Why we still need Chicanx/Latinx Studies By Irene Sanchez A student last year in my Latinx Studies class wrote, "If I am not myself, who will I be?" I asked myself when I read it: Who would I be? Would I be bowed head, eyes lowered, and ashamed? Would I be neither here nor there? … Continue reading Why We Still Need Chicano/Latino Studies
Don’t Be Afraid of Your Own Voice
Don't Be Afraid of Your Own Voice By Irene Sanchez Don't be afraid of your own voice. If you are like me, as a woman, you too have been silenced. You too have spoken up knowing there would be consequences, some predictable and others more severe than you could've imagined all for using your voice … Continue reading Don’t Be Afraid of Your Own Voice
How We Survive
How We Survive By Xicana Ph.D. I am here. This is a meditation and prayer. This was the first sentence of my dissertation. It is an affirmation that as long as I am still breathing there is work to be done. This is how I not only "made it" through my Ph.D., but how I … Continue reading How We Survive
I have a Ph.D. and I’m a “Failure”.
I have a Ph.D. and I'm a "Failure". By Irene Sanchez Xicana Ph.D. I have a Ph.D. and I'm a "Failure". At least this is how it feels for the moment until it didn't. I remember when I decided to get a Ph.D. I was on academic probation coming off of academic dismissal (being kicked … Continue reading I have a Ph.D. and I’m a “Failure”.
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
Teaching May Day Everyday
Teaching May Day Everyday By: Irene Sanchez May Day 2018. I go to work. I'm a high school teacher and have been this past year. I teach Chicana/o/x or Latina/o/x Studies at three different high schools everyday. I never forget everyday the responsibility I have to my community. I never forget the responsibility I have … Continue reading Teaching May Day Everyday
You Don’t Need Anyone’s Permission to Write
You Don't Need Anyone's Permission to Write By Xicana Ph.D. You don't need anyone's permission to write. You don't need a pre-approval. You don't need a blessing from anyone living or passed on. You don't need to wait for a sign from the great writers you look up to. You don't need an academic in … Continue reading You Don’t Need Anyone’s Permission to Write
