Snapshots: How I Got Here
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As a lifelong dancer, visual artist, and creative spirit, the arts have remained a reliable constant in my life. I have always cherished the sense of community, expression, and purposeful drive that accompanies these art forms. But after putting in hours after hours of practice every week of my life, there came a point in my life when I was no longer satisfied with dance solely as a pursuit for physical and technical prowess. Art, much like life, only felt fulfilling to me if it was directed towards a purposeful intention, bringing awareness to issues and themes that are close to my heart. So when I auditioned for the Dance Department at Santa Clara University on a whim, I was delighted to find the Arts for Social Justice initiative, choreography themed around immigration reform and gender equality, and the department motto: “Dance Meaningfully”. I ended up double majoring in dance and political science with a minor in women’s and gender studies, naturally, because I was eager to dance meaningfully and change the world.
I have always pursued my education with the goal of combining my different passions to make positive social change in the world. Once I realized the Jesuits’ mission of educating the whole person, actively advocating for social justice, and using education to do good in the world--and once I saw how well the university fosters the arts--I knew that Santa Clara University was a good fit for me. Trans-disciplinary thinking is more than just a buzzword for me; it describes the intersections I find among all my passions, because as unrelated as they may seem, I’ve found connection after connection just within the past three years. In that time, I’ve embarked on transformative experiences that have cultivated my vocational discernment. |
Soñadora: DreamerLast year I had the incredible opportunity to work with Teatro Catalina, a nonprofit that increases accessibility of the arts, inspiring and motivating dreamers of all ages in Chinandega, Nicaragua and the surrounding rural area. Teatro Catalina immersed me in a collaborative, cross-cultural exchange of artistic ideas and techniques with the Nicaraguans. From the moment we arrived, our host emphasized building relationships and venturing out of our comfort zones.
Although my Spanish is basic, I was amazed by the conversations I was able to have, and the moments when we communicated solely through movement and acting. I learned Angel’s hip hop moves, and he learned mine. I learned “Nica time” means 2-3 hours late, and that slowing down, taking a step back, and having the patience to trust that everything will work out is invaluable. I learned from visible expressions of love and community that I witnessed at every street corner, every gathering. I learned that “home” can mean music, Catholicism, pan dulce, and family; and that “family” can be chosen. Most of all, I learned that art can be transformative. Reyna, a long-time Nicaraguan participant, broke down in tears when telling how Teatro Catalina saved her from a dark and hopeless time in her life—and for the first time, I saw how theatre can literally be life-changing.
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Shifting Perspectives
My Abuelita (my mom’s mother), who brought an incredible light to my life and everyone's around her, was from Hermosillo, Mexico. She was a talented painter and tennis player, one of the most loving and caring figures in my life, and one of the strongest people I know, battling pancreatic cancer for seven years before she passed. Although a lot of my family still lives in Hermosillo, my immersion trip to Cholula was the first time I was able to visit the country, and I was grateful to explore my personal connection with the part of the world that is 1/4 of my identity.
The ability to communicate even without words was a theme here yet again, as we smiled, worked, ate, and laughed together with those we met, and I found a particular connection with my homestay family. We worked with an inspiring Centro that combines sustainable farming practices, community engagement, and art as interdependent components of what they do. We even engaged with an organization promoting gender equality initiatives that works directly with the Centro. Seeing how their vision has come to life allowed me to entertain the possibilities of how I could connect everything I’m passionate about, and make a difference in a multiplicity of ways that unites a community and fosters tolerance and love. I took the director, Arturo’s words to heart: “When you love what you do as much as I do, it doesn’t feel like work”. One of the most poignant moments was when we visited a Migrant Center, after which we were able to reflect on human broken immigration systems, the hardship and loss of human dignity that they contribute to, and how inequality and violence are often invisible, manifesting in different forms. At times it was extremely difficult to just be a visitor in solidarity, unable to “do” anything about the injustices I came into contact with while I was there. |
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Opportunity Knocks
Last winter, I took a class called Innovation for Social Justice with Keith Warner, which sparked my interest when I didn’t know there was any option like social entrepreneurship out there. I now greatly admire how social entrepreneurs move beyond surface-level engagement with a problem; they’re finding innovative and lasting solutions that break unjust equilibriums instead of temporarily alleviating the symptoms. The more I come into contact with this sector, the more I am encouraged that it could end up being an intersection of my skills, interests, and drive to help others. I have worked for the Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship for the past year, which often involves meeting social entrepreneurs from around the world who have compelling stories to share, and an awe-inspiring impact. My GSBF placement with Innovation Works is an opportunity to leverage my experience working with Miller Center curriculum, and my passion for the impact of social entrepreneurship, to play a role in helping accelerate growth for sustainable social enterprises in Baltimore.
This moment in time evokes both anticipatory excitement and uncertainty for me. As I begin this 9-month journey, I am already intensely preparing and communicating, knowing that things can and will change in the field. As I embrace the unknown with a clear mind and open heart, I am embarking on a promising new opportunity to engage with a specific community, learn immensely, and effect change. I am ever more grateful for this opportunity, and I am looking forward to the journey to come.