Grace Under Pressure

Shadther has been admitted to 6 out of the 8 universities she applied to. She is anxiously waiting to hear from those last two, including her dream school, University of Washington. Her positivity, self-motivation and initiative masks how hard she has worked to reach this moment of opportunities. She is grace under pressure.

Navigating Myths of Latino Masculinity

Christian knows that men tend to valorize “hard work” as a particular quality of masculinity. But when you listen to how he talks about the love, care, and mutual respect that defines his relationship with his father, you get the feeling that he’s spent some time thinking about the harmful myths of Latino masculinity that also exist in society.

Peace and Positivity

“Ohhhh…It’s the BEST!” Just in time for the holiday season, Stewart reflects on what makes him happy. Soccer, video games, hanging out with friends, and his mom’s cooking. “It’s the BEST!” It makes us smile every time we see him say it. Stewart will be graduating in June 2019 which means he’ll spend November and December filling out college admission and scholarship applications. Stay positive, Stewart. We got your back! Big thanks to JMU students, Anthony Jewett and Kyle Johnson, of Shaun Wright’s course, SMAD 303 for capturing some of the best of Stewart.

Jessamine and the Shadow-Beast

Jessamine says that when she learned that her grandmother didn’t want her mother to attend high school because there were too many boys, she thought, “I don’t think it’s right. Women have their own voice also. They can get better opportunities out there, and not just stay at home for the man.” 

Watching for Hurricanes

Two years ago, Nathalie shared her story with students from JMU’s School of Media Arts and Design who were struck to learn that Nathalie was a 17 year-old high school sophomore completely alone in the United States. Nathalie will be graduating from Harrisonburg High School in May, 2019, and has JMU in mind as her college of choice. She will enter college a few years older than her peers, but with the strength and wisdom of someone who knows how to survive and move forward against the fiercest headwinds. Thanks to SMAD students, Melissa Blum and Mike Gefell, for helping Nathalie to share her story.

Onward and Upward – ¡Adelante!

Emily is a creative, academically talented student involved in marching band. An inspirational motto on her bedroom wall reads, “Onward and Upward!”  The words speak to the positive possibilities for one’s self where the goal is not simply to survive hardship, but to progress and rise in spirit. The Spanish word adelante is sometimes used by Hispanic and Latinx serving organizations, advocacy groups and community programs to speak to this same spirit of perseverance and empowerment.