Meet Latinitas El Paso’s Summer Media Intern, Allysa Tellez. An El Paso native, Allysa is currently a junior at New Mexico State University studying journalism and mass communications with a minor in government. She loves all forms of art including literature, drama, and film, and hopes to create something of her own one day. When she’s not at work or at school, you can catch Allysa attending concerts or trying new restaurants with friends.
Why did you choose your major?
I’ve been a writer since I wrote my first short story in the second grade. I wanted to continue being a writer in a way that could help my community stay informed. I also did journalism in high school and it has been a passion I could never shake.
What made you want to join Latinitas?
My mom told me about Latinitas when I was a young girl. She knew about the magazine and suggested I try to write something to submit to it. Although I didn’t get around to it as an adolescent, I am extremely honored to be able to help in any way I can during my internship.
What extracurricular activities do you participate in?
I’m involved in News 22, a student-produced news broadcast, and I will also start writing for my school newspaper, The Round Up, next semester.
Who is one of your role models and why?
One of my role models is Greta Gerwig. She is an award-winning director, writer, and actress. I look up to her because I love the films she creates and their themes. Her creativity and vision for film is impeccable, and I look forward to her future productions as well. She inspires me to write because knowing how to write can unlock a world of opportunities.
What is your idea of a dream job and how will your involvement with Latinitas get you there?
My dream job is working in a career that I love and being creative on a daily basis. I would love to work in a profession where I constantly feel inspired and excited to go to work each morning. I believe Latinitas will assist me in getting there because I already feel inspired to come to my internship each day. I love the amount of freedom I have to create videos, social media posts, and other forms of media to shed a light on a wonderful organization that allows girls to feel empowered.
What is one of your favorite hobbies and how’d you get started with it?
One of my favorite hobbies is acting. Although I haven’t done so in a while, it is still a passion I hold dear to my heart. I began acting my sophomore year in high school. I struggled a bit throughout the beginning of the semester until my teacher had me memorize and recite a monologue. Once I did that monologue, I felt something click within me and I was involved in many school productions as a result.
What is one of your guilty pleasures?
One of my guilty pleasures is staying in my pajamas all day while watching comedy specials — whether that’s stand-up or Saturday Night Live. I love to laugh.
What are the best and worst uses of the internet?
The Internet has definitely made a significant change in our world today. Some of the positive impacts of the internet include being able to connect with people of different backgrounds and reconnecting with old friends. Communication is an important part of human activity and the Internet has made it much easier.
One of the worst uses of the Internet is the spread of fake news. Now it is difficult to differentiate between what is reputable and what is not, which can influence people’s opinions and judgments.
