Recently there has been a lot in the news about the repeal of DADT and the procedural failure of the DREAM Act. As I have been participating in the discussion, I have been reflecting on the fact that I am participating in this discussion from a position of privilege, and like many this past week, the news has left me conflicted – wanting to celebrate the repeal of DADT, but frustrated that many incredible students are still fighting for the chance to achieve their educational and life goals. I watched through Facebook and the traditional media stories of students risking it all to speak for themselves and others, guided by friends and colleagues such as Sara Mata, Precious Porras and Angela Cottrell. It was amazingly powerful and personally challenging.
We have all struggled with things (situations, people, etc.) and rarely do I think that outside of many of the DREAM Act advocates, our military families, police and firefighters do we see true courage on a daily basis. However, I have recently been shown what I believe to be ”true courage” by one of my students.
Regardless of your feelings about sexuality, we have all had times when we were uncomfortable for some reason or another, so imagine if that was your daily experience in your own skin. About a week ago, I was introduced to Quinn as one of our best and brightest beginning a transition. He has addressed this head-on through a video blog (link shared with permission), but I have been impressed and awed by the courage it has taken to talk with parents, friends and family about this process and hold true to himself.
As this is an area that I am still learning about, being allowed into the circle a bit has provided me a tremendous learning experience and perspective on life. It reminds me that regardless of our circumstances, beliefs, or attitudes, real courage comes from the inside.
Do you have a story about a student who has opened your eyes or taught you something about yourself?
Words cannot explain the sadness I experienced after Saturdays’ Senate vote. The expression that might come close to making sense of it all is devastation. The students and supporters I was able to be in the company of during the event provided solidarity, yet in the same moment made it much more difficult to bare. The students faces will forever be engrained in my memory. After confusion and misunderstanding lifted in the air, and the results were realized, the tears came. Underneath the tears and disappointment of these faces were individuals who exemplified courage. These students have been my complete and total inspiration and shown more ambition then any one person or group I have ever encountered. The dedication and fight I witnessed was stuff I’ve only read about in civil rights history. For starters, young people up at 8 a.m. watching C-Span on a Saturday morning-wow! Nothing I have seen before. These students spent months organizing call centers, media, and email strategies to contact legislators both locally and nationally. Fasted for weeks and made many sacrifices along the way was a common practice for these DREAMers. These students traveled long distances, some travelled 4 hours away to march only to come right back, others travelling across the country to Washington D.C. to meet with legislators. Although the travels were long and difficult, most held on to every minute absorbing the scenery; without documentation, travelling to far places is not common. Then there were those who risked their lives as well as their families well being just to tell their story. Maybe, just maybe, a face would make it more real to those who were making the decisions. We all know the outcome. Now, those faces I can see even now as Saturday still haunts me. The irony of attending OSU graduation on the same day was overwhelming. The realization of these amazing students walking across that stage was diminished-at least for now. The courage I witnessed has forever changed my life. I vow to continue fighting the fight and using my privilege to make these young peoples experiences known. When I think of my future it is with plentiful options, but with a heavy heart I am reminded of those who do not have many. If Latinos are to be the majority minority population in our soon future, I want to be a part of the movement that can advance them from the fast-food industries to our institutions of higher education. I hope you will too. This is my story of courage. Tracey, Kasey, Ivan, Carlos, Monica, Chris and everyone else who is still DREAMing-‘Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.’ Thank you Eric for mentioning me but it is these students who should hold the glory.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sara for sharing - it was your facebook profiles that I learned the most about your students. Thanks for all you do.
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