On Tuesday, October 17th, a group of students and teachers, including Ms. Blanca Hernandez and Mr. Juan Jiménez, took a trip to Santa Clara University. The field trip was open to all PUSD high school students who are English Learners. We had close to 20 students attend from Porterville High School alone. Amazing! Students were able to walk around campus and get to know more about Dr. Francisco Jiménez, a well-known author in Mexican and Mexican-American Literature. Students at PHS actually read Dr. Jiménez’s novel Circuit: Stories From the Life of a Migrant Child in their Spanish Lit class. Students were able to get their novels autographed and engage in a Q and A session with the author. It was a great day of learning and exploration for the participants.
I had the privilege of interviewing the teachers and a few students who were excited to share their experience.
Ms. Hernandez
What was the most inspirational part of the field trip?
“The most inspirational part of the field trip was that the students got to know and meet the author of a book they have read in their Spanish classes, Cajas De Carton, and they were able to take pictures and ask him questions about his life.”
What did you enjoy about the field trip?
“I, as a teacher, enjoyed seeing my students enjoy the trip and be able to see themselves as college students and experience the college life.”
What do you believe the students enjoyed the most about the field trip?
“What they mostly enjoyed about the trip was meeting Dr. Francisco Jiménez, and also, for many students, it was their first time going to a university and touring.”
Mr. Jimenez
What was the most inspirational part of the field trip?
“The most inspirational part was knowing that my story is his story and that there is many of our students on campus that have lived through similar experiences as Dr. Jiménez.”
What did you enjoy about the field trip?
I enjoyed meeting Dr. Jiménez and finding out that our families are from the same part of Mexico; he had very similar mannerisms that my family has.
What do you believe the students enjoyed the most about the field trip?
Students enjoyed the kindred spirit and validation of our experiences and feelings, such as isolation and hope.
Stephany Nunez, Senior
What was your favorite part of the field trip?
“My favorite part of the field trip was getting to tour the campus, learning new things, and listening to Dr. Jiménez life story.”
Did you read the book? If so, to whom do you recommend it?
“Yes, I’ve read the book; it was very emotional and exciting to read because it’s eye-opening how unprivileged many people’s lives can be. I recommend the book to those who enjoy reading books about immigration or about hispanic/latino life stories.”
What was the most interesting thing about meeting Dr. Jiménez?
“I enjoyed learning about how he overcame many obstacles and how of a hard worker he is.”
Valeria Rosales, Senior
What was your favorite part of the field trip?
“I would say my favorite part of the field trip was learning about the university and hearing Dr. Jiménez story.”
Did you read the book? If so, to whom do you recommend it?
“No, I haven’t read the book, but I’ve heard it’s very good.”
What was the most interesting thing about meeting Dr. Jiménez?
“The most interesting thing about meeting Dr. Jiménez was getting to know the inspiration he had when writing the book, Cajas de Carton.”
