This is a stop motion video I created and even without the content, it shows that anyone can create a piece like this even if they are not particularly tech-savvy. It shows my hard work in 30 seconds, and even though it may not seem like a long period to most, that mere 30 seconds took a lot of time to create.
Class of 2020
The Illusion Of Inclusion
I believe that as a leader you can do two things: either dig people deeper into their illusions and create false hope or free them of their social standards and stereotypes to reach their fullest potential.
Becoming Manar the Star
I walked into Dunkin’ for one of our pair sessions, and I told my mentor Jaime that I wanted to run for school senate. But I needed a speech. The speech below is a result of our collaboration. This speech motivates me to pursue my dreams.
A Package of Cookies
This piece is about my relationship with my father, and my appreciation towards him for bringing our family to the United States. His sacrifice has given me the opportunity for a better future.
Miss Manners Guide to Preventing Tragedy
I have always loved learning about different historical figures and trying to relate their experiences to my life, often with little success as I am not at a point in my life where I am a founding father or queen of any country; this piece is the fruit of that.
A False Home
We tend to cling to our past and the sense of familiarity because it reminds us of home. This prevents many of us from ever actually trying something new or finding who we’re meant to be. My story takes you on the journey of discovering why home isn’t always home.
75 Years
I wrote this piece after visiting the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site last summer and attending the United Nations Holocaust Memorial Ceremony on January 27, 2020. Seventy-five years have passed since the liberation of Auschwitz.
Serein: En Vida y En Muerte
This piece was inspired by a story my grandfather told me when I was younger about shape-shifting beasts in my home country of the Dominican Republic. I introduce you to both his world and a retelling of Mulan as we reach for a way to make our ancestors proud.
Weekends/Weekdays
I awake to my upstairs neighbors yelling and my mom shuffling to get my sister out the door for school. It’s 6:00 a.m. and my mom is shouting my name.
Brown Sugar
This piece is a fictional short story that tells the tale of a young African American girl who comes to the realization of who she is and what it means to her.
Dear Friend
This piece is dedicated to my younger self who deserves the recognition for keeping her head high through all the downfalls presented throughout her life. With all my faults and mistakes, yesterday’s me is still me.
Within Limits
To take our place in history, we must also take a place within ourselves by being conscious of how we feel. Mental health is one of the least discussed yet most prevalent parts of our past, present and future, as our mentality about ourselves and about the world, defines us.
Epiphany
Taking Our Place in History means making contributions to solve societal problems and being accountable for one’s actions.
¡DAVID!
“Rapunzel dear, where are—oh hello, my dear. He is going to be here in ten minutes.”
Distorted Atmosphere
This poem tumbled out of me on a night when I felt lost and confused in my own mind. This is a compilation of my insecurities and social anxieties; I wanted to write this piece for anyone who needs a reminder that they are not alone.