Maternal Love: Support and Limitation.
My mom and GMa (mothers) have been my #1 supporters. I am lucky to have had two people in my life provide unconditional love and unrelenting support for my dreams and aspirations. They showcased a strong work ethic and resiliency, something I could model my life after.
The support has been there all my life, from preschool to college, and it still follows me now. My mothers provided me with the resources I needed to succeed; the academic culture was embedded in my life as a toddler. I can remember being four years old and spend my afternoons at the Anaheim Central Public Library. I walked there after school and staying away from the trouble in my neighborhood. I read books about whales, fall of the Roman Empire, and volcanoes. I would stay until closing time, hearing the bedtime stories read at 8pm. It was my home away from home; my grandma instilled a strong educational background founded on reading.
I don’t remember when it happened, between my mothers focus on education, absorbing the environment of the library, and personal initiative, I took on a scholar identity. As a student, I always tried my best and anything less was disappointing. I remember, always striving for the “High Flyer” award given to students who showed great academic ability during a particular month. When I was recognized for my achievements, it was hard for my mothers to attend the assembly when the awards were giving. My mothers, they both worked all day, and missed most of the assemblies. It was usually only twice a year were I could show off my school work and have my teachers say how great I was: Back to School Night/ Parent Conferences.
As Latinos, there is part of our culture that limits the opportunities of our children. Something I would call Latino filial piety, where we must obey our parents at all cost because the always know best. There is a generalization in the Latino Community that our parents keep us at home until we are 30 or burden us to assist in bread winning at a young age (Limit our social, individual, and intellectual growth and development). These generalizations were true for me; I started working at twelve cleaning offices with my parents. Upon graduating high school, I was limited in distance to attending a college within minutes of my parents home. But what else could I expect? My mother, my cousins, and other Latino friends lived with their parents until age 27, 30 and beyond. Education is a priority, but we set geographic limitations and expect higher education to conform to our terms/norms. They want us to get educated, but do not understand the difference between Fullerton College, Cal State Fullerton, and UCLA. To my family, they were all the same…they were all just colegios. This is part of the Latino culture, especially for immigrant parents, that needs to change…that is changing. When I do outreach, bright college-bound students are still limited to schools that are within bus distance. Unknowing of the college environment/expectations, Latino parents assume it will be like high school, where a student can walk/ride the bus to school, take their classes and can come home to take care of their siblings or prep for dinner. It is unfortunate, but it is a struggle we face. First generation Latino students deal with cultural dissonance, the struggle between college expectations and those of their parents. But as more Latinos go to college, the myths and the unknown disappear, and clearer expectations are seen for our college bound students. The change has begun; I see it! Through improving our college-going culture, the families of our first generation students learn the truth about higher education and the opportunities it provides their student, and eventually their family. With time and education, we move forward!
Even today, as I write this, I have the support of my mothers. The foundation they created; the value in education and determination for a better life, is what I build on today.
Inspired by Kanye West- Hey Mama!
Forrest Gump, mama said, life is like a box of chocolates
My mama told me go to school, get your doctorate
Somethin to fall back on, you could profit with
But still supported me when I did the opposite
Now I feel like it's things I gotta get
Things I gotta do, just to prove to you
You was getting through, can the choir please
Give me a verse of “You, Are So Beautiful To Me"
Can't you see, you're like a book of poetry
Maya Angelou, Nicky Giovanni, turn one page and there's my mommy
Come on mommy just dance wit me, let the whole world see your dancing feet
Now when I say Hey, yall say Mama, now everybody answer me (Hey Mama)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
A post to keep me honest
We all have busy lives and semi-hectic schedules. Many times, we mention something to our friends and colleagues about something we want to do, create, or experience, then the next meeting or conference call derails us, and we forget. Enough! We cannot sit in meetings all day and let our dreams and passion fade away. So here are some things I am getting ready for:
American Assoc. of Hispanics in Higher Education (AAHHE) Graduate Fellow: AAHHE Fellow Information
CSU Pre-Doctoral Program: Pre-Doc Info
Fulbright Scholars Program: Fulbright Information
Bonus Link
California Forums for Diversity in Graduate Education:
Get that Higher Education
American Assoc. of Hispanics in Higher Education (AAHHE) Graduate Fellow: AAHHE Fellow Information
CSU Pre-Doctoral Program: Pre-Doc Info
Fulbright Scholars Program: Fulbright Information
Bonus Link
California Forums for Diversity in Graduate Education:
Get that Higher Education
Counterstorytelling
As a person of color, adversity, prejudice, and systemic institutional oppression have been a part of my life. At this point, it has become easier to pinpoint the oppressive experiences of my past and realize the struggles I overcome.
I have begun to understand the meaning of being a minority, underrepresented, lower class and a person of color. For many years, these labels ascribed to me were seen as negative and provided a deficit thought. I was led to believe that my culture and identity dimensions were deficient and less valuable than the dominant White culture. Deficient thought finds minority cultures lacking value and insisting that our cultures cause low educational and occupational attainment (Yosso, 2006). This thinking has permeated U.S. Society and our educational system. Schools driven by the deficit model use a bank system of education: making our students passive bodies in learning, taught to acculturate/assimilate and accept the values of the dominant society (hooks, 1996; Freire, 1970). With time, experience, and education I have dispelled that deficit thinking and liberated my thoughts and actions. This rant reflects my experience in the educational pipeline and briefly covers themes of: education as a liberatory practice (Freire, 1970; hooks, 1996), critical race theory (Delgado & Stefancic, 2001), LatCrit and racial microaggression (Solorzano), and critical race counterstorytelling (Yosso, 2006).
Today, I will begin to share my counterstory and retrace the struggles I have had as a Chicano, coming from a low-income family and impoverished community to being a college graduate and working towards assisting mi guente along the educational pipeline. Counterstorytelling comes from a revolt against the general history and stories told through the perspective of those with racial and social privilege, “majoritarian storytelling” (Yosso, 2006). Counterstorytellin moves us from the legacy of racism and White privilege and introduces a method for people to validate their lived experience and share their “story” as they see it. Critical race counterstory recounts the experiences and perspectives of racially and socially marginalized people. It empowers our people and embraces our communities of color rich history of storytelling and oral traditions.
Growing up, only a church lot separated me and drugs, gang violence, and many of the issues that face our impoverished communities of color. Although, I still experienced the issues stated above, they were not directly outside my doorstep. I was lucky; I could avoid it, but my classmates, my friends, could not. It affected their daily life; arguments in the morning, domestic disturbances at night, older siblings slang, younger ones stealing, and everyday gang violence just to claim a street corner. In retrospect, I understand why many of my friends dropped out of school, were imprisoned, overdossed or were killed on the streets.
I come from janitors and seamstresses. In my family, if you were a man, you worked maintenance; if you were a female, you sewed.
That is all I have for today... this continues tomorrow.
I have begun to understand the meaning of being a minority, underrepresented, lower class and a person of color. For many years, these labels ascribed to me were seen as negative and provided a deficit thought. I was led to believe that my culture and identity dimensions were deficient and less valuable than the dominant White culture. Deficient thought finds minority cultures lacking value and insisting that our cultures cause low educational and occupational attainment (Yosso, 2006). This thinking has permeated U.S. Society and our educational system. Schools driven by the deficit model use a bank system of education: making our students passive bodies in learning, taught to acculturate/assimilate and accept the values of the dominant society (hooks, 1996; Freire, 1970). With time, experience, and education I have dispelled that deficit thinking and liberated my thoughts and actions. This rant reflects my experience in the educational pipeline and briefly covers themes of: education as a liberatory practice (Freire, 1970; hooks, 1996), critical race theory (Delgado & Stefancic, 2001), LatCrit and racial microaggression (Solorzano), and critical race counterstorytelling (Yosso, 2006).
Today, I will begin to share my counterstory and retrace the struggles I have had as a Chicano, coming from a low-income family and impoverished community to being a college graduate and working towards assisting mi guente along the educational pipeline. Counterstorytelling comes from a revolt against the general history and stories told through the perspective of those with racial and social privilege, “majoritarian storytelling” (Yosso, 2006). Counterstorytellin moves us from the legacy of racism and White privilege and introduces a method for people to validate their lived experience and share their “story” as they see it. Critical race counterstory recounts the experiences and perspectives of racially and socially marginalized people. It empowers our people and embraces our communities of color rich history of storytelling and oral traditions.
Growing up, only a church lot separated me and drugs, gang violence, and many of the issues that face our impoverished communities of color. Although, I still experienced the issues stated above, they were not directly outside my doorstep. I was lucky; I could avoid it, but my classmates, my friends, could not. It affected their daily life; arguments in the morning, domestic disturbances at night, older siblings slang, younger ones stealing, and everyday gang violence just to claim a street corner. In retrospect, I understand why many of my friends dropped out of school, were imprisoned, overdossed or were killed on the streets.
I come from janitors and seamstresses. In my family, if you were a man, you worked maintenance; if you were a female, you sewed.
That is all I have for today... this continues tomorrow.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Disappointment with the CSUs
Disillusioned; I believed in the California State University (CSU) System as the nation's #1 public higher education system. The CSU system provided access and affordability to all Californians seeking a postsecondary education, especially underrepresented students. I understand the global economic recession and the poor economy we face here in California. With this crisis, we have seen the federal government attempt to decrease the Pell Grant (although it will increase this fiscal year) and state government (Arny) attempt to TERMINATe(OR) the Cal Grant. At the same time, Chancellor Reed has called this period the "most devastating year" in the CSUs history; including cut in enrollment numbers, mandated furloughs, tuition hikes, and system-wide budget cuts at or above 200 million, with an overall 584 million budget deficit.
It is hard for me to still think that the CSU is the solution to bridging the achievement gap in Enrollment Rates, Persistence, & Degree Attainment. Staying positive is difficult, but I must! I am a product of the CSU system and stand by the transformational power this institution has on society. I hope the state and the CSU system can find a way to continue providing affordable and accessible education to all that seek it.
The CSU Board of Trustees will vote on the entire action plan to address the $584 million deficit at its July 21 meeting. For more info check out: http://tinyurl.com/nxgsjb
When tuition increases and financial aid decreases, many bright students are kept out of our institutions just because of the lack of objectified capital. These budget related decisions will definitely add to the problems facing our educational pipeline. As an educator, this makes me wondering how we can continue to provide access to higher education for all students who seek a postsecondary education.
It is hard for me to still think that the CSU is the solution to bridging the achievement gap in Enrollment Rates, Persistence, & Degree Attainment. Staying positive is difficult, but I must! I am a product of the CSU system and stand by the transformational power this institution has on society. I hope the state and the CSU system can find a way to continue providing affordable and accessible education to all that seek it.
The CSU Board of Trustees will vote on the entire action plan to address the $584 million deficit at its July 21 meeting. For more info check out: http://tinyurl.com/nxgsjb
When tuition increases and financial aid decreases, many bright students are kept out of our institutions just because of the lack of objectified capital. These budget related decisions will definitely add to the problems facing our educational pipeline. As an educator, this makes me wondering how we can continue to provide access to higher education for all students who seek a postsecondary education.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Revival
So I have decided to start using this blog again. I removed most of the older blogs on this site, since they seemed irrelevant. Hopefully this blog can keep me organized with writing, researching, and expressing my ideas as I write my thesis to complete my Masters in May 2010. We will see!
Mexica Tiahui
Saturday, June 27, 2009
College Summit
Get on my level, to reach me...
you'll need a space shuttle or a ladder that goes for eva!
you'll need a space shuttle or a ladder that goes for eva!
Saturday, February 2, 2008
This isnt Farsi!
So, my problem with recruitment. Why is it so exhausting? Why do we dread recruiting people?
Planning a Big Event wont help.
Throwing more money at wont help either.
Screaming at the Recruitment Chair wont get more people to join either!
In my opinion these are steps to simplify your recruitment process.
*Prepare Members
*Create a database of names
*Make friends
*Have activities which interacts fraternity members with new friends
*Clear concerns from join
*Ask him to join
Preparing your Members:
Know your product
Know your facts
Love your product!
People wont buy what you sell, if you don't believe in it yourself!
DB of Names:
What good does planning events do if no one attends them?
Before any "recruitment events" are planned, make sure you know people who are interested in coming!
Before moving on to the next process, you must compile at least 200 names! Minimum!
How?
Leaders and brothers are on campus, in the classroom, in organizational meetings, on the athletic field, not in a bar or party!
Be on the grind- walk your campus, get to know people
Be social in your classrooms
Make friends with resident adviser and res hall students
Ask sorority women for membership referrals
See what the Dean of Students can provide (incoming freshman contact list, summer orientation list)
Attend meetings other organizations meetings on campus recruit involved students
Marketing- post fliers, newspaper ads, table tents, and facebook ads
EVERY FRATERNITY EVENT IS A RECRUITMENT EVENT!
They will positively or negatively affect your recruitment results.
don't believe me ask? Id be happy to explain!
Make friends:
as you build your contact list, make sure to build relationships as well!
befriend any and all men you come in contact with
beginning introducing them to other brothers
Inclusive Interaction:
When you meet a girl for the first time do you automatically take her to meet your parents after introducing yourself?
NO
So why would you expect a shy/naive/nervous/skeptical person come to a fraternity house full of strangers.
Its overwhelming, not to mention nerve racking, to step in to an unfamiliar place especially when you have preconceived notions of a fraternity house.
Make it simple, play ball on their court.
Focus on small activities and make them feel comfortable.
Go to lunch, the rec center, bowling, study, walk on campus, play a pickup game of basketball with some brothers, or even just find a place to sit and chat.
Gradually have the potential new member interact with more fraternity members.
By this time he should feel like part of the group and not hesitate to attend that BIG EVENT you been waiting to have.
Test the Waters:
EITHER YOU WILL SELL THEM ON WHY TO JOIN OR THEY WILL SELL YOU ON WHY NOT TO, REGARDLESS SOMEONE WILL BE SOLD! SO JUST MAKE THE DEAL
Make sure to "pre-close"
Be smart, always have an answer to their "no."
Have responses to,
Time Commitment
Financial Constraints
A parent/girlfriend not wanting them to join
Staying focused on grades
Their age/Too old
Not being the fraternity type
Being Hazed
Drinking Concerns
Ask them to join!
So many people walk away from fraternity because....they were never asked to join!
No one will ever join your fraternity if you do not ask them to
After all the work, we forget to just ask them to join!
Good, now you have one recruit...start all over again for the next
Tips:
Always leave them wanting more
Never let them leave empty handed
Be upfront, no hidden fees
Follow through one what you promise, we are not mortgage lenders so lets not "bait and switch" them
-El Comandante
...apologies to any mortgage lenders...
Planning a Big Event wont help.
Throwing more money at wont help either.
Screaming at the Recruitment Chair wont get more people to join either!
In my opinion these are steps to simplify your recruitment process.
*Prepare Members
*Create a database of names
*Make friends
*Have activities which interacts fraternity members with new friends
*Clear concerns from join
*Ask him to join
Preparing your Members:
Know your product
Know your facts
Love your product!
People wont buy what you sell, if you don't believe in it yourself!
DB of Names:
What good does planning events do if no one attends them?
Before any "recruitment events" are planned, make sure you know people who are interested in coming!
Before moving on to the next process, you must compile at least 200 names! Minimum!
How?
Leaders and brothers are on campus, in the classroom, in organizational meetings, on the athletic field, not in a bar or party!
Be on the grind- walk your campus, get to know people
Be social in your classrooms
Make friends with resident adviser and res hall students
Ask sorority women for membership referrals
See what the Dean of Students can provide (incoming freshman contact list, summer orientation list)
Attend meetings other organizations meetings on campus recruit involved students
Marketing- post fliers, newspaper ads, table tents, and facebook ads
EVERY FRATERNITY EVENT IS A RECRUITMENT EVENT!
They will positively or negatively affect your recruitment results.
don't believe me ask? Id be happy to explain!
Make friends:
as you build your contact list, make sure to build relationships as well!
befriend any and all men you come in contact with
beginning introducing them to other brothers
Inclusive Interaction:
When you meet a girl for the first time do you automatically take her to meet your parents after introducing yourself?
NO
So why would you expect a shy/naive/nervous/skeptical person come to a fraternity house full of strangers.
Its overwhelming, not to mention nerve racking, to step in to an unfamiliar place especially when you have preconceived notions of a fraternity house.
Make it simple, play ball on their court.
Focus on small activities and make them feel comfortable.
Go to lunch, the rec center, bowling, study, walk on campus, play a pickup game of basketball with some brothers, or even just find a place to sit and chat.
Gradually have the potential new member interact with more fraternity members.
By this time he should feel like part of the group and not hesitate to attend that BIG EVENT you been waiting to have.
Test the Waters:
EITHER YOU WILL SELL THEM ON WHY TO JOIN OR THEY WILL SELL YOU ON WHY NOT TO, REGARDLESS SOMEONE WILL BE SOLD! SO JUST MAKE THE DEAL
Make sure to "pre-close"
Be smart, always have an answer to their "no."
Have responses to,
Time Commitment
Financial Constraints
A parent/girlfriend not wanting them to join
Staying focused on grades
Their age/Too old
Not being the fraternity type
Being Hazed
Drinking Concerns
Ask them to join!
So many people walk away from fraternity because....they were never asked to join!
No one will ever join your fraternity if you do not ask them to
After all the work, we forget to just ask them to join!
Good, now you have one recruit...start all over again for the next
Tips:
Always leave them wanting more
Never let them leave empty handed
Be upfront, no hidden fees
Follow through one what you promise, we are not mortgage lenders so lets not "bait and switch" them
-El Comandante
...apologies to any mortgage lenders...
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