"Siempre hay que echarle ganas."
I am a true believer that sharing our stories deeply transforms us, changes the narrative of our community, and heals the world. The #Shareyourstory series is dedicated to highlighting diverse stories of Latinx individuals making a significant difference in their community. Norma Teresa currently serves as a Business Liaison for the Chamber of Commerce in the Salem Area. Norma Teresa's background working in higher education makes her an incredible leader in our community.
Preferred Pronouns:She, her, hers
Work Title (s):Business Liaison, Salem Area Chamber of Commerce
Favorite Quote: "Motivation is what gets your started. Habit is what keeps you going."- Jim Rohn
Who is Norma?I was born in Michoacán, Mexico. I migrated to the U.S. at the age of 12 and lived in Eugene, Oregon until I graduated from high school. I am the youngest of eight children. Coming from a big family you can imagine that family is a big part of my life. My partner and I have been in a relationship for the last 8 years. No children yet but we enjoy our nieces and nephews very much. My life purpose is to help others find theirs and I do this through my work and my day to day interactions with others. I try to help by providing resources, sharing my experiences and helping them plan their goals.
Did you attend college?If so, how did that impact your life? I attended Willamette University for my undergrad. I was the first one in my family to go to college. I majored in Latin American Studies and Spanish with a minor in History (let’s just say I enjoy leaning about everything and it was hard to narrow it down). I then realized that I enjoyed working with students and youth so I went back to school. I went to Portland State University and got a M.A. in Postsecondary, Adult & Continuing Education. Going to college opened my world to so many more possibilities and expanded my word view. It allowed me to do things I didn’t even know where possible and it has given me tools to help others.
What has been the biggest challenge you have had to overcome? Growing up in the U.S., as first generation Latina, was one of my biggest challenges. For 12 years of my life I knew what to do, how to communicate, who I was, where I belonged and what the expectations were. Then, out of nowhere everything changed. I came to the U.S. and I had to juggle two worlds; one at home and one at school. I couldn’t communicate and I felt like I didn’t belong. The expectations at home conflicted with the expectations at school. However, this helped me understand that my experiences helped shaped who I am today and thanks to them I have the privilege to navigate two worlds and relate with twice as many people. Sali ganando!
What is the one thing you are working on daily? I am constantly working on s getting over my own fears. Fear of going to college and not been good enough, fear of applying for a position and not doing a good job, fear of buying my own house and not being able to afford it, you get the point. Every day, I work on making sure that I don’t give up and I don’t let fear take over. Siempre hay que echarle ganas.
One piece of advice you wish someone would have given you during college or professional career? I wish someone would have told me that advocating for yourself is not demanding more than what you deserve. Ask for what you are worth.
What is your favorite kind of coffee? Vanilla latte is my go to but I love the chocolate caliente or arroz con leche. Yum!
En Solidaridad,
Araceli
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