I’ve always struggled with feeling comfortable in my identity because of the way my hair looks compared to those around me. It’s caused me a lot anxiety and stress. Over time though, I have learned that my hair is a part of me. My film shows the ways I have come to be more comfortable in my skin. Seeing my mom with her own unique hair and talking with others who share the same feelings has allowed to me to realize I’m not alone.
My artwork focuses on the lack of educational opportunities for young farmworkers. I wanted to represent themes of education, health/environmental issues, and social justice for farm workers. As a Latina, I want to highlight some of the struggles in my community and facing people my age.
This poem tells the story of a restless traveler who is driven by an unquenchable thirst for adventure and discovery. Rather than seeking wealth, power, or comfort, they are guided by an inner light—representing courage, curiosity, and the desire to explore the unknown.
The traveler journeys through various landscapes, from deep forests and stormy seas to golden cities and untamed wilderness. They face hardships, including storms, battles, and isolation, but their determination never wavers. Unlike those who settle down or seek security, they are destined to keep moving, learning, and evolving.
The poem suggests that some people are born with an innate need to wander, to seek meaning beyond the ordinary. It ends with an invitation to the reader: if they, too, feel the call of adventure, they should embrace it and become part of the timeless “song” of those who refuse to be confined by limits.
Ultimately, it’s a poem about the spirit of exploration, the beauty of the unknown, and the courage to follow one’s own path.
My entry represents different civil rights issues that impact me, my family, and my friends. I wanted to symbolize that people and peaceful protests make their mark on the world in order to help others come together and fight for human rights. I also wanted to show that the road has been rough and these issues aren’t going away but that doesn’t mean we should ever stop fighting for what’s right.
This piece was greatly inspired by the 2024 election and the way our human rights as women are declining. My piece reflects that idea of women fading away to being treated as second class citizens. It also represents the reality with the wrong man coming into power that will continue this shift back in time. I would say this piece properly represents the injustice that is taking place right now. I hope this makes us women feel unified and rise up in a difficult time.
This piece highlights the importance of peaceful protest. Like Dolores Huerta, it shows the resilience minorities have when they work together nonviolently. There are so many movements that fight for civil rights currently. I couldn’t pick just one. Collaboration and solidarity between people is powerful, and can uplift others.
My entry for the hope category is to highlight the efforts of firefighters. This month the California fires have destroyed over 10,000 homes and pose a very dangerous risk to the health of communities. These fires are terrifying and have caused so much destruction yet in times like this the most important thing is to have hope. My artwork depicts a home burning and a firefighter putting it out. The firefighter is an array of vibrant colors with a blue aura surrounding him and reflecting on the structure in front of him. This blue is not only meant to be a contrast to the warm colors behind him, it is to represent the power that comes from the strength and courage to help others in such dire times.
I chose the category ‘Justice’ because it resonated with me.
The Phantom of the Opera was was outcast from society and forced underground. Throughout the story, in seeking justice, he inflicts the pain he felt back onto others, creating a cycle of injustice. The story is both a critique of an intolerant society and a critique of those who view the world with an ‘an eye for an eye’ perspective.
Plant growth in Antarctica has skyrocketed in recent years, an indication that the world’s climate is permanently changing, and a harrowing reminder of the severity of climate change