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Meet Nathaniel Herrera
My Little Brother
Q: How old are you?
A: I just turned 8 years old yesterday.
Q: What do you like to do for fun?
A: Before we had to stay home, I liked to play baseball. Right now, I like playing video games with my friends!
Q: What's your favorite color?
A: Black because it is a cool color. My mom says it goes with everything.
Q: Are you a night owl or an early bird?
A: I'm a night owl. If my parents would let me, I would sleep all day!
Q: How do you like being the younger brother?
A: I don't like it because sometimes I feel like I get treated like a baby, like I can't take care of things. I wish I was the older sibling then I would get newer things.
Meet Reeses
My Pet
Q: How long have you been with our family?
A: Mom and Dad brought me home from the shelter when I was just a kitten. They say I am 13 years old.
Q: What is a typical day like for you?
A: Well, when I notice the sun shining through the windows, I like to go into Mom and Dad's room to tell them I'm hungry. I have to nudge Mom for what seems like hours until she gets up. After she gives me food, I like to go downstairs and see what she's doing. Then I go back to Mom and Dad's room and lay around for most of the day. Mom and Dad will take turns laying with me for a little bit and then the little ones come in and I take off because all they want to do is pick me up and I hate that. Usually when I run off I go to find my little brother Snickers. I like to beat up on him a little bit and remind him that I'm the older brother. When the darkness comes I like to just roam the house singing but I don't think my parents like it because they are always yelling at me to stop. I eventually find a spot to sleep for awhile until I get hungry again.
Q: Who is your favorite human?
A: I would say Mom. She's the one who feeds me. Dad likes to hold me and cuddle with me a lot but he's always yelling at me when I'm trying to play with Snickers.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do?
A: Oh that's definitely sleep. There's nothing better than just laying around.
Q: If you had one wish what would it be?
A: Hmm, that's a tough one. Maybe that I was an only pet, that way I would get all of the attention. Or maybe an only child that way there wouldn't be any kids always chasing me trying to pick me up. Oh, I know, I would wish I didn't have to eat the food Mom gives me. I want to eat what my brother eats,. Why do I have to eat more healthy?
Meet Mark Herrera
Q: How is it to work at Costco during the pandemic?
A: It’s pretty tough. People line up early and it stays pretty busy throughout the day. It’s hard to tell people we don’t have the items they want.
Q: What are some of the products in demand?
A: Definitely Clorox wipes and disinfecting spray. Toilet paper and kitchen towels aren't so much as before.
Q: What is the best advice for people that need these items?
A: Probably go first thing in the morning, but seniors and first responders do get priority. Costco usually gets one trailer of supplies in the afternoon so always ask if there is any chance some items are on there.
Q: Do you still like your job?
A: Yes I do, it’s stressful but when we do have the supplies people want and we give it to them people get happy and that feels cool.
Q: How did COVID-19 impact your life?
A: COVID-19 is definitely a struggle. It's definitely hard to keep up with things when so many people are demanding for things. I'm trying to make it as normal as I can for me and my fiancé but still being cautious by wearing a mask and being careful with who I'm around, but work has definitely has been a struggle. I'm a little sad that because I'm so exposed to the virus, I can't see my niece and nephew or my brother and his wife, or even my parents. It's been pretty sad knowing that I won't be seeing them and other family and friends for a while.
Meet Emily Sallach
Q: What made you decide to be a Wedding Planner?
A: I have always had a love for the hospitality industry. Throwing a good get together, and making everyone feel welcome and at home was something that I was not only good at, but really enjoyed. After having my second child, I knew that I wanted more time with my kiddos. However, I needed a career that would be able to share my time with my family. In those days, I was watching a few television shows about wedding planning. I had worked in the corporate event world previously, and was inspired by the shows to put my planning skills to use once again. I thought what better way to bless someone, than to help make one of the most important days in their lives as special and seamless as possible.
Q: How long have you been a wedding planner?
A: I began my business in January of 2013. I guess that would make Events By Emily Kay about 7.5 years old. :)
Q: Did you planning your own wedding?
A: I had what would be considered today a micro-wedding. This was many years before I had even considered becoming a wedding planner. I was excited to marry the man I loved, I didn't think much about the big wedding. We got married at The Old Mill, in North Little Rock, AR. Only our immediate family was there. It was a sweet intimate ceremony, officiated by my grandfather. My mother surprised me with a bouquet. I didn't even think of that. Who knew back then that I would know the ins and outs of weddings on every scale you can imagine. All I knew is that I had a groom, a ring, a dress and someone to marry us. I was good to go. After the ceremony we went to a nice dinner. About a month later we had a party with our friends to celebrate our marriage. I probably planned more details for that day, than I did for our actual ceremony.
Q: How has the impact of COVID-19 affected your business?
A: The Wedding and Events Industry has been hit extremely hard due to Covid-19. With gathering not being permitted for the indefinite future, I along with many of my peers, have had to put our businesses on pause for the time being. That basically means we are shut down until the government allows us to resume. The majority of my 2020 clients have postponed their weddings to 2021. Many couples that are still hoping to have their 2020 celebrations, are considering the ways that Covid-19 will make their event different. For instance, everyone might be wearing masks. Dancing may not look like it used to with having to keep 6 ft apart. Guests may only be able to sit with the people they live with, and so much more. If allowed, weddings during the time of Covid-19 are going looking very different, especially here in Los Angeles. So this year, while we can't have gatherings, I am supporting my clients as best as possible and preparing for the many events that will be coming my way in 2021.
Q: If you were the president of the USA for one day, what would you do?
A: Interesting question. There are so many things that I would want to do, to help carry out the vision of a world where all are created equal. However, since I only have one day, I would probably make a national holiday, where everyone took a break from media and technology to spend a day in nature, enjoying the beautiful country we live in. It could be called "Unplugged Nature Day" or something like that. I bet that motion could get passed in a day.
Meet Christie Hall
Medical Speech-Language Pathologist
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Q: What made you decide to be a Medical Speech-Language Pathologist?
A: I knew that as a Speech-Language Pathologist I would have many different opportunities to help people in a wide variety of ways. I could work with children with special needs, such as Autism, and deaf/hard of hearing children. I could work with adults who had neurological impairments, or difficulty swallowing. I could even (with a little extra medical training) learn to place prosthetic (fake) voice boxes in patients who unfortunately lost their own voice boxes due to cancer. (This is the route I took!)
Q: How does it feel to be working on the front-lines?
A: I think most health care workers would agree it has definitely been a bit more stressful working in a hospital during this pandemic. At times it's been sad, getting the twice daily COVID statistical updates. At times, it's been scary, not knowing much about the patient whose room I am about to enter and, as I said, it has definitely been stressful. However, it's also been a rewarding experience and encouraging to see our entire medical team come together and unify for one purpose. I am incredibly grateful for the medical workers who are truly on the front-line such as the ER and ICU staff, they are definitely heroes in my eyes!
Q: Who was your biggest influence growing up?
A: I would have to say my sister. As a child, I always wanted to be like her and now that we are grown, I realize why. She is incredibly smart and a total Supermom (which was not always an easy task for sure!). She loves the Lord fiercely and unapologetically and she is about the nicest person you'll ever meet. Besides all this, she is so very humble that she probably would not admit to any of these things; however, they are all true!
Q: If you were to spend the day with one person dead or alive, who would it be?
A: There are so many good choices, but I guess I would choose Helen Keller. She is the essence of what pure determination and perseverance looks like.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self?
A: Big dreams are good, but don't forget the small things in life. It's the little things in life that matter. Say hello to that new student on their first day of school. Ask the student with special needs to play at recess. Ask your friends how they are doing often and really take the time to listen to their response. Bring food to your elderly neighbors and take time to eat it with them, etc. In the end, people might not look back at your life and remember the great things you accomplished, but they will remember all the little things you accomplished that made you great.
Meet Nia and Knox Ocampo
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Q: What is your favorite place that you've been to so far?
Nia: Singapore because it has the most American food and the people were very nice.
Knox: Dubai because it is the nicest place in the world. The only downside is that they banned roblox and facetime. We now have to use Skype or Zoom and we can only play Minecraft.
Q: If you could get out of doing one chore, what would it be?
Nia: I don’t want to make my bed anymore
Knox: It would be to not set the table.
Q: Do you like traveling?
Nia: Yes! I love it!
Knox: Yes, I love to travel.
Q:Do you like to be moving around A LOT?
Nia: I do but the thing is I sweat my butt off but I love to explore
Knox: I like it because I get stronger and I can burn calories.
Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Nia: Definitely a vet because I really like animals. I just like to work with animals for some reason.
Knox: I want to be an architect because I get to build and I like building structures.
Meet Andres Godinez
Q: What is an Audiologist?
A: An Audiologist is a medical professional who diagnoses, manages and treats hearing & balance problems for individuals from birth through adulthood.
Q: If you could have any other job, what would it be?
A: I would be the President of the USA.
Q: Do you have any advice that you’d like to share with other people in the world about?
A: Life is short! Follow your dreams.
Q: What advice would you give your younger-self?
A: 1st advice; its better to take risks than to never have risked at all.
2nd advice; Always follow your passion rather than money.
The most important, do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Meet Darlene Wescoat
My Great Grandma
Q:What is the fondest memory of being a great grandma?
A: Having great grandkids.
Q: How long have you and great grandpa been married?
A: We’ve been married 62 years. The secret to having a long marriage is true love.
Q:If you were to spend the day with one person dead or alive, who would it be? Why?
A: My mother. I have so many questions for her like things that have happened in her life and because I want to know more about our family.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do?
A: I love to read. I enjoy books that take me to different places.
Q: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what food and drink would you want to have for the rest of your life?
A: I would have water and fish, got to stay healthy.
Meet Sabrina Perez
Actress
Q: What made you decide to become an actress?
A: I was 8 years old when I saw a young gal about my age delivering a very compelling monologue on a soap opera my mother was watching. I felt what she felt and I wanted to be able to do that for others, too.
Q: Have you ever played a character that you really connected with?
A: I’ve been given roles that have all taught me different things and that I’ve had a great time bringing to life...but the one role I’ve loved the most is part of a project I’m currently in preproduction for. Can’t talk about it Just yet but let’s just say this gal kicks some serious butt! ;)
Q: If you were to have a different job, what would it be?
A: I would be a Pediatrician.
Q: Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
A: My mother has been the biggest influence in my life. She’s one of the strongest, most talented and hardworking women I know.
Q. If you were stranded in a deserted island what is the one food you would want to eat for the rest of your life?
A: Hahaha! This is something I’ve thought about and it’s hard to pick ONE meal to repeat because so much food is ALWAYS on my mind . I’d have to say to drink I’d love some Fresh Passion Fruit Juice and to eat, some Thai yellow curry Chicken soup with avocado and steamed white rice :)
Meet Savannah Lopez
School Teacher
Q: If you were to spend the day with one person dead or alive, who would it be and why?
A: Without question, I would choose my grandma. She passed away when I was 17 years old and there are so many life moments I was never able to share with her. I especially want to tell her about my career as a teacher because I know how proud she would be and I want to tell her all about my wedding and show her pictures of the day. She will forever be my favorite person!
Q: How did you know that you wanted to be a teacher?
A: I have always loved teaching. Even as a little girl I would set up my stuffed animals in my bedroom and "teach" them lessons, but I actually thought I wanted to be a nurse at first. When I first started going to college, I was taking the classes required to apply to a nursing program. Then one summer, I got hired to work at a summer camp as a counselor. That was a huge turning point for me! Once I started working with kids, I realized there was nothing else I would rather do. That school year, I started working in the classroom and I have never looked back!
Q: What have you learned on your journey from being a teacher?
A: Being a teacher has taught me so much about who I am as well as shaped my view of the world at large. I think some of the most important lessons I have learned because I am a teacher are that respect is not freely given, it is earned, change is inevitable and flexibility is key, and mistakes are always a chance to do better. In addition to these, I have also come to realize that at the end of the day, relationships are what make all of the difference in education. If you can reach a child's heart and show them that you truly care, then the places you can take them academically are limitless.
Q: Will this pandemic have any effect on how you will teach your students in the future?
A: Absolutely! As an educator, this experience has forced me to think about what skills are really important for students to focus on. It has reminded me of how powerful student voice and choice is, and has also reminded me why personalized learning experiences are so valuable. It has forced me to think outside of the box, and pull creativity from areas I did not even realize I had in me. I hope that all teachers and schools will use this experience to improve the classroom experience for everyone. I think this pandemic has shown that the idea of, "we've always done it this way" is no longer relevant.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self?
A: I would tell myself to practice loving and respecting myself no matter what because everything you do in life is directly related to the way you feel about yourself! Success and failure...everything! It's all related to the way you view yourself. When you love and respect yourself, you are more confident and your choices reflect that confidence. I believe that is the key!
Meet Rocio Ocampo
Instagram Influencer
Q: What made you decide to pursue a career as an influencer?
A: After I had twins, I become a blogger in order to connect with other moms. Then I met moms online who kept telling me join Instagram, so I joined. I started posting my blogs there and built a mommy community. I was super excited to meet other mommy influencers on Instagram and become one myself.
Q: What have you learned on your journey?
A: To be patient. That you have to put in a lot work even without receiving anything and one day those rewards will slowly start to come. Also to be yourself. Don't follow the crowd. Then you will just be one of them. The more you share who you are the more people will relate to you and like you for being authentic.
Q: Who was your inspiration to become an influencer?
A: Christine Andrew, a mommy fashion influencer. She has a blog called Hello Fashion Blog. I love seeing her do her fashion work while still being a mom of now 4 kids. She inspired me by letting me know that I can do whatever I want. I can be great at my job and also be a great mom.
Q: If you can have lunch with one person dead or alive who would it be and why?
A: Jennifer Lopez. I admire her work ethic SO MUCH. She works super hard, has accomplished so much and still makes time for her family. She makes it look easy but I know it's not. I want to know how she balances her life.
Q:What advice would you give your younger self?
A: I would tell my younger self to never lose hope. That no matter how far you seem to be away from where you want to be, NEVER stop believing that you will somehow make it.
BELIEVE in your purpose and keep moving forward!