Vicky Barrios
City you live in:
I live in Queens, New York. My second home is Manhattan. I work as a Research Recruiter in the city and go to school for my PhD there too. If I had a third home it would be Brooklyn, where a few of my best friends live and where I went to college for my Bachelor’s. I actually can’t express how much I love NYC.
English/Spanish/Spanglish:
I speak English and Spanish.
Spanish was my first language and it’s still the primary way I communicate with my mom and many of my family members. I love to continue immersing myself in the language as much as I can. It’s also been an integral part of my work experience. As a Social Worker in my role as Therapist, therapy was conducted in Spanish more times than not. I appreciate the families I’ve worked with who have helped me get better over the years. I only speak Spanglish for fun y solo un poquito.
Favorite Latin food you can’t live without:
Anything my mom makes! Also I love cheese empanadas, arepas con juevo, y cafe con leche. Yummy!
What is your Latina contradiction?
I’m hoping this becomes the norm, not the contradiction, but I’m a Latina with a few academic degrees under my belt and working towards finishing my PhD in Psychology. Presently, more Latinos are entering college in greater numbers, but we need to do more to support our students’ long-term college journey so that they make it to the end and get that degree. I am very proud of what I’ve accomplished and hope to be a source of inspiration and support for young Latinas.
When you think of Latin culture, what are the first words you think of?
Music, dancing, and family. Colombians love their salsa, cumbias, and vallenatos. I see my parents dancing in my mind when I think of old memories. A party would not be complete without hearing and dancing to merengue, bachata, and even some champeta!
What is your ethnicity? Or where is your family from?
My parents were born and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia. They would meet here in the States, in a factory in Long Island City, NY. My parents are still going strong- 35 years of marriage. They continue to show me that a committed love relationship can be enduring and last a lifetime. I’m so very proud that I get to be their daughter and I’m a very proud Colombiana.
Latina? American? Both?
I’m Latina in the USA. I’m “American” in Colombia. The reality is I am multicultural and love all the different parts of me. I am Colombian-American. Soy Latina and I identify as a person of color.
Final conclusion- I love being Brown.
Favorite Latin artist or music?
Shakira! I was obsessed with her music as she kept getting bigger and now I have a healthy loving relationship with it. Since she is also from Barranquilla, Colombia, I share her “honest-telling” hips! One of her idols, Joe Arroyo, “El Joe”, who made Barranquilla his home, is also one of my favorite artists. His music will never be forgotten and will always live on in the Colombian people.
iPhone or BlackBerry?
Team BB #ThatIsAll. Or at least until my contract expires! Enough with the best wireless carrier- I might be an Android girl for 2012!
How do you describe your style?
Easy going. I can go from comfy to classy, cute or sexy- just give me a reason. I love to feel good in what I’m wearing. My favorite colors are deep purples and blues, but I will wear green because it’s a good color for me.
What’s your favorite Latin restaurant?
Guantanamera Restaurant in NY, NY – I love my Colombian food, but Guantanamera’s Cuban food is delicious! The restaurant is an instant fiesta with the live music! Love it!
[ethnicity]Colombian[/ethnicity]
[name]Vicky Barrios[/name]
[description]I am very proud of what I’ve accomplished and hope to be a source of inspiration and support for young Latinas.[/description]
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