Winter Quarter 2012

It's crazy to think that Winter Quarter was almost a year ago, but either way I am reflecting on it now. My biggest mistake of that quarter was Burlesque, no really that was the one class in all my years of education that I most regret.  It was just not for me, I'm a shy and not-okay-with-nudity person and although the class was titled feminism, it definitely did not feel like it.  My friend, also in a wheelchair took the class with me and the looks we both received were priceless.  We were required to make pasties (nope not pastries, you read correctly...pasties) as well as watch our fellow classmates perform.  It was the most awkward experience ever.  My so-called social experiment on the world regarding their reaction to two girls in wheelchairs was pretty much an epic fail because the class itself was so awkward.  Nonetheless, my friend definitely made the class bearable and we just laughed at the pity and awkward looks.  Even though I did not particularly enjoy the class, my friend has started a pasties-making business and has extended her creativity, so yay for her. :)

On the bright side my other two classes were very enjoyable, stressful and intense, but very rewarding in the educational department.  I took Media Across Cultures and a Social Movement class, both of these classes made me see that as individuals who participate in social media we can have a huge impact in this world.  These classes just made me much more aware of how much I use social media, like this blog, and what it can be used for, not just the conventional, as well as the pros and cons.  Knowledge is definitely power! Stay tuned for my Spring Quarter post!!!

Adios readers,
Yomara :)

Where have I been this whole summer?!

I know, I know where has Yomara been the whole summer? Honestly I've been getting a lot of tasks done, some fun, some just plain tedious, but nonetheless I have accomplished several things this summer.  Number one on the list was, and is because I haven't finished, going to my new hospital and meeting all my new doctors, I was officially let go from Children's because I am twenty-one, although let's be honest I have a young face and could easily pass for a twelve year old.  I took a five credit class that was condensed into a month instead of the usual ten week quarter system, that was intense because I had to put my brain on the topic of Social Research for a month!  Luckily the class was really interesting and taught me how much social research is a part of everyday life, not to mention our professor was really funny and that made the class go by a lot quicker. Last, but certainly not least, I was busy trying to raise awareness about Camp Promise and the fact that we were quickly approaching our deadline, but had not reached our fundraising goal. It was a very close call, but thanks to so many great donors camp was able to happen. Just like last year it was most definitely the best week of my year!!!!!!  I got to hang out with all my old friends, meet some new ones, and make more EPIC memories to suffice until the next time we get to see each other. I have many exciting news so stay tuned!!!

Adios readers,
Yomara :)

Defeat

We all experience defeat sooner or later in life, sadly it is often sooner rather than later.  To start off my defeat rant I acknowledge that I have not posted anything for more than three months, I was defeated by school.  Yes school won a round this year, but stay tuned to the end of  this post to hear how I punched school in the face! I had two of my core classes this year, one in winter quarter and one in spring quarter, which is why I was determined to get respectful grades in both classes.  Even when I had time to write all I could think about was the upcoming assignments I had to do.  Spring break was almost non-existent because I had a huge paper due the last day of finals week, and then the week of vacation I had I spent sleeping, watching television, and hanging out with friends.  So in terms of being loyal to my writing and this blog I was defeated, but if it's any consolation to myself I had to read and write so much these last six months that at least I know I was technically still writing.

Now although my writing is very important to me there is another way that I was defeated, play the violins now, I didn't get on the Ellen show.  Let's be honest that deserves a sad face :(  It's weird to admit this defeat because I felt so much support from my camp family and people that I have had the pleasure of meeting that I was honestly a bit surprised she never contacted me.  I put so much effort into all the possible ways I could reach Ellen that it was disappointing when my birthday came around and I didn't make it on the show.  The thing is things happen for a reason and I'm still a huge Ellen fan and I LOVE her show especially watching the great things she does for some very deserving people.  Most importantly she spreads joy and laughter through her show, so I only hope she keeps doing so! :)

I have many blog posts ideas so stay tuned my readers on my last year as an undergraduate!!!!!! :O  Oh did I mention I made it on the DEAN'S LIST for Spring quarter?!?!?!?!  Remember I had said that that was almost impossible for me because it's so hard to focus on school in the Spring, well I proved myself wrong and defeated the limitations I had imposed on myself!  I was also published in my university's online health magazine and made my first video project EVER!!!  I also stayed healthy and have managed to recruit and fundraise for camp! So if you ever feel defeated just keep swimming and you'll eventually reach a beautiful coral reef :)

Adios readers,
Yomara :)

Peace

So in case you have not gotten my recurring theme recently I will type it out for you: live today as if its your last. I'm not trying to sound depressing, but instead urging everyone of you to seize the day. Many situations have been happening this year in my life where people have died (from camp and distant family) or stuff I hear about on the news that is more evil and unjust from what I'm used to hearing about. Recently watching the Shane Burcaw video and The Buried Life I just keep realizing that life is so short and who knows if we're here tomorrow.  I guess what I'm trying to say is appreciate the good things in your life and tell the people you love that you love them.  Last week's episode on Glee made me think what I would do or say if I was going to die within a couple of hours or minutes.  So in light of so many recent events, like the bombs in Boston and the Sandy Hook shooting, don't take any day for granted.

Stay safe readers and adios,
Yomara :)

I spent most of this video trying not to cry...

 http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NwZZZkrJycQ

This video is pure gold!!! Shane has the same disability as me, but a bit more severe. The guy is soooo funny, this is how I try to see life with comedy relief. :) His blog is also legit!!! http://laughingatmynightmare.1000notes.com/

I'll post things of value this weekend, promise!

Adios readers,
Yomara :)

21!!!!

Aaaaaahhhhh I'm a couple hours from turning 21!!! Can you believe it!? I can't! Today it has literally hit me in the face like a billion times! I know what you're going to say Yomara just walks out (see what I did there) on her blog for almost two months and then she comes back out of nowhere with a post about her birthday...really Yomara...really?!

Well yes really!!! Ellen hasn't gotten in contact with me yet, but I'm not giving up because I know she is still filming episodes until the end of May!  I'm almost 21!!!

Adios readers,
Yomara :)

The EVER ANTICIPATED reason

So you're probably thinking why is Camp Promise SO important to Yomara, she's only gone one year, she's just super exaggerated about why she loves camp.  No?  Well, that is what I think you are thinking, which just proves I overanalyze myself and other people all the time...oops!

So this blog post that I have worked on for awhile gives the reasons why I LOVE camp, you see aside from the awesome activities camp involves, the main component of camp is the people.  In everyday experiences people don't understand me, they don't treat me like a human being, and I get it I really do, a wheelchair IS intimidating there is no denying that, but at camp I feel accepted, I don't feel stares or uncomfortable situations.  I don't have to worry about being me, crippled and all, and the thing is I don't mean being accepted just because I'm around other people in wheelchairs.  The thing that makes me smile the most is seeing able bodied people (the staff and counselors) develop a bond or friendship with the campers.  Even if I were to never walk and the cure is never found in my lifetime, nothing makes me happier than seeing that I have made friends and changed able bodied people's perspective of the disabled.  Ali means so much to me because she takes care of me like a sister and that is what I see at camp--friendships and smiles, as cheesy as that sounds.

So (ugh that's the third paragraph I have started with that word...gross writing skills) Ellen DeGeneres these are the people that make camp possible, they fundraise, they work for a week WITHOUT pay, and I hope all these people COME BACK THIS YEAR!!!!!

Staff

Terin: You are the woman in charge!  You make camp happen!  You fundraise like crazy and you do everything in your power to make us campers have an unforgettable experience!  You are super funny and incredibly friendly, so much so that knowing you are in charge makes everyone feel like camp is in good hands.

Libby: You are always on the go, eager to help, or simply say hello.  Whether it be accepting a pie in the face or making sure everything and everyone are where they’re supposed to be you do it with a smile.

Beth: You are the mom of camp, you are constantly walking up and down the camp site tending to everyone's needs.  When supplies arrive at camp you make sure everything goes where it is supposed to.  You are so kind to all the campers and make sure everything is sanitary, which I really appreciate.

Matt: People may say you are strict about curfew, but I appreciate you for it.  You own that golf cart as you ride across the camp site and get stuff done.  You saved us from a cougar, that just proves you're hard core.

Nick: You charge forty plus power wheelchairs every night and you are Matt's right hand man in all things awesome. 

Mark: Your photography skills are the BOMBDIGGITTY and you're my favorite cheerleader.

Stephanie (lifegaurd): You made sure we didn't drown which basically means you saved our lives, and you had the best music playing by the pool.

Steph (not lifeguard): You made camp so fun with your humor, and you help spread camp love by being camp's publicist.

The Chefs and Nesil: Thank you for the THREE meals a day, prepared hot and very tasty.  Also for cleaning up after every meal.

April: Thank you for the endless fun in Arts & Crafts and for being our shopper every night and day for things we needed last minute.

PURPLE CABIN

Allison: You are AWESOME and cheesy like me.  Thanks for all the gossip and for keeping Niki alive for a week.

Angie: You are fierce and ridiculously funny.  Thank you for being my bet buddy.

Deanie: You are the friendliest and quick to the rescue.  Thanks for wiping my eyes when they would randomly start leaking from the light bulb's strength.

Hayley: You were so sweet and welcoming.

Stephanie (purple cabin): You have super muscles and can push a wheelchair like a boss.

Gabby: You are so glamorous, but you put your campers first and that says so much about your kind heart.

Loan: You were my morning buddy, thanks for the conversations.  You are so sweet.

Emilia: You came to the purple cabin's rescue, and you are so much fun.  Your fashion is amazing.

BLUE CABIN

Travis: It was your first year and you dressed up the BEST.  You were such a great sport in all the pranks and bets.

Nick: You were super nice and helpful towards everyone.

Andrew: Your poetry is wickedly good, and you're like really funny.

GREEN CABIN

Nora: You're so sweet and welcoming to my camp first time at camp.

Shannon: You are one inspiring woman, working and volunteering at camp.  You do so much for society, I appreciate all you do, EMT, Beauty Pageant participant, med school, superwoman.

Paige: Your custom made outfits are awesome and you own at the ukelele.

Sarah: Your camper wasn't there at the beginning of the week, but you were lending a helping hand at all times.

ORANGE CABIN

Kelly: I'm still unsure why we call you "Cousin Kelly" but you are incredibly kind and patient.  You also have really nice hair.

Omar: Just being around you makes me feel like a cooler person and you're incredibly smart.

BLACK CABIN

Tim: You're humor is the best and you're a doctor so you're automatically really cool.  <---This guy gets three weeks of vacation a year, he spends one at camp.

Queenie: You are hard core awesome because you go into burning buildings and save lives.  I've also watched your expertise shine through while crushing a pill, I was impressed.

Daniel: You stayed up many a night fixing a boat you had hopes of working, just to give us campers the experience of a lifetime.  You are also hilariously funny.

The Fantastic Four post from months ago... http://yoyoyomara.blogspot.com/2012/11/compliment-letter-for-fantastic-four.html

Thank you to Joshua who rents out the camp site and the volunteer nurses that give us our medications.  From across the world many people help make camp a reality :)

I hope I didn't forget anyone, and if I did it was unintentional.

Adios readers,

Yomara :)