Change Through My Eyes

 

As I look back on Ms. Perry’s Ethnic Studies class,
I finally know why it’s important to learn about other’s perspectives. 

The power of perspective-taking is a choice,

Not a choice between light and dark

Or strength and weakness

Rather, consider the light cast on a dark part of history

And, the strength it takes to address weakness.

 

Over the past year, I have been a learner.

I have discovered my identity

Dismantled the four I’s of oppression

Embraced my origin story

Examined the wide gaps in education and housing

Realized the unjust 21st-century neo-slavery

And led the charge to be the change in my community.

But, what I have learned most is 

What it means to be a student in the 21st century.

To understand the history before you

And decide to be better.

 

You see,

Ethnic Studies was never about excluding any race, 

Or person from the discussion.

If anything, it aims to bring more chairs to the table.

When everybody holds a piece of the puzzle,

The full picture can only be complete when everybody contributes.

Everybody brings their experience unlike any other.

When we share our stories,

We are exercising our strength of vulnerability.

 

Historically, we have seen so much pain and anguish.

While many are numbed to this pain,

Students of Ethnic Studies have said 

“Enough is enough”

And have become tuned in to ourselves and others' needs

This is the class creating positive change throughout our community.

One way or another, everyone is hurt, 

So why are we fighting over who has it worse or who has it better?

We have all felt alone 

The pandemic only worsened these feelings.

And yet there’s solidarity in feeling solitary

There is something understandable about feeling terrible.

There is someone or something that understands you,

Because when the walls fall down,

We can finally see ourselves in others.