Aurora Rising
Why are we showcasing the contributions of our immigrant youth in the city of Aurora? We already know that Aurora has marginalized voices. But are we aware that in a city of immigrants, refugees, people of color, a rainbow of voices, very few of them are actually heard. We tend to hear about the challenges, struggles, and problems of diversity - the surface-level of issues that are brought to the forefront in 1 to 5 minute "piece bites" which we call news.In Aurora, we are surrounded by voices that can never speak up for themselves, including us. Even though we are fluent in English and our native languages (Amharic and Spanish), successful in our education, and involved in our community, we are also too afraid to speak up. This program has bloomed into not just a successful internship but a space for all of us to grow, yes, including us.
Aurora Rising has taught us a lot, maybe a little too much. From working with each intern and with each other, we realized why we need this program, why it was even thought of in the first place. Aurora Rising has amplified the silenced voices that are afraid to be heard, but voices that deserve opportunities. Our participants have let their creativity and curiosity run loose and let themselves focus on advocating for those voices because, if it can be recalled correctly, actions speak louder than words. We have been research-focused and open to all types of communication, which has helped Aurora Rising thrive.
Tsion Hundie and Ariel Xochitla
INTERVIEW
Diaka is a junior in high school, who is passionate about neuroscience. She aspires to become a neurosurgeon and use her interests to improve the lives of her community. Growing up in different schools outside of her city, Aurora, Colorado, she has been able to form her own opinions as well as understand the views of a diverse group of people. Because of this experience, she has come to value education which is the reason why she is involved in this project, Aurora Rising. She hopes her contribution gives insight into the struggles of immigrant families that were not known, because knowledge is always the beginning of change.
Jared Sanchez Villareal
Jared Sanchez Villareal is a Hispanic-American junior in high school located in the city of Aurora, where he was born. He aspires to become a graphic designer/architect but he is also interested in exploring psychology, which has sparked a fascination in understanding the brain and creative processes! For his Aurora Rising project, Jared will interview a psychologist to discuss the intricacies of mental health, from the causes to the symptoms of mental illnesses. He wants to improve his knowledge of the brain and how youth are impacted in their daily lives as they evolve into adults.
Therapist
We’re honored to have our work recognized in a range of publications, platforms, and press features.
POETRY TO MUSIC
ELIAN
Explore a curated collection of our past work, where imagination meets strategy. Each project reflects our drive to deliver thoughtful, effective solutions.
