"From a Peer" messages are written by BOLD students and student workers to听share information that they find meaningful. We are proud of this opportunity to feature BOLD student voices in our community. If you are a CU Engineering student and have ideas for content or would like to contribute, please contact BOLD@colorado.edu.
GoldShirt and BOLD Scholars Fall 2022 Celebration
By Amanda Figueroa Diaz
On December 1, the BOLD Center and听Engineering GoldShirt Program celebrated the end of the Fall 2022 semester by bringing together Scholars and soon-to-be graduates.
The event took place at Rustandy Auditorium. Students enjoyed a game of bingo and ate delicious empanadas. The atmosphere was relaxed, as most were excited to spend time with friends and take a breather from final exam preparations.听
The soon-to-be graduates took the stage to give a quick word of advice to their fellow Scholars.听
At the end of the night, the GoldShirt Fall 2022 ceremony reminded us that our goal shouldn鈥檛 just be to reach the finish line. We should make as many memories as we can, spend time with friends, and learn lifelong lessons. That is what makes these years in school worthwhile.
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10 Engineering students on how they鈥檒l celebrate the end of the fall semester
By Amanda Figueroa Diaz
The semester is coming to an end and we can鈥檛 wait to enjoy a well-deserved break and recharge. It can be especially hard to stay motivated, however, after returning from Thanksgiving break for the last two weeks of classes.听
In an effort to learn more about what keeps engineering students motivated during this time, we posed a simple question: How will you reward yourself after getting through this semester?听
Here are some responses from students at the BOLD Center:听
Follow us on instagram () and let us know what motivates you during these last two weeks and how you plan on rewarding yourself after getting through the semester.
You matter. A lot.
By Amanda Figueroa Diaz
Sometimes it鈥檚 easy to believe your worth is based on an exam score.听The pressure is on to get good grades, to find the right internship, to get the best paying job after graduation.听
But what happens if things don鈥檛 go your way the first time around?
We鈥檙e told to try again, to not give up. And while persistence is necessary for success, so is reminding yourself that you are more than your academic performance.听It is normal to feel discouraged and unmotivated at times.听The BOLD Center team wants to remind you to take a moment to see your worth and the worth of those around you.听
On Monday, Nov. 7, the BOLD Center gave out free shirts to anyone who stopped by. The catch? Make sure to tell someone how much you appreciate them when you wear it.听
The shirts had a simple message: 鈥淵ou Matter. (a lot)鈥�
At BOLD, we recognize that words matter. We want to promote inclusivity and recognize the hard work of students, staff and faculty in our community.听This week, take a moment to tell someone just how much you value them. Write it down or say it out loud, whichever you prefer. You never know who needs to hear those kind words.
Self Care During the Semester
By Bruno Armas
You have officially made it to week 12 of the semester! It might feel like it was just the first day of school, and then you blinked and it鈥檚 today. Maybe you're feeling an abundance of stress and are in short supply of motivation. With the third round of midterms just around the corner, it is more important that you take care of yourself so you can finish out the semester strong.
Here are some tips to help you finish out the semester:
Many on campus are experiencing the same emotions you are at this moment. You are not alone in facing these struggles. Do not hesitate to reach out to BOLD staff, your peers or faculty for help. And remember to celebrate your progress and achievements!
Sharing Tradition: El Dia de Los Muertos
By Amanda Figueroa Diaz
During the month of August, the Aztecs paid homage to the goddess of the underworld, Mictecacihuatl. They believed that if they appeased her, they would prevent her from returning to the world of the living. Learn about the history of the Aztecs, their affinity for the skull, and how it all led to the Day of the Dead.听
Long before the arrival of the Spanish, the Aztecs held a month-long ritual celebrating their deceased ancestors. They paid homage to the deity believed to watch over the bones of their loved ones, the goddess of the underworld, Mictecacihuatl.
To this day, millions of Mexicans and Mexican Americans continue the tradition, known as el Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead).听
In the United States, while many focus on the October 31 celebration of Halloween, Mexican families prepare for the following two days that make up Day of the Dead.听
November 1 is known as el Dia de Los Inocentes (Day of the Innocents) or Dia de Los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels). It is reserved for the young children that have passed away. November 2 commemorates the deceased adults - los muertos.听
Families celebrate the spirits of loved ones by creating home altars. Ofrendas (offerings) such as candles, food, photos and trinkets welcome the spirits into the home.听Flor de Muerto (flower of the dead), sweet-smelling bright orange and yellow marigolds, are placed on graves and throughout the home. Papel picado (colorful peckered paper) is used to liven the streets and cemeteries.听
The concept of death is not associated with morbidity as it is in the United States and other parts of the world. Instead, families decorate their homes with color to cheer up the visiting spirits.
The Aztecs, like other Mesoamerican peoples, believed that grief was disrespectful to the dead. Skulls represented the promise of rebirth and were displayed in temples and on artwork, scrolls and even clothing.听During Dia de los Muertos, they are a significant reminder to enjoy life and embrace mortality. Death is an inevitable rite of passage that should not be feared or met with tears, but with smiles and celebration.
Today, families that celebrate Dia de los Muertos carry forward this tradition and express the sentiment that loved ones only truly die when we forget about them.
Thoughts on Halloween and Cultural Appropriation
By Bruno Armas
Appropriation is the action of taking something for one鈥檚 use, typically without the owner鈥檚 permission, and not having an awareness of the significance to the owner.听Cultural appropriation听is the act of taking or using things from a culture that is not your own, especially without showing that you understand or respect this culture, and using it for your own purposes. For example, wearing a Native American headdress as part of a costume. If it is a part of someone鈥檚 culture, it should not be a part of your costume.
Before you head out for your Halloween activities, ask your yourself these five questions:
- Am I using a symbol/object not from my culture?
- Do I know what the symbol/object represents?
- Am I using the symbol/object appropriately?
- Do I benefit from wearing this costume? How?
- Will my costume make others feel uncomfortable? How so?
With these guidelines in mind, everyone can enjoy a fun and inclusive Halloween that is reflective of our values. Happy Halloween!