La Historia

Last week we watched a documentary entitled "Fear and Learning at Hoover Elementary," and it discussed reactions in Los Angeles, California to Proposition 187, which would make it illegal for illegal immigrants to go to public school. This documentary was extremely emotional to me, and I definitely cried a lot during the showing. I especially got emotional when the children said they felt like a little piece of dirt, and they felt like they were unwanted. For a child to say that is so hurtful and should touch all human emotions, regardless of what you believe pertaining to illegal immigrants. These are children we are dealing with, not criminals or even conscious adults. These children, if back in their native countries, would be living in extreme poverty and would live in constant danger with no chance of ever bettering their lives. When I lived in Juarez, Mexico, I was not even allowed to play in my backyard without a male adult for fear of kidnapping or other heinous acts, and I was definitely not allowed to play out on the street. Thank goodness I was an American citizen and was allowed to return to public school to better myself. I am the first person in my family to go to college, and among only a few that received a high school diploma on my Mexican side.

I just want this opportunity for ALL children. Not only will this better their lives, but giving children an education will better the world in general. One girl in the video wanted to be "an important person" that helped people. How is this child who wants to help people going to endanger the world at all?

This also goes back to my desire to teach in foreign countries. I just believe that everyone has the right to an education, and that education will make the world a better place, where people do not have to look for better, safer places to live.