"Profile"      My name is Sarai, and I was born in Santa Maria, California in 1988. I have 3 brothers, 4 sisters and I am the youngest. My mom came to the United States with all my brothers and sisters on her own before I was born because she had very little opportunity in Mexico. She moved to California in the area where my grandparents were staying. While working in the fields of strawberries she met my father. He helped her with us kids and taught us about values and holidays, something we did not really know about before meeting him because my mother could never afford to celebrate holidays. Mostly, they passed by unnoticed. At the very young age of 4, I moved to Houston, Texas with my family. My father felt there were more job opportunities here. We landed in the Milby High School area near downtown, which is a very rough neighborhood. It was hard for me as a child. I wanted to grow up to be someone important in life, but mostly what I experienced daily was inconsequential. Since my parents were not raised believing in the importance of higher education, inspiration was hard to find. I assumed you just settled into a job and that was that. However, when I had my own children, I realized I did not want them to think there was no advancement after high school. I know you have to keep learning if you are to achieve loftier goals and dreams.      All my life, since I was a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a writer. My passion is writing, but I believed I was not capable of going to college to become a writer. I never thought my dreams and passion for writing would be achievable. When my youngest child was able to attend school, I decided my current situation couldn’t be the top for me. I had to teach myself and my children that we as a family should continue to advance our education. We needed to focus on how important it really is to become as educated as possible. It’s not even the degree itself. Yes, I will earn a degree, but more importantly, I want to gain knowledge. I’ve waited 8 years for the opportunity to advance my career, mostly because I had no one at home to babysit my children. And look! Right out of the gate, I landed an internship at the Post.

My father always took me to baseball games as a child. He taught me to love all the sports and to always support our Houston teams. I eagerly anticipated game days because those were the days I knew I would be spending great, quality time with my father. The best part about going to a game was eating the hot dogs! You can’t go to an Astros game without eating a hot dog! It’s fun to see everyone cheering and screaming at the top of their lungs and then to calm it all down and sing together, “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” I also love wearing my Astros hat and holding my dad’s baseball glove, hoping to catch a foul ball. When my sisters come into town from California to visit, he takes us all to the baseball games. It’s the absolute best bonding family time. Some games, I’m not even paying attention to whether we’re winning or losing. I’m just enjoying the time we’re sharing with one another. Every game brings us closer together, and that’s one of the many reasons why I love my dad so much. Those special moments I keep inside me, and I bring them back whenever I’m doubting myself or my abilities. “Go Astros!”

I’ll never forget the first time I went to a football game. The stadium was full, and the crowd was very loud. The energy and the support of the Texans fans was amazing! Everybody was dancing, cheering and carrying on. Every Sunday, Monday and Thursday night I am on my couch screaming and cheering on the game, but there is nothing like watching it at the stadium. The cheerleaders, the music, the fans, the food and the vibe of all the fans is such a great entertaining environment. We’re not always able to go, but there is nothing like football season, which always includes barbecuing and spending quality time with loved ones. My daughters love the Texans. They know when the game comes on, it’s time to cheer for our team and wear our Texans jerseys with pride! One day, I hope to take all three of my daughters to share in the wonderful experience I had while attending the game.

I’ll never forgot when I scored my first goal as a little girl on my first soccer team. My team was mostly boys, and all of them were much taller than me. I despaired over my abilities in the game. Most days, I wanted to burst into tears, but I could always hear my father and brother cheering and screaming in the distance, “Don’t give up.”      I didn’t give up! I would fall almost every time I tried to kick the ball. It would even be lucky if I hit it at all. But, I would get back up and try again and again and again to kick the ball as far as my short feet would allow.      Once, towards the end of a game, I watched the ball coming at me, getting closer and closer. I ran towards the ball, closed my eyes and kicked it as hard as I could. I don’t know why I closed my eyes. All I know is it worked.      “Goal!, Goal!!, GOAL!!!” I had made the final goal of the game, my first ever! The whole team and my entire family was so proud of me, but most importantly, I was very proud of myself.

Basketball is a sport I have always loved watching. At the age of 7, I can still remember watching The Finals of 1995. Everyone in my apartment complex was outside shouting with excitement and yelling with joy. I would lean my head out the window and scream, “Go Rockets! Go Houston Rockets!” When we finally won, all the vehicles outside were honking, everyone was clapping and cheering on the Houston Rockets for winning the NBA Championship. Ever since that night, I have been a huge fan of basketball.      I played basketball during my middle school years. During 8th grade, we won 2nd place among all the charter schools in our district. It was a moment in my life when I felt as if I’d made a great accomplishment. Although the Rockets have not been as successful as the two championships they won back to back, I’ve never forgotten the bond this city had during that time. The Houston Rockets brought us all together, and that is the beauty of sports. We may disagree about politics, religion or many other things in life, but sports can bond us as one (unless you’re a Spurs fan, lol).

I met 2 ambitious and talented softball players who play for the San Jacinto Softball Team today. All I can say is, we are very proud to have these young ladies represent our school and all the other young women playing on the team too. I asked them a few questions about what it’s like to be a part of our San Jacinto sports team.      Sarai: “How is the season starting?”     Kaitylin: (shortstop and catcher) “It’s going well. I love the game. It’s where I can go be myself. We actually have a game this Friday.      Nakilah: (outfield) The season is going pretty good. When I’m playing, I feel like I’m stress free, like nothing gets in my way when I’m on the field. It’s my safe haven. I am free to be myself.      Sarai: “How well do you think we will do this year?”      Kaitlyn: “I think we will do great this year. We have a new coach and everything for me is going great in the field.”      Nakilah: “As a team, I am very excited to see what we will accomplish this year. I strongly believe that we will be first in our conference, either win first or second place in Regional’s, and we will definitely go to nationals.”      Sarai: “How is the vibe in the crowd when starting a game? Do the students come out and support our softball team?”      Kaitlyn: “The vibe from the crowd helps us as players. When they cheer us on and holler, it makes us play better. They help us get pumped before the game. Some students come, but mainly soccer players and the coaches.”      Nakilah: “Having a positive vibe in the stands helps us as players. The amount of support we receive makes us not only play hard, but also play for the crowd. Our fans consist of family, friends and soccer players. Not many students attend our games, but we appreciate all support, no matter the size.      Sarai: “Last question, what do you love about softball?”      Kaitlyn: “I love everything about the sport. Softball is my passion. Softball is the reason I get to attend college. Without softball, I wouldn’t be in San Jacinto.      Nakilah: “I love the team atmosphere, and the chemistry we all have with each other. I love that we aren’t just teammates--we are like sisters. It’s a sisterhood. We play hard for each other, and we have each others back, and that is the reason I love this game.      I cant wait to see what these ladies have in store for us all year round. I’m very proud of them! San Jacinto Pride and lots of love is what our school sports represent, and we’re bringing it 100%.

When I thought about how I would raise kids before I had them, I dreamed I would be a very lenient mom. Someone who would let them do as they wanted. Of course, that went out the window real quick. All of my children do have different personalities, so I have a different way of teaching each of them. My kids are learning right from wrong individually, and I am learning with them as we all grow up together.      Here are a few tips for mothers out there on how I make my life just a tiny bit easier when I find it necessary to discipline my little ones.      Timeout works with my 4-year-old daughter. Facing the wall is a terrible thing for the 4 year old. Four whole minutes sitting quietly in her chair, really works. I don’t have to yell or say a word, I just simply put her in timeout.      My 7-year-old loves her computer and Netflix, so when she doesn’t listen, I take away her devices for the day. She must read a book instead. It works most times.      My 6-year-old is the hardest. She will kick and scream and yell if she does not get her way. I can’t put her in timeout and taking away her devices is no problem for her. She is the one I have to talk to calmly and explain why she is in the wrong. If I yell, she won’t listen. She’ll just wiggle and squirm. I’ve learned to be really calm with her. Looking her straight in the eyes and talking to her firmly always helps.      There you have it, my favorite tips. What personality does your child have? Type 1, 2 or 3? I hope this can help someone struggling to discipline their little one. No matter what, I think we all need to be a little patient. After all, we were all kids at some point!

I’m not one to get up and go to the gym everyday. Taking time for exercise out of my daily life, is just not on my mind. I’m way too busy, but I know I have to maintain myself and be fit and live a healthy lifestyle. This particular day I went to the park to take a walk with my friends. I decided to ask someone who was exercising close by a few questions. He seemed pretty healthy and fit. I was curious how he kept up his energy and found the time to work out. He gave me a few tips and advice:      Sarai: “Do you eat healthy?”      Nestor: “Yeah, I try to eat healthy.”      Sarai: “What do you eat on a daily basis?”      Nestor: “Chicken, rice, eggs, steak, sweet potatoes and of course lots of water.”      Sarai: “How many times a week do you workout?”      Nestor: “Six times a week.”      Sarai: “Do you like to workout?”      Nestor: “I hated it before, but once I saw the results, I fell in love with staying fit.”      Sarai: “How has staying healthy and fit changed your daily life?”      Nestor: “I’m more energetic throughout the day and more productive.”      Sarai: “Which machines do you use at the gym?”      Nestor: “Dumbbells, bench press, hammer strengths, stair masters and treadmills.”      Sarai: “Do you take any supplements?”      Nestor: “Fish oil, multivitamins, amino acids and protein whey.”      Sarai: “Do you have any advice for me to help me stay healthy and fit?”      Nestor:“Drink plenty of water, stay positive but most importantly, never give up.”      Sarai: “I have a lot of work to do, but I will try my best! I’m not getting any younger!”

Shopping is a women’s best therapy. Just a little shopping puts a smile on our faces. I personally love to shop, what woman doesn’t? There are times we have to be presentable for a job, interview or a special occasion and there are times we just need to let our hair down. All types of clothing, accessories and shoes are must-have items in your closet! Casual clothing, exercise clothing, bed clothing or whatever the reason clothing--You have to go to the mall, Almeda Mall preferably... and you always must buy at least one item.      Perfume and make-up are my personal weaknesses. You can be running all day with your hair in a bun, and just spray a little perfume or add a little foundation to the face and you’re good to go right to the night scene. I carry them in a little wrist-let purse when I’m out on the town with my girlfriends. Shopping for these small concealed items is one of my favorite types of shopping.      Shoes, I say, you can never have too many. One pair is certainly not enough. Running shoes, high heels, low heels, wedges, sandals, boots, Uggs--There are so many styles to choose from. I know you know this: your shoes tell a story about you. I believe they also reveal my mood: Classy, sporty, casual, or just feeling more laid back. Whatever the shoe, always wear them with confidence, because they’re your style!