ESTHER PORTALATIN

WHO AM I? I was born and raised in Red Hook Brooklyn, New York projects. Being the youngest of 8 children I had big shoes to fill. My five brothers and two sisters all completed college and are all professionals. I knew I couldn’t even think of not going to college because continuing my education was very important. I attended the public school system. Graduated and went on to receive my B.S. degree in Elementary Education at Medgar Evers College, (CUNY). I started my Master’s Degree at Brooklyn College but due to complications with my first pregnancy I had to put my educational journey on hold. I have two beautiful daughters who are currently in college. My oldest daughter, Jessica, is a pre- med student and my youngest, Sarah, is a pre-law student. I have the best of both worlds, a future doctor and a future attorney. I am a Christian fictional author and have written 5 books. I’m currently working on another manuscript as well as attending Ashford University. My expected date of graduation is January 2017.

The factors that define me are Religious views, education and my nationality. Raised as a Christian, my parents always taught me that we should accept everyone regardless of color or race. They instilled in in and my siblings the longing to help anyone who needed a helping hand. My parents leading by example, taught us that there was nothing we could not do, if we had faith in God. I learned the truth of that when I found myself in a situation where I could have lost my life. Education, defines me in that I’ve learned to influence many people who think they’re not smart enough to attend school. I’m a true advocate for education. I plan to continue on to receive an Ed.D or Ph.D. in Education. I currently am the Assistant Director at Medgar Evers College Educational Pipeline as well as the Director of Medgar Evers College Parent Academy. I enjoy educating those parents who feel inadequate because they learn that nothing is impossible when you have a willing heart. My nationality defines me in that I am proud of who I am. It doesn’t make me better than anyone else, but I am proud to share my culture with others, such as talk about my customs and traditions. I selected these three factors because they are the most important in my life. Without God I can’t do much. Without knowledge I will never grow and without me being able to embrace my culture, I would never know who I am as an individual person. Factors Defining your Identity

TALENTS My father being a minister taught all his children how to play several instruments, so you can say I am very musically inclined. I sing, write, dance, and play the piano. I enjoy being musical because it’s another way to express my feelings. Writing helps me express how I see and feel about things around me. My hobbies are: Making my own cards and writing calligraphy. I love scrapbooking and making jewelry. I have included a few pictures of the pieces I have created.

My parents named me Esther because they thought of Queen Esther in the bible and how courageous she was. When they looked at me for the first time, they both thought of the same name. They knew I would be a fighter as I went through a lot physically and would have to fight to stay strong.

One piece of advice that I can offer is to always have faith in everything you do. Things are not always easy, but it’s easy to give up. It’s always harder to fight. Surround yourself with positive people who will help you stay on the right track. It may seem impossible, but where there’s a will, there’s a way. Reach for the stars because the sky is the limit. Advice my late father gave me and I will carry that advice with me the rest of my life. ADVICE Have Faith Be Strong Reach for the stars Don’t give up!

Being from Puerto Rican and Spaniard descent, one of our most important traditions are sweet 16’s. We have a huge celebration, like a wedding. Family travels from all over to attend this ceremony and celebration. The Princesses of the evening dance or sing to a song that represent who they are. The dance can be choreographed by themselves sometimes. Two different ceremonies, 4 years apart. CULTURAL CEREMONIES/TRADITIONS

IMPORTANAT PEOPLE IN MY LIFE FAMILY Friends My daughters My family