The purpose of S.U.R.G.E is to provide Cal State Los Angeles AB 540 students (non-resident students exempt from out of state tuition) with informational resources to guide their education. This includes researching information on scholarships and/ or internships that AB 540 students can apply to. S.U.R.G.E provides guidance, support, and creates a constructive learning environment and also encourages high school graduates to attend college.
--Excerpt from Students United to Reach Goals in Education (S.U.R.G.E.) Constitution
After being invited by a past member, Fermin Vasquez, to attend the last general meeting for the summer quarter in order to give a short introduction as to who I am and my past accomplishments, I realized that many of my past preconceptions regarding the undocumented student status issue were completely mistaken. For those of you who are unfamiliar with what these students face, I would suggest that you visit the following websites:
http://www.ilrc.org/ab540.html (Information regarding the AB 540 and Dream Act)
http://www.decolonizing.com/ab540faq.htm (FAQ regarding the AB 540 law)
The interesting thing is that even though CSULA has a large hispanic/latino presence, from what I was able to see from this organization on campus is that this issue hits close to home to more than just to one specific ethnic community. This is, indeed, a multi-ethnic issue and one that needs to be addressed within the upcoming year. After reviewing with them their ideas and plans for the upcoming 2008 quarter, I have found myself in a position where I cannot, as both a student and a member the CSULA community, stand idly by.
I expect to see great things from this organization... and I very much look forward to working with its members in throughout my stay here at California State University, Los Angeles.
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