I traffic in empathy. I try to be vulnerable with people so they can be vulnerable back. I've always been searching for empathy in other people. It's when I feel most not alone.
Jose Antonio VargasRead
Kathy Dewar, my high-school English teacher, introduced me to journalism. From the moment I wrote my first article for the student paper, I convinced myself that having my name in print - writing in English, interviewing Americans - validated my presence here.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the transformational power of writing and journalism in giving individuals a sense of identity and belonging.
Jose Antonio Vargas recounts the significant impact that his high-school English teacher, Kathy Dewar, had on his life by introducing him to journalism. Writing for the student paper not only allowed him to express himself, but it also provided him with a feeling of validation and acceptance, as he embraced his identity while communicating and connecting with others through the written word.
Themes
JournalismIdentityWritingValidationEducation
In practice
Example use cases
A speaker at a graduation ceremony could use this quote to inspire students about the importance of writing.
More from Jose Antonio Vargas
All quotes →Citizenship to me is more than a piece of paper. Citizenship is also about character. I am an American. We're just waiting for our country to recognize it.
Jose Antonio VargasRead
I'm more than willing to go to places and talk to people who believe that I am an illegal alien who deserves to be jailed. I want to look them in the eye and say, 'What makes you think I'm any different from you?' I think for our generation, immigration rights is a civil rights issue.
Jose Antonio VargasRead
I'm a gay, undocumented immigrant; I have to be optimistic.
Jose Antonio VargasRead
There were many factors as to why I decided to come out as being undocumented. One of them is because I look the way that I look; I don't look like the 'stereotypical undocumented' person.
Jose Antonio VargasRead
As a newcomer to America who learned to 'speak American' by watching movies, I firmly believe that to change the politics of immigration and citizenship, we must change culture - the way we portray undocumented people like me and our role in society.
Jose Antonio VargasRead
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