I’m not sure if it’s the Hispanic in me explaining why I’m so
in love with America Ferrera, or maybe because she dared to portray a character
that most women would not want to in the movie, “Real Women Have Curves.” Whatever
it may be, the students at the University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg, Texas
received the opportunity to exchange a few words with America Ferrera, but most
importantly, to listen to a few words of
advice.
On April, 13, 2015 America Ferrera,
30, American actress and producer, came to speak to the students and faculty on
just how important it is to be yourself. Ferrera also spoke of the Dreamers and
the DREAM Act.
“I’m proud to be friends with many
Dreamers…I’ve protested with them, I’ve spoken out on their behalf dozens of
times because I believe what they’re trying to accomplish is both incredibly
brave and sensible.” The Dreamers got their name from the DREAM Act, a bill that
helps the youth that were brought to this country illegally or with no documentation.
America also stressed the fact that
many issues dealing with immigration laws and the Dream Act are the way they
are because many Latinos don’t vote. Voting is the power we have as young
adults to change the future, but votes from Latinos aren’t showing up at the
poll.
America Ferrera has starred in many
types of film and TV shows such as, “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants”,
“Ugly Betty”, “How To Train Your Dragon”, and “Cesar Chavez”. Her first movie
was “Real Women Have Curves,” a story about a young Latina living in East Los
Angeles and the hardships of coming of age for a woman.
“To be honest…I hated myself at the
time…I was poor and brown. I was overweight, unconnected, and uneducated. All
these people saw these things as evidence that I would never fulfill my dreams
of becoming an actress,” Ferrera said. The 30-year-old actress compared her
real life to Ana Garcia, the protagonist character in the film.
“Those labels that everyone labeled
me as were the reason why I was casted as ‘Ana’ and have been able to live my
life as an actress. Do not waste your energy trying to change yourself…spend
your energy trying to get to know yourself,” proclaimed Ferrera. America Ferrera,
being that she’s part of the Hispanic community, has become a role model for
many upcoming Hispanic actresses.
Although many issues stated by
Ferrera still occur today, the speech she gave will be some of the few words
spoken to the students on resolving these issues.
“Know yourself a little better so you can figure out what your contribution to the world is going to be.”
-America Ferrera
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