Maria Corrales "Remember that in the darkness there is always a light at the end of the road"

Quick look I born in Ciudad Obregon Sonora, Mexico on September 08 2004. I am 17 years old and I'm a senior at Wyandotte High school.

"Be yourself, do not stop dreaming that good changes in life come from dreamers."

“Being different does not make you weird, it makes you unique"

ELEANOR FITZGERALD

I am from poem I am from a colorful place From the flowers and tree have beautiful colors I am from where the people help others, From the spicy and delicious food I am from a big and greeted place where The people can be free and happiness Whose love the music and dance I am from the ice cream and tacos From my bed and my phone I am from hot chocolate And the arroz con leche From my home and my Mexico I am from posole With chips And lemon I am from a place where you can be What you want to be I am from the music that I listed To the person that loves I am from a wonderful place were I grow up And that I will never forget.

My Dragon

"Don't forget that you are the owner of your mind and by facing your fears you can have a calm and better life."

Letter from my future self 12/ 06/ 2021 Dear Maria Corrales from the future this is you at the age of 17 you are strong and you almost make it- the graduation is more closed than you think. I know sometimes it can be hard but at the end there always exists a light in the darkness. I am proud of all you effort during those difficult times you did it during the Pandemic and all the others difficult things that have happened during this years always go with the hand of god he always going to protect you and never forgot where you came from and all the things that your parents teaches you during your childhood and your time living with them maybe when you read this letter you have reached all you old goals and now you have new goals in mind maybe have a family or travel the world; don’t forget that you have people that loves you by the way you, and that no everyone thinks the way of you. Think about others and don’t forget that we live in a world where the humans can hurt you emotionally and physically that why you need to be careful and not trust everyone just you more closed family because you don’t know that person no one can say that you know well a person take care of yourself and you family I am very proud of being you.

Sincerely Maria Corrales

Artist’s Statement Sometimes we have thought that a problem or fears controls own path - lives; When I came to the United states I was so scare and one of my fears was being separate of my family, our family is that piece of the puzzle that make us feel happier and that help us to keep looking forward; we are humans and we have feelings we need someone to talk and someone to being ourselves. “ The brave man is not the one who does not feel fear, but the one who conquers that fear.” During all these processes I learned a lot of things, one of them was to be brave and that you can decide for yourself no matter what other people think of you. My project is represented in various ways, one of them is the strength of facing their fears, which is what makes us happy in life and the importance of the roots of where we come from. During the process of my work, I tried to talk about my things but I also tried to attract the attention of readers since we are human, we all have moments in which we can identify with other people.While I was doing this job I feel very good because I can see the meaning of life and that the things we do make a big change in our life and in the lives of others, as well as I can see myself learn more about me and the things that should change thing. This project is very interesting and easy to do because it belongs to oneself and to learn and know who we really are, if in the future I had to do it again, I would do it again, it would be a little more people just for me.

Quick Facts

Born on : July 4th, 2003 In Topeka, KS Zodiac : Cancer Age: 18 Class of 2022

" Push yourself to grow into the person you know you can become" - Unkown

To describe me Chill Goofy Fun Intelligent Motivated Loyal Introverted

My childhood was lots of fun and many memories, I don't remember certain memories from each year but I do remember who was there for me and my family. I remember growing up having my little sister as a baby and me and my other older sister helping my mom when she was pregnant with my little sister, to fold towels, and helping her clean. I was 5 at the time because I and my little sister are 5 years apart. I also was always with my godmothers and godfathers all the time. My mom would get sick a lot so they would take care of us. My godmother would always throw the biggest parties for the holiday, the one that stuck with me was Easter. It was one of my favorite holidays because we would get big easter baskets that were made just for us. I always felt so spoiled by them. They made my childhood so meaningful. I would also spend a lot of time with my nieces and nephews. My mom would take care of them or my sister would take care of me and my sibling (Vice versa). We are all close in age. I also remember being with my mom a lot, I would always go out with her to eat, go shopping and she would always get me chips and a soda. I would love chips, I still do it's my favorite snack since a kid. She would also prepare me and my sisters a bowl of fruits with lime, chile and it was so good. I love all these people, they made me, me.

I am from an old blue hairbrush, From Hot Cheetos and barbies. I am from the big old blue house with a porch, large, homely, a warm inviting environment I am from a rose, red flawless rose with thorns. I'm from pinatas at each birthday party and brown eyes. From Maya and Nayeli I'm from the “always making jokes” and complaining about how cold it gets in the winter. From “say grace before you eat” and “don’t eat too much candy” I am from Christians, where we believe in god and the holy spirit. I am from Topeka, Kansas, Mexican Americans, rice, and tacos. From all the times playing with Damyan as kids.

Life is not always easy, I feel like the older I get the more responsibilities and struggles it comes with. They say “life doesn't get easier” and it is true. A struggle I have faced is eating right and staying healthy. It’s hard for me because there are days where am in a rush and I don’t have time to cook for myself so I just go out to get something quick to eat like fast food. It’s become a bad habit that I need to break and still am working on. When I go out to eat I try to have more decent options like Panera and Chipotle. Maybe they're not the best options but it's way better than McDonald's, wings and pizza with a lot of fat in it. I have also been trying to stay consistent with drinking water and my daily vitamins to help me out with my health.

This year was my first year coming back to “regular” school, online wasn’t an option anymore for anyone this year. I decided to challenge myself and take college classes. Am taking public speaking & Anatomy and Physiology this semester. As you may know, Anatomy and Physiology is a hard class. It’s a lot of remembering material and studying. At the beginning of the year, I was feeling so overwhelmed with this class because I didn’t know how to study correctly. I would just read over my notes like three days before the exam and felt lost. I had to tell a teacher I was struggling with this class, they gave me the advice to watch youtube videos over the section of class we were on, go over my notes each day, use flashcards, draw pictures. And that’s what I did, it helped me because I am a visual and hands-on learner. I was trying to study in a way that wasn’t my learning style. I am now more confident when taking my exams.

Dear FutureMe, I will be seeing this 5 years from now, am 18 right now. When I see this I will be 22. That's so crazy. Time flies as they say. Can't believe I am in my early 20's now. I hope school is going well for you. Right now you are probably almost done with your dental hygiene program or graduated from it. I hope you're taking care of yourself and your mental health. Don't get so stressed about trying to finish school, you are still very young and have time. Life happens sometimes, and I know you would never give up on anything you set your mind to. Do this for yourself, not anyone else. Be responsible with your money and don't forget to have fun once in a while, you deserve it. Don't ever doubt yourself. Enjoy life, go travel while you can and do all the things you always wanted to do before you decide to have kids. You are still young and have a lot of life ahead of you to have kids. Right now it's about working hard for yourself so when you are older you can relax and enjoy life with less stress and be financially stable for your beautiful future family.

When someone is reading my story I hope they know I am not the type of person to write about myself or open up to people. Like I said a word that describes me is being "introverted", but I did enjoy this assignment it made me reflect on myself and my past. The Hero's journey was represented through my project because I have been through many things in life that I had to overcome to be my strongest version of myself today. Just like a hero overcomes obstacles to save the day. Through my work, I tried to relate to teenagers like me that returned back to school this year due to covid last year they couldn't. Also the bad habits of eating fast food. During these writing tasks, something I found easy was talking about my childhood and the good moments and something I found challenging was being vulnerable and opening up about a challenge or struggle I deal with. If I had to do this again I wouldn't change anything.

Nomi Calm, considerate, adviser and lazy Daughter of Ngun Who love being together, equality, kpop Who hate loud noises, people who only think of themself and people who have an attitude Who fear of darkness, being left out, experiencing new things Who discovered that being an army(fan base name of BTS) is really enjoyable and full with excitement Who want to visit Seoul and go to BTS concert and fan sign to meet and communicate with them Born in Myanmar (Burma) and living in Kansas Mawi

I ALWAYS FELT LIKE I'M BEING LEFT OUT BECAUSE I'M NOT GOOD WITH WORDS. SO, I JUST SMILE AND LAUGH EVEN WHEN I DON'T FEEL LIKE IT. I WAS SCARE OF BEING ALONE SO I SMILE. I ALWAYS THINK I MIGHT HURT OTHERS. I ALWAYS REGRET AFTER WHAT I SAID. BUT, I KNOW NOW THAT THE LITTLE THINK LIKE "HOW ARE YOU" CAN MAKE YOUR DAY. IT'S OK TO TELL IF YOU ARE NOT OK. A TRUE FRIEND AERE THOSE THAT ARE THERE WHENEVER.

I realize that I don't know myself as much as my friend know me. When giving two or more choices, I got lost and don't know what to pick. I feel shy about others reading what I wrote but I hope that the reader know that it is ok to be yourself and ask for help if needed.

born on January 1 2003

likes reading, movies,and Quite time and listening to music and something going out with friends

Tumusifu

ANDREA VILLEGAS CHAVIRA Fun Facts: Was born March 09,2004 in Bakersfield CA. I love sunflowers Cooking/baking

Mi Ultimo Deseo : "por eso aprovecho de cada momento, pues conciente estoy de que no soy eterno"

Beautiful Wild. Dependent

BIOPOEM Andrea Hardworking, determined, charming, Interesting Daughter of wonderful hispanic parents Relationships, money Free, being loved, relatable Disloyalty, love, loneliness Becoming someone, breaking the family chain Learning lessons, understanding life Home where I could be me Villegas Chavira

Initiation

These people here are the people who mean the world to me.

Letter To My Future Self in 15 years Dear FutureMe, Hey girl! How's life... Are you a doctor yet? Are you married, do you have kids? Spill the tea what has happened these pasted years. Have you reached your goals in life? Okay, enough with the question.... tell me what has happened have you learned from your past mistakes? I want you to know that I wrote this on December 3,2021 at study hall. Your best friends are Karen and Neri.... has that changed.Lets get to the point, I just wanted to tell you that you're still that hard working women your parents rise.I don't know what to really tell you(me)...I just a-lot of questions. Remember live your life with no regrets instead of putting yourself down and use that as on more thing to make you stronger. Byeeee!! The one and only one, You(Andrea Villegas Chavira )

My Thoughts From Andrea Villegas Chavira

After reading my portfolio I want you to know that life is too short to not enjoy. Live life with no regrets yet learn from your mistakes.Don't let others paint you an image of fantasy. By understanding a small piece of this you will forever make your life a little easier. Is like learning and understanding what the hero's journey really stands for which is being the hero to your own story. My story does reflect a little on how the hero's journey is played out therefore I am the hero to my own story. I learned life lessons that thought me how to move on in life. This task was yet easy and default because I had to think back to my childhood and back to my present. Which was pretty easy but having to think about what was challenging in life was hard. I did had some pretty bad bumps in the road but never something that I couldn't get passed by. If I was to do this task again I would change a few things. I wouldn't really talk about my life but I would make a story of what should we do different in order to change or bring awareness to younger teens. In the problems we're facing as a community together.

Thank You!

Rebecca Introvert, loving, caring, brave, God-fearing. Daughter of Francoise. Lover of peace, beauty, righteousness, great books, the Bible. Who likes to help other people. Who feels happy, accepted, comforted, peaceful, and loved. Who cares about animals, nature, people, family. Tumusifu Where I’m from I was born in East Africa, in the country of Uganda. I was born 7 months and lived in Uganda until I was about 9 to 10 years old. When my family came to the United States, The government put us to live in Portland Oregon, we lived there about 1 year before my mom decided to move to Kansas City. First, we had to live in someone else’s house because we were new and didn't have a house yet, they said it was okay with them but they changed their mind so we had to find refuge in my mom's new friend’s house. Then we found a home and I started school.

Justice for all United together Stand up for rights The people we trust I stand up for my rights Courage is needed for change Everyone matters

Dear FutureMe, this is not just a letter but a reminder to my future self, Here is my advice to you. you have lived these years seeing a little bit of life a whole new world is waiting for you where you will be successful or not successful but don't worry because you have to believe that God who created the heavens and earth is always with you no matter where you are in life." even though I walk through the darkest valley I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff protect and comfort me". Psalms 23:4 I hope you will become more outgoing and more confident in yourself. You need the courage to help find the right place for yourself in this big perishing world. You must not get overwhelmed with your extreme emotional heart and doubts as it always causes much harm to you. I pray to God to make you strong and to give you the power to love and forgive others. This is the best gift I can give you. You should meet your fears and make your weakness your strengths. You have a great quality of thinking and understanding so help people as much as you can, You will never know what a person is going through or their past be kind and loving. I wish you many blessings and happiness and if somehow in the future I am persecuted for my faith remember Matthew 5:10-12 and Jeremiah 29:11 sincerely yourself.

Ever since I was born I have been fascinated by the endless wonders of the world and its meaning. What starts as chaos leads to a new sense of reality.

I want my readers to feel grace and hope and that even in the midst of trouble they will look to the future in hope for a better one. I want them to set their minds on better things even if they can’t see it now, and that no matter what we are going through or how the world seems to be that there in hope. The darkness can never overcome the light so set your mind on the light always.

MARYI Quick facts I have two younger sisters. I was born in Honduras. BORN APRIL 03,2003

It's better to be criticized for being different than to be compared for being the same.

www.kitchen.com  |  56

I AM FROM I am from a house on the hill From my sisters screaming in the backyard I am from Sunday church From constant laughs and Joy And from “Enjoy every little thing that money can’t buy” I am from get lost in the forest From my cat meowing under the table when all the family is having dinner And from my grandma's farm I am from car rides at midnight And from homemade food I am from old pictures of my grandparents From late nights playing soccer with my friends And from ride horses and milking cows I am from dirty bikes on the front porch I am from beautiful, kind and humble people From listening to my grandpa songs playing his guitar And from loving all the wonderful stories while we’re lying in macas I am from people who overcome darkest times and in the end love and peace always triumphs.

One of my biggest fears has been growing up

Letter from my future self

Look through things that make you feel bad in the past and become the person that you are now. Things that seemed impossible you made it possible to you! I knew that you could with everything. Look all this, the person you dreamed, the life you wanted. Watching you pass through those things is my inspiration now. Can't believe you made it! Even though those crazy things I'm proud of you.

ARTIST'S STATEMENT To enjoy experiences over things. I want people to know that journeys change us and it's about to enjoy the process to the fullest. We are our own heroes. The heroes journey represents a life lesson in this project. Through my work, I tried to point out some important facts about my journey. If I could give some choices to teenagers would be: Don't waste your time trying to be someone else, just be you and enjoy it! I felt free trying to write this task, this has been fun. What I liked the most was that this wasn't stressful. I though writing about myself was going to be so easy but it was a little challenging. If I did this again I would add more moments in which represents the journey most exemplified that happens in our lives.

MUNA GHIMIRAY

WYANDOTTE HIGH SCHOOL SENIORCLASS OF 20212022

Na Ci Lin

Favoruite Quote "The only way to free your mind is to stop caring what other people think."

My Dragon

"Where I’m From" I am from burmese, From the chin culture, clothes and river. I’m from Poor family, From the broom house. I’m from working hard and loving. I'm from never forget to pray at night. from loving family. I am from every time I miss my grandpa and grandma looking for a box of an old picture of them under my bed. I’m from staying strong no matter what and seeing the world as a beautiful place. from I don't care what other people think.

Dear, Future Me I hope when you read this, you are okay. You are not sad, or scared. I hope you accomplished everything you wanted to accomplish. I can only hope, for I don't know what the future holds.I hope you are still close with your family. No matter what they say or do, they are still your family. I hope mom and dad are okay and are doing well physically, emotionally, and mentally. I hope you are close with your sister, because she is the only sibling you have. Although you two may sometimes fight, you have to love her. There is no one out there like her. You may have friends that you are close with, and they may act as your “siblings”, but she is the only one that is truly blood related and you can't change that no matter how bothersome she may get. I really do hope she is doing well. I hope you don't become the same person that you are now, because that means you never experienced new things or stepped out of your comfort zone. I hope life has changed you for the better because of it. I hope you found someone, someone who you trust, someone who will always be there for you. I hope he is your best friend, I hope he takes care of you, and protects you. Be with him through all the ups and downs that life throws at you guys. I hope you are successful with your career Dental Hygiene. I hope you take risks and still end up happy, no matter what happened in the end. I hope you lost as well as found something. I hope you become happy with your choices, your goals, as well as your failures.Be happy in life. Do what makes you happy, not what others want for you. Choose to be happy, life is better when you are happy. Life is too short for what if or possibilities. Take the risk, take the opportunity. Make the choice to be happy. Whatever you do don't regret it.

I want my reader to feel hope and happiness after reading my portfolio.I want them to set their goal for their future and have a better life. I also want them to know that no matter what other people think of you, Don't mind them. It's your life and your choice, do whatever you want. In the end, it's always worth it and you will get what you want.

About Me MUNA GHIMIRAY

I was born in Nepali. i am 18 years old. I lived in U.S for almost 11 years now. MY BIRTHDAY 07/28/2003

HOBBIES AND LIKES I LIKE TO READ COMIC BOOKS AND LISTEN TO MUSIC, COOK, AND COLOER.

I like to sleep, hang out with friends, watch t.v, and be alone.

FAVORITES

DEPARTURE

BIOPOEM

Muna Straight forward, funny, alert, Daughter of Akil and Shunchu Who loves to be alone, hang out with my friends and listen to music. Who hates being judged, being told what to do, and getting attention. Who fear being wrong, embarrassing myself, and failing. Who has accomplished time management and learned fluent English. Who wants to travel, wants to be a doctor and enjoy life Born in Nepali, lives in the U.S. Ghimiray

The first time I was scared of the dark was when I was 7 or 8. I am from Nepali and when I came here I did not know anything about here. In my first year, it was really hard to get along with all these things then slowly I start to get along with the new thing. I live in an apartment where my uncles, auntie, and their kids but then we moved to a house that was close to our old apartment. On our first day in that house at night, even though it was not that late it was dark and I started getting scared. I was in the living room, watching tv so did not know where was my mom at. I wanted to check the rooms but it was dark that I could not go to the room but I walk all the way back to my old apartment with my grandparents and later when my parents came to get me, mom told me she was in the room. Right now I am 18 but I still get scared of the dark. My parents started to work at night so I get scared but now I kind of have the confidence to stay home alone at night.

Return Dear me You are doing very do but you need to focus and start to do works on its time. Don’t let anybody’s comment get you at all and start loving yourself. You can do anything if you give your 100%, never give on your dreams you will achieve your dreams after 10 years. Never forget who you are, where you are from, what you were, and never let that stop you from doing anything. Never forget your mistake but learn from it, don’t repeat it, and try to improve from it. Don’t be afraid of trying new things. It is okay to be wrong sometimes you will not learn if you are afraid of being wrong, you will not go far if you keep thinking about these things. Start to speak up for yourself there is nothing wrong with that. There is nothing wrong with being sad, frustrating, confused, and exhausted everyone feels that not just you. You are doing good and keep going. Love Muna FROM 2040 TO 2021

Artist Statement

what I want the people who are reading this to understands is you should fight your fear to overcome and not run away from it, and second is you are the hero and the villain and it depends on you to chose what you want to be. I liked how i got to chose from the activities. I really didn't hate anything doing this. If I did this again I would make it a litter more fun.

couragous and adaptable

my name is susant and i am from nepal, i was born in nepal and live in kansas city right now Add a little bit of body text

i like this quote

CLASSROOM BUZZ • A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

day 1 departure biopoem Susant Adventureus happy calm Student of wyandotte high school School being at home and talking to friends Happy sad tired Falling failing rats Passed all my grades, now a senior Having a nice car being happy and being rich Kansas city kansas pokhrel OCTOBER 2019

PAGE | 02

day 2 personal essay activity 2

In my life story when i was 15 the corona virus hit and we were in lockdown for a month, then it was over but i was still in quarantine, i was in quarantine for a few months, and then i started going outside again.when i was in quarantine i gained some weight but after it was over i started going outside and lost more weight then what i was before the virus started. And then we had online school around September and I was 16 and it was pretty hard to do things online. But I was just doing some online school work and exercising and just chilling for a couple months before april. In April we had physical school again and I fixed my grades there. And i've just been chilling, having fun and working now. I am the main character in my story. I am still going on in the story and the story hasn't come to an end. I am still on the story and that little part from 2020 march to 2021 november is just a chapter that i shared, there were many chapters before that I was young when the virus hit and all the changes were pretty scary, it was a new experience because nothing like that has ever happened to me before. But we all got through it together. Now the virus is dieng down and now everything is going back to normal, we still do have to wear masks but what’s going on right now is way better than when this virus started. Right now my life story is in my senior year and there is still a lot of things yet to happen that I can add to my story but for right now. I am going going on with life and seeing where it takes me

day 3 activity 2 letter to my future self

When you are struggling you have to know there is gonna be a better time than what you are going through now and don't give up and have good grades, make good decisions and help people out. And if things are going good then be happy and if you are feeling sad imagine yourself in a worse situation, like for example if you are mad at your grades you have to think about things like what if you had bad grades AND you didn't have a place to sleep. This will help you not take things for granted and make you focus on the positive side of your situation, and if you are mad don't make decisions because you are not your true self when your mad and it is not a good state of mind, so don't make decisions when you are mad because they can change your whole life.

susant pokhrel

artists statement i wasnt people to know that i am a nice person with good life goals i used day 1, 2,3 and activities from each day to complete this hero's journey i was engaging the audience by talking alot on the paragraphs and making them long trying to get the reader to keep listening and finding what i say interesting by changing what i talk about in diffrent activities i likes this writing task because it made me thing about myself and my goals and typing my life and thoughts down helped me think about the future, i did not really find anything challenging, it was pretty fun

if i was to redo this i would choose questions because i would like to think about diffrent questions and make slides about them answering questions and explaining now i feel.

TL

Accomplishments

In the college on the first side is how i felt when my granpa died, i felt dead on the inside and lonlel. As the time went by and my god baby was brought into my life i learned to see things on the brightwer side.Thats what the 2nd half is, and seeing things for the brighter side means knowing i have someone now watching over me

Artist statment

JAMIR SMITH MY STORY

JI FUN FACTS ABOUT ME!!! I WAS BORN AND RAISED IN KANSAS CITY 06/17/2004 I AM 17 A GEMINI I HAVE A TWIN I HAVE 8 SIBLINGS

SKILLS

www.amandawillis.com

biopoem

Jamir important , loving , genuine , active Friend of miheret kena Learning new thing about yourself everyday , writing letters to myself Love , Hate and happiness Failing myself , losing my self love again , wasting my time on things that don’t matter Growing as a person How her life is going to be in the next 5 years ,and to keep learning about myself Kansas city Smith

Picture Collage I pick these 7 pictures because they show growth. I have made it over the years, last year I didn't even take pictures cause I didn't think I looked pretty. but now I take pictures

The return My return was one of my biggest accomplishments in life. the death I faced to have this rebirth was something crazy, the death that made me want to change was when my 3 biggest man roles left my life. it was something hard to face but I would like to believe that's what made me into the jamir I’m now. at first, I wasn’t willing to try and have this rebirth because I thought I would never be the same as the old jamir. I was right but it end up having a good outcome and I'm in love with the person I rebirth.

Artist's Statement If you believe something would just happen. I want yall to understand that things happen and all it takes is divine timing. Just know it’s okay to grow and change, it’s always for the better. The way I used the hero’s journey, I started by explaining what made my death and how it affected me for the better. Then I talked about how my return is the best person I have met. I engaged my audience by telling them how bad my story was with every emotion and feeling I had in my body.

I appeal to the people reading by telling them all my experiences on my hero’s journey. These writing tasks were hard but I got it done, the best I could do. I liked how I could tell people my story. I didn’t like how long it took me to do it. The canvas slides was easy but finding the right template was hard . what would i do differently is add more picture and give it more life and character.

AUGUST 2020 | ISSUE NO. 4

YULISSA VALLE my story

Yulissa Caring, sympathetic, and trustworthy Daughter of Gonzalo & Mercedes and a friend to all Who loves freedom, family and nature Who hated injustice, bullying, and social media beauty standards.. Who feared being no one in life, who feared the homeless won't make it through the night with the unbearable cold, Who feared that i won't be able to pay back all that my immigrant parents did for me. Who accomplished becoming a cna at 17 when i didn't even know if i was going to make it through another school year two years ago. Who wanted to see an end to body shaming, who wanted change Mexican american, raised in Kansas city Valle.

Quick look

The latest on this month's issue:

T H E WI NT E R C OLOR PALE T T E - 3

Yulissa Valle-Barraza,17 born December 17th 2003 in Kansas city, Kansas. astrology sign: Sagittarius ♐ youngest of two, have an older sister.

a l l e b Isa “ Que?” I heard my mom with a slight panic in her voice as I was sitting on my stairs, trying to figure out what's wrong with her facial expressions while I already have a feeling it's about my niece. My mom is speaking to sister on the phone Christmas eve but it doesn't seem like good news, it was more than just the meat market running out of “masa” for the tamales. As I so eagerly am trying to get my mom's attention quietly while she's on the phone, trying to figure out what's happening, my mom finally puts her phone down and informs us that my sister's water just broke! Me and my dad are standing in shock while my mom is trying to explain everything to us while panicking, my sister calls us back trying to calm my mom down reassuring her that everythings going to be okay, “as if my moms the pregnant one”, i say to my dad as we’re giggling, my sister goes on and tell us that her water broke at work in between working with patients, “ melissa you need to go to the hospital” my mom insists as my sisters on her way home still having plans to go shower and then go over there, “ mom im fine!” my sister says.

2 be continued...

A special gift came early this year.

Since it was christmas eve, as usual we were cooking tamales, helping my mom with the last bit of desserts she needs to finish, i start smelling the warm smell of tamales while the penny is starting to ding indicating that they are ready, i quickly get sad realizing my only sister won't be here this christmas and neither will my mom due to her being by my sisters side throughout all of this. As it starts getting closer to 6, my mom finishes getting me ready for the annual christmas dinner that our whole family has while she's getting ready to go support my sister at the hospital. As the night goes on, I keep calling them on my mom's old blackberry to give us updates. My mom then tells me we're getting closer and closer to meeting my niece. I'm excited more than anything but in the back of my little 10 year old anxious mind, I'm still worried. As the clock arrives at 9pm i do one more check up with my sister, she calmly tells me she's currently at 9cm dilated and in her words “ be ready to meet her, she’ll come any minute now, being so excited i tell my cousins and we gather around to say a prayer for my sister and her baby, i get a call from my mom saying that she's going to start pushing now in a very excited but motherly voice and she quickly hangs up . I tell everyone as im jumping out of excitement, and not even 15 minutes later i get a call from my mom, i'm thinking “ that was really quick”, as i answer the phone my mom is screaming with excitement and from her trembling voice filled with emotions, she says '' tiene el pelo chino!!!!” my mom says “ her hair is so curly!!!!” She says this with such excitement because we always imagined my niece with curly hair. And at that moment, my heart was filled with peace.

DESTINED FOR GREATNESS Yulissa, I am so incredibly proud of you. You did it, I know you’re often insecure and doubt your abilities to succeed but deep down you knew you were going to make it, you knew you were going to be something in life that makes others often regret ever crossing your path and taking you for granted, you knew. Everything you could have possibly dreamed of came true, every single aspect of your dream life, but this wouldn't have been possible without everyone around you that was rooting for you, from my parents and my sister always telling me “ you can do it, stop doubting yourself!” to the random stranger that told me they were proud of me the other day and also that little voice in my head who used to shut out my anxiety by saying “ stop overthinking!!! Just do it!!!” But I give myself credit more than anyone for being gentle with myself when times were so overwhelming that I wished time would just stop… for one second, just to let me catch a break, but I didn't take a break, I went beyond my limits and pushed myself to do better for me!!!, no one else.. Because you finally realized nothing in this world should be more valuable and important to me than myself, thank god you finally realized that. Please don't ever change, no matter how many times people try and take advantage of you, never change that heart of gold that you have, the sympathy and warmth that you have in your heart for others should never change, you might not understand now why people do the things they do but your acts of kindness never goes unnoticed and will be repaid back to you in the most beautiful way possible, trust me. I ask for you to keep choosing peace, you deserve that. Thank you for not giving up. And most importantly you never let your anxiety end you, I am proud of you.

Artist statement i want people to walk away knowing that you are your own hero, don't wait for someone to save you, save yourself, you have the ability to if your'e dedicated on working on yourself. The hero's journey was represented in my project mostly by self love, i want everyone to know that no one is gonna dig you out of that hole your'e in besides yourself, theres always a happy ending to you choosing yourself. i was engaging my audience by admiring mental health and talking about real world problems that they can relate to such as school messing with your mental health. What i liked about these writing tasks was the amount of options we had, to actually have multiple options on what we wanted to write about, something i don't like so much was using canva, yes its really pretty and neat but i found it sort of difficult to work (yes i watched the videos) , the only thing i would change is the amount of time we had to do this, but overall, i really enjoyed this assessment so far more than the other 2 we've done.

Elizabeth Vasquez

My nickname is Eli and I was born on August 4th in Kansas City Kansas. My favorite thing to do is watch the sunset and listen to music. Another thing I like to do is try new food every Wednesday with my friends Nat and Adri. I also have a dog named Luna.

X

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My favorite songs are Sign Of The Times and Fine Line by Harry Styles.

Elizabeth indecisive, funny, loving, caring Daughter of Cecilia Serrano and Alberto Vasquez Who loved the moon, sunsets and nature The joy of watching sunsets with your friends, being anxious while meeting new people, who loved to help out animals The fear of losing a loved one, the fear of anxiety of public speaking, the fear of not giving yourself a better future Stepping out of my comfort zone and joining a sport in school Wanted to travel the world, go to a harry syles concert, but most importantly wanted to make her parents proud Born in Kansas Vasquez I woke up one morning The sky was pink and the sun was rising My dog was waiting for me outside my door, her tail wagging. My mom made my favorite breakfast And my room was the perfect amount of coldness to be comfortable with a blanket. I had a smile on my face, This morning. Maybe life wasn't so bad after all.

It's exhausting. Rethinking everything a hundred times before I get the courage to do it. Never a quiet moment in my head. "Should I have done that?" "What if I did something wrong?" "What if I stutter? Or maybe I won't speak loud enough." Rehearsing every single word exactly how I want to say it in my head before my mouth even opens. The never-ending nervousness.

I stare at the mess my room has become My grades have dropped And most of my assignments are marked with a missing I can't bring myself to talk to my family or friends or answer my phone But I have an awful feeling in my stomach A fear of failure A fear of disappointing everyone including myself I am afraid that I am in too deep I feel nauseous And I feel guilt I feel an immense ammount of shame And I can't figure out why I am unable to just get out of bed I have overwhelming thoughts of anxiety Because there's so much to do But not enough in me to do it

YES! You’ve accomplished everything you wanted to do! You finally did it. I am so proud of you, of the person you’ve become, and of how much you’ve grown over the years. I can not express enough how much we love ourselves now. All those years of hard work paid off and you are finally happy. Don’t worry about how much life sucks and live in the moment. All those nights crying won’t matter anymore because we are free and don’t have to worry about pleasing everyone else. You had many friends come and go and some relationships didn’t work out and that's for the best. Everything doesn’t have to be sad, sometimes friendships and relationships aren't meant to be and that’s okay. The two friends you had senior year did stay! You guys even traveled the world together as you always wanted. After high school you took a gap year and wanted to figure yourself out and you did. Your parents even supported you because your happiness is their priority and they wanted to do anything that was possible to keep a smile on your face. Growing up was rough but it made you stronger and made you realize life is too short to not live it how you want. You always cared about what people said about you, I know you pretended it didn’t affect you but it’s okay to have emotions and show them. It’s okay to be vulnerable, you don’t always have to hide it. If something bothers you then you should speak up and not let it eat you alive. That boy always cared for you and he truly made you happy. He saw you for who you really are and not who you pretend to be and he still likes you. You should stop pretending to be someone you're not and be happy with your true self and if people don't like you then that's on them. Doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks about you as long as you love yourself and are happy with yourself.

It's a strange feeling. As if you're watching grains of sand slip through your fingers when you inhale the cold winter that reminds you of a few years back. The memories come in like a flash, and for a second you feel as if you are there. Young and giddy, running along with friends, and huge smiles painting over your faces. That strange feeling ends as soon as it started, and you're in the present time. A sentimental wave of longing for that fimiliar comfort you once had in simpler times now nags at your brain. It's a strange feeling indeed.

When people read my portfolio I want them to understand me as a person a little better. Not everyone is perfect and live the best lives. I want them to see my struggles so it can remind them that they are not alone. The hero's journey was represented through my project by showing how I struggled at first with anxiety and then towards the end it shows that things do get better. I think the choices that I made to talk about anxiety appeals to teenagers because it shows them that they are not alone in this and that everyday is a stuggle but also everyday it does get better. I liked writing the poems because I got a chance to express myself.

MY

STORY Cristina Villafuerte

ARTISTS STATEMENT I WANT PEOPLE TO FEEL LIKE THEY KNOW ME A LITTLE BETTER AFTER READING MY ASSIGFNMENTS. I WANT THEM TO BE ABLE TO RELATE TO MY STORIES AND FIND CONFORT IN KNOWING THAT THEY WERENT THE ONLY ONES DEALING CERTIAN ISSUES. I KNOW I MYSELF HAVE BEEN STRUGGLING WITH BEING UNMOTIVATED AND HAVING TROUBLE FOCUSIMG IN SCHOOL AND I THINK A BIG PART OF THAT IS DUE TO EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED WITH COVID OVER OVER THE PAST YEAR AND A HALF. I TRIED TO APEAL TO OTHER TEENAGERS BY TALKING ABOUT ISSUES I HOPED THEY COULD RELATE TO.

WHERE I AM FROM POEM

I am from tortillas, From lawn mowers and weed trimmers. I am from the small cramped corner store. From “echale ganas mija.” I am from tamales and molé, From family trips to visit my uncles in colorado I am from baby sitting at lupe’s house.

DRAGON COLLAGE

LETTER FROM MY FUTURE SELF YOU FINALLY DID IT, YOU MADE IT TO COLLEGE YOU SHOULD BE SO PROUD OF YOURSELF. YOU’RE THE FIRST IN YOUR FAMILY TO ATTEND COLLEGE AND YOU’RE PAVING THE WAY FOR YOUR LITTLE SISTER AND BROTHER, YOU’RE MAKING IT SO THE IDEA OF GOING TO COLLEGE DOESN’T SEEM SO FAR FETCHED TO THEM. YOU’RE FINALLY MAKING ALL YOUR PARENTS SACRIFICES WORTH IT, YOU’RE MAKING THEM PROUD WHICH I KNOW HAS BEEN THE ONLY THING YOU’VE BEEN TRYING TO DO SINCE 7TH GRADE. I KNOW YOU MAY NOT BE FEELING THE BEST ABOUT YOURSELF RIGHT NOW BUT PLEASE KNOW THAT YOU WILL SOON PICK YOURSELF BACK UP AGAIN, YOU’LL FEEL LIKE YOURSELF AGAIN JUST GIVE GIVE IT TIME.I KNOW THINGS HAVEN'T ALWAYS BEEN EASY FOR YOU BUT I AM PROVE THAT HARD WORK ACTUALLY PAYS OFF. I WANT TO GIVE YOU THE ADVICE I KNOW YOU NEED RIGHT NOW, AND THAT IS TO WORK HARD IN ALL YOUR CLASSES IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU THINK THEY ARE IMPORTANT OR NOT, YOU NEED TO GIVE IT YOUR ALL. ESPECIALLY IN YOUR LAST YEAR, NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO SLACK OFF.YOU NEED TO KEEP WORKING HARD TO IMPROVE YOURSELF AND ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT THINGS WILL ONLY GET HARDER FROM HERE, SO LEARN TO DEAL WITH THE OBSTACLES YOU HAVE IN FRONT OF YOU RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN TACKLE HARDER AND MORE IMPORTANT OBSTACLES IN THE FUTURE.

ANGELICIA OROZCO Birthday: December 8, 2003

Who am I? I am someone who struggled alot at a kid, but was always appreciative. I am someone who tried hard in school because it was all I had. I am someone who wants to be someone.I am someone with goals, ambitions, and plans for myself.

-Maya Angelou

ANGELICIA OPTIMISTIC, LOVING, PERSEVERANT DAUGHTER OF RICHARD OROZCO AND YVONNE LOPEZ WHO LOVES COOKING, LISTENING TO MUSIC, AND HER FRIENDS WHO FACED HARDSHIPS, DEPRESSION, AND HAD HOPE AGAIN WHO FEARED THE LOSS OF LOVED ONES, THE GUN VIOLENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY, AND NOT BEING SOMEONE I CAN BE PROUD OF WHO GOT ACCEPTED TO HER TOP CHOICE COLLEGES WHO HOPES ALL HER DREAMS COME TRUE, WHO WANTS TO SEE A CHANGE IN THE HEARTS OF PEOPLE IN THE WORLD, WHO WANTS TO OWN A FARM SOMEDAY LIVES IN KANSAS CITY OROZCO

This feeling was often felt Disappointed again It was the same lie you often told “I promise I’ll stay” Disappointed again I kept hope in my heart “I promise I’ll stay” Gone again I kept hope in my heart I couldn't help but still love you Gone again I was only a kid I couldn't help but still love you You were my mom I was only a kid This feeling was often felt

Someday I'll love Angelicia Orozco Eventually you’ll realize you were never a burden And that you were loved all along Be proud of how far you've come Despite all the sad days and the times you felt hopeless Eventually you’ll realize the demons surrounding you were only in your head And that they can't take over unless you let them Its okay that you often need reassurance` And that you spread love always even when it isn't returned Eventually you’ll love the way your curls fall in front of your face And the way they often are frizzy Eventually you'll understand why things had to happen this way and be at peace with the loved ones you lost One day all your dreams will come true and youll look back on these times and realize how strong you were Someday You'll love yourself unconditionally

After reading my portfolio I hope people understand that you can still make a beautiful living for yourself and have dreams depite the battles you faced as a child. Personally I feel like I am still on my heroes journey, but there were obsticles that I had to overcome in my life. to be where I am today. My portfolio shows some of the things I had to deal with as a kid, but that was only the surface. I talked about some of the problems I face now like how I need reassurance and the "demons" I face. Many people my age go through things they don't talk about because they may feel weak or like they have no one to go to so then they eventually lose themselves. I am on my journey of finding out who I am, im making mistakes but learning from them and applying them to myself to try and be the best version of me that I can be. The healing process is very complicated, one moment you feel happy and like you're making accomplishments. Then the next you feel like you're back in that hole again. With that being said know that you are doing amazing on your journey and that there's nothing you can't overcome. you just need to push yourself and learn to have patience. Take life one day at a time and live in the moment.

AMINA Art and Design

page 06

Photographer

page 15

ONLY IN HUMAN!

Mother page 25

DEPARTURE

WHERE I AM FROM I am From Dry desserts and burning Rays I am From Nile Rivers I am From old clothes and worn out shoes I am from Mud Houses Roaring Rivers I Am from Where the lions roar in the jungle the zebra runs with its heard and the rhino guards it’s territory I am from a place with Milk and Honey and mothers carrying their young on their made shift baby carrier I Am from Old ladys and canes Red hair,bare feet children,a land of divine choice I am from where the rain brings wanted relive I Am from Where nobel Prize Winners are Born I am from Native Africans and Turkans Fending off their land I Am from Poachers Sneaking in the night and killing The motherlands Animals I am From Dirt bathrooms and floor Fires I am from my mom and dad Bones I am from The East a country full of history and pain I am From beauty and Grace

Someday ill love me Someday if not today but someday You will learn to love your smile and all its flaws I know your shine and light has been taken over and over throughout the years That you have lost yourself to find yourself again the cloud that rained above your head has faded someday if not today but someday you will learn to love everything That people find weird about you but find your true self in Someday you will love your scar that saved your son life, the skinny dangy body that holds your heart and soul and you will look in the mirror and say i love me even when i you want to some days I will love my crooked smile and weak eyes that need glasses. I will love being who i am without feeling embarrassed for being different because different is beautiful and different is what makes me. Someday if not today but someday i will love me.

Return

ARTISIT

Statement I WANT TEEN MOMS AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO HAVE COURAGE WHEN THEY READY MY STORY THAT IT WILL GET EASIER AND ANYTHING CAN BE ACHIEVED IF YOU PUT YOUR MIND TO IT

I BECAME A HERO IN MY OWN STORY I LOST AND SACARFIED SO MUCH BUT CAME THROUGH IT AT THE END STRONG

A time when I had to step out of my comfort zone was when I started my freshman year at wyandotte. I didn't know anybody here so I was very shy and didn't talk to people but soon as I met my best friend we started talking a lot and I got more comfortable with her then we started going to each other's house almost every weekend. I overcame being shy because she was the first person at wyandotte to start a conversation and we just became super close with each other & it changed me because now I'm no longer shy.

JULISSA BOLIVAR

Who am I? MAY. 25, 2004

17 year old hispanic female Loves soccer and has played soccer since 11 years old Born and raised in Kc Middle child and only girl of 3 kids Has a big heart Loves spending time with family and friends

Julissa Strong, kind, loving, smart Daughter of Humberto and Gabriela, sister to Angel and Humberto Jr Who loved late night soccer games and going to parties Who loved the beautiful sky and the moon , who loved every one that loved her, and who hated disrespect Who feared losing another loved one, who feared one day we all won’t exist, and feared the world will end as the years go by Who accomplished having a 4.0 GPA all through middle school Who wanted to see stricter gun laws, and see no more hate in her city Born and living in Kansas City, Kansas Bolivar

Letter from My Future Self Congrats! After all the hard work you have done, it paid off. After all the effort, dedication, anger, stress and all those sleepless nights are now worth it. After wanting to give up so many times you pushed through, you didn't give up and now you’re here, walking the stage of your dream school. The University you always dreamed about since you started high school. Seems as if all your dreams have come true so far. Since you were little you always wanted to become a nurse, you always wanted to help people. Look at you now though, graduating with your degree in nursing and becoming the Registered Nurse you always dreamed of. You weren't alone through this hard process, even when you felt like nobody was there, your family was there through this long ride of yours. All those years of education were for your own good, but part of the reason you kept going was for mom and dad. After everything they did for you and your siblings this was the least you can do for them. They moved to a whole other country to have a better life for our family. Better opportunities were here. Our education means everything to them. All they want to do is see their kids succeed. Older brother graduated four years ago, and now it’s your turn. You see, anything is possible, it always seems impossible until it is done. “Anything is possible for those with a dream, a plan, determination to make it happen no matter what.” All you had to do was believe in yourself. Hopefully after all the trouble you went through these past few years you realize it is important to never give up on yourself. I don't think anything else can be more challenging than what you just went through, but who knows, sometimes things get thrown your way unexpectedly, and you can possibly get hit... more like you DEFINITELY will get hit knowing you. You're like a magnet, always attracting the opposite of what you want. Something negative always happens in your life out of nowhere. Either life just sucks, you have bad luck, possibly karma or you just suck. But no matter what obstacles are thrown your way, NEVER GIVE UP. Let me keep this short, don’t want to bore you, knowing you hate to read. This is a new beginning to your life. I hope you are as proud as I am right now. This is the proudest I've been of you. I can’t wait to see you achieve all your other accomplishments in life and may all your other dreams come to life. Once again, don’t ever stop trying! So so proud of you. Now you can go party and celebrate wooo!

Artist Statement After reading my portfolio, I want people to walk away knowing that anyone can be hero. Everyone's hero journey will be different, and no matter what happens you can get through it. My hero's journey was represented by the many obstacles I had to go through in my life. Losing someone you love can affect you really bad. To overcome a loss you have to pick yourself up day by day until you can accept it. I personally liked these writing tasks because of the different options we had, we were able to choose which ever one we wanted and I think that made this easy. The only thing I didn't like is the amount of time we had to complete this. If i did this again, the thing I would change is the amount of time we had. I would have liked to have a couple days more or maybe a week.