Asian American Studies 197B
Spring Quarter 2002

Reflection Journal 1
Laura Lin, "Accepting the Leadership of People in Our Communities"

As a child growing up in upper middle class suburbs of Orange County, I was aware of the fact that there were people richer, and people who were poorer then I was. My father is a businessman who works in the import export business, and most of our family and friends have similar occupations. I came in contact with some of these rich people, people who owned corporations, multi million dollar houses, and who have people to run errands and schedule their lives for them. However, the contact I had with poorer people was limited. Images of poverty were presented to me in the form of television. Movies and shows about growing up in the "hood", or the ghetto were the closest thing I got to seeing the day to day struggle of the working class.

At the end of my first year at UCLA, I felt that I hadn’t really made a difference in my life, or anyone else’s. Most of my friends from high school came to UCLA as well. Their problems and complaints consisted of not having a cool enough car, or needing to buy clothes that said Gucci or Prada on them. I decided that this is what normal people’s lives were about. I became determined to not waste my time on trifles and to seek people with real problems that I could help in some way. This is when I started getting involved in tutoring organizations such as America Reads and AATP. My focus in community work has primarily been centered on children and education.

Despite the many hours I’ve spent at elementary schools and with children, I haven’t spent much time in the actual community and adults. I know that when I’m speaking to people I’m trying to help, I not to offend them. However, by thinking about it, I feel that I might act differently, and perhaps inadvertently offend someone. I think that it’s important for me to not think about the status of helper and helpee, and just think of everyone as having the same common goal.
I think the most important step that UCLA students can take in fighting the "big heads" perception that people might have of us is to not be afraid to get down and dirty. We need to understand that the people we’re going to be working with are in it for the long haul, and we should accept their leadership instead of turning it into a pet project of ours. Another important aspect is to become educated in their struggle so that we have to proper respect and admiration for what they have been through.

I feel that I am at least somewhat acquainted with the struggles of immigrant workers not only because my parents were immigrants, but also through the knowledge I’ve gained through Asian American Studies classes. I feel that these classes have been a very important part of expanding my knowledge of the history and the present condition of Asian Americans like myself, and others who have had experiences that are very different from what I’ve had. I’m lucky enough to have the time to devote to the struggles of immigrant workers. I do not have to be afraid of the things they have to fear such as being fired or fined. These are the privileges that students have. We are also able to try and mobilize a large body of people on campus. Word is spread more easily on campus where we can try and find other people who care.

My goal is to contribute to the cause of a community in need. I hope that through action, education, and the spreading of knowledge the members of this class and I will be able to help in making a difference.