The weeks are flying by! This week,
we worked with our new placements. Meghan, Hailey and I began our work with
Catholic Legal Services, a non-profit that works with people looking to become
U.S citizens through the naturalization process. When we walked into the office
on Monday morning, I was surprised at how many people were already in the
waiting room that early. All the seats in the small room were taken and people
were leaning against the walls. As we walked closer to the receptionist, I
couldn’t help but to feel like an intruder. I felt everyone’s eyes on us as we
walked up to ask for Brother Mike, our supervisor. It was probably very clear
to everyone that we weren’t there for CLS’ services. We were different. I don’t
think we were dressed too nice or anything of that sort that would have
identified as professionals or “others” but our aura made us different. Or
maybe I was the only one who felt this. I am not sure but what I do know is
that I didn’t like feeling different from those in the room. Because, I’m not
but at the same time I am---we are there to help and not be helped necessarily
(although we get helped in the process).
What was clear from the very first
day was that a large percentage of the clients are Haitian. According to the
Center for Immigration Studies, the top state of Haitian immigrant settlement
is Florida. I hadn’t known that. My experience/knowledge of immigration issues
is more centered on Latin Americans, primarily Mexicans and Central Americans.
So, in my mind, I had a total different demographic in my mind. I also really
think that Creole is such a cool language. And I am extremely curious to learn
more about it. Most of the clients speak Creole and I end up watching
conversations between clients and the receptionist. My head goes back and forth
as I try to decipher what they are saying. Usually, I understand nothing but I always
remain hopeful that maybe, somehow, someway I actually do know Creole but its
just taking a while to remember it. I’ve
always been “in the know” with Spanish, so this inability to not know what is
going on when people speak Creole/French is a combination of frustration but
also interest and curiosity. Now, I really want to learn Creole.
This week has me questioning my
future life plans, which is good but also very unplanned. But I am young and free, so I do have room for
unplans (not a word but I will still use it. Later, Hailey and Brenda told
Karina that the word is “spontaneity,” not “unplans.”) Like I have mentioned,
law has become somewhat a subject of interest for me, as of recently. But even
after the first day of working with CLS, I was so motivated. I saw how all the
lawyers actually cared about the future of their clients, how much they worked
and how much people needed them.
Immigration lawyers actually help people. I am not sure about other
sectors of law but immigration law is productive and helpful to society.
Brother Mike allowed me to translate a meeting between him and a Cuban man
because Brother Mike speaks no Spanish and the Cuban man spoke no English.
Granted, its not like I defended the man in court or did any real job but the
experience was awesome! I felt so pumped after helping. I am looking into the
field now and if in the future you see me practicing immigration law, thank
Duke Engage. I just really want to be of use to people, especially those that
need it the most. And immigration is part of my personal story, so it hits
home. With that said, the next final weeks should be fun.
See you next week,
K
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