College

My name is Sarai, and I was born in Santa Maria, California in 1988. I have 3 brothers, 4 sisters and I am the youngest. My mom came to the United States with all my brothers and sisters on her own before I was born because she had very little opportunity in Mexico. She moved to California in the area where my grandparents were staying. While working in the fields of strawberries she met my father. He helped her with us kids and taught us about values and holidays, something we did not really know about before meeting him because my mother could never afford to celebrate holidays. Mostly, they passed by unnoticed. At the very young age of 4, I moved to Houston, Texas with my family. My father felt there were more job opportunities here. We landed in the Milby High School area near downtown, which is a very rough neighborhood. It was hard for me as a child. I wanted to grow up to be someone important in life, but mostly what I experienced daily was inconsequential. Since my parents were not raised believing in the importance of higher education, inspiration was hard to find. I assumed you just settled into a job and that was that. However, when I had my own children, I realized I did not want them to think there was no advancement after high school. I know you have to keep learning if you are to achieve loftier goals and dreams. All my life, since I was a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a writer. My passion is writing, but I believed I was not capable of going to college to become a writer. I never thought my dreams and passion for writing would be achievable. When my youngest child was able to attend school, I decided my current situation couldn’t be the top for me. I had to teach myself and my children that we as a family should continue to advance our education. We needed to focus on how important it really is to become as educated as possible. It’s not even the degree itself. Yes, I will earn a degree, but more importantly, I want to gain knowledge. I’ve waited 8 years for the opportunity to advance my career, mostly because I had no one at home to babysit my children. And look! Right out of the gate, I landed an internship at the Post.

My father always took me to baseball games as a child. He taught me to love all the sports and to always support our Houston teams. I eagerly anticipated game days because those were the days I knew I would be spending great, quality time with my father. The best part about going to a game was eating the hot dogs! You can’t go to an Astros game without eating a hot dog! It’s fun to see everyone cheering and screaming at the top of their lungs and then to calm it all down and sing together, “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” I also love wearing my Astros hat and holding my dad’s baseball glove, hoping to catch a foul ball. When my sisters come into town from California to visit, he takes us all to the baseball games. It’s the absolute best bonding family time. Some games, I’m not even paying attention to whether we’re winning or losing. I’m just enjoying the time we’re sharing with one another. Every game brings us closer together, and that’s one of the many reasons why I love my dad so much. Those special moments I keep inside me, and I bring them back whenever I’m doubting myself or my abilities. “Go Astros!”

I’ll never forget the first time I went to a football game. The stadium was full, and the crowd was very loud. The energy and the support of the Texans fans was amazing! Everybody was dancing, cheering and carrying on. Every Sunday, Monday and Thursday night I am on my couch screaming and cheering on the game, but there is nothing like watching it at the stadium. The cheerleaders, the music, the fans, the food and the vibe of all the fans is such a great entertaining environment. We’re not always able to go, but there is nothing like football season, which always includes barbecuing and spending quality time with loved ones. My daughters love the Texans. They know when the game comes on, it’s time to cheer for our team and wear our Texans jerseys with pride! One day, I hope to take all three of my daughters to share in the wonderful experience I had while attending the game.

I’ll never forgot when I scored my first goal as a little girl on my first soccer team. My team was mostly boys, and all of them were much taller than me. I despaired over my abilities in the game. Most days, I wanted to burst into tears, but I could always hear my father and brother cheering and screaming in the distance, “Don’t give up.” I didn’t give up! I would fall almost every time I tried to kick the ball. It would even be lucky if I hit it at all. But, I would get back up and try again and again and again to kick the ball as far as my short feet would allow. Once, towards the end of a game, I watched the ball coming at me, getting closer and closer. I ran towards the ball, closed my eyes and kicked it as hard as I could. I don’t know why I closed my eyes. All I know is it worked. “Goal!, Goal!!, GOAL!!!” I had made the final goal of the game, my first ever! The whole team and my entire family was so proud of me, but most importantly, I was very proud of myself.

Basketball is a sport I have always loved watching. At the age of 7, I can still remember watching The Finals of 1995. Everyone in my apartment complex was outside shouting with excitement and yelling with joy. I would lean my head out the window and scream, “Go Rockets! Go Houston Rockets!” When we finally won, all the vehicles outside were honking, everyone was clapping and cheering on the Houston Rockets for winning the NBA Championship. Ever since that night, I have been a huge fan of basketball. I played basketball during my middle school years. During 8th grade, we won 2nd place among all the charter schools in our district. It was a moment in my life when I felt as if I’d made a great accomplishment. Although the Rockets have not been as successful as the two championships they won back to back, I’ve never forgotten the bond this city had during that time. The Houston Rockets brought us all together, and that is the beauty of sports. We may disagree about politics, religion or many other things in life, but sports can bond us as one (unless you’re a Spurs fan, lol).

I met 2 ambitious and talented softball players who play for the San Jacinto Softball Team today. All I can say is, we are very proud to have these young ladies represent our school and all the other young women playing on the team too. I asked them a few questions about what it’s like to be a part of our San Jacinto sports team. Sarai: “How is the season starting?” Kaitylin: (shortstop and catcher) “It’s going well. I love the game. It’s where I can go be myself. We actually have a game this Friday. Nakilah: (outfield) The season is going pretty good. When I’m playing, I feel like I’m stress free, like nothing gets in my way when I’m on the field. It’s my safe haven. I am free to be myself. Sarai: “How well do you think we will do this year?” Kaitlyn: “I think we will do great this year. We have a new coach and everything for me is going great in the field.” Nakilah: “As a team, I am very excited to see what we will accomplish this year. I strongly believe that we will be first in our conference, either win first or second place in Regional’s, and we will definitely go to nationals.” Sarai: “How is the vibe in the crowd when starting a game? Do the students come out and support our softball team?” Kaitlyn: “The vibe from the crowd helps us as players. When they cheer us on and holler, it makes us play better. They help us get pumped before the game. Some students come, but mainly soccer players and the coaches.” Nakilah: “Having a positive vibe in the stands helps us as players. The amount of support we receive makes us not only play hard, but also play for the crowd. Our fans consist of family, friends and soccer players. Not many students attend our games, but we appreciate all support, no matter the size. Sarai: “Last question, what do you love about softball?” Kaitlyn: “I love everything about the sport. Softball is my passion. Softball is the reason I get to attend college. Without softball, I wouldn’t be in San Jacinto. Nakilah: “I love the team atmosphere, and the chemistry we all have with each other. I love that we aren’t just teammates--we are like sisters. It’s a sisterhood. We play hard for each other, and we have each others back, and that is the reason I love this game. I cant wait to see what these ladies have in store for us all year round. I’m very proud of them! San Jacinto Pride and lots of love is what our school sports represent, and we’re bringing it 100%.

When I thought about how I would raise kids before I had them, I dreamed I would be a very lenient mom. Someone who would let them do as they wanted. Of course, that went out the window real quick. All of my children do have different personalities, so I have a different way of teaching each of them. My kids are learning right from wrong individually, and I am learning with them as we all grow up together. Here are a few tips for mothers out there on how I make my life just a tiny bit easier when I find it necessary to discipline my little ones. Timeout works with my 4-year-old daughter. Facing the wall is a terrible thing for the 4 year old. Four whole minutes sitting quietly in her chair, really works. I don’t have to yell or say a word, I just simply put her in timeout. My 7-year-old loves her computer and Netflix, so when she doesn’t listen, I take away her devices for the day. She must read a book instead. It works most times. My 6-year-old is the hardest. She will kick and scream and yell if she does not get her way. I can’t put her in timeout and taking away her devices is no problem for her. She is the one I have to talk to calmly and explain why she is in the wrong. If I yell, she won’t listen. She’ll just wiggle and squirm. I’ve learned to be really calm with her. Looking her straight in the eyes and talking to her firmly always helps. There you have it, my favorite tips. What personality does your child have? Type 1, 2 or 3? I hope this can help someone struggling to discipline their little one. No matter what, I think we all need to be a little patient. After all, we were all kids at some point!

I’m not one to get up and go to the gym everyday. Taking time for exercise out of my daily life, is just not on my mind. I’m way too busy, but I know I have to maintain myself and be fit and live a healthy lifestyle. This particular day I went to the park to take a walk with my friends. I decided to ask someone who was exercising close by a few questions. He seemed pretty healthy and fit. I was curious how he kept up his energy and found the time to work out. He gave me a few tips and advice: Sarai: “Do you eat healthy?” Nestor: “Yeah, I try to eat healthy.” Sarai: “What do you eat on a daily basis?” Nestor: “Chicken, rice, eggs, steak, sweet potatoes and of course lots of water.” Sarai: “How many times a week do you workout?” Nestor: “Six times a week.” Sarai: “Do you like to workout?” Nestor: “I hated it before, but once I saw the results, I fell in love with staying fit.” Sarai: “How has staying healthy and fit changed your daily life?” Nestor: “I’m more energetic throughout the day and more productive.” Sarai: “Which machines do you use at the gym?” Nestor: “Dumbbells, bench press, hammer strengths, stair masters and treadmills.” Sarai: “Do you take any supplements?” Nestor: “Fish oil, multivitamins, amino acids and protein whey.” Sarai: “Do you have any advice for me to help me stay healthy and fit?” Nestor:“Drink plenty of water, stay positive but most importantly, never give up.” Sarai: “I have a lot of work to do, but I will try my best! I’m not getting any younger!”

Shopping is a women’s best therapy. Just a little shopping puts a smile on our faces. I personally love to shop, what woman doesn’t? There are times we have to be presentable for a job, interview or a special occasion and there are times we just need to let our hair down. All types of clothing, accessories and shoes are must-have items in your closet! Casual clothing, exercise clothing, bed clothing or whatever the reason clothing--You have to go to the mall, Almeda Mall preferably... and you always must buy at least one item. Perfume and make-up are my personal weaknesses. You can be running all day with your hair in a bun, and just spray a little perfume or add a little foundation to the face and you’re good to go right to the night scene. I carry them in a little wrist-let purse when I’m out on the town with my girlfriends. Shopping for these small concealed items is one of my favorite types of shopping. Shoes, I say, you can never have too many. One pair is certainly not enough. Running shoes, high heels, low heels, wedges, sandals, boots, Uggs--There are so many styles to choose from. I know you know this: your shoes tell a story about you. I believe they also reveal my mood: Classy, sporty, casual, or just feeling more laid back. Whatever the shoe, always wear them with confidence, because they’re your style!

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit” - Aristotle What’s up. I am Dorrisia (the last i is silent), born in Wichita, Kansas and raised in Dallas, Texas. I know what people are thinking. No, not all Dallas people are as snooty and arrogant as some Houstonians may think. I’m pretty cool. Well, that’s what I tell myself (self-motivation). I am a student, but not only am I a student, I am a mother, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a niece, a cousin and a conqueror. I’m furthering my education at Lone Star College by pursuing a bachelor’s in Mass Communication, Public Relations and Film. It was not easy trying to figure out who and what I wanted to become; all I knew was I wanted to make a difference in this world by helping others with their worldly perspective. I have faced many trails in my life. The truth is, in my time of troubles, good has always been the outcome because I am an optimist. One thing I’ve learned is to surround myself with positive and encouraging people. It really makes a difference. The other step I take is to focus on doing the things I love to do. As you can see, at the beginning of my profile, I quoted Aristotle, the great philosopher. Yes, I am a sucker for great philosophy, poetry or whatever you want to name it and to tell the truth. My love for philosophy has just recently begun to bloom. I took a philosophy class over the summer and it wormed its way into my heart without my realizing it. I was so impressed with the wisdom in the writing. It was a great feeling to discover I could relate to such deep philosophies I had never considered before. I also have a love for art; all kinds of art. I express myself through communication, writing, painting, drawing and fashion. I have always used art as an outlet to set my mind free. I am only just now learning how to take a chance on myself and express myself more freely. In the past, I’ve always been afraid to expose myself to others for fear of being rejected, but not anymore. Now I have this great opportunity to overcome the fear which prevented me from showing my true potential. “Game On!”

Some say dogs are a man’s best friend, which is soooooo not true. I think dogs are best friends to anyone who cares for them and loves them. It doesn’t matter if their master is male or female (lol)! I know the saying is meant to be gender neutral so please know I was just using a play on words. Dogs can bring joy and happiness to all the homes in which they live, and cats can do the same (for all those who prefer cats). When I was younger, I had a cat named Mr. Shivers, and he acted as if he were a dog. I remember Mr. Shivers would come into my room and lick my face to wake me up for school when my mother told him to do so. (Cats tongues are rough too). If you are looking to make good memories with a new friend, there are tons of animals in shelters that need good homes and families to love and care for them. If you can, please adopt. Call your nearest animal shelter and they will gladly help you find a pet to add to your family. It could be the most amazing thing your family has ever done. It was for mine.

EVERYONE LOVES ART! (Okay, not everyone loves art so let me begin again.) WHO LOVES ART? If you are second guessing your love for art then let me help you understand why I love it. What is art? IT’S A CREATION PARTY! You, I, and everyone can create art. All you need is just a little imagination. I remember when I was about 6 years old I would catch myself doodling on my handouts. I then looked back at all of the old handouts from the previous week and saw drawings of stars, hearts, little people and flowers. I do not know why my teacher never talked to me about the doodling. However, I do believe she knew how much drawing helped ease my mind, which in return, helped me earn good grades. The reason for me telling my story is to let everyone know how my random doodling turned into a love for drawing and painting. Art is such a beautiful way of setting your mind free from the things happening in your life. If you liked my story and would love to learn more about art, ask your parents to take you to the Museum of Fine Arts for your birthday. You will enjoy seeing all of the amazing things artists have doodled. For more information on all the fun things happening throughout each and every week right here in this great city, go to www.mfah.org.

Do you see yourself as an actress, singer, dancer, or even a goofy person who loves to make people laugh? Well, I have news for all my wonderful friends who thought that art was just about drawing and painting. Theater is another form of art called Performing Arts! It’s an amazing way to express your feelings through physical actions, like moving and talking. Fearlessness is the word; learn it, believe it, love it but most of all, embrace it. Being fearless is necessary to stand in front of a crowd and demand their attention by performing a story told by using physical and verbal actions. There was a time I had to do this. I remember the experiences as if it were yesterday. I was in front of the class performing my monologue. I was so scared, my palms were sweating and my hands were trembling. For all you boys out there, you’ll know exactly how I felt because you’ll feel that way the day you propose to your girlfriend. I don’t remember the name of my monologue (it was so long ago), but I do remember getting up on stage. Just like that, it was over. When I looked out at the audience, which were my friends and other students. Some were crying and all were clapping. If I can do it, anyone can. Just believe in yourself and perform like there’s no one watching. If you’re the kind of person who likes watching awesome performances such as musicals, dance shows or concerts, you would enjoy the Miller Outdoor Theater at Herman Park. And guess what? It is ABSOLUTELY FREE! You can also ask your parents to take you to see a musical for your birthday at the Hobby Center Houston. More info call 281-Free-fun

Hey guys, my name is Galen, and I’m a 22-year-old college student attending San Jacinto South pursuing my degree in Education because I love to teach. I currently work with two year old's at a daycare owned by my family. Growing up, English was my favorite class. In the 3rd grade I fell in love with reading because of my attentive teacher! Mrs. RT was my English/Reading teacher, and she made learning so much fun. I was the spelling bee champ soon after because of her encouragement. That’s what I aspire to do when I become a teacher! Even now when teaching my two year old's, I encourage them with stickers and high fives when they get the answers right! I love seeing them finally understand the alphabet letters or know their numbers in order. I also enjoy seeing them learn what they love to do. For example, one of the two year old's in my class loves to play the drums. It’s what his dad and grandfather do for a living, and now, at only two years old, you can tell he already has a gift for it. During music time, I encourage him to play, and he loves it. The smile on his face brings me to tears. Kids are a special part of life, and I want to be a part of their journey wherever that may lead them. I believe the sky is not the limit. There are bigger dreams to be dreamed. So keep dreaming, kids, and I’ll be right there cheering you on.

Little things always remind of the first time I voted back in 2012. Sometimes it’s just gathering with my friends again or sometimes it’s the policy changes instituted by the candidates after they attain office. The first time I voted, I was living in the Beaumont area attending Lamar University. The whole campus was filled with excitement. In every building you went into there were fliers reminding us to register and vote. I registered early just to be prepared since I lived an hour away from my home town. Right before the election date, I made sure to watch every debate and evaluate both candidates before I placed my vote. My favorite part was throwing watch parties with my roommate and our friends. (A watch party is when you get together with friends and watch an event you feel to be important on t.v. There is food and fun). After each debate we would share our thoughts and opinions with one another. It is very important to have your own opinion and outlook on each candidate before you vote. My best advice is not to vote based off of other people’s opinions or thoughts, but form your own thoughts about each candidate and how they best support your ideas. My experience was great because I did my own research and formed my own opinion. To all you future voters, remember your voice matters; you can change the future with just one vote.

If you are looking for a fun place to go with your friends or family then look no further, The Museum of Fine Arts , Houston is just the place. You may be thinking a museum, how boring, but that is not the case at all. the art museum offers knowledge that is fun and entertaining, especially if you go with a group of people who you'll know you have fun with. The art museum consists of two buildings, each building offering different types of art. They even have a cool art tunnel, which was made with special lights and changes as you walk through. My favorite part to visit is the contemporary art, which is like modern art, it can be a painting, sculptures or even funky everyday objects made into art. Another bonus is on Thursdays the art museum is free all day to the public. Also the Children's Museum, and Natural Science Museum except they are both free Thursdays after 5pm. If you find yourself bored on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break or Summer Break try expanding your knowledge in a fun way.

I remember the first concert I went to when I was in eighth grade. It was around Christmas time. I had received the tickets as a birthday present earlier in the year from my mom. She even bought an extra one for my best friend. Best friends make everything better! Wow, the concert was beyond my expectations. All of the lights, and dancers were spectacular. Of course, getting to sing every song along with my favorite artist was a blast. Based on my experience with concert attending, I have 5 tips to help you have fun while you’re at a concert: 1. Go with people who like the same artist and know the songs. You definitely want to make sure your concert buddy is fun. 2. Bring spending money. There are always things you will want to purchase. I still have my t-shirt from my first concert. When I wear it, people always ask if I bought it at the show. 3. Get the best seats you can afford. You can’t ever be too close to the stage unless it’s “standing room only” in which case you could be too short. 4. Plan your outfit. Be sure to wear something comfortable, especially if you plan on dancing and jumping around. Tennis shoes are always best. 5. Make sure your phone is charged and ready. You definitely want to take photos and videos to remember these moments. I hope these tips help you enjoy your next concert. They definitely helped me!

Hi, my name is Isla, and I am a graduate student at Texas Woman’s University. I graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Music Education from Abilene Christian University in 2014, and now I am studying Library Science. I live with my husband of two years. We love traveling, scuba diving and sailing when we get the opportunity. After I graduate with my master’s degree, I will be pursuing a career in the education industry or possibly staying with The Houston Post forever. I must say, I am curious to see how big this company will grow. I want to sincerely thank everyone who has sponsored me with a subscription. I’d also like to thank those who read my daily blog. I appreciate all of the support and promise not to ever take it for granted. “Thank You So Much!”

I taught myself how to sail. I bought a cheap, 12’ Craigslist sailboat, followed the manual (from the 70’s) to set it up, and went out on the water! I had no motor, just the wind to pull me along. I dropped the swing keel (the piece on the bottom of the boat that sticks down into the water) and used the tiller to steer myself out onto the lake. Too bad there wasn't a lick of wind that day. The second time my husband, Sean, and I went out, the wind was strong, and I wasn’t sure we would even be able to launch. We were trying to get on the lake from the north side of the lake, but the wind was coming in strong from the south, and I couldn’t get out far enough to catch the wind. After an hour and a half of fighting the waves, we gave up and went home feeling beaten. Over the summer we learned how to use our little boat, Nazaza, until we felt it was time to upgrade to a bigger boat. That’s when we moved back to Houston. One day, on the way home, I spotted an old beaten up sailboat sitting in the driveway of a little one-story house. We looked at it- it was perfect! Except it was full of water and weeds and looked like it hadn’t been sailed in a quarter of a century. We knocked on the front door, and I asked the old man who answered if he would consider selling us his boat. He laughed and said, “If you can get it out of the driveway, you can HAVE it!” I recruited my father, a skilled sailor, mechanic, electrician, boat builder, and captain, to help us. We saved the little sailboat from decaying in the driveway and brought it home to renovate. The first day, I spent four hours in the sun scooping out mud, leaves, and plants from the inside of the boat. I also had to suction out the murky water. When I first looked in that boat, it looked like it was more likely to have sea serpent eggs in it than a passenger. After it was thoroughly cleaned, we replaced the hardware and rotten wood, repaired the damage to the cockpit as best we could, replaced the lines and the rigging, and painted everything inside and out. After a year she was ready to get on the water. The first sail with Sean and my dad went perfectly. We put her (Elsa is what we named her) in the water and sailed her over to the dock slip at our house. The second time we went out, it was just Sean and me, and it felt like our first sail all over again. This sailboat was 6 feet longer, higher out of the water, and had two sails instead of one. We also had to maneuver it in and out of our marina. We were in real waters now, not just some 5' deep lake in North Texas. At least we had a motor this time. I steered with the tiller and the motor while Sean untied the lines and shoved off. The little motor pushed us as best it could, but the wind kept sending us backwards toward the pilings. I pulled hard on the tiller, trying to turn us around before we hit the dock when- CRAAAAACK!! The tiller snapped off in my hand. I sat there, dumbfounded, with a chunk of wood in my hand as we drifted toward the dock. I looked at Sean and said, “Yeah, we’re done.” I steered us manually (my arm in the water turning the rudder) back to the dock. We left the dock that day the same as we had left the lake last summer-defeated. Later we found our resolve, replaced the tiller with a wheelbarrow handle and went back on the water! Sean and I sailed little Elsa back and forth across the lake at sunset, watching the sky turn from orange to pink and to purple, knowing there would be many more beautiful sails to come.

Even though I have the opposite of a green thumb, this year I planted organic cucumbers to see if they would grow. It wasn’t too hard to do. I bought a pot about a foot and a half in diameter, some organic mulch, and planted seven seeds throughout the pot. Within two days, cute little sprouts popped up! It was so exciting. My plan wasn’t to grow enough food to feed my husband and I through the winter, but some cucumbers for our salads would be deliciously wonderful. I am succeeding with that plan. There are still a few more months to go, but the start so far has been fantastic. If this experiment becomes a gardening success story, then I’m sure I’ll be loading up the pot again. I might even take a gardening course next semester to see if I can make this stick.

One of my favorite things is strolling through a library. I like finding those quiet nooks where I can feel the silence pressing in. The books seem to whisper from their shelves, each one full of possibilities. Who do I want to be today? A Viking crossing the North Sea? An Egyptian Pharaoh defending her land from invaders? I can be all of them if I open a book and fall into its pages. I can be anyone I want to be and for as long as I like.

Animated movies are my favorite. There are many companies who have done animation. Some examples: Disney/Pixar (Frozen, Little Mermaid, etc.), Don Bluth (Anastasia, Thumbelina, etc.), and Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, Ponyo, etc.). The difference between their animation styles is amazing. Imagine a girl picking a comb up from a table. If Disney animated it, the girl would reach over and pick up the comb. If Don Bluth animated it, the girl would nervously run her fingers over her hair, smooth down her dress, and then pick up the object, turning it over in her hand to look at the details. If Hayao Miyazaki animated the scene, the girl might reach over, push some other items aside, accidentally knocking a mirror off of the table. She would then pick the comb up, and touch it delicately to feel the details. All styles get the point across, but all in a different way. I’ve been fascinated by these differences for many years. I anticipate the new releases as they come out. I have quite an extensive collection of old and new animated film movies, but as with any favorite hobby, I never have enough. I like to rummage through old shops and book stores looking for something I’ve never seen before. On occasion, I hit the jackpot. Next time you watch an animated film, try thinking about the differences I listed earlier in this article. You might find such difference intriguing.

My name is Aelynn, and I am a student attending UTEP. I lived in the city of Houston for a short while and would love to move back there someday. I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. I have 2 sisters; 1 older, 1 younger and also a younger brother. I am studying Communications and hope to use this Internship as a springboard to jump start my career. I’m hoping to land a job on television or radio someday but for now, I’m just taking the basics. I love all kinds of music, but I listen to the top 40 hits most of the time. I really enjoy dancing and going to night clubs on the weekends. I still have fun with many friends from high school and cherish the bond we have among us. I would like to thank all the people who read my articles in this paper and on the online blogs everyday. I’m going to do my best to write about my true feelings all the time, in hopes you each get to know me better. I have a very kind heart and do my best to help those around me have great days. If you keep up with me, I’ll do my best to keep you happy too. I’m so excited to live out my life. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for me. We’re going to have the best time ever.

There’s a new website out there that helps Germans and migrants meet and talk about life. It’s an amazing website. I remember how tough it was for me to integrate as a child because I mainly spoke Spanish. I grew up in El Paso. Back then, there was no internet so I never could have imagined something like this website. It’s wonderful how many people are using the site. While thousands of migrants were pouring into Germany at the height of the refugee crisis, a man named Lasse Landt of Berlin realized he hadn’t met a single one of them. The tech entrepreneur pretty much thought everyone in Germany was paddling in the same boat so he teamed up with Syrian programmer Khaled Alaswad, and they created “Let’s Integrate.” The website allows Germans and new immigrants get to know one another and learn about each others cultures. Users choose a day and time to meet, wait until someone accepts the invitation, and then they get together and talk. When they arrive at the place they’re supposed to meet, they hold up their hands forming an “L” and “I” with the thumb and index fingers, a signal for “Let’s Integrate.” Wow! How awesome! The conversations they have are better than the “none” they were having before, and it helps immigrants adjust to their new surroundings and cultural differences. Anything helping Germans and refugees understand one another better is good. What a wonderful new website. I think this is so great and writing this article made my day a very happy one.

A 9-year-old girl named, Maya Delgado, started an art scholarship foundation called “The HeARTS of Maya.” It is fabulous that a little girl could create something so important. She’s only 9 years old! She capitalized on the Pokemon Go craze to raise money for kids and teens interested in the arts. Her own love of art was what drove her. There is a really nice park in the Dallas area called, “Addison Circle Park.” Her plan was to take over the park, and boy did she ever. Her team took over the park as hosts of the Pokemon Go Music Festival. Very cool and a great name for the event. There was no entrance fee, but Pokemon-themed items were available for sale. That is where she was able to raise funds. All proceeds of the festival went towards the HeARTS of Maya foundation’s scholarships. Again, she’s only 9 years old, so let’s give it up for the ingenious little girl, Maya!

This category is super hard for me. I’m not a big follower of politics but I do listen a little. I think I’m an Independent when it comes to voting because I like some things politicians say and don’t like others. I just want things to be done right without wasteful spending. A few years ago, I heard putting up a stop sign costs more than $10,000. Come on, that’s just crazy. This job actually has made me think about voting a little more. I know some kids might be reading this and wondering who I like for President. I know my decision already or at least the direction I’m leaning. Maybe I’ll tell you the answer at the end of this article. My mom and step dad were always secretive about who they voted for on election day. I mean, they yelled and screamed during the entire process, but on the day they cast their ballot, they told no one. I actually knew who they voted for most of the time because they made it pretty obvious while the campaigns were going. Still, my step dad tried to show me how to keep an open mind. Now as for my vote, I think I’m going to wait to tell you the next time I write this category. I sure hope it’s a long time from now, because this election is stressing me out. I’m on my way to party with my friends.

I loved my day at The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. The food was absolutely delicious and the view was spectacular. The entire place was a sight to see. The people who worked there were really nice, and we were able to stay long enough to enjoy a dessert. I learned a lot about the company from the waiter. He told me that the restaurant was based on the movie “Forest Gump.” It’s pretty neat that the parent company of the restaurant is based right there in Kemah. There are so many restaurants all over the world, it makes it an unusual treat to be sitting in this one. I remember resting on the bench and putting my little feet into those big ole shoes (see my picture.) I was tired. We had walked the entire boardwalk before we were able to sit down and eat. I did want to mention in this article that the Joe’s Crab Shack on Fuqua and I-45 is super delicious too. The people and managers are really sweet. Please try them a few times when you are hungry for seafood. They always try their best to feed you the tastiest food. Good food is awesome when you’re starving. To be able to eat before you pass out from hunger has its advantages. Anyway, thanks for reading my first article. I can’t wait to move back to Houston after college. El Paso is kind of limited in fun things to do and the food is way better in Houston too. Plus, there’s no water beaches in El Paso, and I really like living close to the water. Tata!

I love Ojos Locos. They just opened a location in El Paso right near where I live. It’s already the best place to go have a good time. On their website it says they were founded in 2010, and they cater to the Latino male, bringing him a comfortable laid back man CUEVA experience. Despite that description, I think everyone will have fun there. They offer state-of-the-art HD TVs broadcasting deportes (sports) all day, with home and away games. They are also headquarters for boxing, UFC, NFL, NBA and MLB. Their food is also delicious. They have everything you could ask for from a Hispanic style restaurant. I can’t list everything they offer right now or I might be late for class. The bottom line is this: they have great food, a fun atmosphere, tons of TVs and great people who work there to serve you. I saw the locations all over Houston when I was in town. If you’re reading this, you could probably be at an Ojos Locos within fifteen minutes. Why don’t you get up and go and see what it’s like inside one of their fantastic locations. When I come back into town, I’ll go check it out too.