In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Upper School (US) hosted a special Assembly featuring Dr. Emma Violand-Sánchez, an author, educator and advocate. In her talk, she shared her powerful personal journey as an immigrant and introduced her new book, Dreams and Shadows: An Immigrant’s Journey, which she co-authored with David Bearinger.
The Assembly began with an introduction by La Familia, the US Hispanic and Latine/x affinity group, who warmly welcomed Dr. Violand-Sánchez. In their introduction, the students shared her impressive background and vast experience advocating for support and resources for the immigrant community in Virginia and beyond. (You can read Dr. Violand-Sánchez’s full bio here.)
Students then had the unique opportunity to hear a live reading of the prologue from her newest book, which opens with the powerful statement: “I’m an immigrant. Every thread of my identity is wrapped around that core.”
Following the reading, Dr. Violand-Sánchez was led in a special and thoughtful discussion by her grand-niece, a current Class 12 student, during which she explained how her background informed her career, discussed the value of bilingualism and offered advice to students.
Dr. Violand-Sánchez shared that she grew up in Bolivia surrounded by women, including several sisters and those at her all-girls school. At a young age, she learned the importance of sisterhood and emphasized to the Chapin students that “we are good enough.” She went on to say, “Be proud of who you are and all of your classmates.” Clearly moved by this sentiment of community, US students cheered for Dr. Violand-Sánchez as she spoke.
The students learned that in 1961, at just 16 years old, Dr. Violand-Sánchez immigrated from Bolivia to Virginia to live with an American family and attend high school. Despite having been a top student, she struggled with her classes in America due to language barriers, causing her to feel like an outsider. However, after enrolling in a Spanish course, Dr. Violand-Sánchez began to recognize her strengths and embrace her culture and first language, which changed the trajectory of her life. “This is when I learned the power of my native language,” she said, encouraging students to maintain strong connections to their culture and heritage.
When applying for college, Dr. Violand-Sánchez received a scholarship to Radford University where she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She went on to receive her doctorate at George Washington University. She has been an important figure in the American public education system throughout her career, specifically in service to immigrants and refugees. Dr. Violand-Sánchez began several non-profit organizations and created opportunities for bilingual education programs. During her conversation with our students, she said, “When you see a problem or injustice, do not look the other way.” Communicating the importance of taking action has been an important goal in her lifelong dedication to service.
In the prologue of her book, Dr. Violand-Sánchez writes, “And so, I became a weaver, not of cloth but of dreams and shadows. The threads on my loom are family, education, faith, opportunity, service, and the love I have for my two countries, Bolivia, and the United States.”
After the discussion, Dr. Violand-Sánchez moved to the more intimate Berendsen Room where she answered questions and spoke to students and faculty one on one. She was eager to meet as many students as possible and hear stories of their personal experiences with language. Many expressed how inspired they felt by her message, with several sharing hugs and thanks.
In this candid and inspirational Assembly, US students and PC members left with a powerful message about the importance of sisterhood and embracing one’s identity.
