To graduating from Valpo and settling back into my hometown of Aurora, Illinois – this past month has been a whirl-wind and I’ve been trying my best to get used to my post-grad life and my fellowship with the League of United Latin American Citizens in the local council in Aurora, Illinois. The president of the local council and my supervisor and mentor, Art Velasquez, who, despite being 80 years old, continues to be a fearless leader and champion for the rights of the Latino community in Aurora. Since first meeting and getting to know each other Art told me “mi’ja, we’re going to put you to work” [mi’ja roughly translates to ‘my daughter’ and is used as a term of endearment in the Latina/o community]. In getting to know his story and the various forms of discrimination and barriers he has faced and overcome, Art has mentored and inspired me to believe in the work that I want to accomplish in our community and beyond. At times, it can feel like the world is crashing down and there is absolutely nothing that I can do to make my community better. Art reminds me that it’s okay to have bad days but that better days will come, if you keep your head up and keep fighting. Art always says, “la lucha sigue” [the fight continues].
Jesus and I at the LULAC of Illinois State Convention in Little Village, Chicago, IL.
Every day is different and brings something new, which I love. I have met with several different agencies in the area such as the Quad County Urban League, Family Focus, various local politicians and school board members and superintendents. I have had the opportunity to attend the LULAC State Convention in Chicago and meet up with my good friend and CAPS Fellow, Jesus Payan, who is also working with LULAC for the summer. It was great to see a familiar face and work with an amazing friend in a professional setting. We both spoke of how our experiences working with the Office of Multicultural Programs at Valpo and serving as executive board members for LIVE (Latinos in Valparaiso for Excellence) has greatly prepared us for our roles in working for LULAC. Not only that, Jesus and I had the opportunity to attend the Illinois School Board Meeting in Oswego, Illinois on June 17th, where “regressive proration” was discussed. “Regressive proration” occurs when money is cut from low-income school districts and students rather than those with less low-income students. Education is a key focus for LULAC and the Latina/o community and it was imperative we attend and stress how the practice of “regressive proration” is affecting Illinois students, particularly those of African-American and Latina/o descent.
The Illinois School Board Meeting at Oswego East High School in Oswego, IL.
Next week, I will begin working with West Aurora School District 129 in helping organize their annual “Parent University.” Hopefully, I will have the opportunity to facilitate a workshop for parents of high school students on different resources that are available to them in the district and community, discuss higher education and/or financial aid.
I am excited to continue my work with LULAC this summer! I might have the possibility of traveling to Salt Lake City, Utah for the LULAC National Convention, which I know Jesus is going to attend. Hopefully, everything works out and I am able to go!
Coming back to Aurora has made me realize that I am privileged in so many ways. Unlike my parents and many in my community, I am a U.S. citizen and a college graduate and I am afforded the many privileges and rights that come with it. I know that there is a lot expected out of me because of that and that’s okay. The pressure is on and I only hope that I can deliver and help my community to the best of my abilities.