Valuing the Moment
Hi, my name is Luz Vazquez, I am a first-generation college student studying public policy at Michigan State University with a background of farm work migrating from Florida to Michigan. Growing up, I was a caregiver to my younger siblings and at the age of 14 I began spending my weekends, school days off, and summers out into the fields. I picked a variety of crops such as strawberries, squash, jalapeños, and blueberries in extreme weather conditions from sunrise to sunset.
I am an alumnus of the Redlands Christian Migrant Association(RCMA) from an infant until I was 5 years old. During my time there some core memories I still carry with me are the many staff and teachers that welcomed me every early morning before my parents headed off to work. Being at RCMA was like a second home to me where I learned to walk, speak, and develop skills, but most importantly where I first learned to speak English.
As a current intern with NMSHSA, this week I had the opportunity to learn and meet many people who come from my same background, advocates, and professionals who are focused and determined to continue to work on policies affecting the migrant farmworker community and Migrant and Seasonal Head Start (MSHS) programs. During the Public Policy Forum, I had the chance not only to connect with but to listen, discuss and build relationships with many people beginning with all NMSHSA staff team, MSHS parents, CEOs, and Directors. I had the opportunity to meet with our NMSHSA Board President Joaquin Hernandez, Andrea Senteno from the MALDEF, Carolina Blanco the parent affiliate president, and Andrea Martinez, Senior Vice President of Early Childhood Development at Chicanos Por La Causa. Each has inspired me to continue to not only be a voice for my community but to also take action to create the change we need to help the future of farmworker children and families.
Capitol Hill Day was just the beginning where I advocated for farmworkers and MSHS programs through sharing my story. Not only did I do that, but as I was present in DC speaking to staffers of members of congress for the first time, it really showed the progress that NMSHSA has made to help me and how they help many others. In the end, seeing everyone come together on the hill filled me with joy!