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Reflection: Soul's Healing

2/26/2018

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Related Reading
What About Us?
 Bridges For Diversity 


As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     The truth is that I am thinking and reflecting upon the Parkland shooting, that has fuelled the gun debate. Students are finally raising their voices to say enough is enough. This is the beauty of student voice, when sparked by one and united through many, it does possess the capability to enact change, new ways of thinking for betterments, or for the causes that they have raised their voices for. As mentioned in my earlier thoughts, whilst I am deeply sympathetic for the lives lost, the losses and the psychological impact this massacre has left upon this school and community, we have to think and wonder. Why did these students have their voices placed in priority? Was it because they actually decided to raise their voices? Or was it because of factors surrounding race and socio/economic status, did the race of these students affect how and why their voices were heard? The response does raise a question about the invisible inequities, but on another note it is representative of the fact that sometimes it takes a majority to create and implement change, or new ways of thinking for those living at the margins, or minority populations. This is a cruel truth, but being a minority, I certainly know what it feels like to be viewed and placed on the no so important list. 

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     The current debate has also allowed us to think about guns, gun culture, guns and tradition, guns and history, agriculture, farming and recreational use. It could be that it is time for revisions as to accessibility, and for what reasons guns are carried. The current debates and questions have reminded me of the human quest for a search of answers. Which is what happens to us as we face, or begin to cope with any after-math. We question, and we are left with why? We can relate these deaths to any destruction that is happening around the world, from the frequent earthquakes that happen in Mexico, or the recent death toll of over 500 in Syria last week. All are life forms, and what they all share in common is that there is death, and loss of life. But what is different is the importance that is placed upon the loss. 

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     Sometimes we hear of these deaths, and simply turn away to carry on with life as normal, because we think it is normal, but it is not. What is the difference between the massacre in Parkland, or deaths from the act of war in Syria? The root difference I would say is, one happened through an act of modern terror, and the other in a region that is blanketed with constant warfare and struggle. So when we hear the word war, we automatically think that death will occur. As an international community we have to take a stand against the cruelty that is taking place, and at the national level, look within and see what we could do better. The ultimate fact is that death is inevitable, it is a reality that we will all face. But the tragedy is - how could anyone desire to see any loss of life at the national / international level when youth and children haven't even began to live? And on another note to think how we talk about issues, and the languages we choose to use. When we think about mental health, are we talking "mental health", or paving the way to use issues to reinforce stereotypes and stigma? 

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​     These thoughts have been written to once again open our eyes, while what we might want to wish away the hurt that has happened to us, and go away in an instant, we have to remember others live with a threat to their lives each and every day. It shouldn't be normal in any case, and asks us to re-think: Return to our essence to love and care for each other. Embracing differences, but through a united front as a united human family, at the level of national and international. 

​My thoughts to share with love & Kindness! :) 
​Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on February 26th, 2017.
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Thank you-PyeongChang 2018!

2/25/2018

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Thank you Pyeong Chang Winter Olympics 2018 for a memorable winters Olympic Games. To all of the organizers, supporters, volunteers, fans, those who came out to watch the athletes, to all the nations, and of course to all the athletes, your talents, determination, and achievements are what we all gather to see, as you compete at the highest level's for the love of the sport / talent that you have devoted yourself to. Thank you for the memories, making history, and also for the keeping the great spirit of the Olympics alive. May we always seek to gather in peace, in all gatherings, regardless of the color of our skin, the religious or political beliefs that are held, or gender. With peace and love, thank you! :) 

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Bridges For Diversity

2/23/2018

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As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect. 

     The truth is that on February 14th, 2018 a shooting massacre occurred at Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, USA. This shooting sparked protests, a listening session with President Trump, and a response from the NRA chief Wayne LaPierre. I took the time to listen and observe. At first I didn't want to write about this, a certain feeling of being tired of the never ending violence took over. However, I thought and wondered. Why specifically is this school receiving National attention, and huge lump sums of monetary donations, when other recent school shootings go by with thoughts and prayer? This made me question the idea of whose voice, or whose life is valued more or less than others. Why did the Florida students receive the ears at the Presidential level, when there have been so many other lives lost in various locations around the USA? It is not to say that I am not sympathetic, because I am. Every life matters, but I am critical about the attention to this particular incident, because it questions if human life is equally valued.

    Is life valued more when some one is of a particular race, color of skin, from a higher socio/economic status, caste, class, gender or religion? A simple reality check will allow us to say, yes. However, the positive outcome of the after-effects is that students have demanded action. Students need to feel safe, loved, cared for, and free to learn in the space of a school regardless of race, color of skin, from a higher socio/economic status, caste, class, gender or religion. It is their right to learn, seek knowledge and develop the intellect (brain), it is a human right, like health. The brain must stay active to remain healthy. A healthy brain is a human right. 

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     The right to bear arms in the USA was derived through history with The National Firearms Act  1934,  and also with the occurrence of assassinations that formed The Gun Control Act of 1968. But guns were also used for the purposes of agriculture, farming, and the hunting and gathering era's. These traditions have carried forward through to the "Wild West" traditions, gun culture, and the right for civilians to bear arms. I am thinking that maybe it is time to look into revisions? We saw this where Florida Gov backed the raising of rifle age possession to 21. It is a good start, but I am thinking that individuals who want to posses a gun will find ways of ownership, especially through illegal sellers. 

     So it has come into our awareness that of carrying a gun, how do we do so, and for what means needs to be thought about very carefully. But should these school shootings mean that teachers should possess weapons? I thought that the actual suggestion was absolutely absurd. I am for training, and educating teachers for lockdowns, security and safety, but to what extent do teachers need to carry a gun? What if an incident was miscalculated and then a teacher picks a gun with the intent to kill, what will happen to the teacher? I think that to suggest give teachers a bonus, so that teachers will consider President Trumps suggestion was actually de-humanizing and demeaning to the profession. "You give the a little bonus, so that practically for free, you have now made the school into a hardened target" (Mr. Trump, 2018).  Why not give teachers a raise for the actual work that they are doing? These suggestions also reveal the little that President Trump knows about the profession, and I say THANK GOD to the America Federation of Teachers who spoke in opposition to this suggestion. School shootings should be taken seriously, but is armoury solved with armoury? Can we, or should we claim blood for blood? 

     What is being called into question is we need to think of preventative measures that will reduce or eliminate school shootings. Should their be a higher police presence or security officers present in schools? Or should there be community policing within and around school communities? These types of programs do already exist, but we could think of ways to improve these for higher safety and security of schools. This should include all schools where there are students or different races, ethnic backgrounds, color of skin, genders, caste, creed, religion, or ethnic minority. What we also need to consider is who are the shooters? What are the patterns, and history of the shooters? It is easy to cut, paste, slap, kill, than to really think of effective solutions that require the investment in human capital for the purposes of safety. 

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My thoughts to share with love & Kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on February 23rd, 2018.
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Congratulations TEAM USA! :)

2/23/2018

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Congratulations to the Womens USA hockey team who earned Gold at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeong Chang. This is such a historic win that took some time to relish, and understand the depth of such a win after 20 years. We are so proud of you! We are proud of anyone who supports the nation of America, stands for their country and their team!!! In honor of Team USA's Gold I wore my gold scarf. Embrace your happiness, because this is your time to celebrate!!! Congratulations TEAM USA!!! :) 

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NKLB-No Kid Left Behind.

2/23/2018

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Related Reading:
Who's Responsible?
Let's Flip It!


As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     The truth is that I was taking the time to think about my previous thoughts, particularly with regards to musicians, and artists to assist and support students. When I say support, this can be in any form. I am thinking about at-risk students who are living in urban areas, and are faced with challenges arising from family dynamics, socio/economic status, or any other factor that is challenging the growth, development, and the academic success of students. I thought particularly about the hip hop and rap culture. Music is something that is very important to adolescents/teens. But with some hip hop and rap music also arrives a culture. Sometimes the language is not suitable, even with parental advisories kids are listening to explicit languages. These might not have immediate impact, but the forces will be felt through the subliminal messages that the brain receives, enticing and also slowly normalizing, which then leads to replication, and potential adverse affects upon behaviour. So if we have affluent rap and hip hop artists that are talking about race, racism, drugs, alcohol, and sex in their music, and (hypothetically speaking) this music is topping the charts, then don't you think that teens and adolescents will think that it is cool?

     Now don't get me wrong or anything, my aim is not to be critical about anyone, or who someone chooses to listen to, but what I am saying is: often kids who are listening to this music look up to the singers, hip hop artists as role models. What if rap and hip hop artists began to evoke positive vibes that will uplift their listeners, especially the adolescents? To use their music to turn around at-risk teens, so they use their God given talents to create something positive out of their lives, in a language that they will understand? To better understand my thoughts, I share the example of the following song:

"Tryna make my mama proud"  - 2 Chaniz

     While this song does use explicit language (I have share the clean version), that might not be acceptable to some, or offensive. It is a language that speaks to some of the hip hop and rap music that I was referring to, and the culture. If we want to assist radicalized, minority, or at-risk populations, adolescents and students, they have to be spoken in a language that they are referring to, and from the role models that they are embracing. No child regardless of what they have chosen to embrace, or any previous behaviour that was viewed as unacceptable should be viewed as a failure, labelled or defined as an at-risk kid. Where some see problems, others see potential. And it is through this lens, the framework of potential that we have to work, because anything else would be suggestive of giving up.

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     Educators or teachers in the classroom are doing more than teaching. Teaching is a science it is an art, involving more than knowledge delivery, to bear the sociological and psycho-social factors that are entering the classroom as well. Is it not time to put the politics of schooling to the side, and think that the success of a student is not only the success of that student, it is the educators, the staff, and also the success of the school. And with the addition to the outside forces such as musicians and artists, we should think: If we are able to turn around one kid, its like we've turned around a whole community, because that kid who we are investing in belongs to a community which will also reap the benifits. 

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My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on February 21st, 2018.
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Reflection: Presidents Day 2018

2/20/2018

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Thomas Jefferson Monument

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     On February 19th, 2018 it was Presidents Day 2018, on this day I was reminded of my time in Washington, when I visited the Jefferson Library. It was a random unplanned visit, but I am glad that I was led there. As I saw the beautiful structure, and historic artifacts, I remember reading letters that Thomas Jefferson wrote that were showcased in the library. It was here that I was reminded of the sound of dreams. Where there was a renewed calling to dream. I thoughts about the elements of the sun and and fresh breeze as they touched my skin, walking, to and from the Presidential Monuments. I also wondered if I was in the White House what would I do to celebrate. I think it is probably without a question, that it would be to invite the poor and homeless for dinner. This thought also reminded me of this quote by Abraham Lincoln, about the foods he enjoyed on Presidents day: "Once in a while my mother used to get some sorghum and ginger and make some gingerbread. It wasn't often, and it was our biggest treat." - Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln came from a family of Pioneers, an ordinary family, coping with the harsh rural life, this was a reminder, that in life we'll all face tough circumstances, or challenges, but through these we should never cease to dream, because when dreaming ceases so to does our desire to live. Below I share foods that I cooked on Presidents Day, as I was dreaming of what I would have done to celebrate Presidents Day in the White House! ;) 

Happy Presidents Day 2018! :) 

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What About Us?

2/19/2018

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As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     I was thinking about the song written by Micheal Jackson called: Earth Song, especially the lyrics as follows: What have we done to the world. When you hear the complete song, and watch the video for the song, you understand that this song is a message to raise awareness of human beings and the environment, about the damage that humans have caused. This song was written at a time when there was much concern for the Earth, and the Ozone layer. Today while there is care and concern for the Earth's atmosphere and the environment, I think that we must and should demand more care and protection for humanity. These thoughts are echoed with the question in the song: What About Us? 

     The concern and cause for humanity is something that we strive for each and everyday, but this cause was re-ignited with the shooting in Stoneman Douglas Parkland School, Florida, and also the shootings in other schools as well. To begin to say that school shootings are something that we should get used to is actually very concerning. Why should any child/student, teacher, educator, or any staff member feel that when they go to school, they might not walk out alive? Why should anyone have to feel this way? We can think about the damage of the loss of lives that happen through these shootings, this damage surfaces when we hear about these through the news media, and of course through those who witness, and are affected by the devastation. To understand how and why individuals are able to possess guns, and shoot to kill individuals who have done no harm to them, has to be questioned, why? And not only that killing should never be the solution to any kind of hate or anger. 

     The shootings reveal hurt and harm that happens through the actions of these individuals. But what about the invisible hurt, the hurt that happens everyday at schools? In my previous thoughts, I wrote that school can be the source creator of problems. and the root solution to problems. In this sense we have to think about what is going on in schools. Whether we want to admit it or not educators are political beings. What they are teaching is delegated by the Government of the Day. How they decide to teach this content might reflect their personal preferences, or even foreshadow their political beliefs and values. The idea of educators as political beings is also reflected through how educators will act, behave, and communicate with each other. This could be viewed as positive or negative. But what happens when political beliefs clash?

     It is important to have our political opinion, or belief, but to what extent should these be exercised within the school climate? Political beliefs, opinions or values shape school culture and climate. But when these are exercised at the level of extreme, then they can also decide which students are set-up for failure, and which are set-up for success. When patterns in student learning, or interactions with other educators emerge through this lens, then it is a sign to say, it is time to re-check, and re-think teaching practice, and also to look closer at school dynamics.

     We should never have such extreme hate, or deliberately target schools and students. The educators weather passionate or not has a job, and that job is to teach, allow students to think, learn, and understand who they are, not to be molded to become a political object, filtered out, or set-up for failure. While students themselves are not aware of the politics of schooling, as parents, and educaters who do really care we have a responsibility to them. Attaining an education that is equitable to all, is their human right.

     Notes: These words are a critical analysis of a schools political climate, they do not intend to disregard the great work that educators do, but are to reveal a reality, that this culture exists and has impact upon students. Any form of extremity is harmful, does a political belief need to be so extreme as to hurt the success of students? The devastating shootings are not only another wake-up call to gun violence, but a reminder to all educators about the value of students, they are all valuable regardless of which and what political belief is preferred. 

My thoughts to share with love & kindness. 

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​These thoughts were originally hand written on February 18th, 2018. 

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Sensual Skating! : )

2/12/2018

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As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect. 

     The truth is that yesterday I took the time to watch the figure skating from the Peyong Chang Winter Olympics, 2018. Whilst I was watching, I offered an occasional tweet, but I felt that my response, and these figure skaters deserved more than a tweet, and decided to share these words. Whilst I am cheering for Team USA, I have to commend all of the dancers. And in fact everyone who is taking part in the Pyeong Chang Winter Olympics 2018. I really don't know how you are able to compete in the cold weather, but this is also a command of the sport that you have devoted your talents to, also the Winter Olympics wouldn't be called Winter Olympics if it wasn't Winter! ;)

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Adam Rippon
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Mirai Nagasu - Historic Triple Axel

​     Figure skaters  Adam Rippon, Mirai Nagasu, Alex , Maia Shibutani and all members of team USA, totally captured my attention, and as the artists, or the creative minds would truly understand: we feed of this energy, it is this artistic energy that inspires us. Whilst the didn't win the Gold medal, Bronze was Gold to me. It was their stories, triumphs, and the desire to overcome obstacles that also inspired me. On the ice, we didn't see the struggle, but clean performances, that were defined by bodily symmetry, lines, structure and patterns created with the body. The synchronicity that is at the individual level required, to work with the body and the ice; as your canvas. For the couple performances, not only the capability to work with the ice, but also to work  with another body. I was mesmerized by this ability to express agility, strength, but also fragility. To be able to express emotion, feelings, sensual, softness, but to remain composed shows how figure skating uses not only the body, but senses, springing from internal to the external, radiating from within, the simple push, and pull that resides within, to capture exactly how you want the audience to feel, is truly beyond words. I continue to remain in awe as bodies, souls,  dance majestically, but also to be able to let go, set the self, the soul free, is completely beyond words. 

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Mirai Nagasu, Alex , Maia Shibutani

The Soul Speaks: Beautiful - Proud of TEAM USA! :)

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USA-The Treasure Within.

2/11/2018

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Related Reading:
A Shared Destiny
What If?  


As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect. 

     The truth is in my previous thoughts with regards to the seemingly, or un-seemingly preservation of the Spanish language and heritage in America were not conclusive. After writing, more questions arose. I wanted to understand why there was a continued tension towards DACA recipients, otherwise known as the DREAMERS and also illegal immigration. While we can think that of course there will be tension with regards to illegal immigrants entering a nation, we have to think, question, and ask why illegal immigrants are crossing the Southern borders to enter the USA? What are the circumstances, or situations they are trying to escape? Or is it simply a question of hoping to put the self on a path towards a better livelihood? What ever this reason, we have to also understand that immigrants, particularly from Mexico or Latin America have been living in America for a very long time. Often adults have children, these children suffer because of their parents status. Parents don't register their child's birth, denying the children the same rights as America citizens. I'm guessing this is not new news, but the situation should also be a case of concern. Where I am in agreement is that there must be a pathway open to citizenship for children born in the USA, and also to their families. It doesn't make sense to deport individuals who have been living in America , built their lives, and then sent away. It doesn't make sense. Here we can think about how the law intersects between moral duty. How can or does this intersection inform a response at the national level?

     So whilst I am in agreement with a much needed immigration reform package that does not deny these individuals their rights to stay in a nation, I am questioning the constant rhetorics at the national level, that does create the sense of you don't belong here. But does a President even have the right to say this when he, or he should be aware of the historical ties between Mexico, Latin America, and the USA? This question also informed me to understand the socio / historical contexts of the US relationship with Latin America. In In 1848 the Guadalupe – Hidalgo Treaty was signed;   

Mexicans became Mexican American’s at the stroke of a pen. The treaty gave this country nearly half of Mexico’s territory, what are now states (or parts thereof) of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and California. 
(Moll & Ruiz, 2002, p. 364). 

Anyone who was living in these areas was named Mexican American. However, it was during these times, the children who were attending the schools, faced brutal circumstances, where language and culture was despised. Children were forced to become Americanized, or follow the ways of the Anglo Americans. Lets move forward to the present rhetorics. There is a cause of concern because we have to think, what has changed if we are creating an atmosphere of "you don't belong here?" When we are fully aware that these lands were Mexican owned territory. How is this treaty being upheld today? What are the rights of Mexican Americans on these lands today? Are historical contexts considered when delivering a national speech that has been designed to put specific groups down on purpose? Latino, Hispanic, Latina, Latinx, Mexican and Spanish speakers have as much right and entitlement to be in America as any other minority or Anglo Americans. Instead of thinking of these populations as liabilities, we have to, and must start to think, implement, and find effective solutions.

     This is actually a great opportunity to show the world that the USA is one nation under God. Whilst, we do hear that it is being achieved, but the divisions are becoming more visible through groupings of Anglo Americans vs. Latino, Hispanic, African Americans, and all other minority populations. Constant rhetorics at the Presidential level were initially very hurtful, but I think that it is also a learning opportunity for the Trump family and the Trump Administration to think about their presence in the White House. Who are they serving? A President looks out for the entire nation, which include the poor, vulnerable, and those who seek the hope of the American Dream. This thought also questions the very core essence of the Nation. The chance to dream. Hope, achieve, and build a life. Doesn't the American dream deserve to be protected? To protect this chance to dream is also at question - who has the right to dream? How can their be a pathway to citizenship and immigration without breaking families, so that everyone is given an equitable, and inclusive chance to Dream?

     As I conclude these thoughts, I would like to reiterate that America First should not mean America alone. But is does and should mean that America looks within, and also heal the wounds of the past, stop the invisible colonization that is taking place within. National rhetoric even hurts those who are serving diverse communities. Future projections reveal that there will be a growth of the Latino / Hispanic populations, so it is again much wiser to plan for a shared future, a shared destiny, which should not only think about a plan for immigration, but also a national apology. Our predecessors did what they knew best at that time, not to say that treatments were right. If we know better today, then it is our duty to correct past mistakes. And truly become ONE NATION UNDER GOD.

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My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

Reference:
Moll, L. C., Ruiz, R. (2002). The Schooling of Latino Children. In Suárez-Orozco, M. M, & Páez, M. M. (Eds.), Latinos Remaking America. (p. 362-374). LA, California: University of California Press. 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on February 11th, 2018.
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A Destiny Shared

2/10/2018

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Related Reading:
​What If? 


As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     In my previous thoughts I wrote about the idea of looking as research from a critical angle. Poking, prodding, and not necessarily agreeing with the research results, or conclusions. The reverse can also be said. This is especially true if you are interested in a topic, and find a golden piece of research that gives you an outstanding amount of information. In both cases I think there is much to be grateful for, if you think about it, there are researchers who dedicated 1, 2, or even 3 years to write 1 research paper. 1 paper might not sound like much, but when you look at the references, you realize the amount of work that has been invested in 1 paper. I like to think of the references as a list of gems. Through those you can find more information related to your research interests.

     This is how I felt when I read a paper that was focused upon the Hispanic / Latino American Education experience. As I read, my heart literally sank, I was even in tears after realizing the situation. How minority groups have historically and to the present points been pushed back through the system of education. Every system is not perfect. I know that from my own experiences as a student, and as a mother. What is most upsetting about the Hispanic / Latino experience is the fact that there are deep historical connections with the USA, but the historical ties that are seemingly being preserved, seem as though they are not. I say seem, or seemingly, because these thoughts are derived from one paper, and of course it is always a good idea to read and investigate more, before we formulate our own opinions.

Mexican-American experience is distinct because historically a significant part of the country of origin (Mexico) was seized by the US and that included the Mexican population in those territories. This history of colonization and subsequent immigration, the Mexican-Americans’ particular form of racialization by American society, and the specific demographics involved in their immigration and settlement make their experience very different from that of their European counterparts (Telles 2009; Deutsche and Ryan1984). (Stromquist, 1996)
It has been accurately observed that in the US, ‘bilingualism is treated as a liability, rather than as a rich cultural and economic resource’ (President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans 204, Stromquist, 1996).

     
    What concerns me the most so far is the construction of English Language Learner (ELL) and the English as a Second Language categories (ESL).
Often students are placed in these categories, without a real understanding of their learning needs. While it is a good idea to improve English proficiency of Spanish speakers, is it not also necessary to provide Spanish speakers with a space where they could attend schools where there are bilingual options?  This is probably necessary where there is a high percentage of immigrant populations that are immigrating and moving to the USA from Mexico. The forecast is that the Hispanic / Latino populations from Latin or South America will grow in America. I found it interesting to hear of this growth, as we have a President who is constantly bashing immigrants, DACA recipients or the DREAMers, who are mainly from Latin America. His rhetorics and the current situation and growth of this specific populations are contradictory of future forecasts, and will hurt the growth of America. I am thinking about his views particularly of Hispanic / Latino, African Americans, and any minority community. Do his speech writes even consult individuals from Presidential Advisory Committees? Does President Trump even know that a President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans exists?

I have always believed that education is the root cause of problems created for people at the margins, and a root solution for people living at the margins. Education can be transformational only and only when it used and practiced properly. In this case it is about looking at the school boards, and the school system within states to see if they are meeting the needs of populations, and communities that they serve. I am also recommending that there should be bilingual options available for reasons that include:

~The preservation of history through language
~A national forgiveness of historical and modern colonization within the USA
~Inclusion
~Revision of Intelligence testing so that students   are placed accurately regardless of English proficiency.
 

     Nothing can change overnight, but beginning to recognize that there must be effective change creates a pathway to opening conversations, and getting the right people, and policy makers to make change happen. What is for certain is that the current hurts of racism, segregation, or systemic barriers will not benefit these populations, and even America in the long term. It will be the populations that are currently learning that will enter the American workforce, labour market, businesses, or as the professionals of tomorrow. So wouldn't it be wise to invest in the populations that are being criticized, open pathways, instead of purposely being put down through the psychosocial effects? Rather than implying - Go back to where you came from?

The prognosis is that Mexican and other Latin American immigration to the US will continue, making Hispanics part of the shared destiny of this country. (Stromquist, 1996)
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Destiny is never created alone, nor is it shared alone, while one is putting in the effort, and determination. The achievements or destiny is only achieved through  a sense of inter-connectedness - Shazi! :) 

My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :)


Reference:
Stromquist, N. P. (2012). 
The educational experience of Hispanic immigrants in the United States: integration through marginalization. Race, Ethnicity, and Education.  (15) 2, 195-221. 
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Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on February 10th, 2018.
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