In the midst of losing my grandmother, the only mother figure in my life, I decided to write and share a personal piece of my life. This was a challenging task due to its sensitive nature and one that exposes my sensitive side.
As a former Kaplan College instructor, I had the opportunity to share my story with the criminal justice students to inspire and test their inner strength. The following is a story of a vibrant six year old little girl that migrated with her family to escape from a civil war that was destroying the country of El Salvador and re-establish new grounds in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It would be a challenge to adapt and survive in a modern society; except to become another statistic in the United States criminal justice system, as one of my high school instructors kindly pointed it out during a literature lecture, “the odds against Latinos graduating high school were diminishing each year falling to a low 30%, this according to her observation and personal interpretation as an experienced educator.” During her statement, I felt small and immediately observed my surroundings, only to discover that I was the only minority in our English class. I guess it’s up to me to prove her wrong!
One important memory still lives in my mind which altered my state of thinking: Oprah Winfrey was the guest speaker at Samuel Morse middle school, where her niece and my sister were the current graduates and a year ahead of me. Samuel Morse middle school is a gifted and talented school that only grants admissions by school referrals due to high academic standing in elementary schools. It was hard to believe that I was classified as gifted and talented, which I never felt. As I listened to her inspirational words, I knew that my life had some worth and it had a purpose. My goal was to survive and continue to defy the odds. “I am a modern woman: Salvadoran/American, wife, mother, graduate student, marine, artist, photographer, and educator. There are no limits to what will and determination can achieve.”
This shoot is dedicated to all of my students that are in the pursuit of happiness and are in search of value and purpose.
The modern woman is independent, confident, sexy, and “Simply irresistible.”
Numerous reasons shape and define a woman’s perception of reality. That reality is manifested in every life experience that unfolds in her world; continually testing her inner strength and survival.
Life’s lessons imprint upon a woman’s soul, like a blade that pierces the flesh, slowly penetrating and inflicting pain, and deepening each wound, mind, and heart. Every experience molds and shapes the person that she is becoming. When one dwells on this concept, then the evaluation process begins. Am I worthy of this kind of life? What do I want to achieve out of life?? Then every step that one takes is closer to the vision in your mind.
However, once you achieve, the goal is to continue to achieve. This is a repitious cycle and it takes patience, precision, and dedication to perfect. Regardless of the anguish that life brings, we are still accountable for the choices that we make. You still have the choice to become a victim or a survivor.
What has defined my life? And why am I a firm believer of practicing the following affirmation in front of a mirror? “You are great, unique, beautiful, genuine, kind, and a perfect constellation in the sky.” You can’t rely on someone else’s approval to feel self worth and value. Love originates inside you so that it can radiate everywhere you travel and connect to the love other’s offer.
I am consumed with deep sadness when I reflect on the past; However, I am no longer ashamed or afraid to share my story because suffering is a process that we all share and experience. We suffer in different forms that do not discriminate according to class or gender.
The suffering in my life was caused by my mother’s abandonment, a dysfunctional and abusive childhood, a father’s distrust, the hatred of my stepmother and step siblings, and the discrimination that I faced due to my ethnicity and gender.
There’s still a memory engrained in my mind: my brothers and sisters hiding under our beds while guerillas tried to invade my grandmother’s rancho in El Salvador. My grandmother, who was our legal guardian, secured the door and remained strong and calm during the ordeal. In that moment, I realize that life was no bed or roses……Even when I have fallen, I am able to get and up...I am still standing!!
This shoot was inspired by Robert Palmer's hit single "Simply Irresisitble." The purpose behind this shoot is to celebrate today's modern woman.
Who says that we can't have it all? With drive and determination, we can achieve anything. These women represent every woman out there! Find out for yourself!
