The Difference We're Making: An Open Letter to CSULA Students

I couldn't let this holiday season pass by without taking the time to thank you all for all the wonderful support you've given me. I've received so many kind messages in the last few weeks, and I can't tell you how much your friendship and support means to me.

As I celebrate the holidays with my family, I'll be thinking about all our wonderful memories from the past year. I hope you'll take the time to remember all the things we accomplished together and all the lives we touched.

I know that there is much work left to do... it goes without saying that we have a lot to look forward to in the coming year. With the possibly of a calendar conversion occuring without the approval of the majority of the student body on our campus, the increase in student fees being mandated from the state Capitol, and even the turmoil we face with representation on our campus, there will be many battles to be fought, long campaigns to win, and we will all have to pitch in to make things work. However, even in the midst of great challenges here on our campus and throughout the state of California, we know change is coming and there is reason to have hope for a brighter future. I assure you all that you can expect great things in the coming weeks.

Thank you so much for everything: your support, kindness, and constant encouragement. I hope you have a very happy holiday season and please do not hestitate in contacting me with your questions, comments, or concerns!

Always,
Carlos Lopez-Jimenez

Cell: (310) 384-7254
Email: CSULALeadership@gmail.com

Notes and Thoughts -- 12/11-12/31 tour of Central America

Besides the beautiful scenery and welcoming faces that one would expect to see, I have also realized that apparently even while on vacation, access to an affordable education and social justice remain issues requiring immediate attention. The past week has indeed been exhausting, and has pushed me to the limits of my personal fortitude… but it has also allowed me to realize that the things we place a priority on in the United States are also very volatile issues within other countries. In the short time that I have been out of the country, I have found myself taking part in campaigns promoting equity within the access to education, women's rights, GLBT awareness, and even free democratic elections. And while there have been many obstacles in the way of the efforts of myself and my newly found partners and friends, such as the outbreaks of civil unrest and violence as well as the epidemic of cholera that has been devastating the south-eastern border between Guatemala and Honduras, I have found that these campaigns have been more than worth the effort when taking into context the fruit of our efforts.

For example, over the past three days, regions 14A and 16 as well as zone 4 in Guatemala have all passed several pieces of legislation aimed at encouraging the distribution and installation of solar panels in their public office buildings.

In addition, through the work on the part of several non-profit international humanitarian organizations, I have seen the formation of three new school districts in rural towns as well as the beginning steps to the reconstruction of a prominent cathedral in the town of Esquipulas.

Perhaps the most humorous aspect of all is that despite all the turmoil and civil unrest within the country, I still have found a certain level of peace and comfort. Perhaps it is because I am visiting the home of my ancestors. Perhaps it is the quiet serenity of the lifestyle of the people whose main source of income is through the commercial trade of agriculture.

However, I think that most of all, it is because of the knowledge that even while away from home, I still see that that all of us share similar goals, hopes, and dreams.

Note: I´ll likely write a second part to this and add pictures later on, but seeing as my access to the internet is severely limited, this will have to suffice for the time being.