Rich Conversations: 038. Cynthia Teschner
Cynthia Teschner discusses her experience living in several southside Chicago neighborhoods and her connection as a Native American with the Latinx American communities. (22:20) She shares the importance of her Lakota and Ojibwe roots and her role to continue the legacy into the future.
How are you doing during the coronavirus situation?
Honestly, I’ve been in my house more than ever. I’m working from home. It’s always on the grind for me. I’m a financial coach. I help people learn how money works with goal to financially free families.
How has your routine changed?
Well, Before I wasn’t as much on my grind as I am now. Through COVID, I’ve opened my eyes. I learned I need to be organized and use diligence on a daily basis. It’s been up at 4:30 and going to bed at 11:30. I’ve constantly been working. No Netflix session for me.
What’s something new you’re doing or feeling that surprised you?
I’ve really tried to look at in a positive way. Me, personally, I know three people extensively who have passed away within three days. It makes you think where we are, where do we want to go, how to live, and make the most of each moment. It’s really resonated with me that time is precious and, if you want it, you have to fight for it. It’s been a wakeup call.
So how long have you lived in Chicago?
It’s been about seven years now. I went to grad school at UIC. Latin American and Latino studies and I guess it’s kind of unique because I’m Native American. But Latinos are indigenous as well. I worked in CPS, Student Services, and now I’m in my own work. Chicago has definitely been a critically building place for me purposefully and spiritually, but also professionally.
What neighborhood are you in?
I recently moved to Englewood. I was really surprised that so many people are so kind. I first came to Pilsen, La Villita, Cicero, and Back of the Yards. People are genuinely nice. They’re always looking out for another. I’ve been in situations where I didn’t know what I was going to do and people helped me out. It has a hometown feel. There’s tight-knit community.
If you have an open day, how do you normally spend it?
I’m all about exercise. I’d probably go to the gym or play soccer on the south side. I love doing the cookouts on the lake. Play some music and dance. I go all out.
When you think of Chicago, what colors do you imagine first?
I think of blue. Blue because of the water. I’m very native centered. Blue as being life. There’s so much life here. It’s an international community. The lake and the rivers. It feels like harmony.
What’s your proudest moment as a Chicagoan?
It would definitely be when there was an accident in front of my house a little while ago and all the neighbors came out and offered to help. Do you need anything? Do you need water? I thought that was something special. Make sure everybody is okay and everything is taken care of.
If a friend were to visit you from out of town, what restaurant would you take them to?
La Vita. They’re known for their mole. Nuevo Leon. It’s a restaurant that all the Mexicans know. It’s very homely feel. It’s on 26th street. They recently have the Day of the Dead mural outside that got a lot of attention recently. The one thing that I love about it is the family connection. They make you feel like family. They have karaoke. It’s Little Village.
What’s your hidden gem in the city?
There’s a little hill by Soldier Field that I ride my bike to. I just sit and let the beauty of the Chicago skyline set in. I have a picnic.
What sound do you most affiliate with Chicago?
For me, it’s the sounds of different ethnic music. I love cultural exploration. Hearing all these harmonizing, it’s like heaven to me. There’s so much life, so many different worlds, so many people, so many different stories. We can learn from one another and bring each other closer to one another.
What music has been the most influential on you during your time in the city?
It’s been centered around drums. Connecting the drums from my community with others. Tamborazo drums. It’s a Mexican genre. It’s upbeat and you’re kind of bouncing and groovin’. It makes me think of my Native American dancing because it’s very quick.
What’s a common scene you see in your daily interaction with the city?
By me it’s a lot of families. A lot of families greeting each other. I see a lot of street vendors and I love supporting them. Having those good little conversations and relationships with people.
If Chicago were to be destroyed, what’s one quality you would choose to keep to rebuild the city?
The unity among the people. We have talent and people that bring value, but it’s important to work together. People do better that way. You learn from observing and participating.
What’s a personal mantra or philosophy that guides you?
We’re all related. Balance and unity between all living things. Sense of responsibility to maintain that balance.
Describe the best day of your life.
About two years ago we had our annual pow-wow in Milwaukee. I’ve been a part of the Milwaukee indigenous community my whole life. It was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever felt. I had my mom, my dad, and my best friend. We were all dancing in a circle. My brother was there. We were all dancing together. It felt so special. The next year, my best friend passed away. Looking in retrospect, it was a blessing to have that moment. To have all the people I love there to celebrate our ancestors.
What’s the most influential book you’ve ever read?
Boarding School Seasons
What’s something you’re curious about recently?
My family’s history. My mom has been doing genealogy and we’ve found out that we actually have chief lineage on both my grandparents’ sides whom are both native. Really taking that to as a sense of self.
Within the past five years, what personal realization has improved your outlook on life the most?
There are so many components. My master’s degree was my personal intellectual exploration of my identity and world around me. How to take something as painful and traumatic as the past to make it productive for the future and provide healing.
Within the next five years, what’s something you’re excited about?
To help families become financially free. I’m grateful that I can be an agent of change in people’s lives.