Week 8
Hey Readers!
With Week 8 upon us this is where the Fall semester truly tests us, we’ve made it through midterms and projects and are beginning the second half of the semester, and while it is relieving it can also be overwhelming at the same time. It can almost feel like we’re beginning a whole new semester now. At times like this it’s essential that we just stay motivated and aren’t afraid of looking to others for help. This theme of collaboration has been more evident this week than any other here on campus and as a result I was able to attend two great collaborative events.
Greeks (fraternity and sorority members) form a great population here at UConn and two of our Latino organizations here were able to put on some very enlightening and helpful events. . The hermanos (brothers) of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda, Fraternity Inc, held an event in the Rainbow Center entitled “Masoquista: I am a Gay latino.” To begin with the event discussed some of the stereotypes surrounding the GLBTQ (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) community, the minority community, and the stigmas that unfortunately have come to be associated with being a member of both communities. Through a discussion facilitated by Kenneth Dortche, students were able to discuss any misconceptions they had while at the same time raising awareness of the issues that these various communities. Moving from there, students discussed issues that can arise as a result of the pressures placed on members of the GLBTQ community and ethnic minorities. What was found was that many of issues faced by one group is often faced by another, and as a result this event better opened eyes to the overlapping concerns and issues faced by everyone regardless of who they are or what they identify themselves as. This culminated in a presentation by Fleurette King, director of the Rainbow Center, during which she further clarified any misconceptions we may have still had and at the same time further reinforced the concept of allies. We as minority communities do share most of the same issues whether we’re Black, Latino, Asian, Women, LGBTQ, etc, and this event helped us realize that an the importance of banding together and tackling these issues as one greater force.
Afterwards the ladies of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. along with members of UConn Tae Kwon Do gave us some instruction on how to physically defend ourselves here on campus. UConn Tae Kwon Do demonstrated how to actually perform the moves then gave us some time to perfect them with our partners. Despite the instructors expertise on the subject they were sure to emphasize the fact that the techniques they taught us should not be used in place of safer alternatives, such as traveling in groups, using the Husky Watch and Blue light services here on campus, and calling the proper authorities.
Both of these events took place in the Rainbow Center, and were attended by members of not only all the organizations involved but by various communities on campus as well. Through collaboration these events were made possible and that just goes to show you the power in numbers. So as this semester continues don’t be afraid to work with others towards a common goal. Whether its finishing a class project, studying for an exam, or asking for advice about something your not familiar with, it always pays to ask those around you for a helping hand, I’ve always done so and it has continued to help me be successful in every aspect of my life.
Take care Readers!
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