It Takes a Village

Carlos, skinny, small for his age, like a little professor, strides purposefully to the front of the classroom. He is about to give his speech to his class.

All the kids in this fourth grade room are preparing for the speech contest next week in front of the whole school. I have listened to speeches about baseball, hunting, cheer leading, pets, and the predictable topics that interest nine year olds. I have volunteered to help the kids who need a little extra.

Carlos' speech is about Gandhi and peace. Obviously, he has carefully researched the life of this world leader and cares a lot about his topic. I wonder how it could be that this child in this poor hispanic community came up with this? I was blown away!

Through Carlos and his family, whom I have come to know in the ensuing five years, I have learned so much. This child, like so many others across America, is undocumented, and knows how hard it will be to make it step by step to where he wants to be. He knows that his supportive family are always there for him. He knows the fears of trying to be an undocumented family in this country. He appreciates the fact of being bilingual.

Carlos, and so many others like him, are our treasure in America (the home of the free and the brave).
Now, Carlos is about to graduate from eighth grade. He's replete with honors all the way through school. He's on the way to being an Eagle Scout. He'll begin high school in a brand new program for the academically gifted.

And now, I try to think of a good graduation gift for this lovely gifted boy. His mom and I believe he needs a good laptop. How can we make this happen?  This needs to come from the community with no one's pride damaged. So, I have put out the word to the 'village', and so many folks here who know Carlos as "one of ours" have contributed.

I think that all of us here believe in the potential of kids, all kids. We believe that families want the best for their children.

On that graduation day coming up Carlos will have his laptop. Little by little our mean spirited legislature will begin to know that our undocumented Floridians are worthy of going to college and having the same shot to success as anyone. It is starting!