Asian American Studies 197B
Spring Quarter 2002

Reflection Journal 1
Teresa Nguyen, "Becoming Conscious of Our Privileges as UCLA Students"

As a UCLA student, internships are viewed merely as a means to become exposed to the career field and to gain work-experience. I must admit that I, myself, also believed this point of view until I was presented with the course material and presentation of AAS 197B. Prior to this class, I never stopped to think about all the other benefits internships could bring to me and as well as to the community. As a UCLA student, it was engrained in my mind that internships were only beneficial for me. Furthermore, I justified my point of view by reasoning that since I was not going to be paid for working for these profit-oriented companies, I could treat it as just a learning experience or something that I was forced to do to increase my chances of attaining a better job upon graduation. This would be a fair exchange. My employer would teach me the inside ropes of the business and I would labor endless hours without monetary wages. To me, the community did not even play a role in this equation regarding internships. It was just I against the big, giant corporations. After the enlightening presentation in class, I realized there was much more to internships then I had thought. I could actually make it a more humanistic, gratifying experience.

Since the class presentation on Monday, April 9, 2002, my entire viewpoint about internships has changed. The exercise on our privileges and the community’s perception about UCLA students illustrated the difference we could make in the community while gaining the necessary experience we need to grow as a student, a person, a employee and as a member of the community. I realized that I could actually make a difference in the community around me just by shifting my aspirations and goals to a more unselfish, community based one. Additionally, the video concerning garment workers was a real eye-opener for me. There were actual students protesting side-by-side among the immigrant workers demanding for better working conditions. After seeing these images, my feelings about interning slowly evolved. My thoughts were, if these students can take the time out of their busy school and work schedule to protest about a matter that they felt strongly about which would also benefit the community immensely, I could do it, too. By continually supporting community-based or non-profit agencies with student interns from UCLA, UCLA students will be more exposed to the community. When UCLA students become more involved with the community, they will meet real people in real-life situations where the students assistance can be a large contribution to the community. I believe that when UCLA students realize what a huge difference they can make in the community, they will take action.

Although community groups have already formed perceptions and certain negative views about UCLA students, UCLA students can dismount these views by joining together to help the community. As the well-known saying goes, "Actions speak louder then words." Instead of trying to argue with the community’s perception of UCLA students, students can show the community that they are serious about their commitment to the community and that they are willing to go great lengths to make a positive difference in the community. In this way, the community will be able to see that UCLA students are sincere in their efforts to contribute to the community.

As an educated individual, I believe that I can navigate my way throughout the bureaucratic system to ensure that the people of my community will receive as much support, whether financial or emotional, that is necessary for them to live comfortably in their day-to-day activities. I can use my communication and organization skills to conduct protests and forums to ensure that the needs of the people are communicated to large corporations. As a bilingual speaker of Vietnamese and English, I can help translate the needs and wants of the Vietnamese community. I believe that my skills and talents can benefit the community significantly. But more importantly, I believe the commitment and the effort I will put into the community will be immeasurable.