Introducing myself and my journal

About Me:
I usually shy away from self descriptions because I have not mastered yet the feeling of fully representing "myself" and personality via Internet without feeling embarrassed or fake. But in the name of "becoming part of the Pulse", I will attempt to describe myself to my future friends and sisters of this Pulse Wire community.

Here are some basics: I am from Salem, Oregon and now I live in Portland. I am studying Public Administation and Policy and Portland State University. I have a deep love for Latin America and have been able to live in Peru and Mexico since graduation from college and I feel that I have a family and second and third home in those countries.

I have three brothers, and great parents. My family, like many American families is mixed. My grandparents are immigrants from Ireland and Italy. I have lived my life intrigued by the cultural and social difference between me, my mother, my grandmothers and great-grandmothers. It is a constant reminder to me, that although change may seem slow or at times impossible, society can change and progress.

Being raised in a Catholic household with three brothers in the USA I was acutely aware at a young at that certain life options are not available for women and sometimes prohibited but at the same time that there exists a hope to defy oppressive belief systems. The feeling of being "invisible" or "less-than" has caused me pain in my life. As I grow-up and mature, I like to believe that this personal wound was placed there in order to harness change and empathize with women around the world. I do not want any woman to ever feel that they are "less-than". I want us all to feel great and like powerful forces of love, compassion and strength.

My Passions:
Social Justice, Empowerment, Community, Sustainable Development, Playing Outside, Laughing, Learing, Adventuring, Dreaming, Creating

My Challenges:
Consistent Self Acceptance, Finding Balance, Staying Focused, Finding Where and How I Can Make a Contribution

My Vision for the Future:
Equality, Diplomacy, Equilibriam, Economic Justice, Commitment to Sustainable Growth

My Areas of Expertise:
Expertise, hmmmm... I need to contimplate think about this one