America Juarez-Maldonado, SAF Solidaridad intern
My name is America Juarez-Maldonado, I am a Mexican-American, first-generation college student. I attend the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, double majoring in Environmental Studies and Public Policy. I am a brown girl that represents the mix of what future America will look like in the next years to come. I learned that I am the mix of many– my history, my culture, and my name.
This past summer I did the SAF Into the Fields internship and learned more about the farmworker movement which inspired me to continue. My experience this summer taught me that there is inequity in education in the rural areas where farmworkers are most present. I witnessed kids’ lack of confidence in school because they did not have enough resources or because they were told they were not capable.
I am in a different role as a Solidaridad intern this year, as a Youth Mentor. My past internship and skills with my siblings certainly prepared me for this position. I am excited to help students build leadership skills and help them through their high school and college goals. I am afraid of the connection between the students since it will be remote, but I am hoping next year I get to meet them in person. I am ready to continue in this work – SI SE PUEDE!