Take Me As I Am
http://teenink.com/college_guide/college_essays/article/267824/Take-Me-As-I-Am/
If someone asked: why is diversity important, I probably
would have rambled on about economies, control groups, and ethnicity
funding.What if instead I was asked: Why is diversity important to you?
Diversity is important to me because I am part of diversity. Diversity is
simply explained as different from the normalcy. You can be diverse by your
sexuality, religion, ethnicity, beliefs, and how you were raised. In the world
no one is the same as anybody else, though some do try to “fit in” to the
standards of billboards and society stereotypes. I am diversity. You are
diversity. We are all different.
In specific to me I am seventeen years old. I am bi-sexual and extremely proud
of that. I have many heterosexual friends, as well as many gay friends. I am
Puerto Rican, Mexican and a mix of many other things whereas my friends range
from Irish to Guyanese in their bloodlines. As a feminist I organize small
movements with neighbors and friends to empower woman and help domestic abuse
victims. As a Roman Catholic I was confirmed in tenth grade but I practice
Wiccan rituals and Buddhist meditation daily. People should enjoy diversity but
of course in life there are some who react negatively towards those who are not
the same as them.
In life we have different forms of prejudice: Homophobia, racism, sexism. All
of which affect the lives of those attempting to live proud of who they are. We
should not attempt to live our lives set to the standards of people who do not
exist. There is no “normalcy” in the world. I have learned not to be who I
don’t want to be. Before my generation, I’m sure there was a lot of hatred
towards minority groups. Nowadays we try to accept people as who they are, not
as who we want them to be. Though we are slightly more accepting now, however,
there will always be hate.
Diversity is important to me because without it, I would not be me as I am
today. Learning to accept other people has made me able to accept who I am as
well. Diversity is key to the survival of the world, but change and difference
will always come as a shock to people, which will make it difficult for the
world to grow. . Fitting in is not the most important part of someone’s life. I
was told by one woman ,who spent her whole youth attempting to fit in to what
her friends and family thought she should be, that I should let my inner light
shine and I should never let anyone keep me from being who I am. I am
diversity, take me as I am.
What impact does your culture have in your life? Do you have a place where you can find pride in the diversity of identities that define you?
Below you can find a list of resources of agencies that work to provide support and services for youth of color and immigrant youth. These agencies serve to create a space for connection, pride, advocacy, support, and community. Also, if you need any other resources or just want to talk, you can also call Teen Link. We are open every night from 6-10pm pacific standard time. Our number is 1866TeenLink or 1866-833-6546.
Filipino Community of Seattle
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206-722-9372
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Filipino Community of Seattle said they welcome all ages and
for teens, they have summer programs where basically, teenagers are given the
opportunity to get together and do activities collaboratively. They put on
cultural events, workshops, and activities throughout the year such as Asian
American Idol, dance performances, spoken words, and community dinners. They
present a very warm and welcoming environment for any Filipino’s interested in
taking part of their community.
El Centro de La Raza
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206-957-4634
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www.elcentrodelaraza.org
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El Centro de La Raza offers a lot of programs for youth and
their families:
The Jose Marti Child Development Center, daycare for
children 21 months to 5 year and after school program for children 5-12 years
of age. Subsidies and application assistance may be available. Contact Jessica
Harris -
2069574644,
jmcdc@elcentrodelaraza.org.
Early Learning Program for Latino
Families in Seattle and South King County with children six years of age or
younger not attending a child development center. Individual support (home
visits), and educational workshops on how to engage children through
activities. Contact Lucero Cueva-Estrella -
2069574614.
Job Readiness Training for ELL Youth and
Families. Must be 15-20 years of age, eligible to work in US, from Spanish
speaking families, enrolled in a Seattle Public School and receiving ELL
services, parent/families must meet low income requirement, and parent/family
participation. Contact Cristina Jimenez -
2069734289 or Janet Stafford -
2069574644
For teens they offer help around college readiness, DECAs, or scholarships, as
well as
referrals for drug, alcohol,
addiction help.
Consejo Counseling and Referral
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206-461-4880
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http://www.consejocounseling.org
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Consejo is
an award-winning agency that has provided over 30 years of culturally-competent
services to growing yet underserved Latino communities with a focus on families
with children. They have a domestic violence program, substance abuse/
alcohol recovery program, mental health services, natural medicine services,
and alcohol/substance abuse services specifically for teens. Most teens that
come to Consejo Counseling are looking for mental health services and
counseling. The staff describes Consejos as a family, saying it is a safe space
for Latinos to find support and community.
One America
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206-723-2203
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https://www.weareoneamerica.org/
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OneAmerica is an organization whose mission is to advance
the fundamental principles of democracy and justice at the local, state and
national levels by building power within immigrant communities in collaboration
with key allies.
One America has a youth action squad
program where youth can become involved through civic engagement and learn more
about immigrant rights. They also provide opportunities for youth to do community
service hours and internships. They also have youth leadership trainings and
work with youth extensively in awareness on Civic Engagement and Voter
Registration and such. Also, we are currently helping youth who are DACA
eligible.
ReWA
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206-723-3304
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www.rewa.org/
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“ReWA’s Youth Program offers activities to help refugee and immigrant youth
succeed in school, develop effective problem-solving skills, and create
supportive peer networks.”
Programming includes:
- Targeted academic assistance
by ReWA staff and volunteers
- Emphasis on cooperation in a
multicultural environment
- Access to a variety of
reading materials
- Development of science skills
in association with the Seattle Parks & Recreation
- Girls-only groups for
teenagers and elementary school students
- Public service projects
- Musical activities
- Gardening and physical
activities
- Fun field trips like
swimming, hiking, and visiting Seattle landmarks
- Cooking classes
- Self-defense classes
- College readiness help
- Leadership and service
learning
- Summer school
POCAAN/CURB (Communities Uniting Rainier Beach)
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CURB:
206-760-5588
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http://www.pocaan.org/curb.html
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POCAAN
is a multi-cultural AIDS prevention organization created in response to the
devastating impact that HIV/AIDS was and continues to have on communities of
color. In Washington State, POCAAN brings people of color together across
differences of race, gender, class and sexual orientation to achieve its
mission. To receive these services at POCAAN you must be 18-30 and in the
Rainier Valley area. If a teen (18-21 for Teen Link) were to come in they would
probably only receive HIV Testing, otherwise they would be referred to the
South Seattle office if they are eligible.
The
South Seattle office in addition to a program called CURB (Communities Uniting
Rainier Beach) is more geared toward helping youth, and will help people find
schools, receive case management, help with childcare, food and clothing assistance,
mental health services, etc.
CURB
helps to assist young adults that have criminal records. Along with this they
help young adults to learn and demonstrate behaviors and skills that contribute
to reduced criminal activity and create a positive re-entry pathway into the
community. Their aim is to engage young adults that are at-risk for involvement
in criminal activity and provide resources so these individuals can maintain
the highest quality of life and avoid incarceration.
Growing up my father was a drug addict. He always promised to get clean but it took him a long time to recover. My parents ended up getting divorced because of his addiction. I had a lot of built up resentment towards him and the drugs. When he actually went through treatment and seriously wanted to be free from his addiction I didn't believe him. How could I? He had tried before and it didn't work. But after a year of being sober I realized he was really sticking to it and instead of being happy I was ashamed. When other people would talk about what their father's profession I didn't know what to say. My dad didn't have one. He was a fully time recovering addict. At some point I met a teen who was in recovery. He talked to me about how hard it was and how he had to change his whole life and way of thinking so he wouldn't fall back into his old habits. The thing that really stayed with me was he was so proud of recovering. I realized instead of feeling ashamed of my dad I should be proud of what he had accomplished and be happy for him. I had never thought about how he felt, and how it must have been even harder for him because his children did not believe in him and felt ashamed. I am proud to say my father is a recovering addict. I love him for having the courage to get clean so he could have a better life and finally spend quality time with my brother and I. 
