Apuntes de campo es el blog donde los estudiantes de Estudiantes en Acción con Campesinos (SAF) comparten historias de su trabajo directo en el campo con los trabajadores, el trabajo organizativo de base y las actividades de defensoría. Y también donde los trabajadores agrícolas comparten sus propias historias y esperanzas de cambio, escribiendo en el lenguaje que les resulte más cómodo a cada uno.
I am from la lucha de cada día
Nati Garcia-Franquiz, 2021 SAF internSC Migrant Education Program I am from una mente positiva and good energy siempreI am from mi mami who comes from the busy streets of la ciudad de México and mi papi who comesfrom el bello San Felipe, GuanajuatoI am from padres who are panaderosYo soy del corazón de él Betanias Bakery. I am from tres leches y conchas.I am from los consejos de, ”Echale ganas en todo” y “Sea diferente tan todos”I am from the beautiful base of the mountains of North CarolinaI am first generation determined to knock down borders and flourish seeds within…
I am breaking out of my shell
Celeste Ortega-Felix, 2021 SAF internNC Community Health Care Association I am Celeste. I come from the hibiscus-lined cool concrete houses of Puerto Rico under the fierce heat of the Caribbean sun. I am from the sweet juicy insides of mangoes and quenepas, from late afternoon walks to the beach and the town square. I am from a family of a strong and resilient mother, a compassionate and loyal father, and a visionary sister. I am soft-spoken and a person of a few words. I am breaking out of my shell.Loving humanity fiercely with all its ugliness and beauty is what…
Part of the Foundation for Change
Brandy Fuentes, 2021 SAF internNew Frame LLC “Where are you from?” I hate that question. I hate the question because I don’t know how to answer. Do I start by telling them I was born in Mexico? Or, do I start by telling them that I came to the United States when I was two months old and I grew up in Elkin, NC? To be completely honest, I don’t know where I’m from. I don’t know what it’s like to live in Mexico, but I am Mexican. I know what it's like to grow up in rural North Carolina,…
Amplifying Voices Outside My Own
Zola Jay, 2021 SAF intern, SC Legal Services Reflected in the computer screen that illuminated the faces of nearly thirty of my peers, was that of myself. Across it were expressions that ranged from excited to nervous to joyful as each fellow SAFista shared their hopes, intentions and the reasons for their participation in this shared space. The words of others encouraged me to self-reflect, especially in regards to my privilege, and it reminded me of the importance of amplifying voices outside of my own. And through this open dialogue, my nerves were quickly dissipated. Beyond the online platform that…
Finding Fuel For Growth
Sergio Orozco, 2021 SAF Program AssistantStudent Action with Farmworkers In summer 2019 I was selected as one of 25 interns to participate in SAF's Into The Fields internship. I was placed with the Migrant Education Program in Sampson county where I conducted outreach and worked as a teaching assistant for migrant children for a three-week summer program. It was my first time being given such an important role, let alone one on the other side of the country since I’m from Idaho. When I arrived in NC that summer, I was very insecure and lacked confidence in myself as a…
Where Are You From?
Angel Venegas Alonso, 2021 SAF internGood Samaritan Clinic When asked “where are you from?” I always have to stop and think about it. I never really knew how to explain where I’m from, who I am, and sometimes where I’m going. With time, I managed to realize that the best way to approach these questions is to approach them based on values. What values were instilled in me in the past, what values I hold close to me now, and why? I’m from a very poor town in the middle of Mexico (literally, in Zacatecas). I was raised by my…