Recuerdo que aun siendo un niño había que apartarse a la orilla de la calle para dejar pasar “La Guardia” porque si no te “patiaban”.

Recuerdo la noche que fuimos al aeropuerto a recoger a mi papá porque en 1979 después de cuatro años regresaba con intención de nunca mas regresar a los Estados Unidos.

Recuerdo que solamente después cuatro meses mi papá salió de regreso hacia los Estados Unidos porque la situación en El Salvador estaba en deterioro.

Recuerdo que nos mudamos a la casa de mi tío en el centro del pueblo con mi mamá y mis hermanos después que mi papá regreso a los Estados Unidos.

Recuerdo vivir en la misma casa de mi tío pero ahora bajo el cuidado de mi tía maternal cuando mi mama salió hacia  Estados Unidos en 1980.

Recuerdo escuchar sobre los escuadrones de la muerte.

Recuerdo ser sacado de mis clases un día a la semana para recibir instrucción de marcha militar administrado por el comandante local del pueblo.

Recuerdo mis hermanos y yo irnos a vivir a la casa de  mi abuelo maternal y estar bajo el cuidado de otra tía cuando se casó mi otra tía y se fue a vivir con su esposo.

Recuerdo ver a mi abuelo en el patio atrás de su casa escuchando Radio Venceremos.

Recuerdo escuchar las noticias sobre el asesinato de Monseñor Romero y subsecuentemente ver su entierro por televisión.

Recuerdo escuchar por la radio o leer en el periódico las noticias a diario de decenas de cuerpos decapitados o mutilados  encontrados al amanecer en otras partes del país.

Recuerdo cuando mis otros dos primos menores salieron hacia los Estados Unidos con mi abuelo.

Recuerdo el sonido constante de metralletas y rifles en la cordillera que separa La Union y Morazán y aprendí a distinguir los diferentes sonidos. En ocasiones parecía que disparaban por dos minutos o mas sin parar. Años después conocí los nombres de las armas que solía escuchar como niño.

Recuerdo ver los aviones, tipo Cessnas A-37 Dragonfly de la era de Vietnam, que se elevaban y luego se tiraban a pique para tirar sus bombas sobre Morazán.

Recuerdo escuchar rumores de la muerte de uno de mis profesores a las manos del ejercito por sospecha de “ser guerrillero”.

Recuerdo la preocupación de mis padres porque se acercaba mi doceavo cumpleaños. La meta era sacarme del país antes de la edad de doce años para evitar ser reclutado por la fuerza armada o la guerrilla.

Recuerdo que un día sentí la necesidad de regalar algunas de mis cosas a mi primo Miguel, como que si presentía que me iba.

Recuerdo que dos días después, sin aviso ninguno,  llegó mi tío (hermano de mi papá) y nos llevó a mis hermanos y a mi a San Salvador en preparación para el viaje a los Estados Unidos.

Recuerdo el día que salimos en avión hacia Cuidad Mexico, Tijuana y eventualmente Pomona, California donde mis padres nos esperaban a mis hermanos y a mi para llevarnos a Nueva Jersey, donde aun vivimos hoy día.

Simplemente recuerdo para no olvidar y para que otros no olviden.

Ayer fue el 20 aniversario de los Acuerdos de Paz que  pusieron el fin a la guerra civil en El Salvador. “Simplemente Recuerdo…” es en honor a esos acuerdos.

Gracias @cheleguanaco por la inspiración.

I had one participant tell me that this was a spiritual experience. The conference affected each of us in different ways and it speak volumes about LATISM and the conference that we were able to invoke such deep feelings. I think I kept asking because I needed to validate what I was seeing and feeling was real and shared by others. For me, there were a few things that stood out and left an impression on me during the conference.

This was the first time that chapter directors and volunteers were in one place and worked together. It was amazing to see each person set aside self interest and do whatever it was necessary to make to conference a success. We put our titles aside and got to work. I think Ana put it best when she wrote on her conference recap that we had “Top bank programmers driving the shuttle? Elected officials registering people? Top marketers running crazy to fix signs?“ It was amazing to see the group come together for a common purpose and take ownership of different tasks and get them done and quickly move onto the next thing that needed to be done.

The LATISM group of directors is diverse group of individuals with varied careers and life experiences and that makes for very interesting conversation. I can honestly say that I had the most interesting conversations with several of the directors. I just wish I had more time to talk to more of you on an individual basis, but I guess there is always next year in Houston, TX. No doubt we have a group of talented chapter leaders.

Up to now I have not called out anyone by name, but I will do so for the next three persons I want to talk about. Before LATISM’11, I had only read about Dolores Huerta.  Her speech was such an inspiration. What she has done for farm workers and Latinos in general is invaluable. She is such a petit lady but a giant in courage, heart, and character. She is an icon in the Latino community. Nos enorgullese Señora Huerta.

I’ve had the opportunity to hear Ramon De Leon speak several times. He has been a LATISM supporter since the very beginning. But it’s always an experience to hear him speak. He is a Social Media visionary and a role model to our youth. Es un orgullo tener un gran representante de Social Media entre nosotros los Latinos. I think sometimes we take this for granted, but the conference help me realize how important this is.

I don’t think we could’ve had a better speaker/performer for the closing ceremony. Tony Melendez is such an inspiration. Born without arms, he learned to play the guitar with his feet and has forged ahead as motivational speaker and performer. If Tony, with all the obstacles he has faced in his life, can have a bright outlook on life, why not us? The problems I encounter seem miniscule compared to those Tony has faced throughout his life. I cannot end without saying que eres un orgullo Guanaco, Tony.

Many attendees have told me that this has been the best conference they’ve been to. So I wondered why LATISM’11 was so different. I think it has to do with the people. This includes the attendees, panelists, moderators, speakers, volunteers, organizers and sponsors. Everyone had a genuine interest in bringing out the best in our community. And let’s not forget the Latino spirit. Where else are you going to get a day full of learning, inspiration and parranda all wrapped into one? I’ve never seen dancing at another conference. It’s that uniqueness that made LATISM’11 the success that it was.

Last but not least, We owe a huge thank you to the sponsors. Without them, we couldn’t have had the opportunity to meet, collaborate, make friendships, hear Dolores Huerta speak, hear Ramon speak, be inspired by Tony Melendez, and enjoy that what makes us Latinos. So here it goes, I big Thank you, Gracias, and Merci to our sponsors.

I hope to see everyone next year in Houston.

What I mean by this is that although the occupiers are making all the noise, even now when they have been displaced. It is up to us to demand real change. The occupiers have been, are, and will continue to be there to continue to bring awareness to the issue, but it is us who must speak with our wallets, actions, and collective voice. We have not seen social uprising at this level since the sixties. So, many people haven’t experienced what it is to go against the grain. I’ve personally experienced social uprising that led to civil war. By no means do I mean to imply that what is happening here is the same, but it does add perspective. What is at stake here is not our lives, as was the case in El Salvador in the eighties, but our livelihood and as such we must defend it even if it means going against the grain.

The Occupy Wall Street movement has been gaining momentum since its inception two month ago. It has spread across the country and across the world. It clearly touches the lives of many, hence the potential for profound change not seen in the US in a very long time. It’s also no coincidence that the critics of the movement are not as vocal. To do so would be to undermine the collective voice of the majority. I have yet to hear an argument against the Occupy Wall Street movement that passes muster.

It is up to us to demand real change. Occupy Wall Street is about us.

Not only will I be an attendee, but I will also be staffing the conference, tweeting and live blogging some of the sessions. If that wasn’t enough, I will also be doing a couple of WordPress workshop sessions:

Workshop Title: WordPress Beyond the Basics

What you will learn in this workshop:

I’m really looking forward to connecting with other like minded Latinos from around the country.

—

Learn more about the conference here

I share this with you because my family is of humble beginnings, but of entrepreneurial spirit. Hard work was and it’s still the norm and it was engrained in my brain at an early age. My parents emigrated to the US in the early 80′s and my siblings and I followed in 1985. Upon my arrival, I entered the seventh grade and six years later I graduated high school. Although my mother only finished 3^rd grade and my father 8^th grade, they value education and always encouraged me to go to college. I was fortunate that they offered encouragement and financial support, but not much in the way of guidance as they were unfamiliar with the US higher education system. I had to find my way through the college and financial aid application process. Having no form of mentoring or guidance, I decided to attend one of the local colleges.

Although at first I struggled, I quickly found my place and began to explore. It’s no coincidence that it took me six years to graduate, not because I was not a good student but because I began on a learning quest that extended by college career. I began to take courses like Photography, Poetry, Jewelry Making, American Literature and many others that were not part of my field of study. Today, I do something totally unrelated to what I studied, but I could not do what I do had I not gone through my college experience. One of the most important things college taught me was to “learn to learn”. That’s something that is invaluable and that’s why I always say that my college experience was and still is life changing.

I understand and appreciate the fact that I’m one of the lucky few. The Latino community in the US is now 50 million strong , but reality is that higher education is still an unattainable goal for the majority of Latinos. That’s why I’m encouraged and delighted to learned about initiatives such as the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics and that of private corporations such as Univision’s Edúcate! Es El Momento and Scholarship Program. We need more programs like this to mentor Latino youth and give them a fair opportunity at attending college.

As for my parents, my mother learned to read and write well in Spanish in night school. Here in the US she went to school and speaks English well. Although, she is sometimes shy to speak it. My father finished his high school and went on to college. Although he is currently not taking classes, he hasn’t given up on finishing his degree. They are both business owners.

As for myself, I’m a software developer with a passion for the use technology in education. I encourage you to give back and mentor even just one kid and give our Latino youth a fair chance at attending college and getting ahead.

Now, I’m inclined to change my favorite quote to “ Naci un campesino, y morire un campesino educado”.  

Why is retweetability important? We have a limited number of followers. Our tweets are certain reach our followers but by making your tweets retweetable, you increase your chances of being retweeted and reaching a wider audience. In fact, a retweet will get you the most views and impressions as compared to the initial tweet.

Here are some guidelines for improving the retweetability of your tweets:

• Write concise and compelling headlines
• Use contractions and abbreviations that make sense
• A good rule of thumb is to write tweets that are no longer than 120 – 125 characters, including hash tags and links, to allow others to re-tweet you with a single click
• Include no more than two hash tags to allow others to add their own if they choose to do so
• When including links, use an URL shortener like bit.ly or tinyurl.com

About Google Voice:

“Google Voice gives you one number for all your phones — a phone number that is tied to you, not to a device or a location. Use Google Voice to simplify the way you use phones, make using voicemail as easy as email, customize your callers’ experience, and more.

Google Voice isn’t a phone service, but it lets you manage all of your phones. Google Voice works with mobile phones, desk phones, work phones, and VoIP lines. There’s nothing to download, upload, or install, and you don’t have to make or take calls using a computer.

Google Voice will let you define which phones ring, based on who’s calling, and even let you ListenInTM on voicemail before answering the call. We use smart technology to route your calls. So, if you’re already on a Google Voice call, we’ll recognize it and use call waiting to reach you on the phone you’re on.”

If you don’t have a Google Voice account sign up here.

Gmail is simply Google’s free email service. If you don’t already have a Gmail account, you can sign up for one here.

Both services are free. When signing up for your Google Voice account use your Gmail email address so that both accounts are linked.

Before you can start making and receiving calls from Gmail you will need to install this plugin.

Making and receiving calls

	To make and receive calls simply log into your Gmail account. On the left hand side of your browser you will see the “Call Phone” option. Click on it to bring up the dialpad and dial away.
	Calls to the US and Canada are free. You can add credit to your Google Voice account to make international calls at very reasonable rates. Assuming that you are connected to the Internet, the only other requirement is for you to have a functioning microphone and speakers on your desktop or laptop. Alternatively, you can use a headset that includes both mic and headphones.

To receive calls leave your browser open and logged into your Gmail account. An incoming call notification will be displayed on your screen in addition to the usual incoming call ring when a call comes in. To answer a call click on the “Answer” call button. You also have the option to screen the call or to ignore it.

Benefits

One of the ways I use the service is to make and receive calls when traveling outside the US. You will save on costly roaming and long distance charges. All you need is a free Wifi hotspot.

I’ve also found myself using it as a replacement for my home phone or cell phone. By no means am I cutting off my home or cell phone but it’s very convenient to be able make a call right from your desktop or laptop without having to reach for your phone.

Google Voice by itself does much more, but I will leave it to you to explore.

Gerson,

I just finished reading your book. I bought the digital version on Friday evening and I just finished reading it this morning. I truly could not put down by iPad.

Your life story is one of struggle and inspiration. As fellow Salvadoran, I can clearly identify with your experiences as a young immigrant in this country. I too arrived in the US at an early age, not as young as you though. I also did not experience the family struggles you did. Nonetheless, I could not but feel empathy for what you have been through and the struggles you’ve endured to get where you are now in your life.

Your life experience is indicative of the struggles that immigrants face in this country. Unfortunately, you and I are the exception in graduating from college and continuing on to a productive life. The number of Latinos who attend and graduate college in this country is dismal and alarming. We are 50 million strong, yet we are not producing Latino citizens productive to society who will give us the political and economic power needed to make Latinos a force in this country.

I salute you for you strong will and warrior spirit. Not everyone is as strong as you or lucky enough to encounter people a long the journey who take an interest in one’s success. I admire your commitment to bringing your message to underprivileged students around the nation. I think your message is an important one, and one that needs to be disseminated to motivate every Latino student to succeed. Si tu pudistes, ellos tambien pueden.

I have only briefly met you once (You probably don’t remember), but I can honestly say that you have my support in the community work you do. Do not hesitate to reach out to me. I would be more than happy to get involved and lend a helping hand in the community projects you are involved in.

Good luck with your soccer career in El Salvador.

Sincerely,

Salvador E. Mendoza

About the book:

A journey from civil war in El Salvador, through gangs, drugs, alcohol and violence — all while dealing with an abusive and neglectful mother at home. A story about making the most of the chances we are given.

You can read more about Gerson Martinez at www.gersonmartinez.com.

- Rock solid voice recognition and voice command – I want to talk to my phone or mobile device and tell it what to do. I don’t simply mean a few commands but full blown voice recognition to the point where I should be able to dictate an email to my phone and send it without ever touching the keyboard.

- Full size virtual keyboard – There are times when typing is preferred and the small virtual keyboards are simply not suited for any meaningful typing. What if mobile devices could project a virtual keyboard onto a flat surface?

- Reliable and sustainable voice and data connection – I consider the the service by most carriers spotty. I still cannot get reliable service in a large metropolitan area.

Is this too much to ask? I think not.