Aurora Rising
Tsion Hundie
Ariel Xochitla-Chavez
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-Chavez
SURVEY
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 created a survey 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.
Survey Responses
Questions asked:
From what you've seen, how do social media and depressive conditions relate to one another?
How often do you use social media and do you think the time you've spent is positive or negative?
How commonly do you think you've experienced MDD symptoms?
What are some self-guided strategies you can or have used to remedy social media addiction?
Since MDD episodes last for roughly 26 weeks, how do you think people around those with MDD can best help them break out of social media addiction?
PRESENTATION
Diaka Traore
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. She portrayed this through a presentation with her research findings and a crochet pattern made to spread awareness and inspire others to make a change.
MUSIC
Elian Aldaco Luna
Elian Aldaco Luna is a high school senior and a future student of the University of Colorado Springs where he plans to pursue a Bachelor of Innovation in music. Elian identifies as Hispanic and Mexican, a proud native of Aurora, Colorado. His passions are music as well as his family, community, and heritage. These 2 passions were what gave birth to his project about the current immigration and ICE raid issues in the USA. He decided the best way to confront these issues was to write a song.
Van cerrando como lobos
coordinados al cazar
y la presa entre los montes
solo piensa en escapar
pero la sierra es traicionera
si no sabes dónde andar
Por eso me están cazando
ya me traen bien rastreado
como coyotes en la noche
me siguen vigilando
pero soy como venado
siempre un paso adelantado
Y por eso están cazando
pero no me han alcanzado
aunque manden más coyotes
sigo firme y bien parado
soy venado de la sierra
nunca seré atrapado
Dicen que soy animal
dicen que me van a sacar
que en estas tierras de aquí
este animal no debe estar
quieren sacarme de aquí
pa’ no tener que mirar
En las calles de Aurora
Colorado el estado
se ven pasar camionetas
con cazadores muy bravos
vienen buscando a mi cuero
porque ya me pusieron precio
Esos cazadores bravos
siguen la orden del jefe
con gorra roja bien puesta
y la mirada fría al frente
pero ese jefe anda ciego
no sabe lo que está haciendo
Y póngale muy bien oído
a este corrido que he escrito
no es de presa ni depredador
es de un hombre trabajador
que se gana su camino
y sigue bien su destino
Le dicen “el animal”
le dicen “el ilegal”
también le dicen “criminal”
sin saber la realidad
solo ven la etiqueta
sin conocer la verdad
Ese hombre que es perseguido
solo vino a triunfar
aunque el viento cambie el rumbo
siempre vuelve a caminar
soy venado entre los montes
y no me dejo atrapar