Madeline Musante – The Stanford Daily https://stanforddaily.com Breaking news from the Farm since 1892 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 08:02:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://stanforddaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/cropped-DailyIcon-CardinalRed.png?w=32 Madeline Musante – The Stanford Daily https://stanforddaily.com 32 32 204779320 My Eureka moment https://stanforddaily.com/2017/01/25/my-eureka-moment/ https://stanforddaily.com/2017/01/25/my-eureka-moment/#respond Wed, 25 Jan 2017 17:53:56 +0000 https://stanforddaily.com/?p=1120690 A friend once described college as the act of having your heart in two places. I call both Stanford and Eureka, California home and do not know how to reconcile these two very different spheres. Eureka is an isolated town of 26,000 residents. It’s a four-hour drive from the next city and a six-hour drive […]

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My Eureka moment
(MADELEINE MUSANTE/The Stanford Daily)

A friend once described college as the act of having your heart in two places. I call both Stanford and Eureka, California home and do not know how to reconcile these two very different spheres. Eureka is an isolated town of 26,000 residents. It’s a four-hour drive from the next city and a six-hour drive north from Stanford. Few people leave Eureka, and of those who do, few return. As a result, college has caused me wonder not only what constitutes home but also upon my hometown obligations. After coming to an elite institution, what responsibility do I have to my native community?

A New York Times article, “The Best and Worst Places to Grow Up: How Your Area Compares,” maps income mobility by county across the United States. Eureka is located in Humboldt County, and according to the study, children who grow up in Humboldt’s poor families will make an average of $790 less than children of poor families across the U.S. It reads, “Humboldt County is pretty bad for income mobility for children in poor families. It is better than about 26 percent of counties,” putting it in nearly the bottom quarter. The statistics are nearly twice as bad for girls.

So what do all of these numbers have to do with my sense of home? Growing up in an upper-middle class family in a poor community gave me advantages my peers didn’t have. Coming to Stanford gave me even greater privilege. I do not feel Stanford is a golden ticket to success; getting an education and finding a job still requires work. However, attending an institution like Stanford equips a student with opportunities that are simply unimaginable at other places. Since coming here, I have been able to study abroad, hear President Obama speak in person and receive funding for an unpaid internship in a rural community similar to my own. Experiences like these do not secure a six-figure paycheck, but they open a lot of doors. So, after being raised by a so-called “very bad” community and coming to an elite institution of opportunity, what am I supposed to do?

I feel that my moral duty is to return to Eureka, but I am torn by my increasing connections to Stanford/the Bay Area. Eureka is tight-knit, but certain personal characteristics made much of my time there terribly lonely. Having a special needs brother made me intensely aware of the everyday good fortune with which each child is born. My seriousness and resentment of the class clowns — who seemed to take their brains for granted — ostracized me from my peers. I enjoyed loving relationships with my family, close friends and the congregation at my church, but at school, I was bullied. I also battled depression and anxiety following two hip surgeries that left me unable to run, my favorite activity. Despite the fact that I would have faced these challenges anywhere, I came to associate Eureka with an unhappy part of myself. This association is lessened by the love I feel for my family and the beauty of the town, but it still exists, making me weary of returning. Still, how can I leave the community that raised me — especially when it needs so much? Don’t I owe it to that community to return? These questions continue to circle in my mind.

My Eureka moment
(MADELEINE MUSANTE/The Stanford Daily)

I became an international relations major with the intent of pursuing human rights for immigrants and refugees, but in looking broadly, I fear I have forgotten the needs of my hometown. Eureka struggles with an overloaded foster care system, too little funding to combat drug crimes and too little interest from the rest of California. Its small population gives it little voice in the state legislature, making funding for change difficult to obtain.

Before coming to Stanford, I did not realize how much the rest of the state overlooks Eureka. I have frequently been told upon trying to explain where my hometown is that “California doesn’t really matter past San Francisco.” There are no big cities, theme parks or areas of dense population, so many students I talk with do not count it as part of the state. These words are a dismissal of all I grew up with and remind me that Eureka is a forgotten community.

What truly differentiates Stanford from Eureka is the sense of opportunity. At Stanford and around the Bay Area, I feel as though I can pursue any career — I might fail, but everything is here for me try. I do not feel the same about Eureka. Being four hours from the nearest city doesn’t just limit what you can visit; it also limits what can visit you. Colleges like Stanford don’t recruit in Eureka, so students view them as being unattainable. My high school counselor discouraged me from applying, stating that students from our area “didn’t do well outside.” I am the first person in eight years from my high school to come to Stanford, not because Eureka lacks talent or intelligence but because too many students lack encouragement and resources.

I come from a college-educated family who could help me navigate the application process. This is not the case for many other students living in low-income communities — rural or urban. Consequently, few people from my high school left the area for college. (Though I’m proud to say more and more are going to college.) Because no one leaves, no outside skills are gained, and though generational knowledge is extremely valuable, there is a limit to how applicable it can be to modern problems. Eureka needs people to leave and return with new knowledge (as my mother did), but it’s frightening to leave such an insular community for one that seems to have forgotten us. New industry and jobs cannot be created without outside knowledge, but once someone has left, it’s tempting to stay in a more urban, developed area where a greater variety of career opportunities exist.

University recruiters aren’t the only ones to shy away from Eureka. My brother’s first neurologist was based at UCSF, and my hip specialists operated out of Sacramento, Napa and Stanford. Hearing that California doesn’t matter past San Francisco makes me feel as though my home’s medical needs don’t matter. Though the population is small, its needs are great. Eureka dwellers face travel expenses in order to receive specialized care. Having come to Stanford, I feel it is my responsibility to bring my education back home, but at the same time, I am drawn to fix injustice at a more global scale (especially given the recent anti-immigration fervor). I feel pulled in two by my moral beliefs. Should I work for broad change or return home to work at the local level? I cannot simultaneously give my all to both, and I don’t know what is right.

The more important question for myself and for all my Stanford peers is this: What moral responsibility do we have to our communities? If we come from inner cities, from rural areas, from, as the New York Times article phrased it, “very bad” origins, don’t we owe it to those places to make them better? In the novel “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,” Betty Smith writes, “A person who pulls himself up from a low environment via the bootstrap route has two choices. Having risen above his environment, he can forget it; or, he can rise above it and never forget it and keep compassion and understanding in his heart for those he has left behind him in the cruel upclimb.” I do not believe it is wrong to better yourself or to pursue a high-paying job, but it is wrong to forget those who do not have the means to follow you.  

Writing on disability, I stated in my Stanford personal statement essay that there is a difference between observing and enduring. The person who has lived through a hardship knows it better than any outside observer. An ally, no matter how dedicated, cannot fight for change without first asking the affected group what they need done. If you come from a “bad community,” you are the best possible person to fight for it. You have seen its struggle and its beauty first hand. I believe it is wrong to abandon a broken community because in doing so, you rob it of its greatest voice.  

Eureka is still the most beautiful place I have ever seen. The people carry compassion and love giving food, clothing and comfort when tragedy strikes. They raised me to be the person that I am and they are the reason I was able to come to Stanford. Nevertheless, Eureka and places like it are plagued by underfunded schools and overcrowded social service systems.

The “Stanford bubble” is an overused but accurate phrase. The campus is dazzling, but it also helps us to keep our eyes shut to the outside world. I still don’t know what I have done to deserve Stanford’s privilege or how to give back an amount equal to what I’ve received. Especially now, in a time of deep uncertainty, we must remember those we have left behind. I challenge each reader to think about the needs around them. Do not bury your burdens but instead hold them up as a symbol of triumph. I cannot say what I will do to leave my mark on the world, but I know I will act with both of my homes in mind, and I will be better for this.

 

Contact Madeline Musante at mmusante ‘at’ stanford.edu.

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Ten things to be grateful for, post-election https://stanforddaily.com/2016/11/24/ten-things-to-be-grateful-for-post-election/ https://stanforddaily.com/2016/11/24/ten-things-to-be-grateful-for-post-election/#respond Thu, 24 Nov 2016 17:40:20 +0000 https://stanforddaily.com/?p=1120269 I have seen several memes across Facebook bemoaning the fact that the election falls so close to Thanksgiving. The Stanford Flipside even wrote an article titled, “Nation Just Grateful Major Political Event Happened Right Before Thanksgiving.” For those of us worried about the election results, it has been difficult to stay positive and appreciate what […]

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I have seen several memes across Facebook bemoaning the fact that the election falls so close to Thanksgiving. The Stanford Flipside even wrote an article titled, “Nation Just Grateful Major Political Event Happened Right Before Thanksgiving.” For those of us worried about the election results, it has been difficult to stay positive and appreciate what progress has been made. I would like to take a moment to reflect on a few things I am grateful for. After all, activism cannot exist without hope.

  1. Free speech

During a tumultuous time, I am grateful that I can continue to express myself to the world. Writing and sharing my thoughts empowers me and makes me feel that I have worth; it is one of my greatest sources of hope. We are fortunate that we can write, speak and march as we choose.

  1. Oregon and Governor Kate Brown

On Nov. 8, Oregon elected Kate Brown as its governor making her the first openly bisexual governor in history. Brown has been serving as governor since her predecessor’s resignation, but this is the first time she has been elected to the office. It proves that love always wins.

  1. A shout-out to some California Propositions

I want to talk about a couple of things besides marijuana legalization. Proposition 63 passed implementing background checks and other regulations on gun sales. This gives me hope for future safety.Proposition 59 passed, stating that California does not approve of the Citizens United v. FEC decision. Although this is mostly symbolic, I am proud of my state for saying it wants money out of politics. Proposition 58 also passed, allowing bilingual education in schools; this has been going on de facto for years, but the passage of this act signifies California’s openness. It will encourage more Spanish immersion programs and bilingual education to students who may not speak English at home. Feel free to visit Ballotpedia to see what else has happened!

  1. My family and friends

I am always grateful for my loved ones, but I have been especially overwhelmed with support over the course of the past week. The day after the election, my RFs converted our weekly staff meeting into a space to talk out feelings and reactions. It was a reminder that none of us are alone. My parents and other family members have sent me a constant stream of comedic and serious quotes/articles reminding me how much good exists. My parents and my friends have also reminded me countless times that I still have a voice. Look to those around you, and know that you are undoubtedly loved.

  1. Senator-elect Kamala Harris

I am thankful for the historic election of California’s newest senator. She is the second black woman elected to the Senate. Despite the sexism and racism, we have gained a valuable leader for young girls to emulate. Beyond her ethnicity, I am excited by her pledge to fight Trump’s calls to deport millions. I am given hope by the fact that even though one woman lost, others won.

  1. Our generation did not vote for Trump

Looking at the millennial vote of 18-25 year-olds, only three states went red. The future voted for love and kindness over anger and hate. Do not rail against older voters but instead take heart in the fact that the next generation of policy-makers will not continue Trump’s troll-like and hateful behavior. I also hope this will serve as a wake-up call to young people to get out and vote!

  1. Hillary won the popular vote

Though Trump took the Electoral College, he did not win over the people. Hillary Clinton received more of the popular vote than any candidate in history, save for President Obama. Votes are still being tallied, but she already possesses at least a 1 million lead on Trump. Women, take heart. We are not unelectable. The fraction of the population who actually believes in Donald Trump is small.

  1. Stanford

Though being here makes it a struggle to not be caught in a bubble, I am grateful to be a part of this community. My P.E. instructor told my class that our homework was to find someone unhappy with the election results and give them a hug. This prompted an immediate group hug between four other girls and me. Also, I am grateful for the Bridge and CAPS for working tirelessly to support anyone in need. Do not forget that we are privileged with safety at Stanford, but also take time for yourself and your own well-being.

  1. It sounds funny, but I’m thankful for Thanksgiving!

I am happy that I will be going home soon to be with my family and eat massive amounts of food. For those who cannot go home, I hope you still take the day to spend time doing what you enjoy and being with people you love. It is important to not forget about self-care or the little things in life.

  1. Harry Potter quotes

I love everything Harry Potter and have loved all of the tweets that have come out of this election. A particular favorite states that, “Even Hogwarts fell to Voldemort.” There’s a great compilation on BuzzFeed titled, “People Are Turning to Harry Potter for Comfort After the Election.

Remember, “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the lights.” – Albus Dumbledore

 

Contact Madeline Musante at mmusante ‘at’ stanford.edu.

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We are not done https://stanforddaily.com/2016/11/10/we-are-not-done/ https://stanforddaily.com/2016/11/10/we-are-not-done/#respond Thu, 10 Nov 2016 18:25:33 +0000 https://stanforddaily.com/?p=1119592 I feel so small. As the numbers came in, I sat in shock, growing sick. Half of the population does not believe all should be able to marry the person they love. Half do not care about my health or reproductive rights. Half think we should repeal Obamacare. Half believe we should build a wall […]

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I feel so small. As the numbers came in, I sat in shock, growing sick. Half of the population does not believe all should be able to marry the person they love. Half do not care about my health or reproductive rights. Half think we should repeal Obamacare. Half believe we should build a wall along the Mexican border. Half don’t mind that he once said we should kill terrorists’ families or punish women for seeking an abortion. Half do not mind that he has bragged about sexual assault. I could continue, but what it really comes down to in my mind is this: Half of our country believes all of his hatred and hypocrisy is preferable to a woman. I am trying to rise above, but I am so tired. Now, more than ever, we must stand with love and kindness.

America: We came so close, but it is not enough. Women received the vote in 1920. Aside from 18- to 21-year-olds, we were the last group of Americans to be deemed fully human in this way. We have been placed second for so long, and we have not been alone in this regard. This morning, my mom told me over the phone that she now fears she will not get to see the first female president in her lifetime. Obama was the first sitting president to endorse LGBTQ+ rights and support marriage equality. Under Trump, these fundamental rights will be put second once again. Do not let this crush you. Though I feel hopeless, I am trying to focus on our successes. Do not forget that Hillary still took the popular vote. The people stand with love and kindness rather than hate. Four years seems long, but we will make it through.

Do not be a bystander to violence. At the end of the day, Trump is just one man, but I am afraid to of his supporters. We have seen the violence of his rallies. We have heard him say that protestors should be punished. Several weeks ago, my cousin was given a concussion by a police officer arresting him for protesting. If this was the case under an administration that sought to curb violence and police brutality, what do you think will happen now? Even as I write this, I have seen Facebook posts about a gay student sent to the ER by Trump followers in Santa Monica and undocumented immigrants afraid to go to class elsewhere. This election was not about Republicans vs. Democrats. If you see something, speak up. We cannot let ourselves believe that our voices – that our votes – do not matter.

Now that it’s over, where do we go from here? I am trying to not meet hatred with hatred. I am trying not to place blame because there is such a great divide left to bridge. Still, I wonder, how can so many put this man above my and so many others’ civil liberties and human dignity? The only answer I have to this question is that we have a long ways to go in terms of battling racism and misogyny. To the people who voted independent, I am trying not to be angry. Your votes mattered. Hillary came within one percent of Trump in several key swing states. Voting provides us with the right to express our ideals, but we had so much at stake. To those who have been talking about moving to Canada or elsewhere, take a minute to think. The fact that you have the means to move internationally demonstrates that you are privileged and have a duty to stay and help us unite this country in dignity and love.

We cannot give up. To those who share in my fear, help me hold onto hope. My dad texted me this morning saying, “you are powerful and you make a difference.” Even though I feel small, even though I feel that my voice has been silenced, we must not forget our strength. I take comfort in Hillary’s concession speech even though it breaks my heart to not say acceptance speech. This morning, she said, “to all the little girls watching right now, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world.” I feel that this country has begun a very deep descent, but perhaps we can alter that course. Let us rise; let us band together. As my nana reminded me to do this morning, it’s time to stand by our rights and our institutions. As I was too busy crying to get out of bed, she texted me that she is focused on donating to Planned Parenthood, NOW and the ACLU. Listen to Margaret Mead’s words, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” We are not done.

 

Contact Madeline Musante at mmusante ‘at’ stanford.edu.

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