NC FIELD

North Carolina Focus in Increasing Education, Leadership, & Dignity

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Yvette - Texas

Education is a matter of choice. Coming from a migrate family, education is more like the key to succeed.

Every summer, my family would traveled to Arkansas or Michigan to work in the fields.  At times I’d think that I was not a normal child because I would look at the school calendar and say “NO, please school do not finish.”  I knew that as soon as school would finish it was time to pack up our things and migrate to the other state and work.  

I would often complain and ask why we had to do this every year. Teasing, my dad would say “You ask for too many things”,  but the reality was he was teaching me a life lesson. Life is not easy and if I want to succeed in life I would need to take advantage of my education.  They would tell me to continue my education so I wouldn’t have to continue working in the fields.  It was not an easy job to do, waking up as early as 4 AM, working for long hours 6 to 7 days straight. During the summer you want to wake up late and have a fun. That was not my experience.  

Nevertheless, my experience of working in the fields motivated me to continue my education and pursue a  different career path. After graduating from high school I enrolled in the University of Texas Pan-American and graduate with a Bachelor’s in Accounting.  Now I am an Accountant for South Texas College, where I use the skills that I learned from working in the fields. 

For as long as I can remember I have always worked hard and remained determined to obtain my goals.  I believe that if my parents had not made me to work in the fields, I would not appreciate life as I do now.  I thank them for showing me this, which at that time I thought was the hard way, as it was a wakeup call for me.  One day I would like to show my daughters that part of my life so that they can use that experience to continue their education and see that life isn’t always as easy as it looks.

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Elvia - Virginia 

Where do you picture yourself?

This is a picture of my parens and one of my sisters in front of a statue of Maria Theresa in Vienna, Austria last year. At one point in this trip, my mother said that she would have never imagined that she would get to experience such beautiful places in parts of the world that she had only ever dreamed about. I thought about her comment for a long time because growing up, I never once believed that I wouldn’t get to travel the world—without realizing, my parents taught me that anything was possible with dedication and hard work.

Unlike many youth of migrant background, I did not work in the fields with my parents. Instead, my father would leave for months at a time to work in the fields while my mother worked nights in a factory. During those times I would be responsible for the well-being of my younger sisters. I may have grown up more quickly than my peers, but that experience taught me the importance of responsibility and perserverance, two values which, along with the unconditional support of my parents, have been the basis for all my accomplishments.

Due to economic barriers, I learned only on that if I was going to see the world, I would have to work hard in school to realize my goals. This realization about my education has literally PAID off: When I was in high school, I got a scholarship to be an exchange student in France for a year through the local Rotary Club. Once I finished high school, I received another scholarship to study in Germany through the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange program, which hosts a national competition every year. After that experience, not only did I attend St. Edward’s University as a College Assistance Migrant Program student, but I also received a Fulbright grant to study at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, which solidified my desire to become an American diplomat.

In my experience, making my education a top priority has not only lead to several life-changing opportunities, but it has also been the equalizing factor when you consider the barriers faced by migrant youth. One just has to be willing to put in the work, which can start with a simple question: Where do you picture yourself?

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Sonia - Texas

After years of hard work and dedication to my career as a federal investigator, I find myself sitting in front of a federal judge discussing a criminal case on a drug trafficker. I just finished convincing the judge to grant me the authority to enter the trafficker’s residence without his permission to look for evidence and contraband.

Meanwhile he’s signing the necessary paperwork, I’m staring at my fingernails wondering how he can’t see the dirt hidden underneath them that no amount of washing can ever remove. The judge doesn’t know it but he’s just spent the last half hour talking to a migrant farm worker.  Something I have never allowed myself to ever forget, not because I am ashamed, but because it keeps me grateful for everything I have accomplished in my life so far.

I grew up as a migrant farm worker watching my father work endless hours in the fields.  His father was also a farm worker so my father was content working the fields day in and day out because that is all he knew. As such, he was raising my siblings and I to do the same. Even though ‎I respected the hard work, I knew from an early age I wanted something different for my future and for my children’s future. So I focused on my way out of this cycle by getting an education.  

But I promised myself that no matter how far I physically removed myself from the fields,  I would never forget the truths I learned from them: work hard and stay humble.

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Ramon - New Mexico 

My parents are Mexican immigrants to the United States.  I worked alongside them as a child in the fields of southern New Mexico. The long hours under the sun, the grueling work and the little pay is what drove me to acquire a higher education – so that I could one day advocate on behalf of the people with whom I worked alongside in the fields. I received a bachelor’s degree in government and minor in history from New Mexico State University (NMSU).  

While I was at NMSU I interned for several organizations including Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Las Cruces and Student Action with Farmworkers (SAF).  In both organizations I assisted immigrant and farmworker families, but it was my experience with SAF that made me realize that the struggles that my family and I faced in the fields are not particular to New Mexico, but occur throughout this country.  

Acquiring a higher education has improved my life in many ways I thought were almost impossible. I was able to travel throughout the US and the world and meet many great people. Working in the fields as a youth really motivated me to continue to work hard and is the main reason I continue to reach my goals. I see myself and my colleagues as examples to other farm working kids that they too can accomplish the goals they set out for themselves.

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Christina - Idaho

I’ve never been a morning person, I like to sleep in and enjoy my sleep. I start off with this because I remember arguing with my parents every summer morning since I was in 8th grade, about having to wake up before the sun even came up, so that we would have time to get everything ready for the day. Every day it was the same routine, wake up around 4am, cook our lunch, pack our water, make sure our asadones (hoes) were sharp, and drive off. I always worked in a small farm, sometimes it was just my grandpa, my sister, and I. Other times there were about ten of us. Either way, ever since I started working I knew, I disliked working in the fields but that I had to do it.

Now my life is different, I work at the University of Idaho at the Women’s Center and I enjoy coming to work every day. It has been over a year since I graduated from the University of Idaho and I relive that moment every time I see my parents. My dad has been a farmworker in this country for over 30 years; he has helped feed this country for decades, and yet, he goes unnoticed by society. My mom no longer works in the fields, but she worked there many years. Just like me, my siblings have worked and continue to work in the fields. I mention my family because they are my pride and joy. I excelled in high school and as an undergrad because I have an incredible backbone, my family. They are the reason why I worked in the summer and they are reason why I work so hard today.

The greatest challenge I remember when working was not having bathrooms in the fields, and having to carry our heavy, frozen water bottles all day. Although I complained about the bathroom situation for a long time, it wasn’t until my sister was pregnant and working out there that I realized what a terrible situation that was. After dealing with that, I understood that it wasn’t fair or right that we had to deal with these situations. As soon, as I was given the opportunity to help farmworkers I took the chance. I am grateful that in my position, I am given the opportunity to bring awareness of farmworkers to a greater community. 

I want to continue my education, but I am grateful and happy that I am one step closer to my dream job, which honestly I am not sure what that is. By now, I am beginning to accept that it’s okay, not to know what you want to “be” or what your perfect “job” is. I honestly can say that I work as hard as I do today because of the work ethic I was taught in the fields many of us who start there understand hard work and know how important it is. I have become the person I am today because of the lessons I have learned in the fields. Although at times is seems so hard or unfair, it is important to push through and just take those small steps to first graduate high school, second get into some form of higher education, and third graduate. I can now write about these experiences and hope that others follow their own paths to achieve their dreams, but always remembering our roots and the ganas it took for us to get to where we are today.

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Let Farmworkers Speak!

When people think of child labor they claim it’s a third-world issue. Little do they know this is something that’s happening in their very own back yard. In America, children as young as 5-years old are working in the fields. Children are being exposed to heat stress, pesticides, chemicals, and long working hours in extreme weather conditions. Youth are exposed to this because of loopholes in legislature. 

However, child labor is often a controversial topic. Youth working in the fields are exposed to hazardous working conditions, but youth work in the fields to support themselves and their families. Farmworker youth are often asked the same questions: “When did you start working? What did you experience?” Rarely are they asked “Why do you work? “What did you learn for this experience? What are your dreams after this?”

In this section a diverse group of former farmworker youth from all over the country were selected to showcase their success. I want participants to realize that their success matters and that they are role modes to youth. Concurrently, I also want current farmworker youth to see that there are a lot of individuals who were once in their same shoes. I want current PJC youth and farmworker youth everywhere to see that their current situation does not have to be permanent. I hope this project will inspire others to go after their dreams no matter how small or big. 

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Donté - Beulaville, NC

"I am involved with PJC because I know what it is like being a farm worker and I wish to see a change within farmworker communities." 

Donte has been a voice in his community by increasing the awareness of the plight of the farmworker. Since joining PJC, Donte has polished up his advocacy, public speaking and leadership skills.

In the future Donte would like to continue putting his skills to good use by being a translator for other Hispanic individuals/families in his field of work. He hopes to continue his studies and enroll into a law or forensics science program upon graduating from high school. In the time I’ve gotten to know Donte, I can see him double majoring in both pre-law and forensic science.

Donte looks forward to his future and plans to travel and expand his horizons. During his free time, he enjoys being a foodie, playing soccer, and videos games. Though he is an example of a hard worker, he also enjoys being laidback and relaxing too. His ultimate dream is to make his parents proud and be someone in life. Well, I hate to break it to you Donte, but I think you’ve already achieved that!

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Jose – Kinston, NC

Jose experienced first hand what it feels to work in the fields at a young age. This experience drives him to want more. As the PJC Youth President, Jose has developed outstanding leadership skills, mentoring skills, public speaking skills and programming development skills. Jose also participates on the NC FIELD Advisory Board. Jose is currently attending Lenoir Co. Early College High School, he hopes to transfer to NC State and enroll in their computer engineering program. 

“Working with computers is something that I like doing and getting paid good amounts of money for it sounds like the ideal choice for me. I haven’t thought ahead of the first 10 years since it’s a little hard to predict where things will go in the first 5 years alone. But I plan to go at a steady pace and finish college first.”

 In his free time Jose likes to hang out with friends and enjoy quality time alone listening to music while sketching.

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Daniela – Pink Hill, NC 

Daniela can clearly describe to you how the sun rays feel on the back of her neck when she is in the middle of a tobacco field. She can share what it is like to work in tobacco fields. But she can also talk to you about her high school classes and how she looks forward to graduating soon.  You can ask her about what she’s looking forward to in college one day. She can illustrate where she likes to sit outside and spend quality time with her mom and siblings. She can describe the house she hopes to own one day and live in. Daniela, like many youth, has dreams and goals too.

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What I have learned about Farmworker Youth through NC FIELD & PJC....

Since joining NC FIELD in the summer of 2015 I have had the opportunity to learn more about farmworker youth in North Carolina. Through our PJC youth programming, I have witnessed, learned, and often times find myself relating to the struggles, challenges, and obstacles that farmworker youth in rural eastern North Carolina experience. Through various media outlets the community has also been able to learn more of the plight of the farmworker too. 

But these youth are so much more than just farmworker youth. 

These are young individuals who have dreams, goals, and future plans beyond the manual labor they do during the summer and weekends. I welcome you to learn more about farmworker youth too. But I would like for you to learn about who they are as an individual and what they see in their future! 

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What is National Farmworker Awareness Week – 2016

National Farmworker Awareness Week (NFAW) is a week of action for students and community members to raise awareness about farmworker issues on our campuses and in our communities. To learn more about NFAW check out: http://saf-unite.org/content/national-farmworker-awareness-week

Project Overview: Why this project, what is the purpose, message?  

The media has done a good job of highlighting farmworker conditions, especially farmworker youth. There are many articles, documentaries, reports, and videos about farmworkers and the conditions they are exposed.

For this project I wanted to focus on what the media neglects, the success, dreams, and goals of farmworkers. This project is broken down into two sections, highlighting current farmworker youth from our Poder Juvenil Campesino (PJC) youth council and former farmworker youth nationwide.

The purpose of this project is to show the community that someone who works in the fields, farms, packing houses, picking and processing the food we eat everyday is so much more than just a farmworker. These are people who despite of the challenges and their current situation they have dreams and goals.  

Part A: Poder Juvenil Campesino (PJC) Youth Council

In English, “Poder Juvenil Campesino”means “Rural Youth Power”, and this group of youth are powerful! In 2009, PJC was created and since then this group of farmworker youth have been advocating for better farmworker rights, increasing awareness of the plight of the farmworker, and developing necessary life skills.

PJC youth are often interviewed by national and international media about their experience. Many youth have mentioned that being interviewed is great because you “get to spread the word about farmworkers, you bring it to the attention of the community”. But at the same time are often discouraged because the questions are always the same.

In this project I asked youth questions that the media at times neglects to ask but should ask. I asked youth that their goals are, what are their dreams, where do they see themselves in the future.

Part B – Former Farmworker Youth

As a former farmworker youth I can recall working twice as hard just to be at the same level as my peers. As I look back I am proud of what I have accomplished, considering the challenges and obstacles I had to overcome from being a farmworker youth.

In this section I selected a diverse group of former farmworker youth from all over the country to showcase their success. I want participants to realize that their success matters and that they are role modes to youth. Concurrently, I also want current farmworker youth to see that there are a lot of individuals who were once in their same shoes. I want current PJC youth and farmworker youth everywhere to see that their current situation does not have to be permanent. I hope this project will inspire others to go after their dreams no matter how small or big.

How can you help?

There are numerous of ways that you can help, from advocating to donating. Share the stories that will be posted, share out webpage, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and help us increase awareness of the plight of the farmworker. Donate to our cause! Money donations are always welcomed, but your time as well is greatly appreciated. Donate your time by chaperoning our events, providing transportation, being a mentor to our youth.

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March 23rd - 31st 2016 

Throughout the week we will highlight a diverse group of former farmworker youth and their current success. 

Participants throughout the country will share their story, experiences, lessons learned, and a special message to current farmworker youth.

Come back and visit us soon!!

National Farmworker Awareness Week (NFAW) is a week of action for students and community members to raise awareness about farmworker issues on our campuses and in our communities. In 2016 we celebrate the 17th Annual National Farmworker Awareness Week to raise awareness about farmworker conditions and to honor their important contributions to us every day!

To learn more about#NFAW sure to check out: http://saf-unite.org/content/national-farmworker-awareness-week