Dreamers

Those in the country under DACA deserve our support. Everybody deserves the rights to opportunity and freedom.

In light of another year since the events of September 11th, this is an ideal time to consider our country’s actions and intentions moving forward.

Last week, it was announced that the DACA program would soon come to an end. For thousands of people, that means that they would no longer be protected under the law as a child of an illegal immigrant.

Why has this decision come about? It originates in a fear that was proven on this day sixteen years ago. That was the moment the country confirmed a reason to bar its borders, barricade itself from outside intruders.

This transcended to every scale, institutional to individual. We became more suspicious of our neighbors, more defensive of our own lifelihoods and worldviews.

Xenophobia. A viral disease that has run rampant throughout the population. An outright avoidance or subtle microaggression toward “others,” people who don’t share our skin color, our beliefs, our country of origin.

Obviously this has been present long before 9/11. Dividing the world into “us” versus “them” makes it easier, to group diverse individuals into generic categories, like a list to check yes, these people are okay, or no, these people are enemies.

Perhaps somebody practices a different religion. Maybe they are trying to go through the process of citizenship or came to America to offer themselves and their families a better life. And yes, some enter the country with violent, harmful ideas in mind. But a few potential risks should not outweigh the vast number of people who want nothing more than peace and community.

We amplify the frequency and severity of terrorist attacks. First off, we usually only highlight those with a majority Caucasian demographic. Rarely do we mention the more prevalent violence occurring right under our noses in areas of poverty, Muslim-predominate areas. Violence for some has become part of everyday life, and yet so many of us turn a blind eye to such news.

Compassion in its truest form knows no borders, no divisions we have created. Our very country was founded on a belief of freedom and courage, except even then we harmed those different from us, people who had been on the continent long before pilgrims settled.

We still hold that double standard of promoting love and equality whilst undermining the predetermined “other.” That other just transforms into whatever we best see fit. Another testament of history repeating itself. When we allow fear and ignorance cloud our vision, we go against our moral standards of treating others with respect.

Where do we go from here? How do we move forward when our own human nature continually holds us back? Certainly it’s not a straightforward answer, an overnight flip of the switch. Again, this decision to end DACA did not generate out of thin air. Its origin is a gradually amplifying fear that has flooded over into outrage.

If emotions can drive us to the extremes of forcing innocent young people from the only home they’ve known and proposing a bordering wall shielding us from our neighbors, then emotions can do the opposite, too. Just as we fuel hate, we can fuel understanding, passion to improve ourselves and others, resounding love for every human on this planet.

I believe it is possible. Not easy, of course, but not out of reach. But it takes a communal movement to make traction. I see it in our reactions to the DACA decision. I see it in our drive to help victims of Hurricanes Irma and Harvey. I see it in little choices we make every day to support each other and simply show respect.

So let’s not look back at this day with fear. Let’s view it instead as a turning point. An opportunity to rise from the ashes and spread our wings with soaring compassion. We all deserve to dream. Let us not extinguish that fire.

Take care, and keep the faith. -Allie

Speak Out

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” The First Amendment, a statement plastered throughout the building I have grown quite accustomed to over my college education.

So with all I have learned and experienced, it’s my right to express it. I’m not one to sit idly by while the world spins without me. I won’t accept defeat if I see discrepancy for not only me, but others who may feel helpless in a similar position. We all deserve a voice.

Unlike previous times I’ve felt the need to speak out on my own behalf, to tell my side of a story, I left plenty of holes for outside opinions to pick apart. That wide margin of criticism was my own fault, but it’s not like I had practice doing so. Today, clear facts are dictating my actions and words. There is little room to nitpick this time. I have a valid reason to be speaking out today. This is not only for myself, but for anybody else that may have been down a similar road. Hopefully, this will prevent anybody else from enduring the same frustration.

My entire college education, I have worked for my college’s independently run student newspaper. It has been one of my favorite aspects of being at college. I’ve met great people through the newspaper and have been able to find a passion in opinion writing and editing. I even continued writing columns for the paper while in another country. I have been dedicated to preserving the paper’s integrity and high standards, its reputation as a very professional setting and publication. With every column and editorial I have written, my hard work shows.

After my one misattributed source at my previous internship, leading to the removal of every story and public scrutiny, I received an email from my editor-in-chief. Although no article I wrote as an intern directly involved my work as an opinion writer nor my position for the student newspaper or the college, it’s still fair to ask questions. She understandably looked into two past columns that I quoted students, all of which I could easily refer back to word-for-word emails. From there, I heard nothing until receiving a one-sentence email saying that my work was no longer needed. I respect her position of authority to make such a decision, but to truly learn and move forward from that, I asked her for any sort of explanation. She replied saying, “The decision has been made. I don’t think any further discussion is necessary.”

I have emailed, texted, called, and messaged both the editor-in-chief or the managing editor. I have received no response from either person. I got in touch with former and current staff members. Most have no idea what is going on, but once hearing me out and knowing my character, they stand behind me with full confidence. Upon hearing that my exit from the newspaper comes without even mentioning any sort of context to the decision, staff members have all responded with similar comments, calling the limited interaction “unprofessional.”

I’m not hiding anything I wrote because besides the one piece I wrote, every other piece was accurately attributed to credible sources. Every piece of news reporting and opinion writing has been credible, well-researched and meticulously edited.

I have received messages from six different sources I’ve quoted in my internship articles, all of which have affirmed their accuracy. Hypothesizing this as a valid reason for my termination, I tried sending those to my editor for greater clarity beyond what has been published by other news sources, but she ultimately blocked me on social media.

At first I thought I was the only one who has faced troubles with professionally resolving concerns with the paper’s current student editors. Again, upon recently talking to former and current staff members, I now see that my semester abroad has left me in the dark to the reality of the situation. My successor as opinion editor was also let go weeks into her work, being told, “Some people aren’t made for journalism.” She ended up changing her major altogether. Another freshman and sophomore dropped their prestigious journalism scholarships. Another columnist who worked under me wrote a detailed account of why, based on my experience, he no longer will write for them. He received a single sentence: “Thank you for letting me know.”

Trying to pursue any avenue I could, I was encouraged to contact department professors for any suggestions to move forward and find some sense of justice. However, because the newspaper is independent and entirely student-run, professors really have no control over it, nor have most shown interest in getting involved. They know of what has been published, as unflattering as it has been for me, and in this smaller scale case, it’s a “personnel issue.”

I know I did all I could as an intern for a larger organization, some of it backfiring on me, but for those directly affected, I made sure to resolve anything I caused based on my actions. I’m willing to admit that yes, one of my published articles had a fault, but I stand behind the integrity of every word I write.

However, this decision is one meant to be pushed under a rug, expecting me to remain quiet and move on. This newspaper is highly regarded on my campus and beyond. But if current leaders are not supporting their writers and treating them with respect, I do not recommend other students to get involved. If a high-contributing staff member receives not even a chance to communicate to fellow peers nor a reason for those peers’ decisions, what lesson does that teach? How does one truly move on from a situation that could and should have explanation and closure.

I do not want to associate myself with an organization that won’t stand by its members, that won’t take the time to hear those members out and receive every piece of evidence at their disposal. That in of itself demonstrates integrity, maturity, and credible journalism. I’m not willing to settle and accept a flimsy decision and general disrespect toward myself and some of the most honorable, hard-working people I’ve come across.

People deserve to know every side of any story. This is no exception. Students should especially know about the organization that is representing their voice on campus. Students of any major, especially journalism, should be able to express concern and maturely resolve conflict within student-run organizations. How they may find a resolution is a work in progress, but as with anything, awareness is key. It’s our right to learn the truth and speak out for it. If journalism itself won’t do it, then we the people will.

Take care, and keep the faith. -Allie

A New Era

My time going abroad was conveniently coinciding with a change in administration in the States. I usually like to joke that I decided to go to Canada to escape a country under a new president I didn’t agree with. While that wasn’t my original intention, it’s probably not far off from the truth. I am standing along the sidelines today, watching the torch of leadership passed and hoping we don’t all burn.

I didn’t know how much influence and conversation here would still somehow tie to today’s inauguration and what that might mean for the future of the States and world in general. With such close ties and shared border, there is inevitably a buzz I’ve felt the entire week. Nervous energy. Hesitation and uncertainty. A genuine fear. And we cannot forget when Canada’s immigration website crashed in light of November’s election results.

For Canadians, they can be proud to be under an administration that champions concern for human rights and the environment. Rather than prioritizing military power and closing doors to all immigrants, even displaced Syrian refugees, Prime Minister Trudeau is focused on peace-making efforts with the United Nations and fulfilling goals of welcoming 25,000 Syrian refugees into the country.

The key points of variance from this day forward are not just an American challenge, but a global one. Policy areas for Canada are at risk of success if key players like America aren’t on board. New pressures in place of agreements are ahead. Canada should also worry about the progress they’ve made. They cannot ignore their southern neighbors.

When it comes to trade, security, and international relations, Canada and America have a crucial relationship at stake, one that is only as strong as its weakest link. If this link is unqualified for the issues that arise, everybody suffers the consequences.

I am proud to be staying short-term in a country that is lead by a so-called “anti-Trump.” In fact, even Trudeau’s rise to power was described by opponents as inexperienced and solely based on family legacy. Each candidate won through expert branding and loyal voters. That’s where their similarities end, as Trudeau totes inclusive, forward-thinking ideals, proudly supporting and representing the common people.

I was even lucky enough that he visited my campus this past Wednesday morning. I honestly had no idea. I had just stumbled randomly upon a crowd. Security men in suits wearing red pins were surrounding the area. So I waited for what seemed like an eternity to see Trudeau walk down the hallway, hold a press conference & leave. I didn’t see much, but it was enough to be in awe. I hadn’t actually expected to see Trudeau while in Canada (it was a running joke with people that I might see him). Less than a week of classes later, and now every other experience will somehow have to compare to this. It’ll be tough to beat.

Anyways. As a trying optimist in this situation, I’d like to see a future Trudeau-Trump relationship as one that we as individuals can model. People who might have very different outlooks on the world, but can have productive discussions and can find some common ground. I’m certainly not an expert in diplomacy, but in this case, we have no choice. The polarization of our beliefs now takes the forefront in which we can finally address it.

The difference between Canadian and American mentalities feel like polar opposites. Personally, even at a smaller campus, I am fortunate enough to be immersed in a very diverse student body, not to mention welcoming. My bigger home campus is proud of its diversity program, but before I left last semester, it was seeing hate crimes, from racial slurs and direct attacks at minority students.

From the conversations I’ve had with a few students here in Canada, we’re on the same page, a hopeful sign we can stand together and fight for what is right. We have to educate ourselves on the facts and make sure our voices are heard. As citizens of our respective countries and the world, that is our responsibility, more important now more than ever.

At this point, I hope America looks to Canada for guidance, for a clear example of what it means to show tolerance and respect to every single person, to make the world a better place. Trump is entering his position with some of the lowest satisfaction rates of any president-elect in history, people left and right refusing to even attend the inauguration ceremony. This is only the beginning.

In a few months, I will be back in the States, but I will have seen what the first months of the new administration have brought. ACA is already on its way out. Who knows what might be next? Again, I want to be optimistic, but if the president is not worthy of respect, I will continue giving it to every person I meet until they prove otherwise. I will listen with an open mind and heart. I will help those in need, no matter my country.

Take care, and keep the faith. -Allie