Summary: One in every 50 students who graduated high school last year were undocumented immigrants. Undocumented students can't apply for federal financial aid or many loans and scholarships. Those who do make it through college can't legally work in the United States. The DREAM Act in Congress would allow undocumented students - who meet the requirements - to get on a 'path to citizenship' if they earn a college degree or serve two years in the military. Molly Freed profiles the DREAM act, and one student who has fought for its passage. Carlos Padilla graduated from Chief Sealth High School in Seattle in 2010.
I was drawn to this piece both because I had signed online petitions in support of the DREAM Act and because I grew up in Seattle. I was rewarded with an emotional, personal piece. The interviews have very clear quality, but there are some volume jumps between clips. I wish the narrator had put more enthusiasm into her parts - it contrasts harshly with the rawness of Carlos's story. I was rather confused when the narration faded out into interview clips as opposed to simply cutting off. Also, check for pauses in the narration that are too long. This piece really stands out to me for undocumented student Carlos Padilla's illuminating words. Even though the DREAM Act fell five votes short in the Senate in December 2010, I highly recommend this piece.
Comments for Carlos and the DREAM Act
This piece belongs to the series "Summer Soundwave"
Other pieces by KUOW's RadioActive Youth Media
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Posted on January 30, 2011 at 09:41 PM | Permalink
Review of "Carlos and the DREAM Act"
I was drawn to this piece both because I had signed online petitions in support of the DREAM Act and because I grew up in Seattle. I was rewarded with an emotional, personal piece. The interviews have very clear quality, but there are some volume jumps between clips. I wish the narrator had put more enthusiasm into her parts - it contrasts harshly with the rawness of Carlos's story. I was rather confused when the narration faded out into interview clips as opposed to simply cutting off. Also, check for pauses in the narration that are too long. This piece really stands out to me for undocumented student Carlos Padilla's illuminating words. Even though the DREAM Act fell five votes short in the Senate in December 2010, I highly recommend this piece.