The Light in the Tunnel Is Not Always a Train
By David Yancey, FA, AFT 6157 President

There are many references to “the light” in our lexicon of metaphors. Maybe the most disturbing is the reference to the “light at the end of the tunnel” being a train.

But recently I joined our FA, AFT 6157 Vice President Frank Espinosa and his lovely wife Janina in attending an event celebrating the Santa Clara County Office of Human Relation’s Beacon of Light Awards. This event was sponsored by the Immigration Relations and Integration Services (I.R.I.S.). The Beacon of Light Awards was established to recognize the contributions, accomplishments and innovative spirit of today’s immigrants coming to this country.

The signature name of the awards comes from America’s greatest beacon of light for immigrants, The Statue of Liberty. Lady Liberty has long been the symbolic representation of the hopes and dreams of millions of immigrants, initially from Europe, but now from all over the world.

This year’s award recipients reflect a wide variety of the important contributions made by immigrants to our increasingly diverse population in San Jose.

One recipient, Phaivanh Khowong, escaped from Laos in 1975, and eventually made her way to New York where she studied art and economics. She arrived in San Jose in 1983 and was one of the founding members of the Santa Clara County Refugee Program. Phaivanh and the County Refugee Program have helped thousands of new immigrants adjust to life in our community.

Another Beacon of Light award was given to the Familias Unidas Theater group. This talented group of women leads an organization that promotes sanctuary for immigrant women. They openly share many personal stories of struggle, pain and suffering through beautifully choreographed dances, strong story telling and songs. It was a powerful performance and a stark reminder of the strength and courage immigrant women display even though largely in silence.

But the highlight of the event for the three of us was the Beacon of Light Award given to one of Vice President Frank Espinosa’s former students and a recent EVC College graduate Karla Reyes. Karla is a most amazing young lady, wise and mature beyond her age and an outspoken supporter of access to education, especially for immigrants. Karla’s work in the Mayfair Neighborhood helping immigrants get into college and realize their dreams brought her acclaim not only in our district but widely within the city of San Jose.

Karla is now at San Jose State University majoring in public relations with her ultimate goal of achieving a PhD. in Education. When she thanked all the people that helped her achieve her success and especially the winning of this prestigious Beacon of Light Award, she included a special thank you to Frank for his guidance and support in channeling her passion and drive towards helping her community. Kudos to you Frank for your continuing care and compassion for our students, your support of our colleges and especially your important contributions to our FA, AFT 6157.

In closing I would like to extend my congratulations to all the recipients of this special Beacon of Light Awards, and a special “shout out” to one of our own Karla Reyes.