It’s easy to become complacent and think that our actions make no difference in the world. Like most people, I can get loaded with apathy and fail to fight forward for the causes in which I believe. But then, life will present an opportunity that reminds me that there are a lot worth fighting for in this world.
For example, I was recently the keynote speaker at Caesar Chavez Community School’s graduation ceremony. This school uses my books within their curriculum; my work resonates with the students as we share a similar background. The students find hope in my work and when I have spoken in their classrooms, I share the message that if I can rise above my circumstances, so can they.
The power of this charter school is found within its approach. Classes are held between 7AM and 9PM to allow the students flexibility in their attendance. This flexibility also allows students to progress at their own pace. This awareness that sometimes kids can’t attend school during traditional hours is not only powerful, but it also provides agency to a population that otherwise doesn’t have any.
Providing agency to marginalized communities is something that is defintely worth fighting for. Kids who can’t see opportunities will never find them and that there exists an educational setting that provides these opportunities is something that should be modeled in all communities. When students can find a voice, they can succeed, in spite of their crappy ass circumstances. So, my involvement with Caesar Chavez Community Schools erodes any apathy that sets into my soul. My course of action is to bring this school’s approach into the South Side of Santa Fe, because really, my community is definitely worth fighting for and education, to me, is the greatest asset we can provide our children, regardless of their familial circumstances and background….
