Community Development In San Diego

Growing up in Southeast San Diego, I have seen the lack of access to resources and advocacy for low-cost services due to language, cultural and socioeconomic barriers. Fortunately, my family and I found Barrio Logan College Institute (BLCI) in 2007. At the time it was one of the very few organizations that assisted first-generation college students and their families. This organization ultimately influenced me to become an ISCOR major and fueled my passion for community development. Ten years later, I am interning with BLCI because I want to directly work with families that are in need of low-cost resources and services. Also as an alumnus of the program, I have an understating of what barriers prevent families from finding and learning about …show more content…
It’s considered one of the poorest neighborhoods in San Diego but also one of the richest in culture and history due to the influx of refugees and immigrants that settled in area since the early 1920s. With the emergence of Mexican-American settlers, property developers and a large waterfront, the neighborhood soon became a mixed-used industrial complex and residential community. This growth sparked junk yards and commercial business to take advantage of the low-cost property, all while the City of San Diego wanted the residents to move out of the area. Therefore, interning in this community will provide me with an in-depth understanding of cultural, socioeconomic and political conflicts that has shaped this diverse community in San Diego. Also, since my specialization is in Environment and Security I will be focusing on the how the effects of environmental racism and gentrification have influenced the community to unite together and become vocal on all issues affecting the community. Undoubtedly, I also believe that this is an opportunity for me to give back to my community, be a role model for the younger generation of BLCI students and prepare me for a career in the public sector, specifically a non-governmental …show more content…
It is the place where I have been able to feel safe, be empowered to voice my opinion and receive the services I need to succeed. Despite economic, social, and cultural challenges faced by the community of Barrio Logan, BLCI is a place where families can support each other and strive together regardless of culture, legal status or barriers. Even though I am only an intern, I believe that through my research, workshops, one-on-one assistance and personal experience, I will be able to make a difference in the community; and ultimately write a final paper on the history and background of the community. I will exemplify the political and social challenges affecting the community as well as the strong bonds keeping it together. This internship will further assist me in understanding the different dimensions of my