Today marks the last day of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th-October 15th). My third and final article celebrating Hispanic Culture features Teresa Waters and Evelyn Santiago. Both ladies are coordinators for the Heroes Alliance, a nationwide non-profit volunteer group whose mission is to bring a "real life" superhero experience to medically fragile and terminally ill children. Evelyn also serves as a Council Woman for the Heroes Alliance. These beautiful and talented women took some time to talk to the Confessions of a Cosplay Girl Blog about giving back to their community, the difference between cosplay and charity work and their message for other Hispanics in the geek community.
Victoria: You are both coordinators for the Heroes Alliance. What states do you represent?
Teresa: Texas.
Evelyn: Central Florida.
Victoria: What made you decide to get into charity work?
Teresa: I have always enjoyed giving back to my community, as my family and peers in my life demonstrated to me. The most generous moments in my life, which inspire me to give, was the Puerto Rican community picnics and holiday parties my mom would take us to. We would all share gifts of music, dance, food, cooking, games and joy. Those moments of community are some of the most happiest moments in my life, especially while my dad was out on deployment.
Evelyn: Having been hospitalized (for one reason or another) throughout my life Ive learned how being constantly sick can affect a persons state of mind. Since childhood I had Wonder Woman as my source of strength whether it was from gifts received by loved ones or watching the Lynda Carter series. I use Wonder Woman to give back to my community and as a way to inspire others to fight and/or overcome whatever illness or disability they may have.
Victoria: Had you ever done any volunteer work prior to joining the Heroes Alliance?
Teresa: Yes, I started with girl scouts through military housing and always was involved in something throughout my extracurricular school activities. In college, I was a member of Kiwanis and that is where I met my husband. We were very active with the Hampton Roads Special Olympics track and field days and enjoyed the aspects of play and celebrating life the most at those events.
Evelyn: Yes, I have always been active in my community, whether it was coaching a youth cheerleading squad, raising money for our Veterans or organizing events for military families.
Victoria: Which costume would you say is a favorite among children at the events you volunteer for?
Teresa: Black Widow, which is surprising to me as how popular a hero she is in Texas. I have to agree that shes pretty inspirational. She is brave, is clever, and overcame incredible abuse to rise above her need for revenge and healed herself by living a good life with her new family. I am always amazed at children and their level of understanding such of complex details of character in those that most inspire them (and seeing little boys jig for joy when Black Widow is around... Im still amused and mystified as to why this hero speaks so much to the hearts of both boys and girls alike.) I love everything Black Widow represents as a hero and I am very happy that children feel the same.
Evelyn: At the moment, I only have my (Lynda Carter) Wonder Woman costume to wear at events. I have to say that most of time the moms are more impressed with it than anyone else. Lol
Victoria: Can you tell me what is the difference between charity work and cosplay?
Teresa: Charity work is so refreshing to me and such a joy for others, I really cant help but to focus on this fact; bringing mercy and comfort to those who need a reminder that life is always changing and we are never alone. I want nothing more than to make a charity work event be an uplifting experience for others. In cosplay I really just think of doing my best version of a character as my way of thanking the character creator and artists for creating someone I appreciate, and its a magical experience for me and my ego. I dont get as much joy out of cosplay as I do with charity costuming through Heroes Alliance Texas.
Evelyn: Charity work for me is simply bringing joy to others in moments when they need it most. Using Wonder Woman for the greater good is extremely rewarding. Cosplay allows me to explore the different layers, versions or interpretations of Wonder Woman. I get to play her in ways that others may not have thought of while still staying true to who she is at the core.
Victoria: Do you have a favorite memory while volunteering?
Teresa: Yes, definitely the day I saw an amazingly humble, handsome man across the field throwing a softball back to me at a Special Olympics Track and Field day. The sky opened up, time slowed down, and I thought to myself that this guy is the one I want to spend the rest of my life with because he makes everyone feel important. He always is inspiring me to be better and after 22 years with him hes never let me down. We still volunteer together.
Evelyn: A 6 year old little girl going through chemo had only one arm and asked if she could hug me. I said "Of course." She said that she could only hug with her left arm cause she was missing her right arm. I told her that one armed hugs were my favorite and she squeezed me with all the strength she could muster. I still tear up thinking about how precious she was with me in that moment.
Victoria: During this time of Hispanic Heritage Month what would you like to say to other Hispanics in the geek community who may be interested in giving back?
Teresa: Giving is a huge part of our Native American heritage. Some may not realize how important all those days of babysitting your siblings or cousins were, or sharing your joy and lessons learned in life to your familia were, but they were! Sharing our talents and joys is a big tradition in all Hispanic communities, and teamwork. I see how enthusiastic Hispanics are to always help and smile, we are never afraid of hard work, its a natural talent. We are a gift to America and the world, and we shine with an ingrained hospitality few others still practice, so please dont be afraid of volunteering in some way using your talents of costuming. Just remember how much joy it was the last time you did something for another, keep the traditions of storytelling alive, and know that those gifts of hospitality and joy are a small aspect of our Hispanic Heritage that makes our race so great. Share and know that you will be demonstrating this while keeping such traditions of our ancestors alive in a new way that everyone can appreciate.
Evelyn: Find a cause (or two or three) that youre passionate about. Give of yourself and your time selflessly. Spread hope to those who need it. Go into it with an open heart and be prepare to be inspired in return. Always remember that super heroes are strong and that strength is meant to be shared.
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