Privilege, Thoughts on Undocumented Citizens

Reading the "30+ Examples of Middle-to-Upper Class Privilege" post really opened my eyes up to how fortunate I really am and how what may seem normal and expected to me is abnormal and a struggle for others. I never thought of being part of the middle-class was a privilege, but I now realize it is. Some on the examples that really struck me were: “You understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy food, and can choose to eat healthy food if you wish.” It’s so shocking to think that there are those out there who do not have to option to eat healthy food, but are rather subjected to unhealthy food, simply due to their middle class. The example, “In the case of medical emergency, you won’t have to decide against visiting a doctor or the hospital due to economic reasons,” is also very startling. I’ve never had to think twice about going to the hospital if I needed to. It’s so sad and upsetting to know that some people have to turn down going to the hospital in a time of need because they cannot afford it. Having your economic standings influence your ability to seek medical attention is scary and highly concerning. I feel that after reading the post, I have become much more aware of how others in society are living, and how I should not take anything that I have or can do for granted. I feel that there should be a bigger push for equal opportunity for people from all economic standings.

I was very moved and informed after watching Illegal and Undocumented, Unafraid. It’s weird and a bit shameful that I live in this country and society and am not aware of the personal wars people are facing for being undocumented. I found that undocumented students face discrimination, ignorance and oppression for being in a situation that is not their fault. I am really inspired, however, by their passion, drive and persistence to rise above their difficulties, and to stand tall in the face of their situation. After watching the video, I am not only informed but also have a perspective of believing that everyone should have equal opportunity in the country, despite their origins.

Microaggressions.

I am incredibly grateful for the STARS Community Event last week that focused on identity and struggles with microaggression. I initially was not even aware of what microagression was and when I found out I realized that not only have I personally suffered from it, but I have also been the producer of it to others. What you say or ask someone may seem completely harmless and logical to you, but to the person you’re talking to it can actually be offensive and sensitive. The even encouraged me to be more aware and informed of different cultures and think about what I may say before I say it and how it might affect the other person. In terms of being a victim of microaggression, I think that it’s important to speak up for yourself and tell somebody when they have said something that makes you upset or uncomfortable.

The Microaggession Tumblr page had so many surprising and interesting examples of microaggression. Below are 3 I chose to respond to:

“After I cut my hair short, a male friend of mine told me it looked bad. I responded with polite disagreement, saying that I liked it and it made me feel confident, but even after several of my female friends at the table said they liked it too, he wouldn’t shut up about it and eventually told me that I shouldn’t have cut it because I used to be ‘kind of hot’. Because short hair isn’t hot, and the only thing I think about when cutting my hair is impressing men."

This story made me realize that microaggression is not only race-based. It can apply to gender issues as well. I can identify with this statement, because today, beauty is pigeon-holed into a specific idea or look and straying away from that makes you ugly or unfit. Also, at the end, “the only thing I think about when cutting my hair is impressing men,” statement really resonated with me. Whenever I randomly decide to dress up one day or put makeup on, both my guy and girlfriends ask me who I’m dressing up for or what guy I’m trying to look cute for. There is no reason or person for which us girls must dress up for or cut our hair for except for ourselves and more people need to understand that. Our lives do not revolve around impressing guys and receiving their approval.

"Well, it's only because she has that Hispanic last name (Martinez). You know, they are always looking for minorities."- My neighbor, when finding out I (and not her son) was awarded a very prestigious and large scholarship to pay for my undergraduate education and study abroad. I worked extremely hard to get this scholarship all throughout high school.

I am so shocked when I read something like this. I find it so upsetting when others may think that you received an academic reward due to being a minority. That belief is insensitive, ignorant, and ridiculous. As minorities, we have to work just as hard, if not harder than others to prove ourselves and overcome certain obstacles that those of the majority race may not have to face.

“Strangers deem it appropriate to touch my hair without asking. It happens often and in any public space. I am a Black girl with waist length locs. Makes me annoyed or angry that my personal space is being violated.”

YESSS! This statement gives me so much joy to know that I am not the only person that has dealt with this issue. I have had both friends and complete strangers entitle themselves to happily touching my hair like I’m a display or source of entertainment, simply because I have a different hair texture than them. It’s incredibly frustrating and invasive.

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I found the “18 Chances You Will Not Regret Taking in Life”blog to be very inspirational and motivating. It inspires me to really get the most out of life and not be so hesitant or worrisome about things. I need to allow myself to have experiences, accept the good and bad in them, and allow myself to just see every day of life as an opportunity to better myself and shape my future.

Privilege; E-portfolio

I was highly intrigued by the Privilege document. I was not aware that there were so many different forms of privilege in society. When I heard the word privilege I only thought about only white privilege and would have never guessed that I fell into certain privilege categories myself, being a student of color. I had never heard of or thought about heterosexual privilege, so it was very insightful to learn about that and to realize that I have certain privileges simply due to my sexual orientation that others may not possess. I also had never heard of the term ‘allyship before. After reading about and becoming informed on the term, I have realized the importance on it. I think it is highly important and influential that those who are members of certain groups of privilege are aware of their position, because many may not even realize it. People need to be educated on their place and power in society. If an individual is part of a group of privilege in which they do not agree with its conditions, speaking their voice and standing against it is so important, because it can help break these unfair groups down if its own members disagree with it. I believe that now being informed about privilege, allyship and safe spaces helps to better shape my leadership style and endeavors. I feel much more aware of what is going on in society and how others are viewed and judged. I can then reach out to those who may be struggling with their place in a privileged group and have feelings against it and also to those who are viewed as ‘alternative’ or ‘the other,’ as the document states. 

I can recall many incidents in which those who identify with a group of privilege acted as an ally for others. For example, I have a close friend who identifies as Filipino and her mother is prejudice against those of the African American race. She once told my friend that she should not hang out “with her black friends” (me and my friends who are also African American) because we were a “bad influence,” simply due to our race and having never even met us. Instead of agreeing with her insensitive, upsetting and misinformed comment, my friend stood up to her mother and told her that we are great people and she should not judge us based on our races. This was 3 years ago and she is still friends with us, to her mother’s dismay. I feel like if more people spoke out against the inequalities and misunderstandings within privileged groups, more effective and lasting change would take place.

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In regards to the E-portfolio session, I was very appreciative of Michelle coming in to speak with us. I thought I had a pretty good handle with e-portfolios but I was unaware of the numerous features it really had to offer. Michelle was very informative and thorough and I definitely believe that with my new found knowledge I will be able to bring forth an even better final product for the end of the year. Thanks Michelle!

Thoughts on serving and New Chicago

I found Stephen Light’s article to be significantly inspiring. I really identified with his sharing of how he initially struggled with helping others, because he was searching for validation and often did things he really did not want to do. I have personally learned from experience that helping and serving others comes from the heart and is a personal, selfless choice, not a validation seeking matter. It is important to first make sure that you are well-rounded and happy with yourself, before you extend service to others. I believe that it is important to serve because it helps you realize that life is not all about you and what you do. It opens your eyes to other people, personalities, cultures and lifestyles. For me, serving others makes me feel good about extending a helping hand and being a source of love and support from someone who is in need and may not have otherwise received attention. Reading this article contributes to my leadership as it reminds me to serve from a willing, honest, and selfless place. In regards to the service work at Family Matters, I am further encouraged to bond even more with my mentee to create an inspirational and memorable experience. It makes me realize that service is an opportunity, not an obligation.

I loved the "Hide Your Schools, Hide Your Homes, Hide Your Children, Cause He's Wrecking it All" video. I found it incredibly impactful. As I am not a native of Chicago, I am not as aware of the city’s issues, so the video was quite informative and opened my eyes to some of the issues currently being faced. I found it inspiring how the speakers in the video were young, but had such strong, confident voices and things to say. It is refreshing to see young people voicing their opinions and educating audiences to the issues at hand. Building a New Chicago destroys homes and schools, leaving students out of the picture. I believe that my service can motivate my student to realize the value of an education, as it is the foundation of any path one goes down in life. Education is so invaluable and impactful and should definitely be preserved.

Servant Leadership

“The ends you serve that are selfish will take you no further than yourself but the ends you serve that are for all, in common, will take you into eternity.”

― Marcus Garvey

I believe that this quote is a prime explanation of leadership. So many of the qualities of leadership focus on the betterment of others, of a community. One cannot lead if they are focusing on themselves and standing alone. Being selfish does not lead to a positive, lasting outcome, while reaching out in unity to lead makes a lasting impact.

In regards to the Servant Leadership workshop, I was very inspired and received so much interesting knowledge. I thought that I knew the general definition and characteristics of leadership and that servant leadership was the same thing. However, after Dr. Green’s presentation, I felt much more informed and rounded with my take on the matter.

The most important thing about servant leadership is that you seek to serve others first, rather than lead. You are reaching out to others, seeking to identify where they need a helping hand, meet their needs and help them grow. After this is when one then leads.

 As we were taught about the characteristics of servant leadership, I found a few points to be particularly interesting, specifically the characteristic of healing. The definition explained that servant-leaders “strive to help heal the spirits of others when they are hurting.” I never thought of such a deep, personal quality to be a part of leadership. I also found the characteristic of persuasion to be surprising, as it focuses on helping and influencing others to make decisions, rather than ordering them to do things.

I believe that I currently possess the servant-leadership characteristics of listening, and empathy. I am constantly approached by my friends and peers when they want or need to talk about matters on their mind and seek my insight. They value my patience, opinions and advice.

Through servant leadership I plan on obtaining and/or improving the characteristics of awareness, conceptualization, stewardship commitment to the growth of people, and building community. I find these qualities to be a bit challenging, so I know that they will take time, focus and having confidence in my abilities.

My dream job is to work for a magazine company that focuses on teen/young adult lifestyles and/or the entertainment world, something along the lines of Seventeen Magazine or Rolling Stone. I greatly enjoy interacting with others, writing, and reporting, and I can definitely see myself being happy and successful in the magazine industry. I think that in this position I can serve others by making sure I am an efficient, respectful employee to my boss, completing requests, putting forth my best effort with stories and tasks, and working cohesively with others.

Thoughts on "Locating the School-to-Prison Pipeline" article and my role as a STARS leader

Reading the “Locating the School-To-Prison Pipeline” article made me greatly saddened and concerned. It is disheartening to know that students are not able to receive a quality education due to lower resources, economic standings and teachers that are not up to par. Due to these factors, students have shifted their focus and drive from the classroom to violence and suspension and expulsion from schools. It is particularly difficult for me to be informed of this, as I have had a private, quality education my entire life. Knowing that there are so many students who have unequal educational experiences is frustrating, as I believe that all children desire an equal opportunity for a great education. Attending schools that are not mentally stimulating and encouraging development and excellence from students due to lower resources for public schools is quite unfair. One should not be robbed of a quality education due to economic standings is upsetting, unequal, and obviously produces a negative impact and outcome for some students. I think that instead of everyone fleeing to private schools, there should be more effort put into improving public schools so they remain both affordable and beneficial.

As a STARS leader I will use my position as a mentor to inspire my mentee to realize her potential and work to the best of her abilities. Educating her on the invaluable benefits of an education will hopefully influence her to push herself and also encourage her peers to stay in school and keep their eyes focused on their promising futures. In stressing the importance of an education, I believe that I will be able to develop my leadership characteristics, providing my mentee with advice, constructive criticism, and a drive to strive for success.

My Take on Mentoring

I was both excited and curious for the first site visit to Family Matters. I was not sure what to expect, but when we arrived, I soon felt the community and comfort of the building. It was so nice to see the little children running around happily playing with friends while others were on the computer or studying with a tutor. Meeting Dawn was very comforting and I really appreciate how supportive and helpful she is. She helped me feel even more excited, informed and prepared to begin my mentor position with my mentee. I think it was great how she let us pick out our mentees; I think it was very wise that she had us pick who we wanted based on descriptions about their personalities and interests, and not by having us see them and pick out the one who was the “cutest” or what not. Using this method ensured that we were able to choose mentees that we felt we could influentially mentor. 

After the Mentoring Style Inventory, I learned that I mostly have an Advising and Prescribing mentoring style. I believe that both styles are beneficial, because I can share my thoughts and ideas with my mentee and also take on a more hands-on approach by helping to solve issues my mentee may have and request that she changes any habits that may be negative.

In larger group settings, I can give participants my opinions and make a difference by problem-solving; with the prescribing mentoring style I can take a more authoritative position by providing constructive criticism that will help to better situations.