Month: January 2017

Breaking Barriers: A Mother’s Advice and a Daughter’s Dream

Originally posted on Rosabel Sanchez:
“Slow down. Men don’t like women who are smarter than them. And if you want to one day find a husband- you better slow down.” A few days ago, as I walked the halls of my alma mater – DePaul University – those words rung in my head. A little over twenty years ago, my mother had spoken them to me. Before jumping to conclusions and judging my mom, who loved me dearly, allow me to explain. After serving in WW2, my mother’s father returned to the pueblos of Puerto Rico. There he met my grandmother – who at age 14 was eighteen years younger than him. He married her shortly thereafter. After their second child was born, they moved to Chicago and settled in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. My mother was the fourth child of seven in her family.  She had three older siblings – two brothers and sister – that she looked up to, and three younger siblings – all brothers – that she absolutely adored.…

Boldness Through Bitterness

It’s a winter night in Chicago. The first snowfall this season has visited. The first snowfall is always a beautiful sight, especially when it happens at night, when you are all snuggled up in your home with no where to go the next day. A white Christmas is always an added plus to this magical, yet sacred day. But, now the holidays have come and gone, and I am wishing it would have taken the winter season with it. One would think that this Chicago native would be used to it’s bitter cold and windy winters. But, I’m not, and I don’t think I ever will. You see, my indigenous roots long for its isla– Puerto Rico, especially during nights like tonight. To say I miss the brightness and warmth of the sun is an understatement. It’s a struggle for me to experience this season, without feeling somber, melancholy, and a bit bitter. My attempt to make the best of this season is to snuggle under my quilted throw blanket, sip a cup of cinnamon …