Experiences of immigrant children in East Tennessee schools the focus of upcoming MC forum
Feb. 10, 2023
On Thursday, Feb. 16, Maryville College will host an event in partnership with Welcoming Immigrant Neighbors—Blount County chapter (WIN-BC) titled “Experiences of Immigrant Children in East Tennessee Schools.”
Beginning at 7 p.m. in Fayerweather Hall’s Lawson Auditorium, the 90-minute presentation will include informational context provided by Maryville College professors; anecdotal addresses from a current and former student; and experiential remarks from WIN-BC board members.
“We’re also people; we just have struggles that other people may not see,” said Jose, who is double majoring in Environmental Studies and Spanish with a minor in International Politics. “I’m hoping that people give greater consideration to the lives they could be affecting by wanting to deny students like me the chance at the American Dream.”
It wasn’t easy getting here, though. Born in Honduras, Jose and his family immigrated to the United States almost a decade ago after a devastating earthquake shook the region. They originally moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, before settling in Maryville.
“It happened to us in the middle of the night, too,” said Jose, who likened his experience to the current humanitarian crisis unfolding in Turkey and Iran. “Definitely very scary.”
Things didn’t magically improve after their move, either. Jose faced prejudice as an immigrant student, he said, and was unable to receive federal assistance through the Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA act.
Jose was unsure if he would be able to pursue a post-secondary education because of his legal status. When he qualified for the Maryville College Equal Chance for Education scholarship, it changed everything.
It was through his classes that Jose met WIN-BC President Sherry Brewer. She approached him about speaking for the upcoming panel, a sequel to last year’s partnership panel on the refugee experience in East Tennessee.
“I think it will be very informative for a lot of people,” Jose said. He hopes that partnerships like this between the College and outside organizations can build bridges and create more opportunities for students like him.
Founded in 2017, WIN-BC is a community-based organization focused on creating a more inclusive and welcoming Blount County for all families by providing resources like translation services and crisis assistance, as well as hosting community education programs such as this.
“It’s important for our community to understand the unique challenges, strengths, and experiences of the immigrant children in our schools in order to provide all children with a meaningful education,” said WIN-BC President Sherry Brewer.
Brewer also praised the College’s diversity initiatives as valuable to “preparing students to live and work in an increasingly diverse world.”
The panel will begin with an introduction from Dr. Doug Sofer, associate professor of history and board member for WIN-BC, who will also provide a brief historical background on immigration in East Tennessee. He will introduce the presentation and panel, as well as provide a brief historical framework for understanding immigration in East Tennessee. Other presenters include Dr. Ariane Schratter, professor of psychology and MC campus liaison for academic partnerships; and Alan Miramontes Flores ’19, enrollment counselor for diversity recruitment. Brewer will also be in attendance and available for questions.
The event is open to the public and free to attend.