Zaragoza, Felitxa (Week 3)

     Growing up Catholic, La Virgen de Guadalupe has always had a special place in my heart. I grew up with images being all over my house, room, church, and even tv because La Rosa de Guadalupe was my favorite show growing up. I had every single episode recorded on my DVR and when my dad accidentally deleted it to record a soccer game, I was beyond mad. She still is all over my house with statues, plaques, paintings, and even necklaces to symbolize the good spirit and faith. 

    I have always looked up to la virgencita as she was the person I would pray to every day. I felt more comfortable sharing my thoughts with her because she was a woman figure. Growing up Latina in Los Angeles, I felt that she would always listen and understand because she was a mom. I always thought that God was too busy to hear my prayers and that the virgencita was always available to listen. Hearing this now, I know that my younger self did not understand how praying works but it worked for me to feel more connected to my religion and family. I always told my mom that when we had the opportunity to, we would go to la basilica de Guadalupe in Mexico. I want to honor her in the best way I can and with my own mother by my side. This is such an emotional thing to do and I want to experience that level of amazement. We have not done that yet, but we have gone to celebrate her birthday every year. On December 12th, my whole family goes to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels, in Los Angeles at midnight and sing Happy Birthday to la Virgen. This is the best way to show our appreciation for our culture.

    However, now that I am older, I do not identify myself to be a part of the catholic church for personal reasons. But, I do still believe and appreciate la virgencita. She is an important part of childhood and I feel as if she protects my family in the best way. She symbolizes my culture and faith. If I ever need to talk to her, I know that I can count on her regardless of my religious beliefs. 

1. Zarate, Julie

2. Navarro, Liliana

3. Vega, Grace Barraza

Zaragoza, Felitxa

 

Hello everyone! My name is Felitxa Zaragoza and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a senior, second-year transfer student studying Communications. I was born and raised in the South Bay, Redondo Beach area, but both of my parents are from Mexico. I am a middle child, but the mother of an 11-year-old chihuahua who has a bigger personality than me. I hope to one day become a guidance counselor at a local community college that helps low-income, first-generation students like myself, realize that they are able to earn a degree and accomplish their goals. If it wasn't for the support I received at my CC, I would have never transferred as effectively as I did. However, I am also interested in working in Human Resources to ensure equal pay and resolve issues for POC in the workplace. Both career goals seem a bit different, but in the end, I desire to help others reach their potential. 

I am a Mexican-American student who hopes to advance their knowledge of art specifically in our own culture. I grew up in Los Angeles and I have always felt as if I were home anywhere in the city. Yet, I feel as if I know very basic knowledge about my culture. I know famous artists like Frida Kahlo and Dali, but I want to learn more about artists who may not be so common in my area. I decided to take this course because I have taken Chincao/a 113, where I learned about Dia de Los Muertos and I felt drawn to my culture. I'm hoping that this course makes me feel the same, if not more, empowered to learn about the various content and artists across the Latinx community. I am very excited for this course this quarter as it makes the return to campus much more exciting, even through zoom.