STORY #9: Latinx Fly By Light (English Version)

Kamisraki to everyone reading this, my name is Jair, and to some students, I’m known as “Mr. Ja” or “Mr. Yahir.” I’m an indigenous community organizer and advocate in the multiple struggles for climate and social justice. I am also a program facilitator for the Fly By Light program across multiple schools in the District.

Hola! Esta historia tiene que ver con el facilitador de nuestro programa, Volar Por La Luz, Jair- y tres otros jóvenes involucrados en el programa. Haga clic aquí para leer esta historia en Español. ¡Gracias! 

To continue in English, keeping reading.

Volar Por La Luz is the Fly By Light program for Spanish speaking students to participate in, who otherwise may not have had the opportunity in English settings due to language barriers. Pre-pandemic, we would usually meet in classrooms, open common areas, and at times at the park. We do a lot of activities centering around “the self” and getting to know each other, getting to know the history of marginalized communities, learning about DC through art, research, and conversation. 

Just before the pandemic hit, we were getting ready to launch a campaign around “just” services for the immigrant community in DC. However, when the pandemic and school closures happened, we were all surprised and the energy to organize this campaign shifted into finding resources for them since jobs were lost and income decreased. 

I think youth work is important especially now because there aren’t many outlets available for them to keep building and getting to know each other and talk about current events, their current emotions, and thoughts. As the youth and I have worked together, there has been a space created where they are able to share parts of their stories and thoughts with each other; parts that don’t often get shared in traditional classroom spaces with faculty or school staff.

We can see that the struggles Black and Brown communities are facing are deeply connected to the struggles that the immigrant population of those communities are facing. Unstable or lack of unemployment, lack of access to government support and services, and the struggles of the digital divide just to name a few. So there is a huge need for mental health spaces for everyone right now. 

I think it’s always an important issue in itself for the youth to shine a light on their stories and express as much as they want to share. Some are more willing to share and are open, while others are a bit more reserved due to various reasons. Both are okay. 

As advocates of immigrant and non-immigrant youth, we must always be supportive and encourage the youth to share their stories, this is why I insist folks continue reading. It is important for the stories to be told through their words rather than mine or anyone else’s.

All I can say is that I am immensely proud of them for their perseverance and for the light they continue to carry in their presence. Sí Se Puede.

FLY BY LIGHT ~ YOUTH HIGHLIGHT

In celebrating OCU’s #20Stories20Years, we are highlighting our amazing FBL youth! Here, three of our Fly By Light en Español youth: Ruth, Manolo, and Yeca share their beautiful stories of resilience and connection:

~ RUTH ~

My family is from El Salvador. I could describe my migration journey, but it is still a bit difficult for me to do so. Nonetheless, I can say I have adapted a lot since then. The adjustment of moving here was very difficult because I had to get used to a new school, a new language, talking to new people, and interpretation services were rare to find. When I went to register for school the first time, there was no one available who spoke Spanish to help me.

The way in which I started to get more involved with the Fly By Light group was by doing different projects with my friends or with the help of Mr. Yahir who always encourages me to share my ideas and opinions with the rest of the group. Before Fly By Light, I was hesitant about speaking up about my thoughts and ideas, I was shy and just didn’t want to share, but now I feel way more open. Since the time that I have started Fly By Light, I have felt very supported, more confident, I speak up more, and I find it easier to connect with others. This has all helped me very much because now I have better communication skills. 

I would recommend this group to other people, especially my friends because it is very important to interact with others who might have different opinions than you, but still listen and understand what you are saying. I also remember doing park clean-ups at Malcolm X Park, which was a nice memory because everyone was happy we were outside and we were helping the park out. I like the program so much!

~ MANOLO ~

My family is from the Dominican Republic. When I first arrived in this country, my family had to first pass through Boston, Massachusetts in order to then land in Washington, D.C. My sister and my mother are really supportive of me and my needs. Anytime I need help with something they are always there to help me. So I got my positive attitude and motivation from them.

Once in D.C., the counselors at my school encouraged me to join the Fly by Light group as a way to meet students in similar situations, without having to worry about speaking perfect English. This is why I finally decided to join the program.

The Latinx Fly by Light group has taught me how to feel comfortable around adults. I have learned to do this because Jair, the program coordinator, always asks us how we are and how we’re feeling; not just me but the other students as well. This is what initiated our connection. One challenge that I had as an immigrant student was learning the new language, and I still am having struggles with it.

What I feel Fly By Light does a really good job of doing is providing an uplifting and motivating space for the students involved. I remember when we had our retreat during the break, I really enjoyed it even though normally I like being in the house. I liked being outside and taking a walk in the park when we did clean ups. 

I really appreciate being part of this community where I feel safe and happy. I would not change anything about the program because everything is perfect as is. I would definitely recommend this program to my friends because it really helps you reflect on your personal situations. 

The Latinx Fly by Light group has taught me how to feel comfortable around adults. I have learned to do this because Jair, the program coordinator, always asks us how we are and how we’re feeling; not just me but the other students as well. This is what initiated our connection. Some challenges that I had as an immigrant student was learning the new language, and I still am having struggles with it.

What I feel Fly By Light does a really good job of doing is providing an uplifting and motivating space for the students involved. I remember when we had our retreat during break, I really enjoyed it even though normally I like being in the house. I liked being outside, and taking a walk in the park when we did clean ups. 

I really appreciate being part of this community where I feel safe and happy. I would not change anything about the program because everything is perfect as is. I would definitely recommend this program to my friends because it really helps you reflect on your personal situations. 

~ YECA ~

This is the church that people in my community pray in, for safety and good health; for a new journey, returning, or for fulfilling one’s promise. The road there is dangerous since it is a highly populated tourist area. This is what represents me.

—Yeca

My family and I are originally from Guatemala. My experience as an immigrant teenager in the United States has been challenging to say the least, but it is something that all immigrants in this country go through and eventually adapt to. It’s always difficult to have to make new friends, attend new schools, and learn a new language – no matter who you are. This is exactly how I felt when I first got to Roosevelt High School. It was really difficult for me to communicate with any of the teachers or other students in my classes due to the language barrier. This is especially hard when you are at an age where other people’s opinions of you tend to matter a lot. Luckily though, I met Jaír and Mr. Salazar who introduced me to the Latinx Fly by Light group, which has made my experience here a lot easier.

Joining Fly By Light has been great for me because it gave me the opportunity to express myself in my native language without being criticized. (:  Also, because of the program, I have been able to become friends with a lot of people from my school. Fly by Light has not only helped me grow, but it has also helped me understand my rights in this country as an immigrant. As a result, I have a newfound respect for the value of my voice in this country. Therefore, of course, I would recommend this group to other people, so that they too can learn of the various resources available to immigrants in this country. 

In the Spring of 2019, we captured OCU in action with Jair’s Fly By Light en Español group meeting at Roosevelt High School:

OCU is hiring mental health professionals! 

If you speak Spanish, it’s a plus!