91短视频 senior Arelys Martinez Fabian caught the teaching bug in first grade.

The Winchester, Virginia, native would print out math worksheets for her younger sister to complete. With a classroom of stuffed animals gathered around them, she taught her sister, then a preschooler, basic lessons in addition and subtraction.

鈥淚鈥檝e switched my career choices through the years, but I鈥檝e always gone back to teaching,鈥� said Martinez Fabian, an education and Spanish double major. 鈥淲hen you make a connection with students and they realize, Oh, I can do it, that鈥檚 my favorite part of teaching.鈥�

A first-generation college student, Martinez Fabian fully immersed herself in 91短视频鈥檚 rich campus life. She served as co-president of the Student Government Association and as orientation leader, worked as product manager for Common Grounds Coffeehouse, and held leadership roles with the Latinx Student Alliance (LSA). She also served as a student representative on the Interim President Search Committee last spring.

It鈥檚 difficult for her to imagine herself anywhere other than 91短视频. That wasn鈥檛 always the case.

During her senior year at Millbrook High School, she learned she had been accepted to the University of Virginia. It was her lifelong dream school. The decision should鈥檝e been an easy one.

鈥淎t the same time,鈥� she said, 鈥淚 kept seeing signs that I should attend 91短视频.鈥�

High school teachers would unexpectedly mention 91短视频 in passing. A coworker at her day care job shared how impactful her own 91短视频 education had been. 

When 91短视频 accepted her and offered its highest academic award, the four-year, full-tuition Yoder/Webb Scholarship, the choice became clear: she would become a Royal.

Looking back, she鈥檚 sure she made the right call.

She believes 91短视频鈥檚 nationally accredited teacher education program has prepared her well for the realities of the classroom. As a student teacher at Bluestone Elementary in Harrisonburg, she spent the first week of school last fall observing how teachers set rules and expectations. 

91短视频鈥檚 small class sizes have allowed her to form close relationships with professors. She said she has always felt comfortable seeking their guidance and support. 

During recent immigration-related crackdowns across the country, Martinez Fabian, who has relatives from Latin America, said professors regularly checked in with her to make sure she felt safe.

鈥淚 knew I could go to them for support,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 was able to get through some tough times because of them.鈥�

Your support helps students like Arelys pursue a quality college education without financial barriers. Join us for the 10th annual Lov91短视频 Giving Day and contribute to the scholarships that empower future 91短视频 students. On April 1, let鈥檚 show that our generosity knows no bounds鈥or the record!

This bold statement appears on that students from the Latinx Student Alliance (LSA) have been handing out to citizens and noncitizens alike. The cards also state a refusal to let officers enter a person鈥檚 home without a warrant or to search any of their belongings. Should Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers approach someone they wish to question, the cards remind everyone involved that the United States Constitution provides these rights to anyone living in the U.S. 

LSA has printed hundreds of red cards in languages such as Spanish, Arabic, and Russian and distributed them around campus and other places. One recent event where LSA members distributed these cards was during the on Feb. 8. On this Saturday afternoon, several hundred people gathered to march in protest of recently enacted immigration policies. They started from the parking deck near Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and marched to the Grace + Main Cafe at the Hotel Madison and then back again. Members of the LSA not only passed out red cards but also marched and carried signs.

What inspired the LSA to get involved? Yajaira Acuapa, co-president of LSA, said she saw the idea of handing out red cards on TikTok. She wanted the LSA to join other advocates in showing support for the immigrant community and ensuring they know their constitutional rights.聽

Cristal Narciso, co-president of LSA, agreed. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important to know that, regardless of your status, you do have rights,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd no matter what others may tell you, those rights still exist.鈥�

Speaking up for immigrant rights during a time of anti-immigrant rhetoric aligns with 91短视频鈥檚 mission to 鈥渃ross divides, seek peace and justice, and shape communities and a world where all can thrive.鈥� 

One of 91短视频鈥檚 staff members who supports the LSA in this initiative is Celeste Thomas, director of multicultural student services. She said receiving the cards 鈥済ives some empowerment to people who, right now, are feeling very disempowered and afraid.鈥� She applauds the LSA鈥檚 proactive gesture, especially because she knows that ICE agents have been working in Harrisonburg. 

Allies of immigrants also find these cards useful, especially if they are with someone who is pulled over, stopped on the streets, or visited at home. Thomas voiced the need for support from allies within the 91短视频 and Harrisonburg communities. 鈥淭his is a difficult time for immigrants to put their bodies on the line,鈥� she said.

Anyone wanting red cards can request them from cecilia.rafaelcastelan@emu.edu.