Reflections on Speaking in Washington State

Sheena and I just got back from a week of speaking in the Eastern part of Washington State. It was incredible experience, and below are some reflections and lessons learned:

1. Eastern Washington has a desert climate, its population is rural, its culture is conservative, and its economy is agriculture-based.
   
2. There is a very large population of Mexicans who work in the agriculture industry. Many of them are undocumented. Being undocumented often leads to background fear of Immigration coming to deport them.
   
3. 'Low-Income' isn't a culture. When I visit many schools that are in low-income areas of New York City, I often see bars around windows with security at the door. Even though all the schools we spoke at were in low-income areas, the communities and the schools were beautiful and looked middle-class.
   
4. Many of the students were extremely hard-working. Some of them wake up in the early morning to work in the field, go to school, and then go back to the field.
   
5. Family is an extremely important cultural value. While some students want to do everything they can do to move away to more opportunities, others are willing to sacrifice economic opportunities so they can stay close to their family and help them.

My mom came to this country when she was seventeen years-old as Jewish refugee from Poland. She did not speak English. She did not have any money. Her parents were not allowed to come with her. Starting from there, she was able to graduate college, become a computer programmer, and raise me by herself. She instilled me with the values of hard-work, fighting for freedom, and believing in myself in the face obstacles.

WIth this said, I think borders should be opened up. America is a country of immigrants and the values of hard-work and hope are a result of this.