Letters to the Editor

Dear Nicole DeVries,

With respect to the “How I learned to love the Arch” article, I can agree on the point when you mentioned, “Avoiding the arch or any symbol doesn’t impact our future, but it’s the choices we make and the actions we take that define us as people.” 

I am currently a Master's of Social Work student at SJSU and I was able to relate to the actions students take, as I have to avoid the Arch, but I have not taken the time to appreciate the true significance of that Arch and the history behind the art.

Social work is my passion and although the article is not directly linked to the field, your inspirational quotes are. 

Every day, social workers make a choice to make a difference in the life of someone else. The field is not for the faint of heart as it requires humbleness, patience, advocacy and overall, the love to make a difference. Such as the Cesar Chavez Arch honors those who advocated for social justice. 

Every day is a new opportunity to help those in need, be a support for a friend and listen to those who want to express their voice because we can all make a difference in each other's lives. 

Thank you for your wonderful piece of writing. 

Nancy Gallegos, SJSU student

Dear Editor,

With respect to the “May Day celebrated with protests in San José” article, the protest that occurred in San José on what is known as International Workers Day shows the support residents have for the important social issues Americans are experiencing on a daily basis. 

The protest was not directed to support one issue, but it also voiced support on immigration, educational funding, women, LGBTQIA+, people of color and anyone who is not a white male.

These protests are important to my family and I, as I consider myself a woman of color. All of my family members immigrated from Mexico to America in the early 1900s. 

The uncertainty many immigrants, students, women and LGBTQ are feeling should not be occurring since many have fought and advocated to reach equality among all Americans. 

For many decades, people have protested and have won repeatedly on the issues that affect their loved ones and everyday life. This day shows the voice and unity members have among each other. 

We won’t be defeated and we will continue to protest and fight for social justice and stand in unity.

Immigrants, students, minorities, women, workers and LGBTQ will continue to protest and fight for what wants to be taken away from us — our unity, equal rights and the right to pursue liberty and justice.

Thank you for the wonderful article written.

Nancy Gallegos, SJSU Student