STUDENT STORY

“My mother and father both migrated from Mexico in 1997 with hope, faith, and dreams for a better life. They faced setbacks such as being undocumented, not speaking English, having only a middle school education, and having eight children. My parents found a place for my family in America by working in Michigan’s hot blueberry fields, where the wages were low, and we were exposed to pesticides.

Working long hours in those fields, making low wages and being surrounded by pesticides is where I came from. As I reflect, I’m thankful to have grown up with this background as it has given me the perseverance to further strive as I witnessed, first-hand, the real obstacles and oppressions faced by those who are not invited to sit at the table.

I am extremely thankful Michigan State believed in students at my rural high school in Bangor, MI. My high school doesn’t have the test scores or funding that a lot of other schools boast, but MSU believed people in my community have contributions to make.

Through financial support from the Social Science Scholars Program, College Assistance Migrant Program, Department of Political Science, Chicano/Latino Studies Program and more, I have been able to focus more on my studies and less on the stresses of paying for my education. In addition, through joining organizations such as Culturas de las Raza Unidas and my sorority Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc., I found a home at this university of 50,000 students.

I believe when one is given opportunities, there is a moral obligation to stand up and speak up against the injustices disadvantaged people face every day. After earning my undergraduate degree in social relations and policy, and minor in Chicano/Latino studies, I will attend law school to study civil rights law.”

(Janet, Social Relations and Policy, Michigan State University)