Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/882783
On Jan. 20, 2017, the fear I felt before DACA came back. I felt fear not only for myself and my family, but for my students and their families. Day in and day out, I have seen hateful comments on social media targeting immi- grants — people who look like me and my students. It breaks my heart. The level of hate and lack of empathy is unfathomable. e administration's decision to rescind DACA is one that leaves 800,000 individuals in uncertainty, anguish and fear of what's next. It also leaves thousands of young teens, who were waiting to turn 15 to apply for DACA, hopeless and h ear tbro ken . Pers onal ly, these are the ones I worry a b o u t t h e m o st b e c a u s e this is the group of students that I teach. How can I ask them to recall principles of equality when they see no hope in their future? A s D r e a m e r s , w e a r e n o t l o o k i n g t o b e g i v e n any thin g o th er th an th e opportunity to give back to the country that has given us so much. Just as native- b o r n Am e r i c a n s h a d n o choice or say in where they were born, neither did we Dreamers. We are undoc- umented through no fault of our own. The choices we have made as young adults reflect our values — and they are values that reflect those of the coun- try we call home. Many of us are teachers like myself, who work hard to educate the minds of the future. Others are nurses, lawyers, students and business owners employing Americans. We are not criminals. We are taxpayers. We are mothers and fathers of American citizens. If I were to face deportation, I would emigrate to Canada. But why should I have to, when there is an increasing short- age of math teachers in this country, the country that has been my home for the past 23 years? My hope is that those in Congress can see that this issue goes beyond politics. DACA affects real people like me who want nothing more than to serve and give back to this coun- try and to live our lives without fear. #WeAreCTA 48 cta.org Advocacy I M M I G R A T I O N 21593 Now enrolling for three start dates throughout the year. Apply by November 10 and join us this spring! apu.edu/education Strong Leaders Transform Schools At the growing Eastvale STEM Academy, high school students build knowledge in medical science and engineering within an innovative learning community guided by Kim Lu Lawe's leadership and vision. Azusa Pacific's School of Education prepares educators like Kim to see and cultivate the potential in every student. Graduates go on to make a lasting difference as creative, collaborative professionals and dedicated advocates for those they serve. Advance your calling with a master's or doctoral degree, credential, or certificate from a top Christian university and join a mentoring community of educators who will help you make an even greater impact. Programs available online and at locations throughout Southern California 6 Eastvale STEM Academy, Medical Biology Class, Director: Kim Lu Lawe, Ed.D. '16 School of Education