Meet KYFranco, an "Abriendo las Cajas" Media Maker

KYFranco speaks up about immigrant issue, media portrayals of immigrants, and dreams of a better life.

1. If you are an immigrant, tell us what it means to be an immigrant in the United States. If you are not an immigrant, tell us how the immigrant issue touches you on personal level.

What it means to me is that immigrants have a lot of issues they have to overcome. The feeling of not being wanted in this country is a sad feeling. Because you really can’t do a lot of things . . . also, the fact that you have to live your life in the download life fearing that if someone finds out you are an immigrant they would take you away. Is just difficult, is like you are retained from doing things you wanna do because of fear.

2. For better or for worse how can or how does media (TV, movies, radio, news stories) make a difference in immigrants’ lives?

Media captures immigrants as a bad thing. Like immigrants are bad people that come to this country smuggling drugs or are gang members. Also media puts this image that all immigrants are here to take all American citizens jobs which is not so true. The thing I hate the most were they would put someone in a movie or show either a women or a men either called Jose or Maria. Either cleaning houses or the typical gardener.

3. Tell us about an interesting or wise practice from another culture that you wish people in the United States would adopt.

Something I wished United States would adopt would be to stop being so rude. Have more respect for others, not being hecka rude! If someone smiles at you, smile back instead of just ignoring it. Just be polite.

4. How could immigrant health and well-being be improved in your city or in the United States?

U.S. could improve the school system. Make it easier for immigrants to reach the point of graduating. Have a counselor for students who have this kind of problem. Also, it could help getting people to college, just make it a bit easier because there is a lot of struggle.

5. Tell us something about your background that led you to become the person you are today. What is your greatest motivation/motivator?

The fact is that I don’t have it easy like the rest of the people here in the U.S who are Americans. That made me the person that I am now. It keeps me going everyday because I see other people like me in my position that just give up. I don’t want that for me at all. I want to do something for my life. I have dreams and that’s a big reason that keeps me going to be successful in my life.

Tags: CA, digital stories, Oakland
Topics: Ending Domestic Violence, Immigrants, New Routes Leaders, Storytelling, Technology