It is time to meet our AMAZING Interns!
Advancing Justice-Atlanta Interns are here and "It's the Interns" series goes in-depth about who is working behind and in front of the scene to Build Power for Good in the South!
By Norman Cervantes
· Hello! Tell us little about yourself
Hello everyone! My name is Norman
Cervantes a senior at Clayton State University majoring in Psychology with a
minor in Sociology. A couple of things that you should know about me is that I
am a very hard-working and ambitious individual who likes to take on challenges
no matter how daunting they may be. Other than this, I like to keep myself busy
by volunteering or taking up leadership positions in other organizations or by
running in my universities’ Cross Country and Track athletic programs. Lastly,
I am a pretty big fan of hard rock and alternative metal. Well, that’s pretty
much it!
· What made you decide to apply for this internship?
I applied to this internship because
at my core I am very passionate about helping out minorities in any way
possible, especially through political leverage or civil rights. After all, I
am a minority myself, so I thought it would be a no-brainer to help out another
minority group in need. Nowadays, minorities are fighting each other trying to
outdo each other to see who comes out on top. Instead of fighting, we should
unite together because we are all going through similar struggles like relegation
to inferior positions in society. Since I am heavily involved in the civil
rights movement via an executive position (Co-chair of PR) with my school’s
NAACP chapter, I thought this would be a good opportunity to complement what I
am already doing.
· What is your expectation and what would you like to get out of the internship experience?
From this internship I expect to
become knowledgeable about the Asian Community’s struggles, strengths and weaknesses, and areas of improvement. I also expect to come in contact with various
ethnic groups, see significant improvements with my multicultural and
communication skills, become an educated individual in regards to the workings
of our complex political system and policy making, etc. Overall, I would like
to gain memorable experiences and knowledge from this internship.
· Tell us your personal narrative on being Asian in America
This question is not applicable to
me, but since I do look Asian, I guess I might be able to address it in an
unorthodox manner. I am Mexican-American but ever since I can remember, my
Hispanic friends would call me “Chino/Chinito” (Spanish for a male individual
from China) because of my appearance. My pseudo-Asiatic appearance is both a
gift and curse; I get mocked and accepted for my appearance. However, over the
years I have accepted it as a virtue that makes me unique and memorable. For
example, I like to see the expression of awe in people’s faces when I tell them
my true nationality. It never ceases to make my day and it’s a great
conversation starter too! I have fully
embraced this uniqueness.
· What role would you like to play in Asian American Community in the future?
I would like to play the role of an advocate for the Asian
American Community; a supporter of any and all beneficial endeavors emerging
from the Asian Community.
· What is your song of the year?
I like the underlying
message of this alternative metal song: Breach Birth by Chevelle
· Any Last words???
” If
you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the
oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that
you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.” – Desmond Tutu
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