Calafia is yli’s statewide youth policy journal that amplifies the narratives of young people on topics and issue areas important to them and their communities. This year’s Calafia Fellows are an exceptional bunch. Here are their stories.
Ironically, as a Latino who fought to have his community recognized, Esteban Torres’ efforts around Hispanic Heritage Month don’t receive the same recognition as the white presidents and legislators who signed it into law.
We often suppress individuality in our community, whether it be through stating who may and may not wear makeup, or our restrictive gender roles, so people find themselves trapped within a certain set of rules just to appease societal norms.
Although the parents in the Varsity Blues scandal were charged for their crimes, the wide open “back door” for wealthy students was never shut. Today, while it may not be a major scandal or illegal crime, money is one of the biggest factors in college admissions.
The worst thing is not the expansion of disinformation about the AAPI community, but that many Asian youths believe in these myths.
Before graduating high school, I believed that “my vote doesn’t matter” and “who cares about candidates.” Although I held several leadership positions in high school, I never looked outside my school bubble to invest my time and attention in local and federal elections. I did NOT care about politics.
It sounds challenging to eliminate stereotypes and gaps; however, there is something we can do as ordinary people — we can learn to be forgiving, respectful, and in awe of others who have different religions or beliefs than we do.
I take great pride in my appearance. I dress in excessive amounts of chains, rings, earrings, and bracelets. These accessories often hold meaning, such as a ring passed down to me belonging to my great-grandmother, as she is the primary inspiration for my fashion.
