Bits & Pieces Archives - Page 2 of 15

Don Pedrito Jaramillo Shrine in Falfurrias, Texas

May 26, 2019 by Jillian 2 Comments

The Rio Grande Valley in South Texas, where I currently reside, is a very religious place. Historically, it was a Catholic region, due to the colonization that took place by Spanish conquistadors in the Americas. Here in the borderlands, curanderos (healers) played an important role in providing spiritual advice and remedies for physical and emotional ailments to people who could not afford to see doctors. Curanderismo is quite diverse, but traditionally incorporates elements of Catholic and indigenous medicine. The most well-known folk healer from this region is Don Pedrito Jaramillo, who was born in Mexico but spent the last quarter of his life here in a small town called Falfurrias.

My friend and I decided to drive up to Falfurrias and visit the shrine on a hot, sunny day in South Texas. It was a magical place, and here’s what I saw…

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Stella’s Rescue Journey

March 3, 2019 by Jillian Leave a Comment

This is Stella. Do not be alarmed by her sad looking face. She is one happy lady! She just has what I call “resting sad face” but in reality she is a happy, sweet pit bull whose tail is constantly wagging. I wanted to share the story of how Stella came into my life (and the raucous she has caused!) in the hopes that it will not only dispel the stereotype of pit bulls being aggressive dogs, but also in the hopes that it will motivate people to adopt not shop. Stella also has outstanding medical fees for $975 that are due this month and we need help – you can visit her Gofundme page to learn more: https://www.gofundme.com/sweet-stella039s-tumor-fund

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Old Hidalgo Pumphouse & World Birding Center

December 24, 2018 by Jillian 1 Comment

Last June I visited the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse in Hidalgo, Texas, a town that lies right on the border of Mexico in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley. Reynosa sits just on the other side of the Rio Grande River. Hidalgo was founded in 1852 and was first named Edinburgh, after the birthplace of Hidalgo’s founder. It became the county seat and the name was later changed to Hidalgo, which literally translates to “son of something” or loosely, “gentleman,” because it referred to someone of noble rank. The Hidalgo Pumphouse dates back to 1909, when it was built to service over 40,000 acres of land that needed irrigation, and was in operation until 1983 when a newer pump plant was opened nearby.

I went to visit the Old Pumphouse on a hot Thursday afternoon. It has been converted to a museum, and like the other parts of the lower valley, attracts birds because of the tropical climate, so it also functions as a birding center. I was the only visitor there, so it was quiet and peaceful, and I was surprised by just how beautiful it was. History and nature are two of my favorite things, and being able to combine the two is even better!

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Adventures of a First-Time Lobbyist in Washington, D.C.

August 25, 2018 by Jillian Leave a Comment

Since I’ve become a Political Science major, my desire to visit Washington, D.C. has increased by monumental (see what I did there?) proportions. It’s always seemed like a really cool, interesting city. Well, guess what? It totally is!

I was contacted by the regional director of Citizens’ Climate Lobby back in May to see if I would like to attend their annual international conference in D.C. They wanted someone to represent my district in Texas and they were willing to cover my plane ticket and hostel. Not only would I get to attend a conference with lots of seminars and workshops that discussed all sorts of environmental topics, but I would also get to lobby on Capitol Hill!

I said yes, and I’m so glad that I did because it was really fun and a great experience. I can’t wait to go back to D.C., and in the meantime, here are some highlights of my trip!

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Growing & Empowering Female Leaders at NEW Leadership Texas

July 25, 2018 by Jillian Leave a Comment

“If you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re probably on the menu.”

Historically, women have felt this way in many regards, including politically. Today, despite some forward movement, the inequality still exists. But NEW Leadership is hoping to help change that. Originally developed by the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University, the non-partisan program has spread to 24 states, providing intensive workshops to undergraduate female students. The goal is to address the under-representation of women in American politics by preparing and empowering them to be effective leaders in their communities and beyond.

A professor at my university had posted a flyer about it on their social media and I decided to apply. I had to write essays, perfect my resume, get letters of recommendation, and find a department at my school to sponsor the $500 program fee. But it was totally worth it because I was accepted into the program! This past May, on my birthday, I drove seven hours from South Texas to Austin for a six-day residential program at the University of Texas and here is a little bit of what I experienced there…

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