It takes a Village by Emily

It takes a Village by Emily - October 2021 Scholarship Essay

“I want a house on a hill like the ones with the gardens where Papa works. We go on Sundays, Papa's day off. I used to go. I don't anymore. You don't like to go out with us, Papa says. Getting too old? Getting too stuck-up, says Nenny. I don't tell them I am ashamed—all of us staring out the window like the hungry. I am tired of lookiang at what we can't have. When we win the lottery . . . Mama begins, and then I stop listening. People who live on hills sleep so close to the stars they forget those of us who live too much on earth. They don't look down at all except to be content to live on hills. They have nothing to do with last week's garbage or fear of rats. Night comes. Nothing wakes them but the wind. One day I'll own my own house, but I won't forget who I am or where I came from. Passing bums will ask, Can I come in? I'll offer them the attic, ask them to stay, because I know how it is to be without a house. Some days after dinner, guests and I will sit in front of a fire. Floorboards will squeak upstairs. The attic grumbles. Rats? they'll ask. Bums, I'll say, and I'll be happy.”

The book, The House on Mango Street, is a book I have read several times, each time gaining a different perspective and level of understanding.

I remember first reading it in my sixth-grade class, windows open, letting dust motes run loose throughout the light brown wooden school desks. The overcrowded class of over 25 students aimlessly watched the board as our teacher wrote pretty words on the board. I wondered why I had never read a book like this before. It was so ironic because the book seemed to be for me and people like me yet, it seemed like it was hidden from me. The books of milk-skinned people and their problems were not my problems and made me feel ashamed of my experiences.

For the first time, I saw myself in a book. This was very valuable to me because for so long black and brown stories have been told through the lens of white people, people who simply could not speak from the ‘I’ perspective. For this reason, many stories depict black and brown people as savages and heathens.

The perspective Esperanza, the protagonist, has is much like mine. In the poem, Four Skinny Trees, she describes the beauty in four trees in the midst of the chaos in her community. Despite the challenges the trees face, they grow, just like her.

I am proud to say that I live in South Los Angeles. Not as glamorous as Hollywood but this will always be home. Beyond the foggy air, garbage overrun streets, and tagged storefronts there are people who are stripped of opportunity and systematically oppressed. The sentiments of people on the “hills” like Esperanza describes and yearning to be financially comfortable but also wanting desperately to tend to her community's needs is something I think is my moral obligation. The book has taught me to never forget my roots.

This has motivated me and I am proud to say that I spoke for the Lebron James Family Foundation and gave a speech at the Parlay House, discussing my family’s personal battle with ICE and the importance of education equity. As a member of my school’s student council diversity committee, I have created safe spaces for uncomfortable conversations to prosper. I also write for the school newspaper, giving insight into current and pressing sociopolitical issues. I want to continue to speak and am utilizing my resources to write a book.

I have also co-founded a non-profit organization called, The ‘G’ Project, which aims at combating gentrification. I want to serve my community with respect and use the resources I have to better the quality of life for those less privileged. I want to make sure that the next little Chicana or black girl can live without inequality and discrimination. When they wear hoops I want people to see their strength, not “ghetto”. When they wear hoops I want so desperately for people to see their maturity and coming of age, not “unprofessionalism.” I wish for them to have the support and a safe environment with opportunities to one day flourish into a mariposa (butterfly), working alongside milk skinned men and women who will admire their beautiful brown skin.

I hope to complete writing a collection of books throughout my lifetime. These books will be centered around the inequalities faced in impoverished communities and communities of color. Growing up I often read books about fair-skinned masculine characters that I simply did not share experiences with.

For so long black and brown stories have been told through the lens of white people, people who simply could not speak from the ‘I’ perspective. For this reason, many stories depict black and brown people as savages. I hope to avoid the danger of a single story by pursuing writing.

I want to become a congresswoman who advocates for the civil rights of all regardless of their race, sexuality, socioeconomic class, and other distinctive assets to one's identity. Becoming president is my ultimate goal. I want to change the world for the better and for all.