Spring Week 3

Hello Readers!
This week started off with a special visitor at the Puerto Rican Latin American Cultural Center. Dr. Rosalie Torres Stone visited the cultural center on Monday at noon. She is the assistant professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Multicultural Core at the Center for Mental Health Services Research at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. The event was sponsored by the Institute for Puerto Rican and Latino Studies, Puerto Rican and Latin American Cultural Center, and Department of Sociology. Her presentation was titled “Culture in research” and was insightful presentation on the minorities and their thoughts and feelings about research projects. She informed the attendants how the Latino culture really affects how we react to participating in research. One key thing that stuck with me was that we as Latinos when asked to be a part of research that may better ourselves we are less likely to do it than if we are told it is to better the community. She gave interesting points in what she found to be the best form to approach minorities in terms of asking them to partake in the study. From research her experience was that if you approach a minority with honesty as opposed to just facts you will have a stronger chance of getting them to become involved in the study. She presented some information about the fears minorities hold. Often times it can be a matter of language barrier. She said Latinos have a tendency of being a little shy with language barrier and take translators. Yet since in most cases money is also a problem the translator is not always a profession but instead a relative or a child. This may sway the information because a child will not always translate directly what the person is saying or may omit things. While adult may translate better for the patient certain things may be omitted by the patient to avoid awkward situations with adult family members. It was a very insightful and educating presentation. She was wonderful example of a strong educated Latina. As a Latina I feel it is great to see the Latinos professor and professionals that come to campus. They are examples and role models to follow. Many current Latinos/as at the University of Connecticut are first generation college students. Although that does not define how much success we will hold in our college career it does play some influence. However, when meeting people such as out Latino faculty and professionals who pushed and studied hard through college it serves to remind all the younger generations of Latinos that we can and more importantly should achieve success. It becomes a matter of not wanting success simply for personal satisfaction, but instead wanting success to push forward the success in the Latino community. So to all the young Latino/a reader I wish you success look around and look at our professor and always remember you are aspiring for success and to be a role model for those that follow you.


- The picture of Dr. Torres Stone was supplied by UMass Medical School website