Mini Reunion- Workshop #1

7.16.10


Still catching up on my posting. Forgive me, please and thank you.


July 16th marked the first day of workshops for the Pipeline Interns. Alongside the hours we have to complete in working with a Researcher and the hours we have to complete in doing community exposure with a non-profit organization, us interns must also attend weekly Friday workshops that give us tools we can use in our experience in the program.

I know it was only a week since seeing the girls last, but hey, a week is a long time! And with a group like this one, you'd be sad to not see them all the time too.
That's part of what I'm thankful for when it comes to the workshops: being able to see everyone and catch up on what we've all been up to, inside the program and out.

Not only was this our 1st workshop, but this was also my first time at OCAPICA. I appreciate the Pipeline Program for constantly switching up where we meet- not only does it expose us to all the different organizing spaces that exist in our community, but it also gives us a chance to learn more about the connections we each have to all of them. In the workshop, we talked more in-depth about the need and background on the Pipeline Program. Amanda, the Pipeline program Intern, also shared with us the different opportunities that can come out of whichever pathway we choose to take in the health/medical field. As corny as it may sound, the opportunities really are endless. Can each of us make it to where we want to be? I believe we can. Can ANYONE make it to where they want to be? If that was the case, then this reality of "injustice" wouldn't be something to fight against.

I've learned, though, in a very deep way that justice only exists because injustice existed first. Some of us are rooted in communities that are birthed from struggle and injustice. It's why we know the solutions in very real ways. It's why we fight the hardest. It's why the Pipeline program was conceived, having chosen all of us far before we chose it.

Thus, the movement continues on. Liberation is on the horizon. It's far, but I see it. And I'm not even wearing my glasses today.


Anxious,
Risa