The Equality Now Project aims to amplify and uplift diverse voices. In the spirit of achieving this, we’ve conducted four student interviews with authors from this project.
In this interview, we were given the chance to speak with Jason Sanchez, author of the piece “Social Media and the Bystanders of Hate,” and he expressed gratitude for the Literacy Services of Wisconsin and advocated for readers to be mindful and kind to people from all walks of life.
Author Jason Sanchez
How did you feel returning to school? What challenges have you faced in getting your GED/HSED?
Honestly, just the thought of returning to school was super exciting! I can say I was also nervous at first. It has been such a long time since I have done any schoolwork, I was nervous that it would be a little more complicated than before. The only challenge I faced was trying to stay motivated and determined while dealing with school and work at the same time.
How has your work with the Literacy Services of Wisconsin helped you since you finished?
This program itself has helped me in so many ways! The instructors are honestly AMAZING! They make sure you understand each and every assignment and if you don’t, they will take the time out to help you. Finishing this program has motivated me to go for more! I am currently enrolled in Aveda The Institute of Beauty and Wellness.
What is the key takeaway you want audiences to understand about your piece?
The key takeaway I would love for my audience to understand about my piece is to be mindful. Everyone has their rights and beliefs. But when you speak down on someone for who they are or what they like, it can definitely take a toll on someone’s mental health. Social media itself is a HUGE platform, and sometimes it gets taken advantage of, and people use it to bully others. Sometimes you don’t think it’s affecting anybody because you’re “joking”. So just be mindful of others, and let’s just try to make this world a safe space for everyone!
excerpt from “Social Media and the Bystanders of Hate”
What does school mean to you? What would you say to someone who is considering going back to school for their GED/HSED, but might be hesitant?
Growing up, school meant so much to me due to the fact that my parents and older siblings didn’t graduate so I made it my goal to finish and get my GED/HSED by any means necessary. If anyone is considering going back to school for anything, whether it is your GED/ HSED or any other degree, go for it!! There is no better feeling than getting acknowledged for your hard work and dedication! Walking across that stage and hearing your name is literally such an amazing feeling. Don’t doubt your intelligence, and go for it!
Does getting published here encourage you to continue writing?
In a way, yes, this has encouraged me to write more! Growing up when I was in school, I was really into English class and poetry. I would write poetry and essays to express myself, whether it was a personal experience or something I had seen that someone else went through.
You wrote about how social media moderation fails in different languages. Do you have any personal experiences that led you to this topic? Or, what led you to your topic?
I have personally experienced this. There are so many different ways to express yourself! I have been attacked or made fun of on social media because of the way I look, let alone because of my sexual orientation. I am an open book and am confident with who I am as a human being. Sometimes, your confidence is so strong that it bothers others. Don’t let that stop you!
In your bio, you mention that your culture has so many things to show. What are some of your favorite things about your culture that you wish more people knew about or understood?
My culture is so warm and welcoming! We support each other in every aspect! I come from an island. Everyone is super humble, and we enjoy each other’s company regardless of what your orientation or beliefs are. We have so many dishes, looks, dances, and history that would interest a lot of others who aren’t aware of who we are.
What would you say to someone who is a part of the LGBTQIA+ community but maybe feels like they don’t belong? Or to someone who is struggling to accept themselves/their identity/orientation?
As someone who is part of the community myself, I would say, “Be yourself!” There will definitely be times that’ll be rougher than others, but don’t let that change who you are! Being confident will take you so far! Don’t let the fears of what others may say stop you from being who you truly want to be! As long as you fully accept yourself for who you truly are, it shouldn’t matter what others think. The community is way bigger than you would ever imagine! We have so many people we could look up to! starting with yourself!
Is there anything else you want the readers of Equality Now Project to know?
Cover of “Equality Now Project”
Equality itself is such a huge topic that many people just are not ready to discuss! Either they just do not have enough knowledge or simply just do not care about being equal with the next person. There is nothing in this world that would make someone better than the next. We all go through similar situations, maybe a little different than others, but similar in a way. Be mindful and kind to the next person; you never know what someone is going through.
This interview was conducted by Press intern Charlotte Silverwood and edited for clarity by Publicity Director Allie Wendricks.
The Equality Now Project is on sale now (click here to purchase).
For more updates about this book, be sure to head over to its homepage on The Teaching Press Blog, found here.
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