New this year, all in-coming freshman were required to read the book, Enrique’s Journey, by Sonia Nazario. (a true story about a Honduran boy who braves entering into the states in hopes to find his mother, who left for the States years prior).

In the freshman entry course, Intersections, students & faculty have conducted discussions regarding Enrique’s Journey and the many topics of immigration. Also, there have been several on-campus events focusing on immigration. This past week in the student center, students & faculty were encouraged to take the U.S. Citizenship Test. The first day, 122 took the test and only 27 passed.

Yesterday afternoon Sonia Nazario, the author of the book, came to campus and spoke to students, faculty, and staff. Yesterday evening, Central faculty members who were also immigrants coming to the United States told their stories. There was a German/Pakistani Environmental Science professor, a Jazz Studies professor from the Yucatan, a Chilean Biology professor, a Religion professor from Russia, and a professor of Modern Languages with immigrant parents from Mexico. All of their stories were unique, informative, and thoughtful.

It is always good for both students and the general population to simply take a step back from their own lives and look at someone else’s. Not to long ago I heard a quote that was something of this nature, <<if everyone threw their biggest problems out into a circle, most people would take their own back in a second>>.

Central recognizes that learning happens outside of the classroom. This is something that I’ve really come to appreciate. Events like the ones this past week are core to what Central is.

Here is the link about the book/author:

http://www.enriquesjourney.com/