I have not yet had the chance to tutor at MCCS, yet I am going to talk about similar experiences that I have had as an international student, that may not be to the same degree of discrimination that these narrators experienced, but nonetheless give me a sense of connection to these people.
After reading Liso’s story, I was immediately immersed into her experience as soon as I read the summary. When I read more, I became even more engaged in her story, and the first thing that struck me was the fact that she was lured to come to the U.S not as a missionary like she originally thought, but to serve the Pastor and his daughter doing hard labor, “I cleaned the church, helped with the young children, cleaned their houses...But this was not right. This was not why I came to this country” (p. 84). This was significant to me because of the fact that as an international student I came here for college, and had I have applied to come here for something else, who knows what I could have gotten myself into. This is such an out-there thought, yet through Liso’s story I felt as though, anything really can happen. It is unbelievable to think that even though we are in the 21st century, these kinds of unjust schemes are still happening, where innocent non-native people are being stripped of their rights. Liso’s story made me realize that I have a lot to be grateful for and that I should make the most of my situation as a legal international student, who may not have the same rights as a citizen, but at least I don’t live in fear of being deported, nor have my rights as a human being been violated by anyone else.
Additionally, Lorena’s story felt even more closer to home for me as she too is a college student who like me did not have the right to work in the U.S. Fortunately, she was picked up by a real-estate company, and because of her hard work they could not let her go even after confessing the truth to her bosses. One thing that really stood out to me was the fact that Lorena worked tirelessly to get where she was, twelve hour shifts at work everyday, as well as being a full time student, it was just amazing to see the drive that she had and the fact that most young people at her age have probably never had to work that hard in their life before. Another connection that I made to Lorena’s story was linked to how she came to love both her Mexican culture, and the American culture she had been exposed to. The opportunities that she has been exposed to in the U.S were life changing and experiences in which she could have never gained in Mexico, and I felt like I could connect to this as I too have experienced so much more here than I could have in New Zealand. The fact the Lorena is taking her experiences as an underprivileged person and making a difference for others is another amazing feature about her, but one thing that I credit her immensely for is her ambition to achieve her goals “After college, I’ll hopefully go to medical school. I know I have what it takes to be a doctor. I have two legs and two hands. I have eyes, and I can read. So what’s stopping me?” (p. 201). She sure has inspired me to keep striving for my goals, and her story has taught me that hard work really can pay off for anyone, even if there are limitations that come with achieving your goals.
- Taki Te Koi
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