SIGMA LAMBDA GAMMA STRIVES TO BE THE PREMIER ORGANIZATION COMMITTED TO PROVIDING A MECHANISM OF EMPOWERMENT TO ALL WOMEN

This past weekend sisters from all over the nation gathered to participate in the biannual Sisterhood Retreat 2011, The Ultimate Challenge! At retreat we were dared to change and dared to be different by reflecting on our life both as a Woman of Distinction and as a Woman. One of the toughest things about change is recognizing that we need it in order to move forward. Change does not only apply to our sisterhood, but to our lives as well. I was blessed with the opportunity to be a retreat facilitator and it was certainly what I expected: a very moving and empowered experience. We all gathered as sisters and shared with one another our experiences, our thoughts, our words. No matter how far or near we are, we share some very similar stories. It is a blessing to know that I can visit any part of the country and at least one sister will volunteer to host me at their home. Moreover, I walked away from retreat knowing that we are all WOMEN OF DISTINCTION. One of the things that I encouraged my group of sisters, the PINK ROSES, to do is to be different by fulfilling their dreams and their goals. In fact, I posed the question, " What do YOU want to do?" Just as my sisters and I encouraged one another to step out of the shadows and embrace our mission, I too encourage you to embrace your dreams and follow them unto the path of empowerment. We all need to empower one another in order to ensure that we fulfill our life missions and purposes. I believe in you, I know you can do it. Don't give up as this is only the beginning. It will get harder, but I guarantee that all of your sweat, blood, and tears will pay off in the end. So today I dare you to be different by empowering someone around you. You may just make someone's day. HERMANAS POR VIDA, SISTERS FOR LIFE.

Summer Solstice

On this very beautiful day, my Gamma Daughter and I traveled to Michigan. We woke up very early the next morning to catch our bus that would take us to Michigan from Chicago. Since she and I do not really see each other, it was logical that neither of us were really quite during our bus ride. I hope we did not annoy people with our very interesting conversations about the Empowerment of Women of Distinction. After being on the bus for about four hours, we finally arrived in Michigan and easily found our way to the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor campus where a Beta Chapter Sister expected our arrival. It was a great feeling to realize that you have a big familia no matter where you go. With open arms she welcomed us into her office and even introduced us to some of her coworkers. One of her coworkers even took the time to tell us of touristy places that we could visit to familiarize and acquaint ourselves with Beautiful Ann Arbor. Honestly, the minute I set foot on campus and on the city, I FELL IN LOVE. It was something I could not explain because I did not come with a purpose to Michigan, I just came to visit. In fact, the University of Michigan Museum of Art is where it all began. Thanks to my partner in crime, my Daughter Vilina!, my week of Empowerment began while observing the exhibitions in the museum. For instance, the Lotus Relief grows from murky depths and blossoms "majestically above the surface of the water. Buddhist believe that like the Lotus, the human mind can develop the virtues of the Buddha and transcend desires and attachments to reveal its essentially pure nature" (Buddhist Exhibition, University of Michigan Museum of Art). It is such a powerful quote because we can so much when we make use of all of our talents. We should all strive to live for something and transcend our desires to become those dreams we make into a reality. When we do not have a reason to define our existence, that is when we get lost in our reality and see nothing more than a plain and simple life. However, we can all lead and live simple, humble lives with a purpose. Earlier this year 2011 I did not understand nor yet realize my purpose for being on this earth. After reading a book that changed my life, God revealed himself to me by revealing my purpose for my life: to lead a humble life by empowering people to become the best person they can be for themselves and for the planet. Then tonight I received another wake up call: defend your dreams, thoughts, goals, and beliefs to the fullest. Tonight I was able to share some of my deepest thoughts with a friend who believes in me and encouraged me to fight the good fight. I will not lie, I kind of gave up on myself and did not see myself going beyond what I already know. The fear of the unknown definitely gave way to me giving up on my heart's truest desires. I laughed and cried about my unusual situation, but I hope that no matter how or near I am, I will have your support. I'm scared, but like a great friend told me, courage kicks in when you go through with something when you are scared. So today I encourage to have faith and courage to follow your heart's truest desires.

CHICAGO!!!

As with any place I visit, it is all surreal to me! For some reason, I feel like I'm still in California, but up North. Then again, I'm not. I will say this: I am not as excited about Chicago as I was about New York. I fell in love with New York and I feel that nothing compares to it, I mean, what can compare to the city that never sleeps? LoL! Besides that, I realize there is plenty to see in Chicago, I just don't know what. I guess my Daughter Wendy and I will figure it out over time... that is, the week that we are here! LoL! We both arrived to safely to the windy city, Chi-town, even though I may have experienced some delays on my flights. For some reason, my Continental flights left late. It was a good thing my first one left a few minutes later because I actually almost missed my flight! LOL! Furthermore, the Royal F.I.R.M. Fam Bam gave us a nice welcome to the Windy City and I'm glad that we were able to get in touch with people who can show us around. Special shout out to my Soror Perlita "Soldis" Carrillo from the NAughty Nu Alpha Chapter @ USC (GO BRUINS!) for hosting us. Chicago: here we come! This FIERCE! duo will EMPOWER and AMAZE you beyond belief. Peace & Love everyone! :)

One Bittersweet Ending to a New Beginning

Today is my last day at work and I feel a sense of relief, joy, and nostalgia all at the same time. It was and wasn't a nice surprise to know first thing this morning that our day would be less than perfect. Nonetheless, it is indeed a very beautiful day outside today. I am hoping I can still teach today, even though my brain is already on vacation mode, LOL! Today is definitely a celebration of this past year's triumphs, successes, and challenges. Even though it's my last day working for the county, it certainly is not the last time they will see or hear from me. In fact, everything seems so surreal that it still hasn't hit me that I will be unemployed this upcoming fall when I do my student teaching. Furthermore, I will take all that I have learned to transform the lives of my future students. Mother nature is such a beautiful thing and it can certainly teach you to have respect for everything we've been blessed with. It can also teach you to develop a love, passion, peace, and warmth for the environment. It's amazing how much you can appreciate and cherish something once you learn about it. So today I invite you to learn more about your surroundings, especially when it comes to learning about the history of the place you live in. When you know the purpose and reason for the existence of something (i.e. the significance of the name of your city), you will want to embrace it more and not let go. Don't let go of your dreams because this is only the beginning.

Stepping Stones

The Dalmation Firefighter =)

Job security can make one easily get comfortable in their position. Sometimes you don't even stop to think of how fortunate you are for having held on to your job for so long with no layoffs. In fact, I really thought we were "safe" from all of the perils and crisis that comes with a collapsing economy. It did not dawn on me until today that the funding will not be there next year. I guess I am not so worried about it because I am leaving to do my student teaching in the fall. It's so disappointing to know that you may not have a job next school year that it almost makes you not care about how you finish your day - you just want to finish. I can't help but feel bad, feel responsible for all that has happened. However, none of us were counting on things to change this soon, this fast. It came out of nowhere, like that pedestrian that walks in front of the car without warning. You may notice that at times when you grow complacent you are called to change your usual routine and embrace something new. That is what I feel is kind of happening to our program. It will definitely undergo some changes that may or may not dictate it's future. Since the beginning I have always seen this program as an opportunity for growth and something that will catapult me into success. Although it was my hard work and energy that finally moved me into applying for a teaching credential, it all started with a spark of hope that was fed daily by the supportive and positive people that surrounded me daily in this position. I will always remember everything that I have learned from all of you. Believe it or not, you have impacted my life in ways that I could not have imagined. For example, you helped me feel more comfortable in my skin and accept the real me. I should not be shy because I have so much to offer. So thank you for touching my life and for allowing me to do the same for you. I cannot promise to always stay in touch, but I will definitely do my best to update you with the most important events in my life. Moreover, with the current economic climate and job security, it seems a lot easier to give up than to keep trying. All it takes is hope, faith, and love to provide you with an opportunity of a lifetime that will transform you and catapult you to become and embrace the REAL YOU. Even if you were to lose your job today, always remember that it was probably a stepping stone into getting you to where you are meant to be. Don't get to comfortable in one place because that is your big hint to change or move on. Dear friend, don't give up because you are almost there. :)