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         In the cabinet that stands tall in my grandmother dining room there sits a cake topper. It has been there since before I was a thought. A young woman in a white gown with lace around her shoulders, in-front of an alter deigned in a hear shape with white and lilac flowers surrounding her feet with just a tad too much lace for my personal taste. This cake topper came from my aunts Quinceanera, or her fifteenth birthday party, a party that represents a promise to her family and faith. For me, this cake topper represents an event I wanted, resented, and never had. To understand my story, and stories similar, I need to explain a Quinceanera. The word Quinceanera incorporates the word Quince, which is fifteen in Spanish. In many Latin countries it is custom for a girl to celebrate her fifteenth birthday as passage of becoming a young woman and signifying her faith will remain strong her entire life. The faith, usually being Christianity or Catholic, incorpora...

  By Leah  A Family’s History in One Photo   My Grandmother and Grandfather look so in love, gazing at their wedding bouquet, likely imagining the life they were to create together, the memories they would form. This photo represents my place in society because the two people in this photo have greatly contributed to making me the person I am today. Although I never met my grandfather, I am inspired to be happier because of the way in which my mother describes him. Living with my grandmother for nearly ten years, learning from her, watching how she treats others, I am inspired. I desire to face the obstacles set in my path just as strongly and fiercely as my grandmother. Pushing through obstacles with not only determination, but with a smile on my face is the goal I would like to look back on in the future. My Grandparents (1959) My Bolita (2020)

By Leah 🐊 San Jacinto Plaza🚎 The San Jacinto Plaza, not only a two acre piece of land, but a place for people to interact, has affected the identity of the city of El Paso. From the purpose it served long ago, to the historical significance it provided today, the Plaza continues to impact the way El Paso is viewed, and has gifted a historical location for the population of the city to connect. For instance, the San Jacinto Plaza was opened to the public in 1883, making it an establishment impactful to the community since over a century ago. The San Jacinto Plaza, opening opportunities for new establishments to form, brought in many people, making businesses such as the Plaza hotel and the Plaza Theatre as successful and popular as they are today. Its convenient layout and purpose have drawn much of the population together in one iconic area.  During the late 50’s, my grandmother worked as a maid, crossing the border every day to take the streetcar to the Plaza and arrive at the h...

  El Paso weather has been something else for the past few days. It was hotter than even I, an El Paso native, could handle and suddenly there is snow and rain all over the city. But that's El Paso for you, it has some of the craziest weather I've ever seen. The weather is just one part of El Paso however.  Roaring with excitement, filled with talented individuals ranging from all ages, El Paso holds many gifted people within its borders .  While some may never get the chance to  pack their bags ,  seek ing  out their dreams, others luckily find their way outside of the surrounding Franklin Mountains. Part of thes e lucky few include a triad of siblings, The Johnson Trio, of which  consists of  two brothers and a sister   that sing, perform, and create   art of all mediums and genres  for the country to enjoy.   The Johnson Trio. Photo Courtesy: brandonbaileyjohnson.com The three siblings include Brandon, Chance, and Shelb...

Warning: There are mentions of bullying, harassments, and mental illnesses including depression. There are also reports of suicidal thoughts and actions. Please avoid reading if these could affect you and please seek help if you feel anything close to this. Numbers will be listed at the end of this report. This essay, produced as a report, presented a topic close to my heart. As a member of the LGBT+ community, I find it essential to fight for the rights of those who have been marginalized, terrorized, and erased from the world. Transgender individuals are faced with constant harassments from family, friends, the world for identifying as their true gender rather than the gender they were assigned at birth. My report focused on transgender teens, perhaps one of the most vulnerable groups of trans individuals. There are an estimated 1.4 million adults (Deschamps & Singer) nationally that present as trans [gender]. That number is roughly adults. Which mean there could be even more tee...