Help....Really??

Yes, Really!  It is ok to ask for help.  Many times we become overwhelmed with our own thoughts/situations and we try to figure things out on our own.  We fail to share our concerns with others that may be able to help---for fear that we will waste their time or that our problems/issues are no big deal.

First off, whatever you are worried about IS a big deal-- and that is ok.  Don't feel bad asking for help.  Chances are that whatever situation you are in, someone else has been in that same situation before...and you can learn from their experience.  Take it from me, it is much easier to just ask someone who knows instead of trying to figure things out on your own.

Your Older Sis

Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project- Sacramento Leadership Conference

Calling all 10th and 11th graders!  The Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project is seeking applicants for their week-long annual conference in Sacramento.   Selected students will participate in powerful workshops and seminars to enhance leadership skills, academic preparedness, self-esteem, cultural awareness and provide an understanding of state and local government.  A visit to the State Capitol is scheduled for students to learn first-hand about the legislative process through mock hearings and personal interaction with legislators. 


Applications are due April 2, 2012 and the conference will take place from July 21-28, 2012. 120 students will be selected without cost to them or to their families.  Students will be housed on the California State University Sacramento campus.  


For more information and to download the application, visit www.clylp.org, call 1-800-MY-CLYLP or email conference@clylp.org.


Good Luck!


Your Older Sis

FAFSA is due on March 2, 2012

Reminder.....Reminder...... the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (otherwise known as FAFSA) is due March 2, 2012 for California initial awards.  This is the document that colleges use to evaluate your financial need and to determine the type of financial aid you qualify for.  This is an extremely important document that will form part of your file in the 2012-2013 school year.

In order to not forfeit your financial aid for next school year, make sure you submit it on time.  I recommend you print the online confirmation page or you obtain proof of mailing form the post office if you decide to mail the form in.

Colleges may have a different deadline for the FAFSA.  Please check with colleges you are interested in attending to verify when they need to receive your FAFSA by.

For more detailed information please check the FAFSA website: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/options.htm

Your Older Sis

Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice- is there a difference?

Thank you for your question. I am so proud of you- we need more female police officers!

As a former Los Angeles Police Commissioner, law enforcement has a very special place in my heart. You ask, "What is the difference between criminal justice and law enforcement?" Since you are in high school and applying to college and for scholarships, you want to make sure you know the difference. Criminal justice focuses on the entire justice system and the role each piece plays in upholding the law and preventing or punishing the violation of it. Parts of the criminal justice system include, police officers, attorneys, courts, punishment (penalties), prisons and rehabilitation. Law enforcement focuses on "enforcing" the law (that is, making sure the law is followed and what to do when it is not). Police officers, sheriffs, FBI/CIA agents are some examples of those who enforce the law. Law enforcement is one part of criminal justice system.

Remember, each school or program you are applying to may have a slightly different definition for criminal justice and law enforcement than the one above. You should research each individual program in order to understand what their definition is. Also, regardless of what you decide to major in, do well. The application process to a law enforcement agency is very competitive and a good GPA will be a huge advantage. Lastly, each law enforcement agency will have its own training program or "academy" that you will have to complete, in addition to your degree. More than likely, a lot of the information you learned in a law enforcement major will be covered at the academy.

I encourage you to pursue your dream- it would be an honor to see you in uniform!

Your Older Sis

Happy New Year- 2012

The new year is always a good time to reflect on where we are and where we want to be. Are we any closer to our goals than we were 1 year ago? If we are, that is great! After all, that is all we can hope for if our goals are long-term goals. If we are not, What went wrong? Do we need more training or more encouragement? Do not lose hope, 2011 was a difficult year for many. Remember, it is never too late to try again. You will never know what is possible, until you attempt the impossible. Wishing you the best in 2012.

Photography, Proposals & Protection (Part I)

Lily Magallanes is a photographer (http://lilyphotography.org) who is taking her services to the next level. Yay Lily!! She has started writing proposals for her clients and is wondering what information should be in the proposal in order to protect her and the client. Great question! I will answer it in three parts.

The first thing to do is research your industry--not meet with your potential client. Don't get me wrong, you can set up the meeting, but before you talk with them make sure you have done the following:

a) Understand what others in the industry would offer your client and at what price point. Be realistic in this assessment, you should take a close look at who your competitors are. Your competitors are those who have similar training and experience to you;

b) Ask yourself if you can provide a competitive level of service in your current situation. If the answer is yes, then you can meet with the client. If the answer is no, then you should think about what you need in order to provide a more competitive level- experience, equipment, education, assistance, etc. and how you will obtain that. If you are confident that you can provide an excellent final product, but experience is what you need, you might consider performing the services for free or for a below market price (so long as you disclose the level of experience to your client) in order to obtain the experience and get word-of-mouth going; and

c) Set up a meeting with your client. Since you have done a & b above, you should attend the meeting with an idea of what you can provide and at what price.

Phenomenon-Protecting our Parents

It is a common phenomenon for children of immigrant parents to feel that we have to protect our parents and shield them from the challenges we have in our lives. It sounds odd, namely because parents are suppose to shield their children. However, since our everyday life is so different than that of our parents, we feel that sharing our challenges with them will simply be a source of stress for them. In order to avoid being a source of stress to our parents, we choose to share only the triumphs and an occasional simple challenge--- provided it has already been resolved. This situation, of course, only elevates our own stress, since we are trying to navigate life on our own plus make it seem easy (and challenge-free) at the same time.