There are many issues that are wrong in this world. A common one is people not getting along. We all bleed the same color, yet some people hate each other based on their skin color and nationality. This problem needs to change. History has repeated itself, and as a Mexican American, I have seen how difficult it can be for people of color in today’s society. Families are being torn apart just because of their legal status, leaving children without their parents. No one, especially young children, should have to experience that. Immigrant parents and kids have stopped showing up to school/work, fearing that immigration will take them away. Young teenagers have taken their own lives after classmates bully them about their families’ legal status and are threatening that immigration will take them away. They are young kids. Those children that are doing that are learning it from their parents, which is not okay.

 People and kids are living in fear. My people shouldn’t be living in fear for just living in America. Immigrants come to America for a better life for themselves and their families. They are the most hardworking people in America, but they meet lots of fear and discrimination. People of color are afraid to speak up about these problems, fearing something will happen to them. Most times, when POC (People of color) Speak up about something, the people who have privilege often don’t listen and ignore them simply because they don’t care and they think it doesn’t directly affect them. However, It’s frustrating how much we try to speak up, nothing changes we just want to be heard, and we are just asking for acknowledgment and help. We are all human. That’s what’s happening as of right now. We need change. It is such a privilege not to be worried about your rights, freedom, and loved ones being taken away. “Land of the free,” but yet they are ripping families apart like it’s nothing.

After high school, I plan to go to college and major in photography and film. I aim to make a difference in society by directing films that convey powerful messages about what’s going on in today’s world. I believe everyone has a unique story to tell, and through film, I want to share my experiences and emotional connections. I can make a film that lets you understand a little bit more about what it’s like to be a different gender, a different race, a different age, and what people go through. It also helps identify the people who are sharing this journey, people will see the reflection of themselves. My film will have the ability to create empathy by helping people see and feel what others go through, and that could change a person’s perspective. With my short films, I can spread the word about what could happen if we don’t fix a situation that is happening. I can inspire today’s society by expressing my creativity. If my action, sci-fi, nature, and documentary films were to go beyond North America and reach audiences in other countries, it would have the potential to unite people worldwide, creating a sense of unity as a nation and as a community.

Getting an education will give me the skills and knowledge to transform my community. I see education not just as a personal achievement but as a powerful tool for addressing issues and inspiring positive change. I will go back to schools to help the students who want to pursue the Photography/Film field by educating them that camerawork can be a tool for raising awareness about social issues and challenges within the community. I will be able to educate them that documenting experiences helps the community’s history and traditions for future generations. I can also teach them to share their narratives, use their voices for their personal growth, and understand different backgrounds. I can teach them to use visual content to understand and break down stereotypes, talk about environmental issues, and promote diversity and positive change within the community. I’ll have the ability to inspire and motivate students through photography and film to pursue their goals and express themselves freely, bringing the community together.