, a plus size model who is also a health coach (also known as The Curvy Health Coach). I am currently responsible for updating and promoting events and programs on LBHC's social media accounts. In addition, I have been responsible for press releases for both Pure Dymonds and LBHC.

Where does this leave me?

 A dedicated, creative, senior, and professional.

What have you done this summer?

Visit SHARE, LBHC, and Pure Dymonds' websites here!