Sunday, March 25, 2012

ITA TUTORING KIDS GO TO THE CIRCUS



Taking the kids from In The Arena after school tutoring program to the circus was a no-brainier. During the week the main conversation at tutoring was: Are you going the circus? and the answer would be the same: "No, my mom has things to do and dad is at work" Then, I had a brilliant idea, as long as someone helped me transport the kids to the the recreational center where circus was located (2 miles away from tutoring program) I could definitely take care of them there. If I only had a van, but I did not.



So, I went around the neighborhood and proposed to parents and kids. Make story short, that afternoon after tutoring I had a group of 11 kids going to circus. All of then could go in for free except adults. When I arrived there with my 11 kids, the person at admissions said: "Only one adult per 2 children" After, I explained I had volunteered to bring all this kids, a few questions regarding my role at ITA, and a possible ITA credential he proceeded to let all of us in. So, hint, hint, Im considering getting an In The Arena credential for future events.



I have not seen my kids this excited and happy. It reminded me of the very first time I went to a circus when I was little in Mexico. It was awesome to see many families and other kids there. All of us had a great time. It felt good to see the kids laugh and be entertained by real performers.



It was good to see that many kids and adults forgot about television, video games, or technology for once. Opportunities like this makes me appreciate and truly respect the organization I work for. In the Arena allows me have a flexible job which in many occasions turns out to be a life experience to all people involve. Having the opportunity to take my kids from tutoring to the circus is an experience all of us will remember for years to come. Just as I remember my very first time at a circus some 25 years ago.



Hope you enjoy a couple of videos from the show as much as we did.

What was your favorite?

Please leave your comments as I will be showing and teaching my kids at tutoring program about blogging.



Also, if you would like to get involve with this amazing organization, In The Arena, know that you can always make a donation or volunteer. If interested shot me and email: zoila@in-the-arena.org and I will be happy to direct you.

Monday, March 12, 2012

USATF AND CALLE 8



This weekend called for first athlete appearance ever for USATF at a mayor event in Miami. Never been in Miami before, so tried to make the best of the opportunity. Here some pictures and summary of the event.








Calle Ocho is the culmination of the two week long Carnival Miami in Miami, Florida. The largest ‘Latino’ celebration in the US.


Calle Ocho boasts city blocks full of musical stages, international foods, sampling sites and children’s entertainment. Nearly 1 million people come from all of the United States to dance, eat and celebrate Hispanic traditions.




Calle Ocho attracts more than 1 million people every year with a majority of Hispanics and Latin Americans. Almost 90% of Calle Ocho’s attendees are Spanish-speaking.



Me and distance runner an world championship participant, Sergio Reyes, were invited to come and join the crew at Calle 8 to help promote the sport. Information in Spanish versions of the USATF membership application, surveys and brochures were provided.



The Goals of The Market Calle 8 was to increase awareness of USATF among an unfamiliar demographic, increase membership, and gain valuable insights of this demographic through survey data.



Asi es senoras y senores USATF en busca de apoyo hispano. Asi que bienvnidos!



Thank USATF for the invitation~ It was quite an honor to be able to represent and help spread the word around about USATF within the hispanic population in Miami at Calle 8.


Got to meet and visit with two GREAT hispanic racers ~ Jorge Arteaga and Bryan Ortiz from NASCAR~ Fuel Your Dreams/ Alimenta tus Suenos!