All stories — food, healing, justice, plants, and everything in between.
ResistenciaAs we close out today, March 31, I do not want Farmworker Awareness Week to pass without taking a moment to appreciate and thank the people who grow our food. Farmworkers are the backbone of this country. I truly believe that. I want to share my story and why I feel so strongly about the farmworker movement, why it matters to highlight their lives, and why the work of organizations like Student Action with Farmworkers and others across the nation is so important. If you have ever thought about s
Karina ZavalaApr 1
Rooted LivingIt doesn’t quite feel like spring in Virginia yet. If anything, it still feels like fall. We had a glimpse of sunshine, but now the skies are gray again. Still, I’m holding onto optimism. I know the warmth and light will return soon. Something is comforting in that, knowing the shift is coming, even if it hasn’t fully arrived.
I’m already looking forward to the small rituals that come with it, bringing out my spring wardrobe, putting away the heaviness of winter, and stepping into something lig
Karina ZavalaMar 21
Rooted LivingFinally, the weather is starting to look better, and I could not be more excited. As I’m writing this, there is a huge thunderstorm outside and even a tornado warning in the area. It’s kind of fascinating to watch, but it also makes me wonder, does this mean sunnier days ahead or just cooler weather?
Earlier this week, I went on my first hike of 2026. It was short, only about 50 minutes, but it was calm and beautiful. Along the trail, I saw young couples, families, and people fishing by the lak
Karina ZavalaMar 16
Cocina y MemoriaWhen I think about carnitas, I don’t just think about food. I think about my dad. Carnitas are a traditional Mexican dish made from pork that is slowly cooked and fried until tender and flavorful. They’re usually shredded and served in tacos, but the process of making them is long and very intentional.
In our family, carnitas are never rushed. When my dad makes carnitas, he usually wakes up around five in the morning to start the process. Sometimes it even begins the night before. If he butcher
Karina ZavalaMar 12
Cuerpo Y MenteOne of the simplest ways I take care of myself is by getting my nails done. My hands are always in my line of sight. I use them every day, every second, so it matters to me that my nails feel clean, cared for, and a little creative. They’ve become a small but meaningful way for me to express my personality.
Finding a nail place where I feel comfortable, understood, and confident that I’ll walk out with exactly what I asked for has always been important. When I sit down in that chair, it feels l
Karina ZavalaMar 11
Cuerpo Y Mente“Remember to eat your fruits and vegetables.” We hear this from doctors all the time, and I was reminded of it again during a recent visit. They mentioned that ideally about half of our plate should be vegetables. At first that sounds like a lot, but when you start paying attention to what you eat, it actually makes sense.
I have noticed that when I eat too much meat, bread, or heavier foods, my body starts craving something fresh. Sometimes that means a salad, but often it means fruit. Fruit i
Karina ZavalaMar 9
Cuerpo Y MenteIt was a beautiful day in Northern Virginia, the kind of day that makes you want to slow down and try something new. I decided to visit a coffee shop I had been hearing a lot about in downtown Fairfax called Layered. Fairfax itself is such a cute town, and Layered fits right in with its cozy and welcoming vibe.
Layered is known for its pastries, and they absolutely lived up to the hype. I ordered a delicious pastry along with a drink that surprised me in the best way. I love matcha, so I decide
Karina ZavalaMar 7
ResistenciaTRIO National Day
As TRIO Day approaches, I get excited because I get to share with all of you the reason I am here today, the reason I went to college and how that decision changed my life. Programs like TRIO are incredibly important and must continue to receive funding. To understand why, it helps to know how they began.
TRIO programs started in the 1960s during the War on Poverty under the U.S. Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO). This independent agency created several social welfare prog
Karina ZavalaFeb 28
