Change starts in our communities

By Tatiana Sanchez

This year presents us with a chance for new beginnings.

With the inauguration of America's first black president, Barack Obama, just a few days away, I eagerly look forward to great change for our country.

Although I am assured that Obama will do great things, it is also clear that we, the educated youth of America, have a great responsibility to improve our country as well.

As students at Santa Clara, we are being prepared to fulfill this duty. It is up to us to help enact the changes that we have so eagerly longed for.

We can't simply wait for Washington to come to the rescue.

During this time of political transition, one of the primary things that we can do to shape our country's future is to value our education more than ever.

Having parents who immigrated to this country without a college education, I know all too well the value of Santa Clara.

My parents and I have fought long and hard to get me to where I am today, and I am extremely proud to attend this university.

We are part of the minority of Americans who are privileged enough to be receiving an excellent education, and because of this, we have access to a future of endless opportunities.

As educated youth, we have a greater responsibility than most to enact positive change.

But how?

Change in America can start with a spark of change in our own communities.

We can volunteer to help those who don't have the same opportunities as we do, such as by teaching English classes, or spending time with our younger siblings.

Be creative. Something as simple as placing an empty can in the trash instead of throwing it on the sidewalk will improve your community over time. It's time to think local.

Here at Santa Clara, we can become more involved with on-campus clubs and organizations.

When we're not at school, we can work to improve other communities through enrichment programs such as immersion trips.

A program I have found to be quite rewarding at Santa Clara was Arrupe Partnerships. This community-based learning experience challenges Santa Clara students to apply what they learn in the classroom toward helping people in the real world.

In the fall of 2008, I volunteered at Sacred Heart Cathedral Center, where I helped tutor first-generation Mexican immigrants.

Working at Sacred Heart every week gave me great satisfaction because I knew my actions had a positive impact on a group of children in need of help.

I enjoyed this experience so much that I have decided to return to Sacred Heart this quarter and continue to help these children reach their full potential.

While it's important to work in our communities, we should also remember to dream big.

Whatever we dream of becoming, we must keep our eyes on our goals and have the strength and drive to overcome all obstacles. As Obama demonstrated, our country demands a positive change.

However, if we want that change to be more than an abstract campaign slogan, we must work to make it a reality.

Tatiana Sanchez is a junior English major.