Anyone that knows me knows this: I eventually get what I want... I make it happen or find a way to patch it. People work with me to make it happen. The universe conspires... Maybe it is all of the above. I just know that you need to be careful what you wish for. This is a great problem to have!
I wish for a lot of things throughout my day. Sometimes wishing can include a cup of coffee, a doughnut, or the exposure of young Latinos to STEM fields. Yes, those are the kinds of things that might cross my mind on a regular day. Henry Ford Health System has been engaging Latinos in SW Detroit for about a year now and we told that what we wanted- a pipeline into the STEM (Sciences) fields. Youth sometimes don't know that they can or even what is out there to apply to or aspire to. I remember that I aspired to what I saw when I lived in San Antonio, Texas and because my range of contacts were limited as a 17 year old, that was extremely limiting. I was not networking with professionals!
Today, I found an email in my inbox which was Henry Ford Health Systems' response to our requests from our meetings. They have found funding for programming for Southwest Detroit Latinos called C2 Southwest Detroit Initiative that will target Latino youth. We (Latinos) are so close, only a mere 5 miles away from Wayne State's Medical Campus or Henry Ford Health Systems, but believe me, it can feel like 100 miles if you don't "feel" like you belong. How do you begin to "feel" like you belong? You are exposed and this other landscape is normalized before doubt sets in. I am so excited about this fundamental and life-changing programming!
I am also excited because this also proves that you chip away at a mountain and you make your case well, giants, organizations, institutions will listen. We know STEM jobs are coming. It can be baffling how to help young people prepare for this and yes, this is what I spend my time daydreaming and wishing about. Now what to do? We need to mobilize and make sure that these STEM pipeline boot camps don't go to waste! Exposure to college or science can go a long way and can alter a young persons self-perception and life. I know that I needed someone to stop and ask me why I was so nervous to go to college. It is our turn to ask. Thank you, Henry Ford Health Systems and Wayne State University for looking around and asking,"who is NOT at the table?" And then, after taking note, DOING something about it.
I am so excited- I am not even spell checking!
Deep in the heart of Southwest,
Abrazos,
Raquel
