Irene Sanchez Activism, community, Education, Feminism, Mothering, Politics, writing, Xicana Ph.D.

Stop reinforcing the status quo inside or outside academia

Stop reinforcing the status quo inside or outside academia By Xicana Ph.D. The ivory tower as a whole doesn’t uplift anything, but those who reinforce it. It reinforces existing power. The status quo. A lot of folks within it do too. A lot of people who preach social justice do it every single day. Let’s … Continue reading Stop reinforcing the status quo inside or outside academia

Irene Sanchez Uncategorized

I Have a Ph.D. and I am on Welfare

It has almost been a year since I wrote this piece. It is still relevant as ever. In the past few months, I have had multiple people coming up to me telling me they read this. At the time I wrote it, I can’t tell you how alone I felt, knowing very well I may not be.

Work is something that is not stable for people in this economy with or without degrees. There has been an ever widening gap on the rich and the poor in this country. Degrees will not save you. Higher Education is not a stepping stone as it once was to economic mobility. In short, education as a great eqaulizer under a democracy is a myth because democracy is not a reality in the U.S. There is no such thing as meritocracy. These are all things we must contend with and discuss and move towards working for true social justice that includes addressing pressing issues of our times. The Poor People’s Campaign reminds us that this movement for economic and social justice has been long and we must insert the voices of this generation and the future ones (such as my son) to consider what we are leaving them. More on this in the near future, but for now as I prepare to faciliate a panel tomorrow in East LA on the Chicano Movement and the Poor People’s campaign, I am reminded more than ever before, why I do this, why I pursued these degrees, why I write, and why we must not stop fighting for a better tomorrow.

Solidarity, Irene (Xicana Ph.D.)

#poorpeoplescampaign #singlemothers #welfare #economicinequality #womenofcolor #poverty #socialjustice #politics

Xicana Ph.D.

I thought the real challenge would be finishing the Ph.D. as a single mother who overcome so many obstacles to be where I was walking across a stage with my son in my arms to have a doctoral hood placed over my head was one of my proudest moments. I thought I had overcome the most difficult challenges, but I was wrong.

I had began my higher education as a community college student ill-prepared for college coursework, along with supporting myself and working multiple jobs, I was placed on academic probation and dismissal my first year. In other words, I was kicked out of community college. I returned a year later and later transferred to UC Santa Cruz where I finished my Bachelors. I then moved to Seattle to pursue my graduate degrees at the University of Washington. Almost as soon as I could after defending my dissertation, I made…

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Irene Sanchez Activism, community, Education, Xicana Ph.D.

AB 2772 (Medina) Ethnic Studies Bill Moves Forward in California

AB 2772 (Medina) Ethnic Studies Bill Moves Forward in California Xicana Ph.D. By: Irene Sanchez #ethnicstudiesforall Today AB 2772 passed the Senate Education Committee and will now move forward to Appropriations, a vote by the Senate and if passed, the Governors signature. The movement to make Ethnic Studies a graduation requirement in K-12 has been … Continue reading AB 2772 (Medina) Ethnic Studies Bill Moves Forward in California

Irene Sanchez Activism, community, Education, Feminism, Xicana Ph.D.

The Importance of “Staying Rooted” in These Times

The Importance of "Staying Rooted" in These Times By Irene Sanchez (Xicana Ph.D.) Remembering who I am has meant for me to remember my roots. Our roots are what hold us steady no matter what may come our way. They remind us to keep growing up and if we need a reminder of how strong … Continue reading The Importance of “Staying Rooted” in These Times

Irene Sanchez Uncategorized

A Letter to my “Academic Mama”

Originally on http://www.xicanaphd.com last year for mamas day.
Republished at Inside Higher Education in August 2017
https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2017/08/25/scholar-pays-tribute-academic-mentor-essay
Happy Mother’s Day.

Xicana Ph.D.

Dear Academic Mama,

I am here. I am still here. I said this today after thinking about how hard life has been after finishing the Ph.D. I emailed you to ask you for a letter of recommendation again today and remembered how many times for many years, I would come to your office for a meeting and how I wish you were here.

I came to you like many who walk through your door carrying more than books and my laptop. You reminded me that This Bridge Called My Back isn’t just a catchy title, but a lived reality. And I thought about how when I met you, you helped me set down my worries, my pain, and gave me a safe place as a Xicana in academia, a survivor, a single mama and so many things I was or became in the six years I spent with you in…

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