INTERVIEW #4: FEATURING HEIDI ROMER

March 6, 2021 Buffalo Latino Village

Education is supposed to be an equalizer. But in the beginning and increasingly now, it is a polarizer. What school you go to, if you have the internet or not, and what zip code you live in indisputably- matters in terms of educational access, and in society’s understanding of your perceived ability to “succeed.”

Accessing education has always been a challenge for us – part of how institutional racism is expressed in this country. For the folks who like definitions- Institutional racism is a form of racism that is embedded as the normal practice within society.

Most often – girls were the first to be denied any education.

Writing from Puerto Rico, I close my eyes and think of my abuela. She only had a third-grade education, but she was one of the wisest people I will ever know. She taught me “education” is more than whatever “lessons” I would learn in “school”.

Two years before abuela was born in 1921, the United States reported only 41% of the nearly half a million school-age children in Puerto Rico were “enrolled in school”. In 1945, the year Puerto Rican troops were returning from World War II, only 50% of their sisters and brothers were accessing primary education. Now, ask yourself, where did the other children learn? Who were their teachers if they were not “enrolled” in school?

The answer? Their “educators” were leaders in their own community.

Heidi Romer is a community educator, she teaches/advocates for health equity. Additionally, in doing so – she drives progress, speaks for the voiceless, the vulnerable, and those needing care. Heidi’s bright eyes look excited because she believes in possibilities. Heidi has conquered impossibility. As a strong Puerto Rican woman, she says:

“Be bold, be brave, be humble. Pursue your dreams, Ask the right questions. Fight for what you want. Be your own cheerleader, advocate, and pastor. Find a way or make one. Love yourself. Love your neighbor and lift up those around you.”

March is Women’s History Month, and Heidi, like the rest of the women who inspire me, embodies the idea that living is giving. Her entire life is an example.

Values are taught outside and inside of the classroom, and Heidi’s commitment to communicating hers is why you should read her interview on my blog. Our message? Always be open to learning in spaces – outside of the classroom- those lessons are equally as important now, as they were for the women who came before us.

INTERVIEW WITH HEIDI ROMER

I attended classes all day and remember running to class because the school was overcrowded and if you were late, you most likely had to sit on the floor. I also attended night school three times a week and worked on three take-home courses on the weekends called concurrent options. I graduated in January and gave birth to my first son in March. I attempted to attend Bronx Community College but realized I needed to work sooner than later. I went to an open house at the Katharine Gibbs School and asked the counselor, “What is the shortest program, offering guaranteed job placement and making the most money?” I immediately enrolled in the Legal Executive Assistant program and a few months later I was making more money than most of my friends. I hated working in a law firm.

What was your experience as a student?

My student experiences are a bit of a blur. I attended many schools throughout my life. I traveled between New York City and South Florida until 9th grade. Looking back, I can say I was not academically challenged, and subjects came easily to me. My favorite subject was History, and my concentration was Performing Arts. I thought I was going to be an actress. I am laughing out loud just thinking about it. In 10th-grade I was a victim of a hit-and-run accident. I am dating myself with what I’m about to tell you, but all I can remember is returning the movie rental Boomerang to Blockbuster Video- – -yes, that was a thing and eating McDonald’s French fries. I was in the ICU for two weeks, spent one month in the hospital, had surgery to repair a broken fibula and ankle, and missed a semester of school. I spent my junior year making up classes. Shortly after I was pregnant with my son. My only goal at the time was to graduate high school early. “I will either find a way or make one”-Hannibal.

I had my second son when I was 20 years old. After 9-11, I moved to Buffalo, NY, and obtained my degree from SUNY Erie Community College and thought I could be a CEO with AAS. I am laughing out loud again just thinking about it. It took me ten years to complete my bachelor’s degree. Every time my life changed my priorities changed. Survival of the fittest and cannot stop will not stop sums up what my experiences as a student were like.

Did you like school or learning?

I did not like going to school or being in a structured environment at all. In New York City, schools are built like a fortress. In Florida, schools are built like mini college campuses. In New York City, you must get yourself to school and that meant buses and trains. In Florida, gym class was held outside in the blazing sun and heat. These were real issues for me at the time. I am laughing out loud again.

I love to learn and experience, and explore. I am a lifelong learner and understand “I know that I know nothing”-Socrates.

How did your experience as a student inform your leadership style as an educator?

Traveling between the Bronx and Miami throughout my childhood did have its benefits. My father is German, and my mother is Puerto Rican. I am a first-generation American. My best friend at the time was Vietnamese. My babysitter was Italian. I was always exposed to diversity, cultures, food, traditions, languages, and religions. It is all I know, and I am so grateful to have grown up in such a dynamic environment.

Although I faced many challenges in high school and as a young adult I kept going and kept moving. I had to, what was the alternative? It is because of these experiences that I can relate to many people who face adversity and uncertainty. I meant what I said — I will help you, guide you, fight for you and remind you of your gifts, your excellence, and your worth.

When did you start your work as an educator and what was your role?

I began working in the community about ten years ago. I was employed at a manufacturing company in Buffalo, New York as the Executive Assistant to the CEO and transitioned into a community leadership position. It was during this time I realized there was a tremendous opportunity to do something that hasn’t been attempted before that could positively impact the lives of employees in the community. I became the expert who brought the experts together to help create momentum and change in an underinvested neighborhood. A multi-sector coalition, new housing development, regional recognition, and an international design award were direct results of this project.

What was your favorite and most informative role?

I do not believe I have a favorite role however, there is a group I have been a part of for several years in Buffalo, New York. The Healthy Corner Store Initiative is comprised of the most dedicated and inspiring community champions I know. The mission is “We address disparities in food access by creating a culture of health through the engagement of residents in a healthy lifestyle in partnership with neighborhood stores.” Think in terms of food access + food justice =health equity.

I must believe in the work. The mission needs to align with a right and just cause. At this point in my life, I will only spend my time and energy on projects where passion and purpose intersect. The Impact has to be real; progress has to be amplified, intentional, and meaningful.

What advice do you have for educators today?

-Do not forget, those closest to the issues or problems have the answers and solutions.

-Approach every interaction as an opportunity to learn, help or heal

-Seek to understand first

-Lead with love

-Be kind

-A kind word, gesture or conversation can change someone’s trajectory

-Ask the right questions

-Help empower those around you

-Be intentional, not transactional

What is your theory on human potential?

I believe everyone could fully reach their potential. I also believe it is hard as hell to reach that potential without a support system, guidance, tools, and love.

I read an article about the inequality of “choice sets”. Many Latinos do not have the luxury to choose between two equally great options. Often, the “choice sets” are between a rock and hard place.

It is our responsibility to create opportunities for those who do not have opportunities. It is our responsibility to reach out and help those around us. Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Sonia Sotomayor said it best, “Not everyone can just pull themselves up by the bootstraps-unless you do something to knock it down or help that person up, they will never have a chance”. I am one of those people who never had a chance. And by the grace of God, a few, knocked down the barriers for me.

What is the single most important value to keep in mind when working with students?

We need to be the resource for the student. To ensure their voices are heard and matter. I meant what I said- -I will help you, guide you, fight for you and remind you of your gifts, your excellence, and your worth.

What is the most important thing a student taught you?

Last summer, I had the opportunity to work with two interns from Say Yes to Education Buffalo. What a breath of fresh air. These young ladies were humble, confident, happy, and optimistic. When the internship came to an end one student would resume classes and the other student explained that she had a plan. I asked her, “What do you want to do?” Let me help you. She declared, “I’m going to work for the FBI”. She said it to the universe.

Can you believe she called me in around late January to tell me she got a job working for the FBI in Buffalo, New York? This young, beautiful soul reminded me that “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it”- Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist