Aliento Features: Asareli Lopez
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Asareli Lopez, I am currently a senior at Camelback High School. One of the things I like to dedicate my time to in my everyday life is music, I enjoy singing and learning new songs. I also enjoy taking care of my body and keeping it moving, and I try to dedicate at least 1 hour daily to lifting weights, going for a run, or practicing tennis!
How did you find out about Aliento?
I was very fortunate to hear about Aliento through my high school counselor while talking at her office about my lack of status. We were trying to come up with a plan and find opportunities that could support my journey. Arizona's Future Fellowship with Aliento was the door to advocating for myself and many other students with the same barriers. My first meeting with Aliento was on September 6th where I was going to meet the rest of the fellows and the amazing team who were dedicated to supporting students from across the valley, empowering our stories, and giving us hope. Meeting the rest of the cohort was very intimidating at first, I was very nervous. Not only because I was meeting them for the first time, but because we have been convinced that raising our voice and fighting for a cause that aches our heart is wrong, and sometimes dangerous. Nevertheless these unpleasant thoughts and feelings were replaced by friendship, community, and support. The team is full of people who are willing to help, support, guide, and uplift you. I have found belonging amongst the fellows, which I am very fortunate to know their stories and see everything they bring to this space, their dedication, talents, skills, and character. While meeting the goals for this fellowship and the responsibilities that we carried, I felt very confident and well prepared to achieve them.
Why does the work we are doing matter to you?
The work that we do is so important to me because I believe that our voices are drowned out every day with everything that is happening around us, and we forget how important our stories are, how strong our voices can be, and the value of our heritage. The policy priority I care about is Occupational Licenses for All. I believe that no matter the country of citizenship, legal status, or upbringing, we all possess the same abilities to perform a job. If we are receiving the same educational opportunities, why can't it be the same in the workplace? Being unable to access OPL’s directly impacts my life because I have a dream to one day become a Music Teacher in Arizona. I believe that there are so many talented students who are held back by the language barrier and cannot seem to enjoy music and the growth that comes with it. I have a dream that has now become my passion. I have seen myself being a teacher, but not only to teach, but to encourage, support, and be of guidance. I want to discover new knowledge and learn from my teaching, and to continue growing everyday.
What moments from the fellowship are you most proud of?
Some moments from the fellowship that I am most proud of, are performing and sharing my song called “Que Privilegio Ma” at the Aliento Gallery Event. I am proud of how brave and confident I was feeling, and I am grateful that this space was opened for me to express and share a part of my story with an audience. I am also very proud, that with the help of teachers, I was able to bring with me a little over 40 Camelback students to the State Capitol during E-day. I was very proud to see my peers attending my prior events, staying in contact and showing interest for E-Day. At E-Day I loved to see their patience throughout the trip to the State Capitol, and their willingness to listen and learn more. During this fellowship, I was able to develop my leadership skills, along with communication and advocacy techniques. I was able to host informational events as well as creative events where I could create a safe space for kids to be vulnerable and learn about the issues the immigrant community is facing. Seeing so many kids support an issue that is personally impacting my life and future was amazing and wholesome.
How did Education Day impact you?
Education Day had a great and very positive impact on my life. Watching so many people show up and unite with all of us, advocating for an issue that is impacting people of all ages, kids, students, parents, and entire families all over Arizona. It gave me hope and empowered my spirit to continue advocating for myself and being part of something bigger.
What is a moment from the fellowship outside of E-day that really impacted you?
I remember during a cohort meeting we were sharing our feelings and thoughts about our future. Listening to my friends talk about how they and their families are personally being impacted greatly by the inequities of lacking an immigration status, resonated with my heart deeply. Encounters like this,- make this fellowship not only an opportunity for high school students but an opportunity for our families to find hope. I was able to see this in an Open Mic I was part of, where members of my community were attending, I felt the warmth of the Latino hug and solidarity of those who weren’t directly impacted.
How would you describe this fellowship to someone who is looking to apply?
The fellowship is an opportunity to have interpersonal growth and a time to immerse yourself in a supportive community where you can flourish to your fullest potential. I have received so much support from college aged fellows on scholarships and other advice on being an undocumented college student!
What’s next for you?
I will be attending a 4-year college majoring in Biology, and I will continue to be involved in my community and engage with Aliento by attending their events. I hope to foster a supportive system on my campus implementing skills and community that I have learned from Aliento!
