This was the flyer we used to promote Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc.'s 2016 Esperanza Gala where we were able to raise enough scholarships for six DACA applications.
Instead of graduating early, I decided to pick up a second minor which is Woman and Gender Studies. As a second semester senior I took a Feminist theory course that has changed my way of thinking. I was extremely hesitant to take a feminism course because of all the negative stereotypes and associations the term “feminism” comes with, but by the first lecture I realized how all these misconceptions negatively represent the great influence feminism has had in our society. In this WGST 307 course, one of the most influential leaders that provides an introduction to feminism is bell hooks. We read multiple publications by bell hooks where she provides her insight on feminism and the how important it is to continue feminist studies. bell hooks states that a huge problem with feminism is that there is an inability to arrive at a consensus or opinion about what it actually is. Without having one clear definition it is hard to unify each other on the basis of feminism. Therefore, certain aspects of feminism are left to be interpreted on an individual basis, which can cause misconceptions and ultimately create a negative image of feminism. This is where feminist theory comes into place, as theories are used to explain something that cannot be easily understood. We should not throw away concepts or ideas we do not understand, rather we should try to understand and approach them theoretically. This new understanding of feminism, has challenged me to look at the society we live in and how our society, especially with the current political climate, does not try to consider understanding something before acting upon it. As a Latina woman, I am passionate about advocating for the Hispanic/Latinx community while trying different approaches to help the community grow. Since the new presidential administration, there has been uncertainty with what will be the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. DACA is a program that provides temporary relief from deportation and a renewable 2-year work permit for qualified young adults who were brought to the U.S. as children. Although it is not a path to citizenship, DACA makes a big difference for youth—especially in South Carolina where it means they can pursue higher education. The state of South Carolina prohibits undocumented students from attending any public postsecondary institution, but since DACA recipients have a lawful presence, they are eligible to enroll in public colleges and universities. Unfortunately, the students who are accepted into these colleges and universities are not able to receive in-state tuition, even if they are South Carolina residents. Out-of-state tuition is usually double then in-state tuition and for most low-income applicant youth, this is a huge barrier they must overcome before continuing their education. My sorority, Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc. hosts an annual Esperanza (hope) Gala, where we raise funds for scholarships to grant to undocumented youth. Not only was I a founding member of this organization, I am currently the chapter president and I was the official host of the gala in 2016. I have personally seen how DACA has provided opportunities to students who had no idea what to do after high school graduation. With DACA they were able to attain higher education and get a job legally in the country. These opportunities could be taken away at any point within the Trump Administration, as DACA is a signed executive order from our previous president. Just like feminism, DACA is misrepresented, but it is the future of a whole generation that is not being considered if this program is taken out. For the meantime, the DACA program is still in place, but possible applicant are discouraged to apply until there is certainty in the future of the program. The people that already have DACA will have DACA until it expires, therefore our scholarship initiative is targeting DACAmented students in order to help pay for their out-of-state tuition and/or any other education expenses. It should not come to a surprise that women have changed the course of history from the right to vote to segregation to reproductive liberties. All it takes is for a group of women to come together on an idea and make a change in our society. I feel empowered after founding the only Latina sorority on campus and after creating a scholarship initiative that provides an opportunity for undocumented students to continue their education. I feel empowered because I have contributed to two great programs that will continue to change the lives of other individuals. All of these factors has allowed me to realize the power women have in their societies. We can do anything we set our minds to, and although we might have to go through various barriers to achieve one milestone, we should never stop trying. I will continue to advocate for the Hispanic/Latinx community because I know my voice can go a long way. If it weren’t for all the scholarships I was awarded, I would not be graduating with my Bachelors in May and this scholarship initiative is my way of giving back to my community as they helped me achieve so much.
Attached is the Invitation letter I am distributing for Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc.'s Annual Esperanza Gala. Come join us Saturday, April 22, 2017!
This is an essay I submitted as part of my WGST 307 class whose topic was to encourage individuals to challenge societal norms. These reading essays exposed us to publications of people who have challenged societal norms and their influence.