Written by Javier D Rincon, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine Class of 2025
Creation Phase: Continued
Recruiting students for Y.A.L.L proved to be a formidable challenge, demanding perseverance and cultural sensitivity. Situated within the diverse community of Danbury, the academy sought to empower Latinx high school students through a transformative academic program. However, we were met with skepticism from parents and families towards a system that had hindered their attempts at progress more often than not.
Despite my appearance and shared background, the community was hesitant because as a medical student, I was now part of the system that had so effectively made them feel like second-class citizens. So, when a new face showed up offering to enroll their sons and daughters in a program they had never heard of, I was met with wary looks and short responses. Instead of being offended, I realized that this is a community that isn't always acknowledged or appreciated beyond the services they are allowed to provide to the city and its other citizens.
Driven by the program's potential benefits and life-altering opportunities, overcoming these hesitations and encouraging student involvement became our mission. Building trust required consistent attendance at community events, transparent communication, addressing concerns, and showcasing the program's potential positive impact. Involving schools in the recruiting process presented other obstacles, as reservations and reluctance hindered outreach efforts. Identifying reasons for resistance and demonstrating how the program aligned with educational goals were crucial in gaining school administrators' and educators' support. The members of the DCC were very effective in emphasizing the added value of the academy's curriculum and further nurtured relationships with schools.
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