Aliento Features: Karla Lazcano

Introduce yourself.

My name is Karla Lazcano and I am a graduating senior at Mesa High School. I was born in Arizona and have spent most of my life in Arizona. However, at the age of 5, my family and I were deported and ended up living in Mexico for three years until we ended up migrating back to Arizona at the age of 8. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, as well as going on adventures and trying new things.

Why does the work we are doing matter to you? Why is in-state tuition for everyone important?

I am daughter of immigrant parents and we have faced many hardships because of it, I was fortunate enough to be born here and have the many opportunities that undocumented students don’t have. I have seen firsthand the pain that not having the same opportunities causes, having the feeling of hopelessness to think that they might not be able to accomplish their dreams of obtaining a higher education. I have loved dedicating my time to helping those who feel that sense of hopelessness and I’d like to let them know that there are people out there fighting to give them hope, that there are people out there transforming trauma into hope and action.

What are some reflections from E-day? How did this impact you?

E-day was a very stressful event to prepare for, from having to recruit people to go with us to having to prepare to talk to legislators. That was the most stressful part of the fellowship as a whole but also one of the things I am most proud of. We were able to recruit over 20 people to come to the capitol with us that day and organized an entire field trip with our club sponsor.

I was able to talk to Senator Contreras who treated us like family from the moment we entered his office, which helped calm my nerves down. I was able to maintain eye contact which is something I have trouble with even with the people I am most comfortable with. E-day was definitely a day to remember, I don’t think I’ve ever felt more nervous and excited at the same time.

How has the work we have done impacted you?

The work we have done has had a great impact on me, it makes me feel as if I’m helping make a change which is something I’ve always wanted to do. I have always sat there and watched as injustices happen and to be able to do something about what I feel is unjust is one of the best feelings in the world. I am happy to be able to help anyone that might have trouble with finding opportunities to go to school and even helping some of my family members. A moment that really impacted me was the second event I hosted which was in December where over 50 people attended. We are such a small club with only 7 members and we are not very well known.Nothing brings me more joy than to say I am helping at making a change.

What’s next for you?

I have graduated from Mesa High School and am going to Mesa Community College to obtain my Associate’s in Business. I am excited to see what life has in store for me and to work hard to achieve my dreams.