The Migrant Voice March 2019 | 1

Migrant March 2019

Keeping fruits and vegetables alive By Rubi Ayon, Miguel dry peanuts, almonds, and to dry peanuts, and almonds. Meza, Rogelio Torres other kinds of nuts. He also During the Interview, Erwin Earlimart Elementary designs scanners for veg- stated, “Since California On November 1, 2018, etables to keep track of good produces 80% of almonds in our journalism club went products for stores. Erwin the world, he must design to UC Davis to conduct designs technology for sort- products to help dry al- ing fruits and vegetables. monds. Another example an interview with Erwin of the technology Erwin Donis-Gonzalez to learn Erwin talked about why designs is that he designs about how technology helps he designs different kinds scanners for vegetables to agriculture. of technology. For example, help show us good quality Erwin said that he designs (sorting and non-invasive Erwin designs refrigera- technology to help vegeta- assessment of quality). tors that are big as a store bles stay alive longer. Since like Costco. This is because vegetables are still breath- In conclusion, we learned you must put fruit in the ing when you cut them, that technology makes jobs refrigerator so that the fruit his designs help vegetables much easier. New technol- doesn’t rot. It also retains retain water and keep them ogy is important to keep our freshness for up to 15 days. from sweating. This is im- vegetables and fruits much Thanks to Erwin’s designs, portant because vegetables longer. All of this is impor- vegetables will lose water stop losing water when they tant because we are always slowly. In addition, Er- are kept cold. In addition, looking for new ways to win designs technology to Erwin designs technology improve our food quality. Women in Engineering! By Juan Rosiles, Diana tion Program took us on a our planet. When it doesn’t Santillan, Epifanio study trip to UC Merced rain, Ms. Espinoza said it Santillan, Sandy University. We all thought it also affects farmers because Bustamante, Elysa was encouraging and excit- they will not have water Ramos ing talking to Ms. Espinoza. for crops. Many hydro- Freedom Elementary She talked about her job electric power plants, that as an engineer. One of the use water for electricity, are It was fascinating meet- first things she mentioned also shutting down due to ing a female environmental was how the drought affects the water drought. As an engineer, Vicky Espinoza, a our state California. If we engineer, she explained how Ph.D student at UC Mer- don’t have water it will af- she works together with her ced. The Migrant Educa- fect our environment, and professors and advisors to

research ways to use water nia is a state that has many tains it is transferred long efficiently in agriculture. water issues, because of the distance. When she lived in She included that she has way they manage water. Los Angeles, she remembers done research in China and However, it was interesting water being transferred from Mexico, because they have to find out that most of the 400 miles away. Water is similar water issues like we water comes from the Sierra transferred to many places in do in California. Her goal is Nevada Mountains, because California, according to Ms. to find the best way to make we don’t get sufficient water Espinoza. We enjoyed our this work. We found out, from rivers and lakes. Ms. interview with her, because Farmersville Migrant Education students interview Environmental Engineer Vicky Espinoza. through our interview with Espinoza said that when the we learned so many interest- Ms. Espinoza, that Califor- snow melts on the moun- See WOMEN; Page 4 The power of drones By Juliana Jimenez, plants and help crops. We Jennifer Delgado, found out that drones are Jenavi Gonzalez, Valeria Molina, Yaretzi cool; see why. Ramirez, Analeah Ruiz, Uriel Becerra, What can a drone do? Julisa Calderon, Drones are being used in Esmeralda Ruiz, Tania farms to help farmers and Osorio and Cristian make life easier for them. Leyva They help farmers take Tipton Elementary care of the plants by see- ing if they have a disease or How do drones help farm- anything bad. We learned ers? On Tuesday, October that they can show farm- The drone flown by Tipton Elementary Students at UC Merced. 30 we went on a field trip ers where there is a disease to UC Merced. We learned on the plants. Farmers can by looking at the plants to tend to. The drones show about drones from Andy locate the diseased area of see if they have mold (dis- you a picture of where the Andy was explaining how to use the drone. Anderson and how they are their crops faster with a ease) or if there is an area of sick plants are. When they used. Drones take care of drone. It can help farmers the crop that they need to See DRONES; Page 4 Developing a college-going culture

In conjunction with the students hands-on college The goal is for every migrant ing 3rd-6th grade Migrant rigorous migrant academic awareness experiences and student to know that they can extended day services, the highly supports partnerships and will be college bound. Journalism Students as they Tulare County Migrant Edu- with universities. Migrant began their interviews at the cation Program in Region staff work hard at develop- It was important to include VIII is intentional in giving ing a college-going culture. the following articles depict- visiting universities. 2 | March 2019 The Migrant Voice The heart of California known as “UC Davis” your friend instead of hang- don’t have to be an expert in in agriculture, ‘‘That it all cause he was working on ing out. These are some of plants to have a garden. Stu- his truck. Then his grandpa the things we learned about started when his grandpa picked him up and put him dorm rooms from Luz. inside the truck’s motor. His grandpa passed him a The student volunteers wrench to screw a nail in guiding us through the the motor. When we asked Student Market were Abra- questions about technol- ham and Jade. For example, ogy, Erwin told us about the we saw different fruits and refrigerators that he designs. vegetables like bell peppers, It was very exciting to talk and carrots. We saw a salad to these two experts from get made in the greenhouse. UC Davis. The first plant that we ate was raspberry. The second The trip to UC Davis was plant we saw was Pineapple awesome. We got to learn Rubi Ayon, Angelina Valdovinos, Miguel Meza, Mr.Angeles (Front Saye. We also saw purple about plants and even big Row) Tania Espino, Blanca Izazaga, Yerlin Ambriz Ramos, Elina Acol, lettuce. The last plants were refrigerators. This is a small Kimberly Cueva, Ruby Cueva flowers: honey bee scene is piece of gold in our val- stomata, evening, and pollen. Students from Earlimart Elementary and Alila Elementary listen to the ley. All of this information We went to go see the food is important because we By Blanca Izazaga, grains. We learned how student volunteers from UC Daivs market to learn about how learned about what makes Elina Acol, Kimberly to take care of the garden. plants grow. For example, UC Davis an amazing Cueva, Ruby Cueva, That’s how adults knows dents at UC Davis can learn Tania Espino, Alondra we learn that you don’t have how to take care of the about different kinds of told him to help him be- school. Garcia, Valeria Murillo to be a expert in plants to Ozuna, and Yerlin garden. have a garden. In addition, plants that students would Ambriz Ramos the student Market allows not see. Students can even On November 1, we went taste exotic plants. We also Earlimart Elementary the students to take care of to U.C Davis and visited the garden. Students can learned different animals The Journalism club went a dorm room. Luz showed learn about different kinds that help plants grow. It was in UC Davis on Nov 1, us her dorm room where of plant. They can touch see neat to learn new informa- 2018. We learned about the she studies and sleeps. She and even taste exotic plants. tion. dorm room, technology, and shared her room and we met We also learned different the Student Market. two of her roommates Julis- animals to help plants grow. We got to Interview sa, and Daisy. Luz also told It was net to learn now Erwin Donis-Gonzalez and The garden needs compost us that everyone in a dorm information. Monica Alandete-Saez. We because the plants need the room had three people in learned that Erwin works nutrients. There are chick- the rooms. Luz also told us We went to go see the with technology in agricul- ens colored white, brown, that you can pick your own food market to learn about ture for fruits and vegetables. and dark brown outside in roommates. In other words, how plants grow. For ex- Erwin also told us how he the sun. Chickens eat dried you can actually live with ample, we learn that you started to like technology A small, wonderful farm By Alila Journalism recommend you visit UC you will find yourself sur- insects make organic nutri- also protects small seeds.The We saw plants called Fever Club Davis. At UC Davis you rounded by so much incred- ents for plants. green house we saw was big Few Yellows and Scabios. Alila Elementary can learn about the different ible agricultural technology! At UC Davis, we learned like a house and even had a We saw a tunnels of vines careers in farming such as Our journalism class went to about animals on the farm. big air conditioner. Another The vines were wrapped UC Davis on November 1st The animals are important fraction of the green house around wood to keep the to learn about various plants because they help the farm. looked like if it had a net kiwi plants straight. We and technology. It’s incred- We enjoyed visiting the around it to keep insects out. also saw different types of ible how some people are chicken area. They provide Plants are beautiful and flowers at the student farm. starting to learn new ways eggs to students on campus each one of them has a pur- Our guides said that flowers on how to help our earth to study. They also give the pose on what makes them so are used to attract bees to and make it better! eggs to the schools cafeteria. important. There were lots of help pollinate the flowers on In the Market Garden The chickens also help to different plants at UC Davis. fruits and vegetables. you can visit different places. make nutrients that make For example, one place you plants grow. can visit is the Butterfly Technology is a big part Garden. One of the flow- of UC Davis. We visited the ers in the Butterfly Garden greenhouse that helps to we learned about was the grow plants that can’t grow chocolate flower. The color in the winter. The green of the flower is dark brown house provide a safe place Alila Journalism Club: Pablo Garcia, Anayly Vazquez, Michelle Lopez, and has a wonderful smell for plants to grow. This is Alejandra Morales, Edna Pena, Jesus Alvarado, Karla Benitez, Adriana De Dios, Juan De Dios, Jason Figueroa, Yeimy Garica, Fatima of chocolate. In addition, important because several Granados, Adan Lopez, Arianne Quevedo Gaitan, Guadalupe we saw the Kiwi and Arbor plants won’t survive without Vasquez-Garcia Gardens. The vines were this technology. We can help green and wrapped around plants grow and then later Have you ever wondered technology, types of plants, the wood. We also got to be able to plant them out- visit a fig tree that had dark side. In addition, the green- how students make a beauti- and different animals. If you purple figs and they looked house provides different ever go to UC Davis and ful farm? Well if you have delicious. We ended the tour climates for different plants would like to check it out Map of The UC Davis Student Farm that question, I would at the compost beds where to grow. The greenhouse La Taqueria Sanchez By Gladis Sanchez where my mother works and do the best hairdo that she pare food on the spot for her said another phone Pixley Elementary what type of technology she knew from her mother. customers. She uses a credit because she gets uses in the workplace. machine for some custom- a lot of calls from On Wednesday, Novem- My mom has a lot of ers that pay with a credit her customers. She ber 28, 2018, this reporter When my mother was in technology at her work card. She uses a phone to would like to have was given the opportunity the living room I had the place. My mom has to use a take orders from customers. another credit card to interview my mother, chance to ask her, what did “plancha” to do the tortillas She uses the internet as well machine and more Rosa Sanchez. This inter- she want to be before she and the meat for the tacos because the credit machine wifi to help connect the rest view was conducted in the worked in the taqueria. She or other kinds of food. A needs internet in order to it. of her life living room after work. The wanted to be a hairdresser “plancha” is a hot grill. Her work. and she said no interview was conducted in because when she got bored kitchen for work is located One of the last because as she gets my mother’s kitchen. The she would get her doll and in her mobile taco truck. When I asked my mom questions I asked my mom older she will not be able purpose of our interview make a hairdo. She would The truck is equipped with what technology she would was if she thought she to have 16 hours a day of was to find out more about take her favorite doll and everything she needs to pre- like to have in her work she would do this type of job for energy to do this job.

WOMEN nology is used in agriculture Espinoza knew so much environment. We found out listening to Ms. Espinoza view and will always re- Continued from page 1 and how it helps us take about the use of technol- that her main interest was telling us about electronics member to use water wisely care of our environment. ogy, not only in in agricul- finding ways to use water ef- in agriculture. We were so and efficiently to protect our ing things about how tech- We were amazed that Ms. ture, but also to protect our ficiently. It was so much fun impressed with her inter- environment. The Migrant Voice March 2019 | 3 Adventures at AgVenture By Elber Barco first paycheck at age seven. yet, but will be in the future. The first tractor was in- Farm Show for 99 years! The time with Mel, and would Gomez, Antony Uribe Today, Mel owns his owns a Also, he told us how tech- vented in the 1920s. Many Farm Show uses the tractor Figueroa recommend a visit to anyone trucking company with his nology is used when farm- tractors are made on the to teach students and other who is interested in learning Waukena Elementary business partner, who just ers plant corn. In the past, eastern coast of the United people about how tractors happens to be his son. Mel people would try to drive as States. An average tractor are used in farming today. more about agriculture, or On November 9th, 2018, has a truck that hauls gravel straight as they could when today costs over $200,000. the technology that people 4th graders Elber and and feed to dairies, and also making their rows of corn, The best part of the visit We really enjoyed our use in technology today. trucks that help with the de- but today they use GPS to was when Elber asked if Antony were lucky enough molition of different build- make their rows perfectly tractors were “comfy” and to interview Melvin “Mel” ings. Demolition is when straight. Mel also told us was allowed to climb inside Montero, owner of Montero you destroy stuff, like old how his son uses a phone the cab of an International. Trucking. In his free time, houses and dairies. In fact, app that will immediately When Elber was inside, Mel volunteers at AgVen- demolition is how Mel got tell them when something Mel explained what each of tures and the farm show and started collecting tractors. is wrong with one of their the buttons and levers did, collects tractors. In fact, one He would find a lot of old trucks, and even order the showed him the radio and of his tractors can be found tractors that people didn’t part that will fix it! He said air conditioning, the steer- at the AgVentures museum! want on the dairies and take that the number one reason ing wheel, and the different them home and fix them. we use technology is to do pedals and what each did. Before we started talking a better job and produce Elber even got to touch all to Mel about the history Mel told us quite a bit more of the product we are the different buttons and of tractors, we asked him about how technology is producing. levers. However, the trac- about his history. Mel was used today in agriculture. tor wasn’t working; so sadly, born right here in Tulare, He said that there are actu- Later in our visit, Mel nothing happened. Mel let California. Mel began ally tractors that don’t need took us in to the tractor mu- us know that the tractor working on his parents’ dairy drivers because they drive by seum and told us a bunch of Elber sat in was a prototype Elber Barco, Antony Uribe Figueroa, and Melvin “Mel” Montero at the age of 5. He got his themselves. They’re not legal information about tractors. that was being loaned to the Fresh Worm Grape plants and Races Packer new flavors

By Kevin Lorenzano long. She likes her work Espino Alila students enjoy worm races to learn about the difference worms as a packer. She packs and make. Pixley Elemantary she uses scissors to cut the Alila students tasting plants they foraged grapes. This technology On Tuesday, November helps to cut the fruit so it By Alila Journalism By Alila Journalism there were sheets of paper. 27,2018, this reporter had Club doesn’t get damaged. She Club We started off by putting the great pleasure of inter- It’s incredible how some use to work in Washing- Alila Elemantary Alila Elemantary the worms on the start line viewing my mother, An- ton, her work there was as people are starting to learn telmina Espino. My inter- Have you ever wondered and then we saw which an apple packer.Her boss’s Did you know you could new ways on how to help what awesome activities worm got to the finish side view was conducted in my name is Eustacio Fernan- make a whole meal out of or earth or make it better. they have at UC Davis? first. Something important mother’s kitchen. The pur- dez. She dreamed about fresh plants on a farm? An The plant farm is amazing One of the activities we we learned about worms at pose of our interview was to having opportunities for her activity we did at UC Davis on how many living plants participated in was a UC Davis was that worms find out more about where family. was we making a salad out they have in one spot. These worm race at the Student are very important for our my mother works and what When I asked her about of fresh vegetables from the type of technology she uses plants are used for many Farm. The worm race is earth because they help the type of technology that student garden. Some of the decompose foods. If they in the workplace. she uses in her job, she told students to study and learn an activity where you get vegetables we were able to a worm from the compost didn’t decompose things My mother, Antelmina, me that the most important about the earth. It was use were spinach, flowers, box, which the tour guides just imagine how differ- has been working as a thing she needs are her spearmint, and red toma- amazing to learn so much opened. We held the worm ent our earth would look. packer for three months. hands. I am glad that my toes. The salad we made was in just one small fraction of with a fork and placed Worms are an important She never imagined she mother enjoys her work and amazing and so fresh! UC Davis. them on a table where part of earth’s nature would be doing this for so I am proud of her. Growing Cotton in the Central Valley By Aizalynn Ojeda, ing. They farm cotton and Nayeli Jimenez, Franco Alba Tello, commercially pick cotton Esgard Espino, Mariah for other people. Their son Hernandez, and Danna Blake works with them Martinez and he is the owner of Berbereia Engineering and Pixley Elementary Manufacturing. Blake’s job is to pick the cotton by Have you ever wondered driving the cotton picker. where your clothes come from? Did you know they Alvin and Janie started are made out of cotton? picking cotton when they On, Thursday, November got out of high school. 8th we interviewed Alvin Before that Janie worked and Janie Berbereia. They at her parents’ farm and own AJ Berbereia Farm- Alvin worked at his

Janie is packing the cotton. Janie’s granddaughter Ava came to see her.

grandparents’ dairy. Today easier and faster. They have they have their own busi- a John Deere 9960 four ness with their son Blake. row cotton picker. Blake They told us that they like has also invented and growing cotton because it patented the “Row Dig- is good for the environ- ger.” The Row Digger will ment and it is a good rota- make digging easier after tion crop. a border or ditch is done. Blake and Alvin getting ready to pick cotton. Cotton has been picked. They use technology See COTTON; Page 4 because it makes their job 4 | March 2019 The Migrant Voice Farmersville Migrant Students Visit UC Merced By Journalism Club Freedom Elementary

What an awesome study trip! The Migrant Educa- tion Program took our class to visit UC Merced. Nine- teen migrant students, our teacher, Mrs. Valdez, and the migrant program area administrator, Mrs. Davalos, went on this study trip. Even though it was a cold morning, we were very ex- cited all the way to Merced. Everyone we spoke to was very nice to us. Although, we thought it was really Farmersville Migrant Education students touring UC Merced cool how technology is used in agriculture, it was really amazing when we met two about how pollution ruins interesting thing that we all how we could travel to many protect the environment and drought. It was finally time UC Merced students, Vicky our environment. Some enjoyed was a demonstra- places around the world, for how to use water efficiently. to board the bus and return Espinoza and Lorenzo of the things we learned tion of a tree shaker that example, cities like Tucson And that we get water from to Farmersville. We will Booth, who are environ- were how drones are used engineers designed using and countries such as Egypt, the Sierra Mountains when never forget our wonderful mental engineers. We had to measure moisture in the small machines. But the and Iraq. This was a memo- the snow melts. We also the opportunity to inter- soil. We also saw an awe- best part of the trip was rable experience because we learned how droughts can study trip to UC Merced view Ms. Espinoza and Mr. some demonstration on how when they took us to the met two amazing engineers, affect our soil and our food. and we want to thank Mrs. Booth and found out that robots are used to check if library. We used controls as Ms. Espinoza and Mr. Many water plants are shut- Valdez and Ms. Davalos for both of them are concerned fruit is ripe. One other very we watched on a 3D screen Booth. We learned how to ting down because of the taking us. Pistachio farming By Sidney Gomez he is working in the fields use he said, “None, because Pixley Elementary is because he didn’t have we would lose our jobs.” the privilege of being born On Wednesday, November here. He has a big respon- I kind of feel bad for my 28, 2018, this reporter was sibility. His responsibility dad because he said, “It is given some time to inter- is to form the small trees. possible that I will end up view my father, Eduardo He has to use specific tools working there in the fields Antonio Garcia Urias. This for his work. He could not forever.” The only reason interview was conducted at work only with his hands, he likes to work there is my house after school. The he needs to use tools so he because he likes to spend purpose of our interview doesn’t get hurt or injured. time with his friends, but he was to find out what type of Some of the tools he uses had a dream about being a tools or technology he uses at his workplace are scis- professional soccer player. at their workplace. sors, a saw, and a slingshot. His employer provides him I really enjoyed interview- My father, Eduardo Gar- with all of the tools he needs ing my father because I got cia Urias, has been working to perform his job. Some- to know what kind of tech- as a pistachio farmer for times I think that where he nology they use, what kind three years. He is a pistachio works is pretty hard because of tools they use, what is farm worker that trims the he says that, “Everything the company name of where pistachio trees. Right now is manual work.” When I he works, and what did he is pistachio season in Pixley, asked him what kind of wanted to be when he was professional soccer player. get a better job so then he the $11.40 that he gets paid California. The reason why technology he would like to a little boy, which was a I really wish my dad could could get paid well and not right now. La Lonchera By Karen Alvarez On Thursday, November her workplace. morning she delivers food to In order to make the food clinic before she got married, Pixley Elementary 29, 2018, I as a reporter had the dairies. They call her “la she uses pans, spatulas,the but left her job to move to the pleasure of interview- My mom makes tortillas lonchera”. When she pre- stove, and the oven. Depend- the United States with my ing my mother, Ana Vega. and steak to sell to people pares the food she wraps it ing on the food she is going dad. When she got mar- I interviewed her working at the dairies. in foil. This way the tortillas to make, she uses different ried we lived in Nogales and to find out Sometimes she also makes stay warm. She has been kitchen tools. If my mom moved to the United States more about ceviche. Ceviche is a food doing this for three months. didn’t have all of the tools when my dad brought us to what she that has shrimp, fish, octo- Before becoming a lonchera, she needs available for her to live over here to give us a does for a pus, tomatoes, cucumbers, my mom stayed home and make food to sell, she would better education. living and onions, and lemon juice. took care of us kids. not have a job right now. what kind She prepares the food in My mom enjoys being “la of tools and our kitchen. She wakes up My mom really likes her When my mom was lonchera” and selling food. technology around six in the morn- job. She likes to drive and younger she wanted to be a She now gets extra money to she uses in ing and around eight in the deliver the food she makes. doctor. She used to work at a help my dad pay our bills.

DRONES are getting too much or too in a loop and then land, all COTTON There are spider mites and Continued from page 1 little water. (This helps the from his laptop. Continued from page 3 whiteflies that can make farmers to adjust the water the cotton sticky and that are sick, the farmers have to purchased for as little as and make any changes that We have shown you how Before machines were cre- would not be good for the they need to make easily in give them water and treat $1,000. (www.seametrics. drones help farmers make ated, people used to pick crop. They say cotton is them. com/blog/drones-farming) those specific areas of the cotton by hand. It took a farming easier. They do jobs important because it is a This makes them much farms). lot longer to pick. Drones help people to more efficient. more efficient, making life natural fiber. That means do work. The drones help Drones have differ- better for the farmer. We They grow 80 acres it is breathable and bet- because they are able to Did you know that drones ent types of controllers. have proven that they make every season in Tulare. ter for us when we sweat. fly high up over the crops have a certain height that The controllers the Tip- life easier by being able to They plant in March and Cotton is used to make all and look down at the they can go to? Drones ton Elementary students go up in the sky looking for sometimes April and they kinds of things like shirts, crops. They take pictures can fly up over 11,000 feet. used looked like an Xbox diseases and locating them have to pick the cotton jeans, and cotton balls. of the crops which can be Drones are used for not controller but, Andy used by December 20. Alvin easily for the farmer. They Cotton is also good for the seen by the farmers on a only looking around and a computer. He used the and Janie said that 1,500 computer. This used to be telling where the disease computer to program the cost less than the way farm- pounds of cotton produce environment. Next time done by planes which could areas are, but they have a drone and tell it where to ers used to find problems on 500 pounds of usable you put your shirt and cost over $1,000 an hour, thermal camera that can tell go. He was able to tell the their farms. They are fun to cotton. There are things jeans remember how they when now drones can be where leaks are and if crops drone to go up, fly around use; that’s what we learned! that can affect the cotton. are made. The Migrant Voice March 2019 | 5 Opinion College should be FreeFree “free education” Americans Students Should Invest in never finish. It’s a waste of education has become more have historically taken such Their Futures time and money--the stu- accessible, it has become less Free college for all sounds great pride in, is being taken dents’ and the taxpayers’. A appreciated. Many students like a wonderful opportu- for granted by those it is Students should invest in recent study by the Institute now consider going to nity, but evidence shows supposed to help. A col- their futures. No one should for Higher Education Lead- school an obligation rather that it will not work. Free lege education still has great just be handed a free col- ership and Policy at Cal than an opportunity. It’s college will overburden value and should not be free lege education. If someone State Sacramento found that basic economics--supply America’s taxpayers with- to all. Students should have wants a higher education, 70% of California commu- and demand. If something out achieving the desired to pay for college because if they should be willing to nity college students failed is plentiful, then the value result. When college is free they don’t, someone else will work for it. Working to ac- to graduate or transfer. will be lower. If colleges feel to all, the under-committed have to pay; because mak- complish something makes pressure to award a degree will fill our community and ing a personal investment is people treasure their accom- Devalues Degree to everyone, then employ- state colleges, lessening the a sign of commitment; and plishments more. College ers will look for something experience for the highly because free education will is not for everyone, it is a Free education will de- greater to distinguish the By Abraham Santiago, devalue a college degree. choice and a serious com- value a college degree. A most effective workers. The motivated, and devaluing Grade 12 mitment. Students need to college degree is something college degree would be- our degrees. In September, I Farmersville High Someone has to pay be sure they are willing to special because only the come expected of a mini- will begin college, majoring invest not only the money, most motivated students mally prepared worker. A in Electrical Engineering. Having a free college but also the time and effort strive to obtain a degree. If college degree is like gold All students deserve the op- My parents grew up in education is a bad idea necessary. They need to college becomes free, then because when there is a little portunity that I’ve had--the because, even though consider what the return on college will just be an exten- bit of gold, it has lots of opportunity to better myself it might be free to their investment will be. If sion of high school. Every- value, . . . but when gold is through hard work, and to the person attend- they are not fully commit- one would go, regardless of everywhere, then it loses its gain the confidence that re- ing college, someone ted, they’ll start college, but how hard they work. As value. sults from true achievement. still has to pay. The government is funded by the taxpayers, so taxpayers will pay the cost of free college for everyone. Accord- ing to BernieSanders. com, the cost of his plan will be seventy- five billion dollars per Mexico and were not able to year. Our taxes will increase attend high school. Be- significantly. That student, cause of that, providing my who goes to college for free, siblings and I the oppor- will one day get a job and tunity to become educated become a taxpayer. Over his has been a top priority. In lifetime, he will not only pay the United States, it used to for his own education, but be that only the rich were also for that of many others. able to afford an education. Some think that the rich At that time, being able to should pay more taxes so attend school was highly others can have a free educa- valued. People were will- tion. The problem with that ing to sacrifice greatly to is that the rich are the ones have that opportunity, then creating business, which cre- would make the most of ates new jobs, and they are it. Today, it seems that the already paying a lot of taxes. Banning cell phones in class Because personal cell- not possible. Because personal cell phones are private and easy phones are private and easy to use discreetly, they are Cheating to use discreetly, they are often used to access inap- often used to cyberbully! propriate content! Teachers Because personal cell The i-Safe Foundation need to be able to monitor phones are private and easy reports that more than 1 in use of technology in the to use discreetly, they are of- 3 young people have expe- classroom to ensure that stu- ten used to cheat! Students rienced cyber threats. Many dents do not access content at my school are experts, teens believe it’s funny to that is violent, obscene, or and have developed a wide post, tweet, or share pho- potentially dangerous. Many array of strategies. A friend tos and videos of another teens like to listen to music, of mine always wears her fa- student--they don’t always or play games, that promote vorite coat on test days--she think about how that per- violence and drug use. The tucks her phone inside and son will feel. My principal lyrics and themes are often uses the side-eye strategy advised us, “Once it goes By Yamilet Mendoza derogatory toward women, to access the information out there, it will never come Santillan, Grade 12 people of certain ethnicities, she needs. Those with apple back.’’ Often, something is Farmersville High the LGBT community, and watches, take pictures of expected to be seen only by even the police. information, then casually a few close friends, but it’s Many websites offer users scroll through them during gets screenshotted and goes From my seat in the back the ability to interact with the exam. Many students public and people start mak- of the class, I see it all. The strangers in a variety of participate in group chats ing fun of it. dance, the drama. Students ways. Predators are known to share answers, whether a lot! Teachers should set the use of cellphones in are trying to take advantage to use social media to ma- it’s a test or a regular class Distraction the example. If they tell us class, for both students and of any opportunity to read, nipulate teens by assuming assignment. It’s unfair that that we need to focus and teachers, will be difficult to or send, those super-im- false identities and taking those who actually study Banning cell phones in learn to put the phones adjust to. In the long run, portant texts--without the away; then they should do advantage of their vulner- and make the effort to learn the classroom will not solve however, it will result in more teacher noticing. Cellphone the same because they need abilities. These predators also aren’t necessarily the ones all of these problems, but effective and fair classrooms- usage should be banned in show up in all kinds of chat who score the highest. It’s it will help during class to focus on the lesson and classrooms, for students and rooms and in group gaming not fair that the testing time. Just a simple vibra- their students. Accord- -with fewer distractions, less teachers. because it makes settings. If students are us- situation in not equitable tion causes a student to stop ing to a study by Centre of access to inappropriate me- it too easy to view inap- ing school equipment, there for those who don’t bring an thinking about the lesson, Economic Performance, test dia, less cheating, and more propriate content, to cheat, is software to block danger- expensive personal device to and become completely scores rose by up to 6% in respectful interactions. It has and to cyberbully. Further, ous websites and teachers class. Students have always fixated on finding an oppor- schools that strictly banned been pretty entertaining to cell phone usage is a huge cell phones. are able to view screens cheated, but allowing phone tunity to check the phone. I watch my peers find creative distraction for everyone in and know exactly what usage in class makes it much know adults have the same ways to use their phones the classroom. sites students access. With more difficult to monitor. temptation. Most of my Cell phones could have personal equipment, and teachers are on their phones positive uses in the class- without being caught, but I Inappropriate Content new technologies, like Apple Cyberbullying occasionally during class, room, yet we don’t use the guess I should focus on the Watches and airpods, that is and some are on their phone technology wisely. Banning lesson too. 6 | March 2019 The Migrant Voice Opinion Banning cell phones in class

eight-year-old. I don’t think use a phone as a calculator, my school don’t even have an 8-year-old would do very but as soon as the teacher smartphones. The calculator well in my Biology class, so turns her back, those stu- may only be used for the in- I need to focus. The use of dents are on social media, or tended learning purpose, but cell phones in the classroom texting their friends. While the smartphone is loaded should be banned for stu- personal phones could be with distracting features. dents and teachers. Banning used for educational re- Students will be more fo- phones will not only provide search, many use them to cused on the task at hand if a more effective learning search for videos that are they do not have the phone environment, but will also blocked on the school com- in hand. By Levi Angeles, reduce cheating and lead to puters. Grade 9 a safer and more respectful A 2010 study by Pew Farmersville High school climate. Internet and the University Learning Environment/ of Michigan found that The University of London Focus in schools that permitted found that those who multi- Students will have a better student to have phone 71% task during cognitive activi- opportunity to learn without of students sent or received ties had an average IQ drop phones in the classroom. text messages in class. Using of 10 points--that would be Some argue that a phone is a phones is a huge temptation. expected after staying up learning tool, which students If students need calcula- all night or smoking mari- need to learn to use con- tors or other tools, there is juana! It was even worse for structively. Okay?. . . but is no need to bring an ex- men. Multitasking men it the most effective learning pensive device to class. The saw their IQs drop about tool?-- and, how effectively school can provide tools at 15 points, causing them to can a teacher monitor how a relatively low cost, and all communicate with the aver- phones are used? Students students would have equal age mental capacity of an will argue that they need to access. Many students in FreeFree College for all students. Those who trying to help us, but stu- demic or vocational. Many college programs are not We cannot rely on the gov- choose to attend private dents avoid them because choose a vocational track institutions would receive they don’t want to be seen or do not meet the require- nothing. According to Ber- as “nerds” or “try-hards”. ments for the academic nieSanders.com, the expect- Even in this program, there track. Others are eligible for ed cost for this is 75 billion are many students from my free college, but choose to dollars per year. This is too school who would benefit, attend private schools, which much for taxpayers to bear. but do not participate be- are not free. Most college United States taxpayers are cause they do not want to do graduates in these countries already over-burdened with, the work. With free college, accumulate debt similar to according to an October even fewer would do extra Americans. AND, these 2018 report by USA Today, work to better themselves. countries have significantly an annual budget of $779 That is not good for indi- higher taxes. In Germany By Yasmin Angeles, billion, and $21 trillion in viduals, nor will it improve the tax rate is 49.4 percent, Grade 10 national debt. Further, the quality of our workforce. and only 62% participate Farmersville High those who choose to attend Students like me know in some kind of college or private college, will pay the there is a path to college if training. full cost of their tuition and we make good choices and Calling something free pay taxes to provide free col- persist. But we also know we The consequences of does not make it free. lege for others. Even those have to work hard, because providing free college to Nothing in life is free. It’s who do enjoy “free college” it will not be “given to us”. ALL outweigh the benefits. simply a matter of who will eventually, as taxpayers, Those of us who do take Taxpayers cannot afford to comparable because they are ernment to provide for us. pays the cost. During the spend much more than if advantage of opportunity, foot the bill for everyone to offering free college to only Thomas Jefferson once said, 2016 Democratic primaries, they had just paid their own and remain focused on our attend, regardless of their an elite group of students. “A government big enough Bernie Sanders proposed the tuition. goals, ARE achieving--and level of commitment. Col- Free college is not the way to give you everything you idea of free college. Since we ARE attending college. lege should be accessible to go. Americans will benefit want, is strong enough to then, it has been a hot topic, College is already acces- That hard work is an invest- to all--and it is! And, the from being personally re- take everything you have.” especially with the Demo- sible. ment in ourselves, because countries that are pointed cratic party that supports we truly value education. to as having exemplary free sponsible and self-sufficient. Remember that. the proposal. Sanders Supporters of free college Education should not be an argues many reasons why we claim higher education is entitlement. should have free college, but not accessible to low-income his logic is flawed. College students who earn good Free college has not been should not be free because grades and are committed successful in other coun- we can’t afford it, college is to bettering their lives. But, tries. already accessible for stu- it is accessible! There are dents who work for it; and resources for low-income Proponents of free col- “free college” hasn’t worked students, including: mi- lege argue that countries, out well in other countries. grant, college-prep, and like Finland, Greece, and after-school tutoring pro- Germany, have successfully Free college will be too grams. There is also financial implemented free college. expensive for taxpayers. aid and scholarships--many These countries however, Bernie Sanders proposes are specifically for those who do not offer free college to free tuition at four-year pub- have overcome obstacles. ALL. They have require- lic universities to students The problem is--many ments like exams that stu- whose parents earn below students do not take these dents have to take to qualify; 125,000 dollars--and free opportunities. In my school, they also require children to community college tuition I see the staff constantly choose a track, either aca- The Migrant Voice March 2019 | 7 UC Merced is the place to be By Yenifer Romo, Erik Ramos, could be recycled to improve books in astronomy, which Angel Alva, Alizah Alva, Jesus the environment. Booth is the scientific study of the One of Booth’s most Rocha, Karina Mendoza said that it was in this field stars. He was interested in important parts of his job Freedom Elementary trip that he learned about astronomy because he was is applying technology to the three R’s; Reduce, Reuse, not able to see the stars in design a computerized robot UC Merced School of Engineering Trains Future California Recycle. His curiosity in LA, because of light pollu- that can be used in orchards. Water Experts. “Maybe someday you will come back and attend science started to expand. tion. It was awesome how he ex- Then he started to read plained that these robots can this university,” a comment by one of Lorenzo’s relatives he visited in Merced. What in the world is an one of those places. He re- told us that when he was environmental engineer? members visiting relatives in little he would watch PBS After touring University of Merced when he was young Kratts Creatures, a science California Merced, October and looking out to the open educational program that 30, 2018, we had the oppor- field where the university teaches kids about science. tunity to interview Lorenzo was being built. He also He explained to us that Booth, a student pursuing said that his dream was to watching Kratts Creatures a degree in environmental attend a UC related to en- was where he learned the engineering. Booth grew up vironmental engineering, so effects of water pollution on in Los Angeles and told us after researching engineer- coral reefs. When he was that he wasn’t exposed to a ing schools he chose UC in eighth grade, his class natural environment. His Merced over Cal Poly. took a field trip to the city family had to travel out of dump. He was amazed at the city to see what it looked His inspiration in science the amount of the trash that Farmersville Migrant Education students interview Lorenzo Booth during a field trip to UC Merced. like. Merced, California was started at a young age. He was thrown away- trash that

After high school, he be used to measure water decided to specialize on moisture in the soil. Another something more specific, one of his future goals is to like environmental engi- build water plants. He said neering. He did his masters technology is important in in hydrology, the study of this field because it is used water. Booth told us that to process data information every nation uses resources and help us use water more from the environment. We efficiently. learned that the water cycle system is connected to ev- We were curious and erything. He said we need asked Lorenzo what we to take care of our resources should do if we want to pur- if we want clean food. To sue a career in science. His have clean food we need to advice was for us to apply have clean air, clean water, our curiosity and find out and clean soil. Booth said that one pollutant that can things on our own. As an affect our water system and elementary student he was soil, for example, is gas that curious about the stars and is stored underground. If rockets. He said for us to it leaks, it will pollute our read books about things that water system and our soil. interest us. Technology in Local Agriculture By Karina Canchola, sion. Melvin “Mel” Mon- made learning fun for us. have been dry and that it In regards to technology it makes him work harder Jasmine Munguia, terio, along with his son, Although he didn’t attend hurts the cotton crops. Also, use in the future, he said to until he can figure it out. As Eliott Lau, and Ivan own and operate a trucking college, he says he attended a lack of water is hurting all be on the lookout for the students, we think this was Roblero company called Monterio the “school of hard knocks” of the crops. Without water, driverless tractors; more wonderful advice that we Palo Verde School Trucking that hauls gravel by staying home and help- we won’t have crops in our drones being used to spray should apply to our learn- and feed to local dairies. ing his dad. Mel strongly stores for us to purchase and our fields in order to kill and ing in school. Just because encourages young people to eat. control bugs and weeds. we can’t figure something attend college and to contin- out, we shouldn’t quit. We ue with their learning. His When asked what the In closing, when asked need to keep at it until we own children have earned most important thing about what his favorite part of get it because, then we get to their degrees and he is very agriculture is, Mel was quick the job is, Mel was quick to enjoy the success of know- proud of them. to respond with “water”. Me respond that he loves doing ing that we didn’t give up. stated, “We need water and something for a customer That sounds like good advice Mel says that there are without it, we have noth- and he enjoys a challenge, for everyone to practice, many benefits in agriculture ing.“ especially when it’s some- so thank you Mel for you today because of the use of thing a competitor can’t do; words of wisdom. technology. For example, the trucks he uses for his business are more efficient. The technology from his computer tells him what is wrong with a truck, how it can be repaired, and it can be done immediately with- out him having to waste time trying to figure it out himself. He said it’s the same with tractors. The Wow, to think that we technology apps that are They also do demolition to didn’t have to go far to available make it easier on houses and dairies. Mel was farmers and it saves them see and learn about the born and raised in Tulare time and money. Mel de- many uses of technology and attended Waukena in agriculture! For us, it is scribed a new type of tractor Elementary and Tulare that is currently being tested. literally outside our school’s Western High schools. Mel campus. On Friday, Novem- The tractor is special because has been a volunteer at the it will be “driverless”. ber 9, 2018, we were given Tulare Farm Show for 41 the opportunity to visit the years and personally led us Mel stated how technol- Tulare Ag Center and learn on an amazing tour through ogy is used, so that we can about technology in agricul- the museum located in the improve and produce more. ture. We had the pleasure to Ag Center. He explained the He says that this is good meet one of the many local history of each item and we because of our growing farmers who has integrated could tell he really enjoyed population. For example, he technology into his profes- what he was doing. Mel explained how our summers 8 | March 2019 The Migrant Voice MeetMeet OurOur JournalistsJournalists

Angel Alva Brenda Santillan- Elysa Ramos Epifanio Santillan Erik Ramos Leonel Mendoza- Sandy Bustamente Grade 4 Ramos Grade 4 Grade 4 Grade 4 Mendosa Grade 4 Flores Grade 4 Pena Grade 4

Alizah Alva Yenifer Romo Jesus Rocha Torres Karina Mendoza Osbaldo Ayala Juan Rosiles Grade 5 Medina Grade 5 Grade 6 Santillan Grade 6 Grade 6 Grade 6

Nayeli Jimenez Mariah Hernandez Grade 3 Grade 3

Analeah Ruiz Jenavi Gonzalez Juliana Jimenez Valeria Molina Grade 3 Lemuz Grade 3 Grade 3 Grade 3 Aizalynn Ojeda Danna Martinez Esgard Espino Franco Alba-Tello Grade 3 Grade 3 Grade 3 Grade 3

Yaretzi Ramirez Jennifer Carlos Cristian Leyva Esmeralda Ruiz Grade 3 Delgado Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 4 Gladis Sanchez Karen Alvarez Sidney Gomez Kevin Lorenzano Grade 4 Grade 4 Grade 4 Espino Grade 4

Julisa Calderon Tania Osorio Uriel Becerra Grade 4 Grade 4 Grade 4

Yerlin Ambriz Valeria Medina Kimberly Cueva Ramos Grade 3 Ozuna Grade 3 Grade 3

Anayly Vazquez Garcia Abel Diaz Lopez Grade 4 Grade 4 Ruby Cueva Blanca Izazaga Tania Espino Elina Acol Grade 4 Grade 4 Grade 4 Grade 5

Alejandra Morales Edna Pena Michelle Lopez Chanvez Grade 4 Grade 4 Grade 4

Antony Uribe Figueroa Elber Barco Grade 4 Grade 4

Adan Lopez Guadalupe Vazquez Grade 4 Grade 4

Ivan Roblero Eliot Lau Jasmine Munguia Alexis Delgadillo Karina Canchola Grade 3 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 5 Acknowledgments

It takes huge effort to implement new educational projects such as the Migrant Education Journalism Project. We couldn’t have done it without the support of Tim Hire, Tulare County Superintendent of Schools; Earlimart School District, Palo Verde Union School District, Tipton Elementary School District, Farmersville Unified School District, Pixley Union School District, Waukena Joint Union School District; committed professors, resilient teachers, patient and understanding interviewees, parents and other dynamic support staff. This project was invaluable to migratory children and we believe that it was a success. Our Migrant children thank all of you and appreciate you taking the time to lend a helping hand. As a result of everyone’s efforts, we may see these students as future journalists.