Graduation — Season of Celebration

May marks the beginning of graduation season for many across the country. This year we want to celebrate and highlight the accomplishments of Latino graduates as they pursue different paths through the world of academia. Studies have shown that Latinos in the U.S. have demonstrated rapid growth in relation to education enrollment rates both in high school and colleges. With college enrollment rates on the rise, the cost of college has become a burden for many as they embark on this journey. Despite the challenges that arise for Latino students in their pursuit of higher education, graduation rates have been on a steady incline over these past recent years.

Becoming a college graduate has a significant impact on not only the individual but the Latino community as well. The knowledge gained while obtaining a degree serves as a fundamental basis for lifelong learning. Along with this, it empowers people to use their skills to create opportunities for themselves. After graduating, some Latinos continue pursuing education by getting a Masters degree, while others enter the workforce. These two choices are not the only possibilities that exist as some may choose to take a gap year or begin a traveling career.

“Believing in your talents, your abilities and your self-worth can empower you to walk down an even brighter path”

-Soledad O’ Brian

Pernil Recipe

Pernil is a staple dish for Caribbean cuisine. This dish is very popular around the holidays and occasionally made throughout the year. We decided to share this recipe on our page so others can make this delicious staple dish. Once you try it out feel free to share your experience making this recipe via info@afro-latinabeauty.com

[Ingredients]

~ 8 cloves of Garlic

~ Seasoning* (Personal Preference)

~ 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil

~ 5 Teaspoons Lime Juice

~ 8lb -10lb Pork Shoulder

*Common seasonings used for this recipe are Adobo, Kosher Salt, Oregano, and Black Pepper

[Directions]

1. Using a mortar and pestle grind your seasonings and garlic cloves together

2. After cleaning the pork shoulder with lime juice, pat dry and poke 1 inch holes through the meat.

3. After this, pour the seasoning over the meat and ensure to get it inside the holes. For best results, marinate the meat for 3-24 hours.

4. Once the meat is fully marinated, heat the oven to 350, and put it on an aluminum pan, with foil on top.

5. After about an hour, remove the foil and continue to roast for 2-3 hours while basting.

6. You’ll know the meat is fully cooked by poking a knife in the skin and if it comes out clean it’s fully cooked.

Mental Health Matters: Strategies for Afro-Latina Women to Implement Into their Daily Routines

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time where we all should take a moment to check in with ourselves. As Afro-latina women, it’s important to take a step back, and engage in self care techniques that allow you to realign yourself. Taking care of yourself, mentally and physically, is a universal process that many of us undergo as we try to find our own ways to best proceed. For Afro-Latina women, the intersection of our race, gender, ethnicity and nationality makes our identity complex for others to understand, stressing the importance of self care. Below are some mental health tips that can help begin your process of taking care of your mental health. We encourage each and everyone of you to prioritize your mental health not only in the month of May but all year long.

[Mental health tips]

• Identify key stressors, aim to reduce these as much as possible

• Establish a morning routine that allows you to begin your day with gratitude and intention(s)

• Implement daily meditation into your routine for ease throughout the day

• Keep a journal to write down your thoughts, goals or any emotions you may be experiencing

• Find things that bring you joy such as listening to a podcast, tuning into your favorite show, or spending time with loved ones

• Set up a routine that allows you to physical exercise in a form that feels most comforting to you

• If accessible to you, try to seek out a therapist

We hope these tips begin your own mental health journey, and feel free to share with us what tips you implement into your daily routine info@afrolatinabeauty.com.