By Julie Diaz-Asper
LATISM
I met Steve Goodman because our kids are in school together. I knew he was an expert on college education and part of the top colleges team. I didn’t know that he was a songwriter who uses songs to advocate on educational issues.
Here is the story behind “Let Julio Study” told by Steve himself:
“Let Julio Study” is a song about Julio, his mom, and higher education. As a college advisor, I assist students and their families through the transition from high school to college. Why should that transition not be available to girls and boys who were brought to the United States by their parents? How are their educational aspirations any different from those who were born in the US?
I was inspired to write the song after many discussions with high school students who didn’t qualify for in-state tuition because of their status. What a loss to the students, to their would-be colleges, and to society as a whole. I thought about writing an opinion piece in the newspaper but then decided that a song might be even more powerful. I attended a songwriting retreat, where I structured and fine-tuned the piece.
There is an old adage that music speaks louder than words. I certainly hope that is true here. “Let Julio Study” is a musical expression of the college dreams of thousands of young people who stand ready to contribute to the world.
Here are the lyrics:
Julio’s mom left Mexico
At the age of 23
Her life got harder
When her son came to be
Journeyed to California
To find a better way
She needed a paycheck
Julio studied by day
Julio has no passport
But college would take him far
Let Julio study
Le dejas estudiar
Julio stayed in school
‘Til the day he turned 18
Discovered he’s illegal
On the road to his college dream
Congress debates his status
Colleges refuse to pay
Julio flips burgers
Dreamin’ of a better day
Julio has no passport
But college would take him far
Let Julio study
Le dejas estudiar
So let’s use college money
Have them pay it in
If Julio was your son
Wouldn’t you want that for him?
With in-state tuition
He could journey through
Reachin’ his potential
Contribute too
Julio has no passport
But college would take him far
Let Julio study
Le dejas estudiar
Julie Diaz-Asper is a geeky Latina working on making research a more social experience. Founded Social Lens Research to help organizations better reach and understand underserved and niche communities.
