ABOUT ericka
Yo, myself, and Moi
Hola! Hello! Salut!! I'm a very proud Dominican woman, born and raised in the beautiful country of the Dominican Republic. I am also a proud Gator, as I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Florida May 2016. I advocate for justice and have an intricate, critical and analytical perspective on things. This has enabled me to identify as a very proud Feminist, Latina, and Caribbean woman. I have a keen interest in Sexuality and how it plays a role in our overall wellbeing and health. Currently I am pursuing my Master's in Mental Health Counseling, and my dream is to counsel clients and engage in the community via outreach, education and collaboration to reduce stigma related to sexuality and the lack of sexual health education. My passion is to reduce disparities in sexual health for minorities, especially for HIV and other STIs. I enjoy partaking of global community outreach and programming, and traveling the world to extend my skills and passion about health disparities, sexual health and prevention in other countries, specially Caribbean, African and Latin American countries.
Fun facts about me
-I love to taste different foods from different cultures, countries, regions, etc. Food is an immersive experience that requires all the senses, and this allows me to identify and connect with a culture .
-I love clear and transparent bodies of water. Clear springs, turquoise blue beaches, and clear rivers make me happy. Water to me has a strong natural and cleansing component, and being in that natural beauty grants me harmony.
-I love movement. I.e. Exercise, and dancing. Lifting weights and learning new afro/Caribbean dances is a MUST. I love to feel my body and mind in tune and in sync. Weights have helped me to challenge myself mentally and physically. I used to be afraid of them, but now I love them!
-I would love work with the World Health Organization developing global campaigns on health disparities. I see myself as a campaign director tackling health disparities for women and girls, and also working on sexual health for the human population, such as safer sex, risk awareness, comprehensive sex education and positive sexuality.
-I speak 3 languages (Spanish, English and French). I want to keep building on it!
- Dance and music are my soul. Learning new dances, new moves, and new music is a way for me to express myself physically and emotionally that exists without measure. Merengue, bachata, salsa, and Caribbean dances are my fortes, but I open myself to other modes if I see passion in them
Check out my friend Natasha's blog about me!
(click on her picture to read)
Have Fun!
Favorite Quotes:
“Ne marche pas devant moi, je ne suivrai peut-être pas. Ne marche pas derrière moi, je ne te guiderai peut-être pas. Marche juste à côté de moi et sois mon ami.”
"No camines delante de mí, puede que no te siga. No camines detrás de mí, puede que no te guíe. Camina junto a mí y sé mi amigo."
“Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.” Albert Camus
"Intense love does not measure, it just gives."
"Dar hasta que duela, y cuando duela, dar todavia mas." Mother Teresa
