Nadia Santiago
As a contributing writer, I hope to share with readers the knowledge and expertise I've gained through experience and research in a variety of areas, including but not limited to dancing, dieting, fitness, body image, and social issues.
I am currently in my fourth year of graduate study at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in Palo Alto, CA working on a PHD in the focus areas of Teaching, Education, and Research as well as Creative Expression. As a student, the topics that interest me most are Issues of Intimacy, Love, Romance and Relationships, Culture, Self-confidence and Self-esteem.
For a year I attended Naropa University in Boulder, CO where I became Co-editor, Tendrel Diversity MagazineDuring this period I attended performances, protests, town meetings, and rallies to keep up with pressing issues in the community surrounding diversity, conducted interviews with students, professors, and staff, wrote and edited featured articles, and served as Host/MC for what is now their first annual People of Color Reading and Performance. It was a wonderful experience, one which I hope to help recreate as I become part of the Bay Area community.
During my undergrad, I was also very active in student organizations (perhaps a few too many at times). I held many officer positions - Publicity Officer, Secretary, Vice President - in up to five clubs at a time. My most memorable and fulfilling was Rivier College's Social and Behavioral Sciences Association (SBSA) for which I became President during my senior year. Balancing this role in addition to a double major in the fields of Psychology and Communication helped me learned a great deal about time management and personal organizing. Because I was responsible for representing the SBSA and spearheading group activities, the role also gave me the skills necessary to become more confident in planning events, public speaking, fundraising, and networking.
Since then my entrepreneurial spirit has grown. My goal for this year is to combine this drive with my interest/study in teaching and expressive arts by working with my school commuity in an area that I love: Dance.
I began at the age of two (some would say I was born dancing). Since then I've accrued 13 years of team athletic and dance training with performances. Dance styles include ballet, tap, jazz, acrobat, african, afro-modern, salsa, merengue, bachata, and traditional ballroom. Sports are basketball, volleyball, soccer, softball, cheerleading, cross-country, and track & field. As an athlete you have to be savvy when it comes to training. Flexibility and spot training becomes important for excelling in certain sports. And when your season comes up (yes, there is an off season for non-professionals) you have to know how and when to start working on getting back into shape.
A Few Silly Little Somethings:
I'm a self-proclaimed romantic. When it comes to romance, trial and error is my policy, but... not before a little research. I search for anything from first date suggestions to getting over a break-up. I check on Google, search the local library, browse in my favorite bookstores, and gather advice from loved ones. And whether or not it works out, this is my absolute favorite topic to write poetry on and blog (i.e. complain) about.
I recently had orthodontic surgery. My teeth were sealed shut for six weeks with rubber bands and I could not speak nor eat solid food. You can laugh. It is rather funny and just a little sad. Thanks to this amazing and horrifying adventure, I've learned a thing or two about having your mouth wired shut, so for those of you who need information, keep a look out for some helpful articles ... straight from the patient's mouth ^_~
Latest Articles
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Window Shopping 101
These tough economic times can be painful for those who love shopping. Becoming a window shopper can help ease the pain and calm the cravings.
Sep 22, 2009
- Nadia Santiago
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Gender May Not Be Fixed
Many theorists and scholars believe that gender is not determined by one's sexual anatomy.
Sep 20, 2009
- Nadia Santiago
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Knowledge is Misery in The Giver by Lois Lowry
Ignorance and knowledge are often in conflict in utopian literature.
Sep 19, 2009
- Nadia Santiago
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Straighten Curly Hair Overnight
It is possible to straighten curly hair without a blowdryer.
Sep 18, 2009
- Nadia Santiago
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Morning Management for Those Who Work-At-Home
Work-at-home professionals can build stronger businesses and careers by planning out a morning routine.
Sep 11, 2009
- Nadia Santiago
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The Plight of the Work-at-Home Professional
Some independent professionals who work from home fall into patterns that can be detrimental to their careers.
Sep 8, 2009
- Nadia Santiago
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Beef and Turkey Taco Recipe
Try this an alternative to traditional taco recipes. A few extra ingredients provide additional flavor and health benefits.
Sep 4, 2009
- Nadia Santiago
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Dating Men With Children
For women without children, communication is key when it comes to creating and maintaining relationships with single fathers.
Aug 30, 2009
- Nadia Santiago
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How to Make Friends as a Professional
Finding friends takes time. Utilizing professional resources can make the process less intimidating and more rewarding.
Aug 25, 2009
- Nadia Santiago
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Mouth Wired Shut Part III
Your mouth is wired shut. You can't speak or eat solid foods, so let's try not to add any stress to this already challenging recovery period.
Aug 23, 2007
- Nadia Santiago
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