I Fought City Hall and Won

My seven-week battle with Pierce College to get my cancelled beginning ESL class reinstated for the Spring 2010 schedule ended this week. So far, there are 7 eager students enrolled, and I will be able to eat and pay bills this semester.

I stood up to the Board of Trustees and my department chair. Right now I am sure I am persona non grata around campus, but did these individuals have the best interest of my students and me in mind when English 82 was cancelled? The decision supposedly was based on budgetary concerns. This sends a terrible message to those who are non-native speakers: they don't matter.

Well, I've shown these misguided individuals that my students DO matter, that it is imperative for them to learn English so they can become productive, educated members of the San Fernando Valley.

You know the cliche. You can't fight City Hall. Yes, you can, if you put determination into your battle, and you choose it carefully. Actions, no matter how seemingly insignificant, bring reaction. It's the physics of survival.