Sandra Salazar-Hernandez

POLS-1100
Professor Michael Broschinsky
May 2015
Political Socialization
What is my political ideology? Great questiona question where I have never been
asked but have reminiscently reminded me to when I first voted. As I was pushing into the
buttons of this big voting machine for elections, it had asked me if I wanted to vote for all those
running as Democrats. I proceeded since I thought the maneuver would quicken the voting. What
I am trying to explain is that I have been only asked about my political stand once a few years
ago and once more for this final paper. I actually had to google once more the differences
between Democrat and Republican. Although that is not the initial appropriated answer and only
researched it to make sure I was on the right page for this assignment.
A liberal socialistor a socialist (mostly a socialist) is what I would like finalize as my
answer to the above introductory question.
So why didnt I go with Conservatism or Liberatism? As I googled and did a bit more
research on what they both meantI couldnt really relate to either of them. I am not interested
in conserving traditional beliefs but the mere opposite. I support the change and acceptance thats
needed in our economy today and heavily stand on the Socialist side. I believe in equality and
community more than conserving what is old and thought to be as the right way to live in the
United States. My belief in economic equality is strong because I think that is what will
ultimately lead us to an almost ideal society where there are no more injustices and hate towards
one another.
I also think since humans change and adapt over timeshouldnt law makers and
policies too? The times are changing and it is this erathis millennium where we need to strive
for change so that we can survive.
Another reason why I have chosen to become associated as a Socialist-Liberal is because
I grew up in California with both of my parents as Illegal immigrants. I have seen the unfair
treatment they get every day at the super market, gas station, libraries and restaurants. Both of
my parents speak Spanish and some Englishbut not enough to communicate with someone
here in the U.S. Seeing this treatment with the way my parents get pushed aside from their own
community or other places they are inbreaks my heart. Their color and their accents are what
most people judge my parents ultimately stereotyping and othering them.

I also have to credit my involvement with the Peer Action Leaders, Students in Civic
Engagement and the Civically Engaged Scholars here at Salt Lake Community College.
I started SLCC straight out of high school and can say that I was not that politically
aware. I was nave and was only seeing my own personal problems at home and the occasional
tragic news in Univision to be what I was led to believe as the outside world. Not until I
actually came to college and applied for a position for Peer Action Leaders which required
community service and student engagement. This is where I was informed about some of the
social issues in Salt Lake City.
You see although I was enclosed in a home where immigrant laws were our highest
priority and highest concernI was still somewhat aware of politics. I didnt understand it at all
but would see from my parents expression that something good, something bad an immigration
bill has been pushed aside relentlessly for the past decade or two. It is stressing and my parents
are always led to false hopes and have been in the same battle to become an American Citizen for
such a long time. This is why I want equality for all. Everyone should have an opportunity to be
forgiven, to have food, clean water and an education.
I was born and raised in East Los Angeles, CaliforniaI have been in Utah for 7 years.
My parents have pushed me and taken me to school to get a better education. It is my parents
who I feel see that I have some type of potential to keep doing what I am doing and hope to
someday achieve the status of a graduate student. That is mind blowing since neither did my
grandparents or aunts, uncles have reached a higher education. This is why I am here. My parents
have done what they could to keep me alive and now I have to do what is right and reciprocate
their hard work. If the times are right maybe, one day the help of changing agents and those who
want change and equality, both of my parents will be citizens and will no longer have to suffer. It
is through that border that my mother cant go back to her native country to see her mom since
1992. My step-father wasnt there for the passing of his own father and brother because he as
well has found himself stuck here in fear in never returning back into the U.S.
I have begun to take a small step forward by applying for student leader positions at
SLCC. As soon as I got a small introduction about college and communityI applied to SLICE.
Student Leaders in Civic Engagement has opened up many windows for opportunities for social
change. I know I havent changed the world but I am hoping with the service I have done and
will commit for the rest of my lifemaybe I have changed one persons life. Maybe I havent
since I have only been actively helping my community at the age of 16-173 years does not
fulfill or give me enough knowledge or experience to be social change or become the perfect
socialist.
With SLICE I was in charge to work one on one with non-profit organizations I felt
strongly about. I wanted to work with environmental issues, well-being of children, domestic
violence, hunger, and homelessness. I only dabbed on these but was able to help a little bit by

doing community service hours for two specific non-profit organizations, I felt passionate about.
Guadalupe School Adult Program and Service in the City focused on adult programming while
the other focused more on the environment.
Even going back to 16 year old Sandra who attended the K2 church with her friend
Mikaylashe helped the homeless population. I remember being asked if I wanted to help hand
out warm coffee on a chilly Saturday morning down by the Road Home. I agreed and tagged
along to help. Although I wasnt affiliated with this churchI found this to be life-changing
now. I didnt think about it too much back then but now that I have finally decided to begin
Social Work from Computer ScienceI have never felt good.
My plan is to continue this education and help those who have helped me when I
struggled and help those who need it. To become more aware of worldly social justice issues that
need to be addressed and havent yet. We need a government to oversee these social issues in the
economy of every individual state. To let the people know that they have a voice and have a say
at legislation sessions if they pay close attention to what is being addressed.
The overall big picture that I am trying to come across with explaining SLICE, volunteer
service and participation in the community is social equality for all. It may not happen today or
tomorrow but that should be a goal to follow and maybe we will achieve to a very close
proximity. With the help of dedicated engineers, law enforcement, the government and citizens,
we can strive for the better tomorrow, a healthy earth and healthy/happy people. In hopes this
collection of words that I tried to make have some kind of a connection with explaining my
political ideology it was very helpful. Never would I have had the mindfulness of this retrospect
to recall any actions or surroundings to categorize myself as a socialist liberalist. Even though
this is one of the introductory classes into the Political Science spectrumthis final paper has
provided me with questions and answers I would have probably never gathered until maybe a
few more years. This assignment has saved me from an embarrassing discussion with either a
stranger or a friend who questions my ability to spend my own leisure time volunteering and
choosing Social Work over Computer Science.