"I teach in an area of Baltimore where many of my students are immigrants or the children of immigrants. Most families are Latino, but our school is diverse and represents many countries and cultures. In the months leading up to this election, I have personally witnessed the trauma that Donald Trump's vitriol has had on the students at my school. I've comforted their concerns with statements of hope and redirection.
In the wake of what was previously unthinkable, my main job is to listen. I told them that I love them, and they have countless others who will stand by them. My other main job is to educate them. I want to encourage their curiosity, embolden them to use their voices and seek truth, and teach them to vet sources and fact check. This will arm them for their future, because as this election cycle has shown us, misinformation is pernicious.
I cannot overstate the shame and dismay I feel from this situation and the concern I have for the pains that America will experience in the times to come, but I teach hopeful, resilient, strong, kind, inquisitive young adults and I have faith that who 'makes America great' is sitting in my classroom."
