03 Jan 2017

The unspoken challenges of first-generation students in college

For most students, the biggest hurdle to obtaining a degree from a 4-year college is admission itself, “will I get in to the school of my choice?” The second challenge for students then becomes, “can I afford college?” All these challenges are hurdles that are relatable. We find ourselves reflecting back to our own experiences with college admissions and affordability. However, for Susana Lopez, a participant in the Puente youth leadership and employment program and a freshman at San Francisco State University, these were gateway concerns to a larger set of challenges.

As a first-generation student, Susana found herself navigating the San Francisco State University system with no family guidance. Her first semester at SF State felt overwhelming. Her family was unable to relate to the challenges of transitioning into college, and they were also unfamiliar with the demands of a university. For Susana, “It has always been a challenge to prove that going to a university is the best for me.”

Susana’s struggle is the unseen struggle many first-generation students face, the absence of empathy and understanding from parents about the difficulties college presents. Students best thrive when they have a support system that understands and identifies with the challenges they face. And while many do have a family support system, many first-generation students carve out their paths alone because they don’t have a model to follow. It’s only until they find peers like themselves or organizations like Puente that they begin to establish networks of support for their college life. The struggle to find someone who can support and guide you can be extremely difficult. Therefore, obtaining a 4-year degree to Susana means, “breaking boundaries in my own family.”

Besides not feeling understood by her family, Susana had the additional challenge of commuting to school on public transportation. Three times a week, Susana wakes up at 5am to catch the first bus out of Pescadero at 6am to arrive on time to her first class, which starts at 8am. That meant riding the bus for two-hours in the morning and one-hour in the evening. As if school itself wasn’t a challenge already, Susana dealt with the daunting task of organizing a well-planned bus route connecting in Redwood City to ensure prompt arrival at school. To add to the already mounting challenges, her financial aid was also removed near the end of the semester because her parents’ income. Susana had to pay back what was granted to her. This was the tipping point for Susana. Not only had her first semester been challenging in its transition, but also she faced hurdles many of her peers did not have, and this was just one more way she felt the system was pushing her out.

Puente’s Education Director, Lizeth Hernandez, recalls receiving an email from Susana stating she was dropping out, that “it was too much.” Hernandez called financial aid and demanded to know the reasons why financial aid was withdrawn and how this could be reversed. That same day Hernandez spoke with Susana and told her not to worry, “that this too was solvable.” The same week, Susana, with Hernandez by her side went to financial aid at SF State to address the matter once and for all. On that day, Susana realized that while the journey to college and the journey of college may not be easy, it was worth fighting for. For Susana a college degree means “not settling and having to rely on somebody to provide for [her].” A life lesson she’s learned at a young age. She will have to pay for it all with her own income and scholarships but she knows this is her dream and she will pursue it.

Today Susana awaits the start of her spring semester knowing that she will continue to face challenges, but that she is strong enough to overcome whatever comes her way. While her commute may stay long, her hope for a better future is stronger than the long-duration of her school route. And although she may no longer count on the school’s financial aid, she will not let her dream for a college-degree slip away.

This new year, make a resolution to support college students on the South Coast achieve their higher education dream. Contact Lizeth Hernandez, Education Director, to know the many different ways you can support college students.

 

“Los obstáculos de los estudiantes de primera generación”

Para mucho estudiantes, el obstáculo mas grande de sobrepasar para una educación universitaria es la admisión a una escuela, “¿seré admitido a la escuela de mi preferencia?” El segundo obstáculo para los estudiantes es “¿podré pagar mis gastos universitarios?” Todos estos obstáculos son situaciones con las cuales nos podemos relacionar. Nos encontramos reflexionando sobre nuestras propias experiencias con la admisión y el costo de la educación universitaria. Sin embargo para Susana López, una estudiante del programa de liderazgo juvenil y empleo de Puente, esto era el principio de obstáculos aún mas grandes.

 

Como estudiante de primera generación a la universidad, Susana se encontró navegando el sistema universitario de la universidad estatal de San Francisco sin guía familiar. Su primer semestre en la universidad fue abrumador, y su familia no estaba familiarizada con la responsabilidad que demanda una universidad. Para Susana, “siempre ha sido un reto demostrar que ir a la universidad es lo mejor para mi.”

 

El reto de Susana es el lucha invisible de muchos estudiantes universitarios quienes son primera generación: la falta de empatía y entendimiento por el lado de los padres sobre las dificultades que presenta la universidad. Los estudiantes sobre salen en el colegio cuando tienen un sistema de apoyo que los entiende y se identifiquen con ellos. Y aunque muchos estudiantes tienen apoyo de sus families, para un gran número de estudiantes quienes son los primeros en ir a la universidad, ellos tienen que crear su propio camino ya que muchas veces no tienen un modelo a seguir. Es hasta que ellos encuentran otro compañeros con experiencias similares que comienzan a establecer una red de apoyo. El reto de encontrar apoyo y guía puede ser muy difícil. Entonces para Susana obtener un titulo universitario es “romper barreras en su propia familia.”

 

Aparte de no encontrar apoyo académico con su familia, Susana también tiene el obstáculo adicional de transportarse a la universidad. Tres veces a la semana Susana se despierta a las 5 de la mañana para agarrar el primer autobús de pescadero a San Francisco para llegar a su clase a las 8:00 am. Viaja dos horas por la mañana y una en la tarde. Como si la universidad no tuviera sus propios obstáculos, Susana tiene que calcular una ruta exacta conectando en Redwood City para atender sus clases. Como si eso no fuera suficiente, el apoyo financiero que se le fue dado, fue removido por la universidad. Esto fue la gota que derramo a Susana. No solamente fue su primer semestre dificultoso en su transición, pero también estuvo lleno de retos que otros estudiantes no tienen. Para ella esta era otra manera en cual el sistema la estaba sacando.

 

La directora de educación, Lizeth Hernandez, recuerda recibir el correo electrónico de Susana anunciando que dejaría la escuela, “era demasiado.” Hernandez, llamó a la oficina de ayuda financiera para demandar porque se le había removido el apoyo y buscar como resolver la situación. Ese mismo día Hernandez habló con Susana y le dijo “esto también tiene una solución.” El lunes siguiente, Susana con la directora de educación fueron a la universidad para aclarar el problema financiero de una vez por todas. Ese día, Susana descubrió que el camino a terminar la universidad no sería fácil, pero que era una batalla que valía la pena. Obtener su diploma significa “no tener que conformarme o depender de otra persona.” Una lección que aprendió a edad temprana.

Hoy Susana espera el comienzo de su segundo semestre sabiendo que tendrá otros retos, pero que ella es lo suficientemente inteligente y fuerte para sobrepasarlos. Y mientras su viaje a la universidad sigue siendo largo, su esperanza para un futuro mejor es aún mas poderosa que su larga trayectoria a terminar la escuela.

Este año, que uno de tus propósitos sea apoyar a estudiantes de colegio. Comunícate con Lizeth Hernandez, Directora de Educación, para saber como puedes apoyar a estudiantes de colegio de la Coast Sur.

 

20 Dec 2016

Planning for the Worst: Latino Families Cope with Election Fallout

Fear and anxiety tore through the Latino community on the South Coast in the wake of Donald Trump’s election victory last month. Hundreds of residents in the greater Pescadero area belong to “mixed-status” families: some family members were born in U.S., while others, sometimes their parents, aunts and uncles, crossed the border without papers.

“Now we worry about what will happen if we actually get deported – what will happen to our siblings that were born here? Should we pack ourselves up and go to Mexico?” worries Tadeo Renteria, who was one when his parents brought him over the border. He’s 22 now, and has lived in Pescadero all his life. (Tadeo’s name has been changed).

He and his older brother are not citizens, but his two younger siblings are. The youngest, his 8-year-old sister Paloma, is especially frightened of being separated from her family and is too young to understand what all the repercussions of the election could entail. Kids in her class came to school crying the day after the election because they thought they would need to leave the country immediately.

“When the day comes, we have to be prepared. We constantly have little talks with our mom, like, what are we going to do? In your mind, you prepare, but actually there’s not much you can do. You don’t know what’s going to happen,” says Tadeo.

Families like Tadeo’s are paralyzed by uncertainty, and that may be the worst part. The ambiguity of their situation and their futures is hard to take.

To help community members face that uncertainty, and to understand the possible outcomes, Puente organized a Post-Election Community Forum on December 8. Puente invited noted immigration attorney David Pasternak and a representative from the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County to answer questions about legal rights, and a member of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office to discuss enforcement.

The bilingual event drew more than 60 people, some of them Anglo residents eager to unite in solidarity with their Latino neighbors and let them know they’re not alone. Puente’s Iris Fernandez, a licensed therapist, gave everyone a chance to discuss their feelings: the fear, the anger. Some people said they were physically sick after the election.

“People talked about their worry for their children. Parents asked, should we have these conversations with our kids, or not expose them to this news?” says Rita Mancera, Executive Director of Puente.

Fernandez offered ideas for self-care, reminded people to exercise, to remember to breathe when watching the news, and to try to think positive thoughts.

“Don’t believe in the frame that’s being presented of you – that you’re doing something ‘wrong’ or that you’re bad,” she reminded them.

Tadeo knows all about that feeling. As a boy, he remembers that his father taught him to fear the government. He didn’t understand why, but he knew to be fearful.

“He taught me how to navigate – be vigilant, look for certain things… if anyone’s looking at you wrong, be prepared to run,” recalls Tadeo. “Ever since I was a kid, every time I’d see a police officer, the first thing on my mind was, ‘Should I be ready to run?’”

It was fear that prevented Tadeo from going on a class trip to Washington, DC in middle school with his classmates, for fear that even buying a plane ticket would put his name into a government database, and that he would be detained.

To this day, he has never been on an airplane for that reason.

“You’re going to get thrown into a dark hole. You don’t know what’s going to happen to you,” says Tadeo, describing his nightmare scenario. He also deeply fears Mexico, which he has heard described as a poor and violent place.

“If I were sent there, I wouldn’t know what do, or who to call, or who my family is there – it’s scary,” he says.

But Tadeo’s biggest fear right now is that Trump will make good on his stated commitment to revoke DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). DACA means Tadeo has been able to work legally, get a driver’s license and apply for grant money to pay for his college expenses. Without his DACA permit, Tadeo would lose everything. He would likely drop out of community college. His future would be pinched to the size of a keyhole.

Puente helped Tadeo and dozens of other local youth apply for (and renew) their DACA permits. Its immigration services team will strongly defend the rights of anyone threatened with deportation, says Mancera.

“We need to be ready to respond to whatever happens on Day One, Day Two, and Day Three to support our families right now,” she adds.

Puente is preparing for a number of contingencies, including scenarios where Immigration & Customs Enforcement shows up at Puente’s offices, looking for people. (Puente will go into lockdown). Puente is also prepared to hire outside immigration attorneys if there were a raid or mass arrests, and would solicit donations to cover the costs.

In the meantime, Puente is working hard to inform itself and the community. “People say we need to give Trump a fair shot, but we can’t forget what he’s said about people like Tadeo and our community, the Latino community. We’re expecting the worst because he’s said the worst,” says Mancera.

As we plan for the new year and the programming and support we will provide for our community, we thank you, our donors, volunteers, partners and friends, for the ongoing support you provide. It’s not too late to make a donation to Puente’s year-end campaign! Won’t you please make a donation to help us with our vital work?

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Preparándose para lo Peor: Las Familias Latinas Se Enfrentan a los Resultados de las Elecciones

El miedo y la ansiedad se abrieron camino en la comunidad latina de la Costa Sur tras la victoria de Donald Trump en las elecciones del pasado mes. Centenares de residentes de la zona de Pescadero pertenecen a familias en situación mixta: algunos miembros de la familia nacieron en los Estados Unidos mientras que otros, a veces los padres, tías y tíos, cruzaron la frontera sin documentación.

“Ahora nos preocupamos por lo que va a ocurrir si de hecho nos deportan – ¿qué pasará con nuestros hermanos y hermanas que nacieron aquí? ¿Deberíamos hacer las maletas e irnos a México?” Se pregunta Tadeo Rentería, que tenía un año cuando sus padres lo trajeron cruzando la frontera. Ahora tiene 22 años y ha vivido en Pescadero toda su vida (el nombre de Tadeo se ha cambiado).

Ni él ni su hermana mayor son ciudadanos, pero sus dos hermanos más jóvenes sí lo son. La más joven, Paloma, de ocho años, está especialmente asustada porque la separen de su familia, y es demasiado joven para entender todas las repercusiones que las elecciones podrían traer consigo. Los niños de su clase vinieron a la escuela llorando al día siguiente de las elecciones porque pensaban que tendrían que dejar el país inmediatamente.

“Cuando llegue el día, tenemos que estar preparados. Continuamente tenemos charlas con nuestra madre y nos preguntamos ¿qué vamos a hacer? En tu mente te preparas pero, en realidad, no hay mucho que puedas hacer. No sabes lo que va a ocurrir,” dice Tadeo.

Las familias como la de Tadeo están paralizadas por la incertidumbre y eso puede ser la peor parte. La ambigüedad de su situación y su futuro es difícil de asumir.

Para ayudar a los miembros de la comunidad a enfrentarse a la incertidumbre y a entender los posibles resultados, Puente organizó un Foro Comunitario Post-elecciones el día 8 de diciembre. Puente invitó al destacado abogado de inmigración David Pasternak y a un representante de la Sociedad de Ayuda Legal del condado de San Mateo para responder a preguntas sobre derechos legales, y a un miembro de la oficina del sheriff del condado de San Mateo para discutir su puesta en práctica.

Este evento bilingüe atrajo a más de 60 personas, algunas de ellas residentes anglófonos deseosos de unirse en solidaridad con sus vecinos latinos y hacerles saber que no están solos. Iris Fernández, una terapeuta licenciada de Puente, dio a todo el mundo la oportunidad de discutir sus sentimientos: el miedo, la furia. Algunas personas dijeron que se sentían físicamente enfermas tras las elecciones.

“La gente habló sobre sus preocupaciones por sus niños. Los padres preguntaron ¿debemos tener estas conversaciones con nuestros niños, o no a exponerles a estas noticias?” Dice Rita Mancera, Directora Ejecutiva de Puente.

Fernández ofreció ideas para la autoayuda, recordó a la gente que hicieran ejercicio, y que recordaran respirar cuando vieran las noticias, y que intentaran tener pensamientos positivos.

“No crean en el enfoque que les están presentando – que ustedes han hecho algo “malo” o que ustedes son malos,” les recordó.

Tadeo conoce muy bien estos sentimientos. Recuerda que cuando era niño su padre le enseñó a tener miedo del gobierno. Él no entendía por qué, pero sabía que tenía que tener miedo.

“Él me enseñó cómo desenvolverme – estar vigilante, fijarme en ciertas cosas… Si alguien te mira de mala manera, prepárate para correr,” recuerda Tadeo. “Desde que era niño cada vez que veía a un oficial de policía la primera cosa en mi mente era ¿debería prepararme para correr?”

Fue el miedo el que impidió a Tadeo ir a un paseo con su clase a Washington DC en la escuela secundaria con sus compañeros de clase, por miedo a que por comprar un boleto de avión su nombre fuera puesto en una base de datos del gobierno, y que fuera detenido.

Hasta la fecha nunca ha estado en un avión por esa razón.

“Te van a meter en un agujero negro. No sabes lo que va a pasar contigo,” dice Tadeo, describiendo su pesadilla. También le tiene mucho miedo a México, del que le han contado que es un lugar pobre y con violencia.

“Si me mandaran allí, no sabría qué hacer, o a quién llamar, o quién es mi familia allí – me da miedo,” dice.

Pero el principal miedo de Tadeo ahora es que Trump cumpla su compromiso de revocar el DACA (por sus siglas en inglés, Acción Diferida para los que Llegaron en la Infancia). DACA significa que Tadeo ha sido capaz de trabajar legalmente, obtener una licencia de manejo y solicitar el dinero de una beca para pagar sus gastos en la universidad. Sin el permiso de DACA, Tadeo perdería todo. Es muy probable que tuviera que abandonar el colegio comunitario. Su futuro quedaría reducido a una minucia.

Puente ayudó a Tadeo y a docenas de otros jóvenes locales a que solicitaran (y renovaran) sus permisos DACA. Su equipo de servicio de inmigración defenderá con fuerza los derechos de cualquiera que sea amenazado con la deportación, dice Mancera.

“Necesitamos estar listos para responder a cualquier cosa que ocurra en el primer, en el segundo y en el tercer día, y para apoyar a nuestras familias ahora mismo,” añade.

Puente está preparándose para un número de contingencias, incluyendo situaciones en que los agentes de los Servicios de Inmigración y Aduanas se presenten en las oficinas de Puente buscando a personas. (Puente entraría en situación de cierre inmediato). Puente también está preparándose para contratar abogados de inmigración externos si hubiera una redada o arrestos masivos, y solicitaría donaciones para cubrir los gastos.

Entretanto, Puente trabaja duro para informarse e informar a la comunidad. “La gente dice que tenemos que darle una oportunidad justa a Trump, pero no podemos olvidar lo que ha dicho sobre gente como Tadeo y nuestra comunidad, la comunidad latina. Estamos preparándonos para lo peor porque él ha dicho lo peor,” dice Mancera.

A medida que planeamos el nuevo año y las programas y el apoyo para proveer a nuestra comunidad, les agradecemos, a nuestros donantes, voluntarios, socios y amigos por el apoyo constante que proveen. ¡No es demasiado tarde para hacer una donación a la campaña de fin de año de Puente! ¿No haría usted una donación para ayudarnos con nuestro trabajo vital?

13 Dec 2016

Puente Traditional Community Posada: A Journey of Generosity

A message from Rita Mancera, Executive Director, Puente.

I think about Posada even when it is not the holiday season because, at Puente, I often get to see the difference that generosity makes in the lives of people. Those tender moments illuminate my day and energize me to continue my own journey with Puente and my South Coast neighbors. The Posada starts with the need for shelter and culminates with the generosity of the person who decides to provide it. There is always someone in our community who needs this safety net of support to make ends meet, to overcome depression, to pay their way to college, to get a better paid job.

Not long ago, a local family was evicted from their home of 12 years. Although they were given appropriate notice and an extension, the day came when they needed to leave and they had still not found a new home. This family of five could not find a place that would host them all. When I talked to one of the parents I learned they had already been using 80% of their income to pay their monthly rent. Other housing options were even more expensive and not anything they could afford.

In searching for a home for this family, I eventually came across a farm that was upgrading a small trailer, but the owner would only take four people. The trailer had just one large bedroom. I decided to present the option to the parents. I figured they could somehow coordinate with a relative to provide housing for the older son. With pride, the parents told me that was not an option. “We need to stay together,” said the father, and I felt immense love for his conviction.

I really wish I could tell you they found a place, but they did not. With no success, my colleagues and I made several phone calls to other farms and other neighbors we thought might have a vacancy. With financial support provided by Puente, the family stayed in various hotels for a few days but that option was not sustainable for Puente or for them. Their journey took them to their sister, where the children now stay in the home and the parents now live out of their car.

I know our county will work on housing solutions. I know Puente will stay involved to support housing initiatives and will lead when necessary, but change is not coming fast enough.

We have not forgotten that this family needs our support, and that is why I chose to write about them. I thought maybe this Posada message could provide light to them once and for all. I have faith that a generous soul will reach out to provide them with shelter. As we think about the cold season coming up, perhaps we will look at places we haven’t yet looked and ask people we haven’t yet asked. This is why I think about Posada even when it is not holiday time.

Join us this Friday, December 16, for the Community Posada. The Live Nativity procession will start at 5:30 PM at Pescadero Community Church, 363 Stage Road, followed by a program in St. Anthony Church and Pescadero Elementary School multipurpose room.

In this holiday season, we are so grateful for you and your many generous gifts that will provide both comfort and delight for children and adults in our community. Your faith and support makes the impossible, possible.