The Social Flower

By Gardenia Zuniga-Haro I had come a long way from my first journalism days when I graduated high school to my mid twenties living in the big city. I have tried multiple  career paths such as police officer, film producer, but becoming a journalist was always a passion that to this day burns a fire in my heart.  I am still a work in progress. I can say I am proud I have accomplished a few articles for various publications such as Grabr, El Tecolote, and The Guardsman newspaper but my ultimate goal is to have my own publication. I can see myself having my own online publication where many other journalist who had many doors closed on their face like myself can use my  platform to share their columns, news, or even photojournalism stories. I still have to get the piece of paper that says my name, university, and have the signature of the dean who I will probably never meet however one thing I do not need is the EXPERIENCE in journalism. Last year I was fortunate t...

Summer time is all about the sun kissed beach days, pool parties with floating flamingos, and camp trips with the family but for me; Summer time was tragic! My summer started like any other,  filled with plans to visit my family and have fun under the sun but things took a tragic turn towards the end. The sunny summer I was living became a thunder storm as I received the worst Direct Message anyone could open via Instagram. It was my best friends little sister informing me that Gaby, whom I  loved like a sister had passed away that morning! I immediately thought it was a bad joke but my sky became dark and heavy as the thunder of truth arrived with the terrible news. Just like any storm, lighting stroked me as I answered the call that changed my life forever! Gabys mother, Myra was crying which such devastation that when she said, "Gaby passed away mija", I couldn't say anything other than, "No, no no! This is not happening!" I was in denial but hea...

Holiday season is the time where family gathers to eat several plates of turkey or in my family tamales and catch up on their latest achievements or better yet, catch up on the latest chisme,... Right? If you are smiling then you know its true! For the past 2 years I haven not had an ordinary holiday celebration with my family.  Last year I  thought it was risky to drive to Mexicali, Mexico  from San Francisco to spend the holiday with my grandmother but this year I went over seas all by myself. I went to Thailand. The land of $2 Pad Thai, fast Tuk Tuk (taxi) rides, and endless exotic temples to admire.  I was blessed enough to be refereed by a former classmate to a new company named Grabr. My friend Angela  told me how she felt I was perfect for this company. Within 24 hours, I emailed Grabr's Travel Squad manager and not even 2 weeks  since my first interview and I was asked if I could go to Thailand.....ABSOLUTELY! At first I was hesitant since...