Ethnic Studies is Necessary for Student Retention

By Dani Plascencia

As I started my journey at community college, much of what I knew was based on Eurocentric views of the world. I came into community college blindsided, my previous educators and educational system valued a letter grade rather than my growth as a Latinx immigrant and first-generation student. I attended my first ethnic studies class in my first quarter at De Anza. In that class, I began learning about my peoples' history and cultural contributions. As I followed through the course I began to realize the impact this had on my perceptions of my personal life and my community. Through the enrollment of this course, I felt seen and heard in academia. Reflecting back on my K-12 public education courses and electives, I can instantly recall never having sociology or ethnic studies. My high school experience was surrounded by a lack of electives and extracurricular activities leading to many low-income students being disengaged and alienated from education. These courses are so critical to the identity formation of many marginalized students in the American education system. It’s proven time and again that incorporating ethnic studies courses aids student retention and increases student academic performance. When kids see themselves in their teachers and curriculum, it grows their confidence, not only in themselves, but also their love for learning. For our students to continue their educational journey, we must incorporate ethnic studies courses, especially in a state as diverse as California.