Day 3 - HACU Capital Forum

It was an early start to our day.  It was really hard to get out of bed and my hips hurt so much from all the walking the day before.  We made it to the Marriott where the HACU Capital Forum sessions were.  

Today was an enlightening experience to learn about the different issues that are affecting Hispanic students and Hispanic Serving Institutions.  Some of the topics today really brought everything full circle for me.  In many of my classes, there has been an emphasis on understanding the culture and issues of those you'll be serving or working with.  I am amazed at how quickly the Hispanic population is growing and to ensure that students have access to opportunities, we must address key leaders of the House and Senate.

One of the agenda topics on education hits home for me.  HACU supports adding to the teaching profession ready definition: "demonstrated ability to work with students who are culturally/linguistically diverse."  During my education degree program, a principal continually encouraged me to finish because he said there is not a lot in education like us.  I know fully understand his comment and I see how important it is to have different cultures and ethnicities represented.  Latino students want to see leaders who look like themselves and those they can relate to.  HACU's focus is ensuring there is diversity among teachers.  A quarter of all students are Latino, yet only 8% of teachers describe themselves as Latino.  I see this firsthand as a teacher, and it is time to change this statistic.  

A light was also shed on my topic on cyber and STEM fields having the imbalance of students of minorities.  Cybersecurity is at the top of the list of skills that employers say is the hardest to fill.  Another one that also caught my eye is critical thinking and problem-solving.  As a teacher, I see how important each skill mentioned is.  We must empower and encourage students that they have a story to write, but we must ensure they have the skills to create an amazing one.

Today also showed me that even though each one in our group has a different perspective, different issues that are important, we all care about making a change for those coming up behind us.  It is so enjoyable to spend time with other students who share the same enthusiasm for advocacy.