Making a Difference

 

Andrea Saenz is 22 years-old, she is a princess for Dreams Come True Princess Parties and she is also a volunteer for the El Paso Children’s Hospital. Andrea’s life as a princess begins 7 years ago when she first began to work as a princess for Dreams Come True, after a year of being a princess Andrea and her fellow princess friends visited the Children in Providence hospital.

Her experience at the hospital was so unique that right away she knew she wanted to become a part in the life of those children. Andrea has been a volunteer at the hospital not only as a princess but also as herself after her first visit to the hospital.

“When I visit the hospital I don’t feel sorry for the children I don’t feel sad for them, because it’s something that they teach you in the volunteer program not to feel sorry for them… they like to see you feel happy and comfortable around them.” said Andrea.

Andrea is studying to become Child Life Specialist, these specialist are people who help children and their families cope with the situation that they are currently living while they are at their hospital stay. Andrea’s decision to become a Child Life Specialist came after seeing the smiles in these children’s life’s after she played with them, they think differently and that’s why she loves to be part of their live’s. “These kids think differently… I don’t mean oh they are sick they think different they’re experiences and all they have gone thru make them see life differently they value life because a little more, because they don’t know if they’ll be walking up the next morning” said Andrea.

Andrea is making a change in the life of kids everywhere because she is making dreams come true for many kids. “Even when the kids don’t know who Andrea is, they know the princess!” and even when they don’t know who Andrea is, Andrea knows them.

Photo Provided By Andrea Saenz

A mothers Love

Imelda Sanchez is a single mother, her daughter Daniela Sanchez who is 19 years old has cerebral paralysis, epilepsy, anxiety, and pulmonary hypertension. During Imelda’s pregnancy the doctors never mentioned that Daniela had any problems.

But until the day Daniela was born was when Imelda’s life changed forever. Finding out that Daniela had many health issues had Imelda very confused, sad, and scared because she didn’t know what she was going to do. She knew caring for a child with special needs wouldn’t be  easy. However, she decided to care for Daniela and despite all the problems her motherly love has kept Daniela growing and in good health.

When Daniela was born doctors gave her very few possibilities to live past 5 years of age, now 14 years later Daniela is still with her family and living a good, happy, healthy life.

Being a parent to a special needs child isn’t easy but if they were sent to this world it was to teach us a lesson of love and strength. We often complain of small things in life without taking into consideration what others are going thru if a child with special needs can maintain a smile in their face so can regular people.

The struggle is not only for parents who are required to care for these children’s but also for the rest of the family because these children are constantly having to attend special check-ups, they take therapy,and are to be assisted almost 24/7.  However, being a family member of a special needs child is nothing to be scared of, and families need to accept them and care for them like any other child.

And as a society its our job to help involve these children more into todays society!

Thousands of People Gather to Race Awareness for Breast Cancer

Thousands of El Paso, Las Cruses, and Juarez residents gathered together this past Sunday March 1, for the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure to help promote awareness for breast cancer. The Susan Komen race has been going on for 23 years and differentiating it from the past years  this year the race took place in the heart of El Paso, Downtown in front of the new Baseball Stadium.

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is a family friendly event where thousands of people attend to show their support to those who lost the battle, won the battle and are fighting a battle against breast cancer. The event consist of two races the competitive 5K race for those who love to compete and a non-competitive 5K race for families and groups who just want to walk to promote and show support for breast cancer.

During the event there were people telling stories about their personal experiences with breast cancer. Wether it be survivors or relatives of a person who died from breast cancer, the stories where touching and constantly remarked the importance of keeping up with regular mamograms.

The winner of the 5K competitive race Bashae Ibrahim,has been running since he was 14 years-old and he mentions how important this race was to him because its a way to support the cause. “I love to run, but I also run for my friends and family and to support the cause and after I finish the competitive run I do the non-competitive with my wife and kids,” said Ibrahim.

Cancer survivor, Veronica Diaz has been cancer free for 9 years and remarks just how wonderful and great it is to win the fight against cancer. “I was diagnosed in 1996 and when I found out I was so afraid, but once you find out you are cancer free it is the most beautiful feeling in the world,” said Diaz. Many things cross the mind of a person who has been diagnosed with cancer but the secret is to never give up. As Diaz says it, “it is not an easy fight,` but you can do it.”

However, the most difficult part comes when the family and friends find out their love one has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Lilian Medizabal found out her mom had cancer at the age of 15. “It was very scary to find out my mom had cancer, I was sad, afraid, and angry,” said Mendizabal. Teenagers often don’t see the gravity of a situation until it begins to worsen, this wasn’t the case for Mendizabal who was by her moms side to support her since the day she found out. “I realized what my mom was going through, it wasn’t easy seeing her go through it but i had to stay strong for her,” mentions Mendizabal. The fight against cancer isn’t an easy one but when family and friends reunite to celebrate the win against cancer its the greatest blessing of all “It is a blessing to see my mom cancer free and I am honored to be the daughter of such a strong women,” said Mendizabal.

According to the Komenelpaso.com website, The Susan Komen Race for the Cure in El Paso takes place every year and 75% of proceeds that are gathered form this event stay in El Paso to help promote the awarnes of breast cancer in El Paso. The other 25% goes to the big Susan G. Komen foundation to help support research against breast cancer.

To learn more about the Susan G. Komen foundation or donate log on to http://komenelpaso.org/el-paso-race-for-the-cure-2/

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Las Cruces Farmers Market Is the Place to Find Local Talent

Every Wednesday and Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm at downtown Las Cruces locals and tourist gather to take a look around the commonly known Farmers Market. During this time local vendors take the time to offer their products to the community, products that range anywhere   from food, art paintings, jewelry and pretty much anything you can think of.

According to the brief history that is available for consumers at their web page Fcmlc.com, the famous Las Cruces Farmers Market began in 1971. During this time local farmers offered to sell their produce to people and soon after many other vendors decided to join them.

Cody Smith, a man who has been selling relief print and costume acrylic paintings has been painting for almost 25 years and decided to join the Farmers Market recently last month. He is there both days from 7 am to 1 pm and has really enjoyed his time at the market. “Having a chance to connect with the community is really the best thing,” said Smith. Smith offers paintings that range anywhere from $80 to $400 and also takes personal request from customers. He feels that his bright colored paintings are what attracts people. “Actually I guess the bright colors of my paintings are what attracts customer,” said Smith.  During an average week Smith will sell at least one painting and his customers are most of the time repeated customers.

When people come to the Farmers Market for the first time they might feel overwhelmed with the amount of things that their is to look at, not only that but the amazing things that people have to offer. However, that is why their is to days that the farmers market is available so people can see different thing different days.

John, is also one of the vendors at the market he sells hand painted glass that his wife decorates. The way his wife began to paint glass was simply just by hobby, “My wife started by making cakes, then one day she just started painting glass and she went crazy ever since, I mean she is just a crafter,” said John. John and his wife have been in the business for six years and about three years ago they decided to join the market. The glass painting ranges as low as $5 to $50 per piece.

One of the things that really caught my attention at the market was seeing how people can make art from just about anything.

Such is the case of Gary Strein, a man who sells silverware. However, its not your typical silverware it’s custom unique silverware. This man has made pretty much anything out of silverware, at his station you will find regular spoons or forks that have been messed around with, you will find beautiful necklaces made out of a fork, and even a belt made from spoons. Mr. Strein has been making jewelry for 40 years and has been working at the market for 33 years, the price of his items are anywhere around $5 to $500 a piece just depending on what you like. Strein feels that antiques should be preserved even an antique fork, “I love working with antiques, and definitely enjoy working with metals,” said Strein. And you can definetly see this in his work. During his years at the market he has also been doing art shows outside of Las Cruces where he takes his art. “During my time here I have never once left without selling a thing I always sell something,” Strain said.

The local talent available to the people of Las Cruces at the Farmers Market has to be one of the best tourist attractions available at Las Cruces and everyone should take the time to stop by one day to take a look at the things that Farmers Market has to offer.

To get more information on these crafts take a look at

http://www.silverwearsgs.com
or contact tjmplus1@gmail.com for Hand Painted Glass.

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Roses are the way to say I love you On Valentines Day

Roses are the best way to say I Love You.
Photo taken by Claudia Sanchez

Valentines day has to be the biggest day for sales at floral shops all over the United States. During this day many couples take the time to celebrate their love and demonstrate how much they care for one another by giving each other gifts, going out to dinner together or simply spending  nice evening together.

According to an article from History.com  approximately 150 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged each year This makes  Valentines day is the second biggest card giving holiday in the year after Christmas. According to an aboutflowers.com February 14, t is also one of the holidays that flower shops sell the most with sales increasing up to 20%, the reason for this is because many couples use flower arrangements to demonstrate their love for their significant other.

In an article written also by History.com it mentions that February 14 is called Valentine’s Day after Christian martyr and dates back to the 5^th century, but has origins in the Roman holiday Lupercalia. If this is truth or not we might never find out.

With so many people in love the only thing that matters is how they demonstrate their love to one another on this special day. Everyone is so different in the way that they celebrate this holiday, yet one ting that we all know is that the the one gift that most women enjoy is roses. Men can never go wrong with roses.

Jacqueline Rodriguez, 24 graduate from UTEP has admitted that a flower arrangement is the perfect gift for any occasion. “I simply love roses and I think that any sort of flower arrangement is the perfect gift for any day for any girl,” said Rodriguez. Rodriguez feels that roses are not only the perfect gift for any occasion but they are also the perfect way to say I love you “I feel the reason why many people give flower arrangments on Valentines day is because they know that their partner is going to appreciate it an feel very special, plus its the perfect way of saying I love you,” said Rodriguez.

While consumers are trying to surprise their special someone with these beautiful flower arrangements, many flower shops are spending hours trying to make them perfect for that special someone.

Marbeya Jimenez, 24 owner of Creations by Margie in El Paso has been working in the business for several years and has been owning her own business for two years admits that Valentines day has got to be the busiest day for flower shops throughout the whole year. “Sales increase by 75% during Valentine’s day making it the busiest day out of the year,” said Jimenez. While on a regular days business remains stable during Valentine’s day orders accumulate because both men and women are ordering arrangements for their special someone. “Men and women are willing to spend up to $80 or more to surprise their loved ones,” said Jimenez.

While chocolates and roses remain in demand during this holiday I feel that it is important for couples to demonstrate their love to one another throughout the whole year not just on Valentine’s day.

Cyber bulling the new way to bully

Bullying can happen from texting a mean comment to posting an embarrassing image of someone. Photo taken by Claudia Sanchez

Electronics and texting along with social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, and many others are becoming more and more popular among kids and teenagers in todays world. But what happens when these outlets become a source that is constantly filled with negative comments? Cyber bullying has become so common in todays society that it almost seems like it’s the best way to bully others.

Cyber bullying can be seen everywhere by the comments that people often post on videos, blogs, photos, etc. this happens because our society no longer sees the damage that words can cause in a persons life. According to a research conducted by NoBullying.Com  our world is so connected to electronics, texting, and social media that  this is probably the been the best way for bullies to constantly harass their victims.

Cynthia Nuñez, a junior Journalism student at NMSU (New Mexico State University) said she feels  that the main reason why we are seeing more cyber bullying issues now is because kids and teenagers are not well educated about the damage that this problems can cause in a persons life. “I think that the problem consist more on maturity and knowing whats wrong and right,” said Nuñez.  I todays society no one is saved from being bullied it is such a common thing even the rich and famous have been put down by people on social media, “I think it has become an everyday thing that we are no longer immune to it,” said Nuñez when asked if she thought this only happened to a specific group of people.

Tanya Lopez, a 21 year-old Journalism student at NMSU expressed that she believed that the reason why cyber bullying has increased is because it is easier because the bully isn’t face to face. “Social media has increased the rate of bullying because its not in person so people feel free to write whatever they want,” said Lopez. Kids and teens are been exposed to social media and cell phones at a very young age however, they are not been tough to think twice before they go on writing mean and hurtful comments about others and these is probably the reason why cyber bullying has become so common. “I think cyber bullying has become so common because it’s become a lot easier since it’s just words you don’t think it’s going to hurt anyone,” said Lopez.

According to an article conducted by the Journal of Child and Adolescent Behavior study by the National Crime Prevention Council found that approximately 40% of online youth in the United States are victims of cyber bullying but only 10% inform their parents. Victims of bullying often don’t report about being bullying because they are often afraid of being seen as weak or simply because they are afraid of their bully. 

 

 

Lower gas prices than last year more savings than last year

Lower gas prices than last year are leaving people with more money in their pockets. The lower gas prices are having a great impact on everyones pocket but specially on those of students. Two students from NMSU (New Mexico State University) are thrilled with the lower gas prices because they can finally save up for other things.

Hazel Butler a student at NMSU is delighted with the lower gas prices because her and her family can go to El Paso more often now to visit family and due to lower gas prices she can now fill up the tank of her Expedition with less money. “I used to spend  $70 to $80 to fill the tank up now it only takes me about $30 to $40.” With the money that Buttler is saving on gas she wants to save up to take a family vacation “We hope to be taking a family vacation to Disneyland or Washington with the extra money that we are saving on gas.”

According to the article SHORT-TERM ENERGY OUTLOOK “the average household is now expected to spend about $750 less for gasoline in 2015 compared with last year because of lower prices.” This has got to be the biggest drop in gas prices since 2009 which has been leaving people with more money to spend on other things.

Such is the case of Ignacio Soto an NMSU student who has really been enjoying the change in gas prices “I am saving more money which I will be using to buy more food.” Because Ignacio is an international student the decline in gas prices has really been of great help for him “Because I am an international student I have to pay more bills the lower gas prices let me know I won’t be struggling as much this year.”

However, gas prices are not the same everywhere and while other states are saving more than others the change is still noticeable compared to gas prices last year. As of now according to the AAA’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report Hawaii is the state with the highest cost of gasoline reporting the price to be at $3.05/gal and Utah being the state with the lowest cost reporting at $1.88/gal. This leaves people with more savings that will help them maybe catch up on debt or even save up for family vacations like the cases of the two students at NMSU.

Welcome!

This will be my first blog I hope everyone enjoys joining me on this journey!