Could you tell us your name, age, what do you work in, where you are from?
My name is Veronica Espinosa and I am 33 years old, I am currently working as a cook in a restaurant and was born and raised in Mexico.
Could you tell us how you got here in Virginia? In Charlottesville?
I arrived to the United States in 2007 with my daughter who was four years old at the time. The reason we came was to reunite with some family members, but things didn’t go as I expected. So I went my way and decided to stay here to give myself and daughter a better life.
How has being in Charlottesville shaped your experience as a Latinx individual?
My experience here in Charlottesville has not been easy, as a Latina, I’ve faced a lot of changes and challenges living here. For example, learning a new language and getting used to a whole different culture. I’ve had to learn on how to be able to give sound and recognition to my own culture and voice.
My greatest desire, rather than interest, is that we are more and more united as a community, especially in these moments where we live in very difficult times.
Could you tell us about your interests and passions both in working with the Latinx community of Charlottesville and anything else you enjoy doing?
My greatest desire, rather than interest, is that we are more and more united as a community, especially in these moments where we live in very difficult times.
We know you’re an active volunteer member of Creciendo Juntos, could you tell us the experience of being with Creciendo Juntos?
My experience in Creciendo Juntos has been good since I have found a space where there are people who have the same interests that I do. A united, informed, compassionate, and educated community with more opportunities, respect, and courage.
What has helped you move forward and been a support on your path in being a community leader?
My number one passion is to help others and secondly, the desire to learn every day to be a better person for myself, my family, and my community. So, I have tried to take all the opportunities that have been presented to me such as being an active volunteer member for the community.
As you immerse yourself more in action and activism, what needs do you see in the community?
The needs are many and they are very clear. They range from better conditions of access to health, housing, and education. Even more awareness of the importance of factors as determinant for personality as emotional well-being or the recognition of our human rights and obligations as individuals.
How has being a parent made an impact in your community works?
As a mother, I feel worried about the future of this society where my daughter and future generations will continue to live. As a result, I feel a responsibility to do my bit to contribute in some way to leave a good legacy to future generations.
You’ve expressed strong interests in advocating for mental health resources being accessible for latinx community, could you explain why is that?
For me, it is one of the biggest pillars of change and the growth of community well-being. As we understand our emotions, we learn to accept them. We learn to manage them and channel them properly and then we will grow as a person. Over time, we become more compassionate and empathetic with ourselves and with those around us whether our own family and/or with society in general. Since majority of our Latinx community come from countries where the access of knowledge in mental health is almost non-existent, there has been more increases of depression and anxiety in children, youth, and adults. Also, the cases of bullying in schools and social networks and even at work in the case of adults. So, as a community, we should be more informed and aware of the help resources available to deal with this situation is that more and more frequently they are becoming present in our families and surroundings
As you are a strong community member, what are ways you feel we can learn to mobilize and advocate for the Latinx community?
I think the most effective way is unity, respect and education among ourselves as a community
Written by Elizabeth Valtierra
Click here to read July 2019 Newsletter.