Hello, my name is Jose Velasquez, and I am a rising junior at Tufts University. I am majoring in quantitative economics with a minor in urban studies. I am interested in urban and labor economics and plan to use this interest in future policy work.
I am also a Tisch Scholar, a program hosted by the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University. The program helps students connect with the surrounding Medford and Boston communities through civic work and organizing. I am also a member of the clubs United for Immigrant Justice and WMFO freeform radio. I enjoy my radio show as it allows me to express myself through music and talking. I enjoy running, working out, and reading during my free time. I am the oldest of three siblings and have a cat named Yoshi.
I am participating in this internship because I believe it is vital to acknowledge and protect our farmworkers. When my mother immigrated to the United States in 2003, she began working in agriculture to support our family. As I grew older, I also worked alongside her. Working in agriculture exposed me to the harsh reality that many farmworkers live through. Although farmworkers are the ones picking our produce in extreme weather, they are rarely acknowledged or respected. As a member of the farm-working community, I have tried to advocate and raise awareness of child labor exploitation through interviews and protests. My proudest interview was done through Teen Vogue earlier this year.
I hope to combat this dominant narrative through my work with El Pueblo, Inc. I am super excited to work as a policy intern as I have interests in lobbying and advocacy. Last year, I interned with the National Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Association, a nonprofit organization that advocates for Head Start programs around the country. While in Washington, D.C., I learned how policy is enacted and moved, which is why I chose to pursue my current internship.
Earlier this week, I finished my orientation with Student Action with Farmworkers, which was super exciting! I met so many passionate and driven individuals. Although I may not see them until July, I am confident we will all grow and learn. My summer has just begun, and I could not be more excited!