Aliento Features: Noemi Lucero
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Noemi Lucero, and I am originally from Sonora, Mexico. My mother came to the United States for the American dream. Months after being in another country, she went back to Mexico for me. She said, "Pack your favorite clothes; you're coming with me on vacation." Without knowing it at that moment, I packed my entire life in two suitcases. That was in June 2017, when I was 12 years old. Now I am a first year at Phoenix College. Being the first generation to attend college, continuing my education has been a great goal that I am achieving. One of my hobbies is playing chess; in my first year of high school, I created my own chess club. When I started college, I looked at the long list of clubs they had, and I was excited; after the first meeting of the chess club, I felt like I found my place, like I found my community.
How did you find out about Aliento?
I had the same feeling when I heard about Aliento. The first time I heard of Aliento was during my senior year of high school. My high school counselor didn't know at that moment how to help me since she didn't have much experience with undocumented students, so she was looking for resources for me, and Aliento was one of them. Once, out of curiosity, I joined a group therapy session Aliento was offering, and I felt comfortable and listened to. After that, I looked for a little more encouragement, and that's when I looked at the fellowship and decided to apply.
Why does the work we are doing matter to you?
One of Aliento's political priorities is occupational licenses. This topic is important to me because after I complete my degree, having the required license will allow me to use my skills and knowledge. I'm not the only one frustrated by this obstacle, as many others face similar career challenges. It is frustrating because having spent too much time studying, staying up late, and the stress that comes with learning to end up not being able to work on something that we worked so hard to have, that is why it is essential to fight for occupational licenses to be able to see the fruit of all those years of study.
What moments from the fellowship are you most proud of?
During the fellowship, I felt a lot of camaraderie, any the unity of having a common goal to fight for. We may not have the same exactly interests or a lot in common, but we share similar experiences. When we had the storytelling workshop, and I listened to the stories of others, at that moment, I felt part of a community; that was one of the most memorable moments I had during the fellowship. The biggest learning I got from the Fellowship was the power of storytelling, doing storytelling creates connection and union, in addition to giving a voice to people who are going through the same thing. Not all stories are the same, but there is always something in common, a dream for a better future.
How did Education Day impact you?
During E-Day, I was surprised by the number of people who came together to be part of that day to speak with legislators, with something in common, wanting to do things differently and putting a face to the problem with storytelling. When talking to the legislators, I realized that they are also ordinary people. More than anything, I was overthinking the interactions I would have would them. Talking to legislators and realizing it was not as nervewracking as I thought it would, I was more comfortable being vulnerable and sharing my story, including where I am from. Before Education Day, I would not have shared my story and background so freely.
What is a moment from the fellowship outside of E-day that really impacted you?
Being interviewed by Telemundo was an incredible experience that took me by surprise. The opportunity to share my experience as an undocumented student was a unique experience.
How would you describe this fellowship to someone who is looking to apply?
I see completing the fellowship as a great opportunity for growth, getting out of your comfort zone and doing something for the community, and, at the same time meeting your community and realizing that you are not alone. There are more people who are going through a similar experience.
What’s next for you?
The next thing for me is to continue looking for growth and continue to host community events at Phoenix College. Next semester, I am hoping to plan a couple of events about mental health, because from my experience at my first Fellowship Arts & Healing Workship, some students go through a lot of stress. It is important to open up spaces to build community and take a step away from school and work stress.