In the aftermath of the presidential election, most newspapers, Youtubers, podcasts or wherever you listen to the media, the trend topic is why, we the people, made Mr. Donald Trump go back to the White House.  

Statistics and possible explanations are served for every political party the same for the non-party. However, coming from a developing country where the political chaos reigns, I’m still impressed that it seems that people, the majority, were able to forgive all the accusations and proved charges against the returning president.  

On top of that, the two attempts of assassinations which fortunately did not work — I may not agree with most of his rhetoric, but nobody deserves that — played on his favor, making him a “hero” as he stated “I’d like to think that God thinks that I’m going to straighten out our country.”  

Being a Latina voter, I’m amazed for the increase of the Latino supporters to the Republican party considering his warhorse is his immigration plan, and the countless times the MAGA leader has openly poured detrimental comments against Latinos. Those comments have  encouraged his supporters — mostly white men — to be widely loud against Latinos, sparking racism and division in our country.  

In their defense, Latinos tend to value faith, family and traditions. The Republican party campaign included talking to Judeo-Christian leaders, and its leader stating “We are one movement, one people, one family, and one glorious nation under God.”  

This moving, spiritual and patriotic statement could have moved even to the most agnostic undecisive voter, not only to ex-Democrat Latinos.  

Most of them, as many as his faithful followers, coincide with the main reason is the economy. Harris did not make any effort to differentiate herself from Biden, but his political partner did not play very well in the economy, international politics among other relevant topics. The result shows most people are screaming for a change. Period. 

Whatever the reason is, no more ink nor time should be invested in deciphering the results of the election. Let’s look at the future and envision what we want for ourselves, our family, our community and our nation. 

Knowing the U.S. Senate is now 53 red vs. 46 blue seats, and the red hat leader being a strong persona, as he tends to impose his will, let’s all, we the people, regardless of if we support him or not, be the watchdogs on his second term.  

Like in the airport saying, “if you see something, say something.” 

“No one is above the law” and that is what I personally love and admire about this great nation. The political apparatus is stronger than anything or anyone.  

Let’s be alert, stop hating, and let’s work together.

“The best way to lose a friendship is by talking about politics or religion,” I learned many years ago.

Since then, I’ve tried to follow this advice, especially when I perceive that my relative or close friend is passionately advocating for their candidate without listening to anyone else’s opinion.

I consider that even heated conversations can be elevated as long as the ideas are supported with facts, and we do not fall into insulting or offending the opponent’s opinion.

Coming from a developing country where we have the record of having six presidents in the last eight years   due to  impeachments, resignations, corruption allegations, and huge public protests,  I was tired of voting for the bad or the worst my entire adulthood.

If you have not guessed, as the Paddington Bear says, I come from the “Darkest Peru.” So, when I became a citizen of this wonderful country, I was so excited to vote.

I remember my dad used to follow the U.S. presidential debates in the 80’s and 90’s with admiration. He used to say “Oh, the USA with its bright minds and great discussions full of ideas for the best of the society. How I wish we could have those candidates in our country!”

Well, Dad, thanks God you are in a better place now, so you won’t be disappointed that candidates these days are far from what you thought.

Of course, there is a big difference — in this great country, no one is bigger than the empire of the law. Whatever the result of the polls, the law will protect  the decision of the majority.

That is what I admire about the country I now call mine as well, our democracy. But we must not take it for granted.
So many people had fought in the history of this powerful nation looking for liberty in all its meaning.

“United we stand, divided we fall.”

– Aesop, Greek storyteller

In the fable  “The Lion and The Four Oxen”

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“The land of the free and the home of the brave,” we sing with pride and I believe it is.   

However, I don’t know what or when exactly happened that the ideas are not contrasted nor fact-checked before standing for them. That is not brave at all.   

Families and long-lasting friendships can easily be torn apart because there is so much misinformation, and some people candindly believe what they find online or consume tidbits of  news through social media in 15 or 30 seconds reels. 

In class, we can agree on the room temperature and set an appealing number where we, all,  can coexist together until the dismissal.  But when the conversation is heated with political views in favor of or against any of the presidential candidates, the hot flashes on the opponent are evident, and the air becomes dense to breathe in the same space. We stare at the clock wishing the time runs faster.

Believe me, this will, too pass. Yes, we, as a country, are facing a challenging time, and probably we see the political environment at the edge of a crisis. However, we need to stay united.

It is needed a consensus, and it starts with mutual respect.

If I do not agree with your same candidate or if I do not with either candidate, I own  the right to be respected same as you.

I can listen to your opinion even if I disagree, but also, don’t expect me to spend my time or effort listening  to insults or offenses about your opponent.

Also, before sharing something against or in favor of your candidate on social media, make at least a little research in different reliable outlets or look for different journalists. Use your critical thinking and don’t share misinformation.

“Divide and rule,” was a military tactic used to create discord among people and “conquer” them so they could not get united against the one. Now think, “Who would benefit to see America not united?”

I changed my degree from Business Transfer to Communication & Journalism two semesters after I started at NECC. That decision was not easy to take, especially as I started to study in my 40’s, it is expected that at this age I have things clearer and as a mom of a child, I am supposed to be working and saving money for my child’s education, not stumbling around career pathways.

One way to confirm if I was in the right direction was through internships. 

Typically, the main reason for students to look for an internship is because it is part of their curriculum, for instance, for careers associated with health. 

Here at NECC, “there are a lot of programs that require experiential learning including but not limited to: Nursing, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Care, Medical Assisting, and more in the health programs. Culinary Arts, Criminal Justice, Human Services, Early Childhood Education, and more,” said Sandy Rochon, Director of Career Services. 

Fortunately, NECC also offers internships as credit electives for programs like: Business, Computer and Information Sciences, Journalism/Communications, Liberal Arts, and Psychology. 

Spring 2023, I did an internship as part of a 3-credit elective for TDI or Transformative Development Initiative in Lawrence, which is part of Mass Development, a government organization.

The main objective for this internship was to engage in a civic engagement/leadership at a nonprofit or a government office. 

At the time I joined TDI, I collaborated in promoting a project that helped small business owners to improve their storefronts with a grant up to $30,000.

I worked on the outreach, and sometimes it was not easy. I faced some owners who were skeptical about the project, and they thought it was a scam. Some others needed extra assistance to participate as they were not familiar with the required documents to apply.

Also, I helped to organize “Taste of Lawrence,” a public event to promote the diverse food in Lawrence. 

This internship helped me to strengthen my leadership and communication skills but beyond that, I could see firsthand the immense value of local organizations working together for a common cause, and engaging communities to make Lawrence a more attractive place to live, work and visit. It was an honor to serve the public! 

Spring 2024, I did a second internship but this time at the longest running and most trusted Latino media outlet in New England, El Mundo Boston.

This time I was with my hands on what I am studying for, Journalism. The list of hats I wore and things I did is long, but I just want to state, be ready to do the opposite to what you aim for, embrace it, learn about it and champion it. 

While I was dreaming of working as an investigative journalist, my first assignment was in the entertainment department.

I will not forget when I was asked to write content for their social media about the Latino actor in “The Mandalorian,” I was, “who? The Mandarins? Is it a children movie?” I was terrified because I was far from series, movies or even theatre.

Here is the other statement, if you do not know about the required task, look for help among your classmates. You could be surprised about how passionate your peer sitting next to you is about a subject you know nothing at all. Shaun Hood, the prior A&E editor of The Observer gave me a hand and introduced me to his world. 

I was invited to the premiere of the JLo movie, “This Is Me…Now,” in Boston Seaport to watch it and interview some attendees. I invited Shaun and he helped me out to identify who was who in the cast. I was invited to the Wang theater in Boston to see the musical Hadestown and interview the lead actor. Shaun told me everything about the actor, director, the plot so, of course, he went with me as my camera assistant to the interview and we met other cast members at the end. 

When Spring semester ended, El Mundo Boston asked me to do a second internship with them during the Summer and of course I accepted.

I worked closely with the CEO Alberto Vasallo on a project to promote food businesses in Lawrence. The event was a total success. I interviewed patrons and owners of restaurants, and of course, I got to try their food to report about it. 

I got skills needed in the media industry like video editing, reporting news, fact checking, and creating content for their digital outlets. I was a guest writer introducing new and interesting subjects in a compelling way. 

One of my articles published by El Mundo Boston was about artificial intelligence.

This was the first time the paper addressed this subject to its Hispanic audience, and this was my presentation card to get a free ticket to the three-day Artificial Intelligence and Education Summit organized by MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. I pitched to my editor for full coverage in exchange for it and it was accepted. I am fascinated with AI and its possibilities. 

So, what are you waiting for!? Either for confirming or pivoting your career interests or for having the experience in first person how the “real world” is in the field you aim for, just wait no more. Contact your career advisor or Career Services office at CareerServices@necc.mass.edu or visit https://www.necc.mass.edu/workforce/career-services/ and let me know how it goes!