Looking Into The Future, By Reviewing Our Past

BRIDGING THE PAST WITH THE PRESENT

ETHNIC STUDIES AT OXNARD COLLEGE

   Oxnard College is located in Ventura County and was founded in 1975. With 4,400 students enrolled in that Fall semester, it was fast on its way to becoming more that just another Community College.  Thirty-five years later, Oxnard College shows no sign of slowing down, even in these economic times.  With classes being offered into the late evenings, and even week-ends, Oxnard College continues to offer its best to the more than 8,000 students currently enrolled as of the Fall of 2010 (“History of Oxnard College”).  Although the student body is diverse, as are most college campuses, Oxnard College is represented with a strong Mexican/Latin population. Numbering over 63%, this equals to over 5,000 students (“fast facts”) of Mexican/Latin heritage. It is these students that have a greater opportunity to explore their heritage, history and future in several classes, most notably, the Chicano Studies classes.  Led by Dr. Tomas Salinas, students are able to learn of their culture, stretching back to the earliest times in Meso-American history, through the conquests, and up to the current events of today.

   I had the pleasure of not only taking Dr. Salinas’s class, but I was also able to pin him down for a few minutes and learn more about the man who shares his passion of our history with those who enter his classes.  I say pin, because Dr. Salinas is always on the move from class to class, but is more than willing to stay to help a student, answer questions and explain lessons given to those who seek his assistance, but you must be quick, or you will miss your chance. 

   Sitting with Dr. Salinas one morning, I learned that he is the only male, the youngest of three siblings.  Born in Laredo, Texas in 1955 he went to Catholic School until he was 8 years old.  “Those Catholic nuns were tough man,” stated Dr. Salinas, “They didn’t take any sass, and yes, they used their rulers when you stepped out of line.”  It wasn’t until he entered public schools that he began to learn English.  “We were taught in Spanish, and Spanish was the language my parents spoke at home, so I really didn’t begin to speak English until I entered the public school system” he explained. Tough as it was, he persevered, and eventually entered the college life.  It was here that he was inspired to become a teacher.  “I was actually looking at becoming a lawyer, at that time there were few Chicano lawyers, and I thought, why not? I had a Professor who taught American History and he was out there, but he influenced me to want to become a history teacher.” Although at the time, Dr. Salinas wasn’t politically active, he was influenced by his older sister. “She was involved in several movements, and so, I got involved.  I was a part of the UFW-United Farm Workers and a member of MECHA in 1969-1970. I was involved in walkouts, protests and rallies” he shared.

   Dr. Salinas began teaching at Ventura College first, but eventually transferred to Oxnard College in 1982, where he’s been teaching American History, as well as Chicano Studies. After over 25 years as an instructor, Dr. Salinas hasn’t lost any of his fire for his love of teaching, but when asked about the difference in the students, from the early 80’s in comparison to today, he had this to share. “Back in the early 80’s, students were more informed, politically involved and knew what was happening in the world around them. Today’s students don’t seem to have the same fire that once sparked debates, questions and discussions in my early classes.” “It’s sad to see 40+ students in a class, and they don’t seem to want to get involved, or don’t think it’s as important to get involved. I love it when a student questions “why?” rather than just accept what I have to say in my lectures. They see the clips about the Chicano Moratorium, or the UFW, and they don’t seem to get just how difficult it was back then for Chicanos.  It wasn’t until the protests in the 1960’s and 70’s, that ethnic studies were even considered. Today’s students don’t realize the sacrifices that were made, that allows them to sit in a college classroom and learn of their past, today,” he stated. “Students show up, some late, others unprepared to take notes, and think that the course is an easy A, but there are still those few students who want to know what it is to be Chicano, where did we come from, and more importantly, where we are going. It is those students who help hold Chicano Studies together” he finished.

   With budget cuts that affect classes campus wide, ethnic studies could be in danger of being dropped.  “Cuts have affected everyone, but cuts to the ethnic studies classes have not only been financial, but politically motivated as well. “People in higher offices don’t think that specialized classes, such as Chicano Studies are important anymore. If the students don’t wake up and say something, there could be a day that Chicano Studies may not be offered, and then it will be too late to do anything” Dr. Salinas explained. In closing, Dr. Salinas doesn’t have any regrets.  “I am fortunate to have become a teacher, my life was changed by a teacher, and I hope to inspire my students to go out and make a difference, maybe become teachers themselves, but I mostly want them to become aware of the world around them, and maybe make a difference for those who follow after them” he said, with a smile on his face.

   As a student of the Chicano Studies class, I can say that Dr. Salinas has made an impression on several of his students, myself included. I found it an honor and a great experience, to learn from someone who was at one time, on the front lines of those changing times in Chicano history.