Angelic Lopez

ES- In the past year, I’ve seen you have taken an interest in fitness and healthy eating. You’ve even transformed your Instagram account to a fitness account as a way to show new workouts and spread words of encouragement. In the past year I’ve seen your followers on Instagram increase and people reach out to you for advice on their workout regime. What is it like to watch your own fitness journey grow to the point that it has begun to have a positive effect on others?

AL- IT’S SO SURREAL! I remember the kind of mentality I had going into all this and how unhappy I was. When I take a step back and look at all that I’ve done, it makes me so proud of myself. Originally I was all about getting my body to look a certain way. As I progress, that has shifted to making sure my mental state is always at a 10! I only hope to share that focus on the mind instead of aesthetics with others!

ES- For most people, going to the gym can be a nerve-wracking situation especially when you’re not familiar with the equipment. What is your advice to girls who want to maintain a healthier lifestyle?

AL-Definitely always remember that we all start somewhere. It’s extremely intimidating as a female to walk into a room full of testosterone and feel like you're being judged. But the man squatting 4 plates wasn't able to do that immediately. I would suggest taking advantage of all the info online and on social media. Challenge yourself to try one new move a workout. And always keep in mind that you’re there to strengthen YOURSELF and not for the approval of others.

ES- I know your field of study is health science.Is fitness something you want to pursue as a possible career?

AL-In a perfect world I would be a personal trainer, spending every waking minute helping others achieve their goals. But, that’s not why I am at Boston University. Recently I’ve become extremely passionate about the field of public health. I want to educate and help those around the world who aren't as fortunate to have access to the resources we take for granted daily.

ES- What does being a Latina in a well-known university mean to you?

AL-It definitely makes me extremely proud. When I got into BU, many of my mother’s coworkers’ immediate responses were “How?” which was extremely upsetting. I worked my ass off to get here and despise when people associate my acceptance with my ethnicity. That being said, it is difficult sometimes being a Latina, a minority, at such a white dominant university. My high school was more diverse than this, and we had a graduating class of 145.

ES-Do you think the image of Latinas in the media affects the way young Latina women view themselves; how does it affect their body image?

AL-Yes! We associate different ethnicities with having certain well-defined physical attributes such as an ass or boobs. I myself am often told I only have booty because I am part Puerto Rican (FALSE). I squatted myself to an ass. The media creates this desire to attain these attributes, which sometimes is impossible. We shouldn't strive for what society tells us is wanted. It’s disgusting and I wish I wouldn’t see it so often in American TV shows and films.

ES-Do you consider yourself a part of the body positivity movement? Are there any other Latinas you know who are a part of that movement?

AL-Hell yes. I am a firm believer that with a healthy mind comes a healthy body and body image. I wasn't always like this though. It’s definitely taken me some time and tough love to start thinking this way. A lot of that has to do with what all of us see on TV and in magazines. Gina Rodriguez and my favorite Instagram/fitness famous person, The Fit Doll, are my two favorites. I love how genuine and real they are to their fans.

ES-You come across as a role model to many girls on your Instagram—you’re smart, independent, ambitious, and extremely kind. Social media is such a huge part of our world today so why not make a good use out of it. What does this kind of power mean to you?

AL-It means the world to me. I want to be as transparent and real as possible. Don't get me wrong, we all love to flex for Instagram, but I want my feelings and emotions to be clear. We all have our off days, so I want to share the good with the bad.

ES-What is a quote you live by?

“What you think you become, what you feel you attract, what you imagine you create.”