Unprepared in College; Sinking Scores Due to Pandemic
Remote learning was a challenge in many ways. However, the challenge isn’t over as the fallout reverberates throughout the higherRead More…
Read More…Desiree Martinez
Desiree Martinez is a proud native from South Central Los Angeles and LAUSD alumna. She is a first-generation college graduate from UCLA where she completed her BA in Sociology with a minor in Education Studies. Upon experiencing the lack of representation of students of color in higher education, she developed a passion fighting for social justice in k-12 education. A child’s zip code should not determine their education attainment, yet this is the challenge many students face today. Her experiences in her community propelled her to fight for social justice in educational equity work with Students for Education Reform (SFER). Desiree leads the organizing work for SFER in Los Angeles where she works and trains college students to advocate for better schools in marginalized communities and eliminate the belief gap.
Posts by Desiree:
Students Don’t Enroll in School to Make a Political Statement, They Go to Learn
My little brother is a ten year old who loves to create slime, play video games, and make friends. He’sRead More…
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Pro Tip: Your Privilege is Random, but Inequality is Systemic
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their CreatorRead More…
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“I Was Robbed at Gunpoint but I Refuse to Vilify the Men Who Did It”
I was recently asked if it is fair to expect school districts to provide low-income schools with “extra resources.” IsRead More…
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Falling through the Cracks: Who are the Empty Chairs in Your College Class?
“We are the roses‒this is the concrete‒and these are my damaged petals. Don’t ask me why, ask me how” -TupacRead More…
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A Recuerdo for My Nana on Día de los Muertos
Querida Nana, The United States wasn’t ready for you. It didn’t deserve you. “Naná, why is it bad to speakRead More…
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Dear High School Teacher Who Tried to Discourage Me from Applying to UCLA, I’m a BRUIN Now!
To My 12th Grade High School Teacher, At the start of college application season during senior year, I told youRead More…
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Three Reasons Why You Should Attend Your Next School Board Meeting
LAUSD school board elections are over! Hundreds of community supporters, educational activist, and voters participated in an election that wasRead More…
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Telling Kids from the Hood They Need to Leave to be Successful
“¡Mija, ya vamonos! Es hora de ir a la escuela.” I quickly shoved my notebook into my blue Jansport backpack,Read More…
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The Implications of Policing Students of Color During the Trump Era
Imagine you are sitting in your 9th grade biology classroom. Your teacher has just finished lecturing on pedigree mapping. SheRead More…
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