As an undergrad student studying Ethnic Studies, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of such a special project that highlighted the history of Latinos in Oregon. It has been an amazing experience learning about Oregon’s history and connecting with Izza Porter who emigrated with her family from Monterrey to Oregon. I’m excited to use the skills that I learned while making this documentary later in my life.
Jamie Broady is a resident of Eugene, Oregon. Jamie is working on a documentary of her own about Operation Pedro Pan. As with the 14,000(+) Pedro Pans involved in the Operation, her father immigrated from Cuba as an unaccompanied minor during the Cold war. Growing up, Jamie didn't know her father and was left with many questions about her heritage. Through interviewing her father, Juan Lorente Reyes, for her documentary, Jamie has gotten to know more about him, and herself in the process.
Rosa Camarena is a sophomore at the University of Oregon majoring in Spanish and possibly Latino Studies. When Rosa was just one year old her parents immigrated with her to Oregon. Rosa has struggled with language and stereotypes as she has moved through the school system. She chose her major because she wants to give back to her community in Woodburn and raise a family there.
My documentary is based upon the life and experiences of Gabriel Sanchez. Currently, (in 2013) Gabriel is an undergraduate student at the University of Oregon studying archaeology and anthropology. He is interested in indigenous archaeology, or the incorporation of indigenous forms of knowledge within the archaeological context. Gabriel's current research project is with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. I am grateful for the opportunity to be involved in this project and to work with Gabriel to share his story
Blanca's story begins with her life in regards to her mother and the importance of family. She moves a few times and talks of the disconnect from her family and community. Blanca discussed the advantage of English, providing a much smoother path for her to become Valedictorian and make her way to college. We discuss the cultural implications of identifying as Latino, and how this has affected her growing up as an intelligent student, a member of her community, and her identity as it is intertwined with her mother.
