The Dream Center, located at Salt Lake Community College, organized the UndocuMonth activity in April 2024 which took place at the different campuses of the college. Among the activities planned for the event were the Undocuhistory in Utah (Taylorsville Redwood Campus), Piñata Workshop (Taylorsville Redwood Campus), and Immigration Help Site (West Valley Center). The Opening Reception & Art Unveiling took place at the West Valley Center and the Closing Reception at the South City Campus.
They also featured the Dignity March Exhibit “Invisible No More” which was displayed from April 1 to May 3 at the West Valley Center and South City Campus.
Despite having spent three semesters studying at Salt Lake Community College, I had never heard of the Dream Center, mainly because I was not very active in school. I was very interested in the different activities they had planned for the month, but I was much more interested in learning more about the Dream Center. I was completely unaware of their mission and vision, and the different opportunities and tools they offered students.
One of my friends told me about the activity and I was very excited to participate in it, especially since it would be the first Dream Center event that I would attend.
I was a little nervous when I arrived at the place because I didn't see anyone I knew. I sat at a table in the back and waited for the activity to start. I felt relieved when I saw two of my friends arrive and we started talking. After the conversation, I left the place for a while to answer a call, and when I came back they told me that I had won a raffle for the activity.
I was so excited because it was the first time in my life that I won a raffle. Although this could be considered something “simple” for me it meant a lot. In the bag, there was a beanie with the Dream Center logo, a butterfly-shaped light, a bracelet, and a bag with 18 varieties of flowers that butterflies love (it is for plants). Also, I was given the choice of one of the books that were on the table, and my choice was "Somewhere We Are Human".
It's hard for me to feel comfortable in places I don't know, but being there, surrounded by such kind people and such a welcoming atmosphere from everyone (especially the coordinators), made me feel included.
Before we started the piñata making process, we were told the history and tradition behind it, information that I was completely unaware of. Ever since I was little, I have seen piñatas of different shapes and colors at parties, but I didn't usually think beyond that, since to me they were just piñatas. Being able to learn more about the cultural impact they have had and what they represent was something fundamental for me that day. Although I learned the information about it, I consider that it gave me a lesson beyond the historical. I learned the importance of not taking things for granted, and I learned that things that seem "simple" can tell stories from years ago, that are often not shared. Probably for many people piñatas are just that, even though they are something they grew up with, but the reality is that they are part of a culture that is full of history and incredible things.
Another thing that was important to me that day was getting to know the Dream Center. I admire the dedication that they all have and the passion they put into their work every day. I am happy to know that there is a place within the school that has the mission of supporting all students and encouraging them to achieve everything they set out to do. I deeply thank the Dream Center for everything they do for the students and the impact they make in the community. I hope they know how much they contribute to our lives.