Music has always been an important part of my identity, serving as an outlet for expression. Recently, I started on a journey to diversify my music taste and explore alternative ways to listen. In the last couple of years, I have started to explore other ways of listening to music. This led me to buy a vinyl player and increase my vinyl collection, buying used vinyl. My mom also showed me some of her old CDs and cassettes from my sibling’s childhood. As much as I like vinyl, it’s not practical. Like most, I use Spotify and have created over 20 playlists from music I have found online, or through recommendations. One day, while scrolling on TikTok, I stumbled upon a thought-provoking video. The creator, addressing Billie Eilish’s critique of vinyl production, highlighted the industry’s wasteful practices and then gave a haul of the vinyl she bought. Billie’s candid revelation regarding the excessive production of multiple versions of the same vinyl to increase profits struck a chord with me. Growing up, sustainability has been a core value instilled in me, and it continues to shape my perspectives.

As I read her interview there was a quote that stood out when she was asked about her career and sustainability. ” It’s a never-ending f–king fight. As we all know, it’s pretty impossible to force someone to care… but a lot of people don’t understand the severity of the climate [crisis]. And if they do, they’re like, “Well, what’s the point? We’re all going to die anyway.” … But “what’s the point” goes both ways: “What’s the point? I can do whatever I want. We’re all going to die anyway.” Or, “What’s the point? I might as well do the right thing while I’m here.” That’s my view.” 

There are so many ways that we can help the environment and make the music industry more sustainable. Especially with the number of music festivals and tours coming up. It’s responsible for a significant amount of the music industry’s carbon footprint. Billie isn’t the only one, Coldplay is also starting to set new standards for the industry. In their most recent tour, they installed kinetic dance floors and power bikes to generate power for the stage and planted about 5 million trees for each concertgoer.

If every artist were to adopt this perspective and prioritize sustainability over profits, the collective impact could be massive. By reducing the production of excessive vinyl variants and embracing eco-friendly practices throughout the music creation and distribution process, we could significantly decrease the carbon footprint of the industry. As well as promoting sustainable initiatives within the music community could inspire fans and fellow artists alike to engage in environmentally responsible behaviors. From reducing plastic packaging to utilizing renewable energy sources for production, there are numerous avenues through which the music industry can contribute to global sustainability efforts

At the end of the day, it’s not just on the artist to improve their carbon footprint but also up to us. It’s not about what we can do to save the earth because, to be honest earth doesn’t need us it can survive on its own, we are saving ourselves and the future generations to come.

Interview:

https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/billie-eilish-sustainability-eco-friendly-initiatives-mom-1235642455/

Growing up my mom would come home with bags full of clothing given to her by her employer. The majority of my clothing was sourced from second-hand sources, with only a small fraction being brand new. I was so excited anytime I would see her bring the bags because to me the clothing was new and most of the time it had tags. I was 10 when I started to question why they were giving away these clothes if they were new. Wouldn’t they want to spend their hard-earned money on clothes they actually would wear? As time went by I started to care more about what I would wear, having five older sisters helped as I would steal their clothes. or ended up buying from H&M, Hollister, or some other store in the mall. By the time I was a freshman, right before the pandemic, my friend told me about Shien and other fast fashion online stores. I ended up not buying anything from their websites and I forgot about them.

Months later I started to see hauls of Shien on TikTok and the amount of clothing that these creators were getting for cheap. Hauls aren’t new they have been around when Youtubers were blowing up. Even more recently these fast fashion brands have been receiving backlash for their effects on the environment and the working conditions they provide their workers. They even brought influencers to their factories which I found very surprising. Using influencers to promote your brand is a smart marketing strategy but unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for Shien. They received tons of backlash from this trip. Fast Fashion brands give life to the micro trends we see. In 2020 I remember seeing the VSCO girl, Y2k, and different aesthetics that people switch from in a matter of months. The fashion life cycle is meant to last years but now it’s months, instead of having two seasons we have collections coming out left and right. The materials of our clothes also matter as they impact the environment. More than 60% of our clothes are made from polyester, a synthetic material. Polyester contains plastics that enter the water system when we wash our clothes and even worse it takes twenty to 200 years to decompose.

While individuals are increasingly embracing sustainable shopping practices through platforms like Depop, thrift stores, and various other outlets, a recent trend has emerged where individuals are frequenting thrift stores to purchase clothing. This trend raises additional concerns, particularly regarding the pricing of clothing in thrift stores, which serve as a primary source of affordable attire for many low-income families. There are many problems in the fashion industry, and making sure that we become sustainable in our choices is important. Instead of buying clothing every month, we should focus on buying pieces of clothing that will last us years. We need to become more aware of the clothes we buy and where we buy from. Making sure that we don’t give in to the trends but instead focus on building our style.

Growing up I spent a lot of time outdoors, in the winter there would be on average 4 feet of snow. I remember going to the parks and sledding down these huge hills and when we couldn’t go my dad would pile up the snow and create a hill. I loved the snow it always brought me joy, especially the first few snowflakes. Over time I started to notice that we got less and less snow. What went from 4 feet of snow went down to 2 and then if we were lucky we would get a foot of snow. I also noticed that summers have started to change. It started to become hotter and more humid. Why was this? climate change.

Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it’s a societal challenge with far-reaching impacts that touch every aspect of our lives. From the food we eat to the air we breathe, climate change is altering the world around us in profound ways. As someone who grew up experiencing the joy of winter snow and outdoor activities, witnessing the dwindling snowfall and the increasing heat of summers serves as a stark reminder of the reality of climate change. The effects of climate change pose significant threats to our health, economy, and overall well-being. Extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense, leading to loss of life, destruction of property, and displacement of communities. Rising temperatures contribute to the spread of diseases, exacerbate air and water pollution, and disrupt ecosystems, endangering countless plant and animal species. Moreover, climate change exacerbates existing social inequalities, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations such as low-income communities, indigenous peoples, and marginalized groups. These communities often lack the resources and infrastructure to cope with the consequences of climate change, amplifying their susceptibility to its effects.

Addressing climate change requires concerted efforts at local, national, and global levels. Governments play a crucial role in implementing policies and regulations to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy sources, and foster sustainable practices across sectors. Transitioning to a low-carbon economy is imperative for reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating the worst effects of climate change. This entails investing in renewable energy technologies, improving energy efficiency, and transitioning away from fossil fuel-intensive industries. Additionally, promoting sustainable transportation, land use, and agriculture practices can contribute to reducing emissions and building resilience to climate impacts. Education and awareness are also critical components of addressing climate change. Fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and sustainability, individuals can make informed choices in their daily lives.

Addressing climate change requires more than just individual actions; it demands systemic change and collective action on a global scale. It necessitates rethinking our economic models, consumption patterns, and societal priorities to prioritize environmental sustainability and resilience. By recognizing this, we can work towards building a more sustainable and equitable future for generations to come. Through proactive policies, innovative solutions, and collaborative efforts, we can mitigate the impacts of climate change and create a world where both nature and humanity can thrive.

Today I’m going to be focusing on the struggles of being an out-of-state student. Growing up in Connecticut it seemed like everyone was going to UCONN. I wanted something different I wanted to go out and explore the world. I loved traveling and loved meeting new people. As much as I love being at state college, I get homesick. During the fall semester, I went home once a month. I would find “excuses” such as my dad’s birthday, and my cousin’s wedding.

I took a bus that dropped me off in New York and then from there I would either walk or Uber to Grand Central to transfer to the Metro-North train and get off at the station in my hometown. This trip ends up being about 8 hours on average when usually it would be a 4.5-hour car ride. I try not to miss class so I end up going for 3-4 days max, which makes me question if the trip is usually worth it. It always is I love getting to see my family, boyfriend, and friends back home who always recharge my battery. The last week of January was exhausting and I was struggling a lot so I decided to go home for the weekend. Being that most of my support system is at home it is very rewarding.

The last I was home was spring break and I realized that it would be the last time I would have been home till the end of the semester. Of course, I wanted to back for Easter and celebrate with my family but due to class and other conflicts, I won’t be able to go, as well as the fact that I get carsick when on the bus. Although being away from home isn’t awful I do wish it wasn’t so far. My family is a huge part of my life and coming from a big family (I have 5 sisters and 2 brothers for context) I spent a lot of time with them, especially around the holidays. Penn State is a state school and I underestimated how many residents would come here and how most of them know each other already. I would say that the first week of class was the hardest, I tried to put myself out there and it was really hard being an introvert. Although being here I’m able to have a sense of independence and I have learned to enjoy being alone when I’m not with friends. I think that it provided me with a way to learn about myself. Apart from the distance, being out of state I have to pay more in tuition. Being lucky my mom has helped me this year, I also try to contribute by working two jobs during the school year and working in the summer. Of course, I’m always applying for scholarships so that it’s not such a big financial burden.

I have always wondered if going to UCONN would’ve been the right choice for me. The more I think about this the more I realize that it definitely could have been a good choice but I wouldn’t have learned what I would have learned about myself already and I wouldn’t have made the connections I made here.

The American Dream is a concept that has been around for years. Many people believe in it and few can truly achieve it. My parents exemplify this narrative,  at a young age decided to leave everything known to them and move to the US. My dad came to the US when he was in his 20s leaving his family. Later on, my mom then came to the US with my siblings. They moved to Connecticut knowing few people and had help from my dad’s friend. For the first few years, they lived with the bare necessities and knew little to no English. They relied on the help of others but soon after they had me, changing their plans. From what I remember I had a great childhood and I have always been grateful for my parents and my family for what they provided me with. I grew up having music, gymnastics, swim, and dance lessons something that most immigrant family kids don’t have the opportunity to do.

At school, especially during 8th grade, we had lessons on the American dream, what it meant to us, how many achieved it, and how it continues to change with time. I recognized its diverse interpretations. For my parents, it meant securing a better future and standard of living for my siblings and supporting their family back home.

I do think that the dream is very centered on wealth and how the more you have the happier you are. This is simply not the truth money can bring you temporary happiness but it’s not a permanent source of fulfillment. Many are currently striving for a more basic existence, finding comfort in survival and the pursuit of simple freedoms. Especially in this economy where inflation has driven up the price of many goods and services, some are living paycheck to paycheck.

In some ways, the dream is unattainable to many and some may say it’s dead. There are so many barriers that make it impossible for someone to achieve it. Many are discriminated against and robbed of opportunities that may have otherwise led them to their success. Despite this, my parents have been able to surpass the challenges that may have stopped them and were able to have a decent life for themselves. They have been able to provide for the families back in Mexico while also supporting a family and raising them with important values and morals.

Writing this in a building with floor-to-ceiling windows and great amenities, I’m extremely grateful for the privilege I have. Being able to have an education at a great school with endless opportunities at my fingertips.  Every day I’m reminded that I have to work hard for my dreams and to be successful. Even though my parent’s dream to come to the US may not have been for me it has encouraged me to aspire to greatness and be determined to be successful in life. To follow my dreams no matter how impossible or hard to obtain they may seem.

Today I decided to do some free roaming for my blog. Steering away from my usual blogging and diving into a different topic. In recent news, we have heard a lot about gun control and incidents with guns, yet there is so much more beyond the surface of what we hear on news sites.  Specifically in schools, today kids are taught how to hide and have regular lockdown drills. I live in CT specifically Fairfield County and about 30 min from where the Sandy Hook shooting took place.

When I was in 5th grade, I was in chorus class. we were in the auditorium/lunchroom I went to a very small school so there wasn’t much room. Right in the middle of Defying Gravity from Wicked, the announcement started to say, “Lockdown Lockdown Exterior Threat” and there was a blue flashing light. My music teacher and 2 other assistant teachers had to control 60-ish students and make sure they went to the stage behind a solid blue curtain and hid in between any chairs and tables that were on the stage. Since the cafeteria was spacious but had huge glass windows. On the side of the stage, a small office and a door were leading to the main hallway. We were in complete darkness for about 2 hours until many of us had to use the bathroom and the teachers had us use a trashcan in the office. For the next hour or so we were stuck there until we were clear to go back to our class and then go home. At that time, we didn’t know what was going on or what was happening but later that night they sent out an email saying that there were shooting threats at one of the high schools near us. Everyone in the district was on lockdown since they weren’t sure, and it was for safety. I’m so grateful no one was physically hurt yet it still lives in our heads.

It is disheartening that we live in a world where children and individuals have to grapple with the fear of potential harm while pursuing education or simply going about their daily lives. The fact that there were 13 shootings in just 52 days highlights the severity of the issue and demands immediate attention. The emotional toll extends beyond physical injuries, with victims often grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder. The psychological scars left by such events can last a lifetime, affecting not only the victims but also their families and communities. Despite the alarming frequency of these incidents, there seems to be a lack of substantial action from the government to address the issue of gun violence. It is urgent that our lawmakers take meaningful steps to enact policies that prioritize public safety. We take actions to help the victims with mental, or physical help, but thats not enough. Prevention, remains the ultimate goal. Making sure the we have not only a secure community but also a secure school.

Growing up, I was raised Catholic, and my family attended church every Sunday. Our church was predominantly Latino, with most services conducted in Spanish, shaping my prayer habits in that language. My relationship with religion had always been complex, I had completed all the sacraments by the time I finished middle school yet I didn’t feel fully connected to the church or God. Throughout high school, my mom frequently took me to bible studies and weekday services, urging me to join the Church choir and play at services with my piano skills to the church. My parents made sure I remained close to God and understood the value of religion in our lives.

While I wasn’t deeply connected to God or the church during my early years, as I entered my senior year, I started drawing closer. Many of my friends were not religious, and I respected their choices. I also noticed that it was only me, my brother, sister, and mom going the rest of my siblings wouldn’t go because they didn’t regard the importance of church.

During the summer, I worked at a country club, where I met my best friend, who was Christian, and played the drums at his church. Raised in a religious environment, he had a strong connection with God, a quality I admired. One day, after work, we were on a hike, and I ranted about my struggle with understanding how people could be religious when it had been forced on me. He explained that religion should be a personal journey of discovery, not an imposition. Everyone’s commitment to God differs, and no one should be judged for it. Since then, I’ve been on my own journey, discovering religion and understanding that my relationship with God doesn’t need external pressure. Building this connection should be a personal journey, free from rules and expectations.

The concept that religion should not be forced highlights the importance of individual freedom in matters of faith. In a society that values freedom of religion, such as the United States, the idea is that spirituality should be a personal journey, free from external coercion or judgment. This perspective acknowledges that beliefs are deeply personal and should evolve organically, shaped by individual experiences, contemplation, and introspection.

Emphasizing the voluntary nature of religious exploration, this approach encourages individuals to seek and embrace their own spiritual path rather than adhering to a predetermined set of beliefs imposed by external influences. It reflects the essence of religious freedom, a cornerstone of democratic societies, where individuals are granted the liberty to explore and adopt their own religious convictions without fear of discrimination or censure. By having this freedom where religion is not forced allows for a difference of religion to coexist, promoting tolerance and understanding among individuals with a varying religious perspectives. It upholds the principle that genuine faith is a personal discovery, a journey that unfolds uniquely for each person, rather than a mandate to be imposed upon them. This perspective aligns seamlessly with the freedom of religion enshrined in the United States, where individuals are encouraged to shape their spiritual journeys independently.

At the age of 3, I embarked on my journey to learn English. Despite my parents being fluent only in Spanish, they enrolled me in a Catholic preschool where the language of instruction was English. This was the start of my language adventure. My family, including both parents, communicated exclusively in Spanish. However, it wasn’t until the fourth grade that I experienced a “reintroduction” to Spanish.

In elementary school, our curriculum required a Spanish class at the start of the fourth grade. While I can’t remember my teacher’s name, I distinctly recall becoming her “assistant” due to being the sole Spanish speaker in a class of 25 ten-year-olds. It made me feel unique and capable as if I had found my special ability. Throughout that year, while we studied learning colors and numbers, I not only navigated the journey effortlessly but also assisted my peers, a role I continued to embrace the rest of the year.

Fast forward to middle school, where we faced a decision between French and Spanish for our language requirements. Despite my inclination towards the seemingly easier option of Spanish, my mom urged me to choose French, and that’s when my smooth linguistic journey took an intense turn. Suddenly, I struggled to keep up, grappling with unfamiliar words. Luckily, I wasn’t alone in my struggles, as our middle school years were marked by the constant turnover of seven different teachers in a span of three years. Yes, you read that right seven different teachers in three years.

At the end of 8th grade, a unique opportunity emerged. My school organized a trip to Barcelona and Madrid, selecting students from both the Spanish and French classes. The prospect of traveling abroad filled me with excitement, especially as I hadn’t gone outside the country before. A particular memory during that trip highlighted the importance of being multilingual – we found ourselves in a restaurant where the signs were not in standard Spanish but in Catalan, a Spanish dialect. As two of my other friends were struggling trying to order I helped translate for them, realizing the significance of language in communication.

This wasn’t my first encounter with translation, but it was the first time translating from Spanish to English instead of the reverse, as I often did with my parents. Language, I understood, is not only crucial but also a privilege. The ability to speak multiple languages facilitates communication, a vital aspect of human interaction.

Regardless of the language spoken, what matters is the ability to communicate without shaming others for their linguistic capabilities or lack thereof. Reflecting on my upbringing, I didn’t initially appreciate speaking Spanish and preferred English. However, as I began to forget Spanish and struggled to communicate with my parents, I realized the broader impact: not only losing connection with them but also with millions of others who speak the language.

Growing up with immigrant parents has been a unique and enriching experience, shaping my worldview and perspective in ways that differ significantly from those of my peers. The cultural background and values instilled by my parents have undeniably played a crucial role in shaping my identity. However, one aspect that sets my upbringing apart is the approach to mental health, a topic often overlooked and even stigmatized within immigrant communities. Unlike many of my peers, my parents, like most immigrant parents, did not place a strong emphasis on mental health.

I did dance and track most of my life which of course led me to some physical injuries. I have had a fractured ankle and most recently a radial head fracture. My parents would often make sure that I was doing well physically, I was put in physical therapy after my injuries. It wasn’t until quarantine hit and I was stuck with my family 24/7 that I felt that my anxiety was at its peak. Not only did I worry about getting COVID but I was also worried about going back to school. I felt like it was normal to feel this, we were in a global pandemic of course. Once things went back to “normal” I still felt this way but I didn’t know why. I was tired most of the time, I was nervous all the time. My initial reaction was that I was stressed over school. As time went on I still felt this way.  I talked to my friends about it and they suggested seeing Tim. Tim was one of the school psychiatrists. Everyone loved Tim and went to him for everything. So the next day I went and saw him. He looked at me after talking for a bit and told me what I was feeling was anxiety. My direct response was no I think I’m stressed. He started to explain what anxiety was and how there were different ways to cope with it. That same year I learned different ways to cope with anxiety it was also the spring of my senior year. Knowing that I was about to go to college led to my anxiety increasing but knowing that there were people who were willing to help me learn how to manage my anxiety was a relief.

The reluctance to acknowledge mental health issues within immigrant families can be attributed to various factors, including cultural norms, lack of awareness, and the stigma associated with seeking help for psychological concerns. In my household, conversations about emotions, stress, or anxiety were scarce. The prevailing belief was that one should persevere through difficulties without openly expressing vulnerability. Growing up with this mindset presented challenges as I tried to navigate the complexities of adolescence and young adulthood. Peer conversations often revolved around mental health, therapy, and self-care, topics that felt foreign in my home. I knew what most of these topics were but I never really took part in them. It created a sense of isolation, as I grappled with internal struggles without the familial support that some of my peers enjoyed. Initiating conversations about mental health within an immigrant family presented its own set of challenges. Breaking through cultural barriers and dispelling misconceptions required patience and empathy. My attempts to educate my parents about the legitimacy of mental health struggles, the benefits of seeking professional help, and the destigmatization of therapy were met with a mixture of curiosity and resistance. With time their perspective shifted and had came to terms with the fact that not everyone is perfect. We all have internal struggles and it’s okay to seek help especially when you need it.

As a First-Generation figuring out the college process, I relied heavily on outside sources. I knew the the very basic process but there were so many other things such as FASFA, Student Loans, Programs, Application processes, etc. After figuring out where I wanted to be and what I wanted to do, it came time to move in. Throughout the summer I worked at a country club and became close friends with my co-workers I worked up till the day before I moved in and I had nothing packed. No surprise since I’m a late packer but I felt confident that I would be ready before our 4-hour drive at 6 in the morning. My friends invited me to go bowling and then later go to McDonald’s. Thinking back I didn’t think about leaving or how I would feel at the time. But as one of my friends decided that it wasn’t a proper goodbye without playing “Sparks” by Coldplay I started tearing up. I laughed it off and we got back to the club,  I had to drive my friend to his house and he was asking me how I felt about leaving and I didn’t think about it until that moment when I felt extremely overwhelmed by everything. My mind started to overthink about all the small details that would happen and I needed to figure it out. I spent about 30 min talking about it and he was there giving me advice. I then went home and started packing, I didn’t know how much or what to bring. I have made a list and seen all the tiktoks about what you should or shouldn’t have. My sisters helped me pack and we were done by 3 in the morning. We woke up at 5 and got ready for the drive. Once we arrived on campus I was overwhelmed with everything and all the information I was receiving. Even with the challenges that posed I knew that I wasn’t alone and others felt the same way. The first week I joined clubs and quickly became involved, suddenly I didn’t feel as alone or lost. It’s important that we have resources available for students of all backgrounds, especially with a big campus. Making sure that students feel safe and secure on campus. Being a first-generation student having access to resources on campus that help me figure out certain aspects of college that Im not familiar with is extremely important for success.