Naiomi

What are you passionate about?

Simply put, I’m very passionate about somehow changing or affecting people’s lives for the better!

So you want a good change? Has anyone inspired you?

My dad’s attitude of always helping everybody got me interested because he was somehow way too satisfied for any typical person to be.

People aren’t always open to others about their stories, it’s a fickle thing, to share utmost and personal memories. What do you think would make people open up about their stories?

I think the most important factor about sharing personal stories is faith, trust, and compassion, and understanding others as individuals.

How did your passion manifest itself in the real world? Do you see yourself doing what you’re doing now in the next couple of years?

In order to achieve that, I started volunteering as much as I could. In the next few years, I see myself using the knowledge I acquired from my education in order to continue my quest on helping people through any means possible.

Self-expression can be a struggle, some struggle with the idea of expressing themselves a certain way. How have you expressed yourself?

In order to express myself, I ignore the world around me because human tendency is to judge people from what they see. So, if I ignore the typical views of those around me, neither I nore them will make a mistake of stereotyping.

Society likes to fiddle. Through ideals and manifestations from people, society sets these values on people. It likes to see people a certain way.  How different does society see you versus who you really are?

Society, family included, sees me as weak because I don’t hesitate to show my emotions. In reality, I’m actually a very strong person. I’m not afraid to show what’s in my heart and I’m not afraid to cope with all the problems thrown at me.

How do people’s assumptions affect you and your actions? Or has their assumptions, blatant stigmas or certain stereotypes, of you changed you as a person?

Initially, I used to cry and block myself from everybody. The stares and the laughs made me unsure of who I was. It came to a point where I began to change my personality to fit into the people’s perspectives of me. Currently, it inspires me to start true to myself because I’m actually viewed by people as different, something that bothers me.   

And finally, there are others that are in the same position as you. They are going through the same struggles, facing the same stigmas and going through the hurdles society has given them. Any advice to them?

I would ask them one question: “what would you do if people ask you to destroy someone’s lie by harassing them through any means just because they look different? You probably wouldn’t do it, then why are you willing to destroy your own life because people tell you that you look different?” 

Andres

What are you passionate about?

One of my greatest passions, ever since I was a kid, is the science behind construction. Everything engineering and architecture related has simply fascinated me. As I grew up, I tried focusing all my studies into the STEM field. Doing so would finally make me understand all of those structural enigmas that intrigued me during my childhood. It is simply majestic to me.

So, how did you get interested in engineering and architecture?

I grew up in a very big city in Mexico, called Guadalajara. Everywhere I went I was surrounded by these amazing, ancient styled buildings, like cathedrals and churches. But, there were also many modern skyscrapers, different monuments and artistic structures. I think I was just amazed by all the different kinds of structures. They were all beautiful and different.

People aren’t always open to others about their stories, it’s a fickle thing, to share utmost and personal memories. What do you think would make people open up about their stories?

I think people would be more willing to share their stories and passions when they see more acceptance. A wider variety of perspectives would make them feel understood, make their passions valid. People tend to be shy about what they like based on the reactions they see on other people when others try to discuss their ideas. That’s something we really need to change in society. We need to build a safer environment for everyone to be able to express themselves.

How did your passion manifest itself, and where do you see yourself with it, your passions, in a few years?

I started to take my passions seriously, and considering it a possible career, at the beginning of middle school. That was when I knew I had to work hard in order to achieve my goals. It’s hard for me to make an exact prediction, but I see myself, or I would like to see myself, starting my professional career after college. A possible master’s or even a PhD, the further I get the better!

Self-expression can be a struggle, some struggle with the idea of expressing themselves a certain way. How have you expressed yourself?

I’ve always been a person of few words. I always try to communicate my emotions with actions. Whether it’s by demonstrating what I feel and how I feel it, or through some sort of visual representation. Sketching and listening to music, they’re easy ways for me to channel my emotions, and turning them into something that other people could appreciate and understand.

Society likes to fiddle. Through ideals and manifestations from people, society sets these values on people. It likes to see people a certain way.  How different does society see you versus who you really are?

Now that I think about it, that’s been one of the biggest shocks that I’ve experienced ever since I moved to the US. As an immigrant, I have never felt truly represented, identified, with the terrible stereotypes that society has had of us. Even coming here by choice and through legal means, I still felt that society saw me as a burden, an ignorant and illegal burden. I saw it the way people treated me. I had to get used to people underestimating me, doubting my abilities because of my struggles to adapt to this new environment.

How do people’s assumptions affect you and your actions? Or has their assumptions, blatant stigmas or certain stereotypes, of you changed you as a person?

It is always hard to adapt to a new place you’re not used to, and sometimes the actions of new people you’re forced to interact with can deeply affect. I struggled a lot at first, not only because I left everything I knew behind, but because I was the only one in my family to actually experience what life is like here. I felt very insecure. People see me differently when they realize that I immigrated. Even when I had the fortune of running into really marvelous people, helping me adapt and never judged, I still felt the pressure of society. Media, little tidbits of conversations, and the way people reacted to certain topics. Sometimes I held myself back from lots of opportunities because of my growing insecurities. 

And finally, there are others that are in the same position as you. They are going through the same struggles, facing the same stigmas and going through the hurdles society has given them. Any advice to them?

Hold on to your dreams. Stereotypes can hardly be ignored, which is unfortunately. But instead of focusing on them, people should try to stick to the good things in life, good people and good experiences. These will help you find inspiration, help you keep moving forward. It is always hard to start, but it always gets better. I know it sounds really cliché to say that, but it really does get better. Giving up means you’ll never reach your true potential. The adversity is just another of life’s many obstacles, and every time we overcome one we become stronger. 

Alec

What are your interests in life? Passions?

I’m interested in a lot of things. Equality, health, reducing the stigma of psychedelics, learning and obtaining knowledge are all things that I love and wish to understand more of. I did my masterpiece on psychedelics so I guess you could say that that’s my top passion.

Why psychedelics?

Psychedelics and drugs in general have always been misunderstood. For a long time negative propaganda has stereotyped these drugs as having negative qualities when in actuality they, when used correctly, are helpful to society. As my interest grew, I began reading about drugs and their potential to cure some of the world’s largest illnesses.

It’s interesting to note the stigma that surrounds these drugs. Why do you think these claims, the stunted stigma, have survived?  

I think people just choose to think before they actually know. Their opinion forms before they have learned the facts and they refuse to change their opinion because then they would be wrong. Also the governments fight with the hippie movement in the ‘70s didn’t really help the cause.

Do you believe that there are any ways to get rid of the stigma that has surrounded psychedelic drugs?

By spreading information about drugs and psychedelics more people will become aware about how they can help. One of the biggest problems is that people don’t want to hear about the positive side of drugs so the more information that gets out, the better the fight.

As a graduating senior, where do you see yourself going with this? Any plans for college?

I see myself being involved in research. I know many will come my way, research involvement I mean, as a result of the pre-med track I’m pursuing. I specifically see myself researching the involvement of psychedelics, which can be difficult because some agencies over control some of them.  

Jayce

So, what is it that you’re passionate about?

Well, as you can tell from my masterpiece, I’m interested in medicine and dance. I’m also interested in time travel and sociology. One of the things I don’t want in the future is to separate medicine and dance, one hobby. I want to be able to do what I love, and that means doing more than just one thing. I believe there’s another way than just numbing someone with drugs because it’s very impersonal and I feel it takes away the whole point of being a doctor. I think that the patient and doctor should have a mutual trust otherwise the patient will have to go down the road of illness alone.

You have a good point when it comes to that certain mutual trust between a doctor and a patient. Is there a specific instance, or event, that has taught you that ideal? What about dance?

Over the summer I participated in a mentorship program at Marian Medical Hospital. I have a strong medical influence from Dr. Desai, he has become one of my favorite doctors. I like to watch the Jabbawockeez, they’re a hip hop dance group. I like that they go away from the new hip hop scene and back to the old dance moves that made hip hop and funk great the way they were.

You’re going to be plunged down a metaphorical cliff, as a graduating senior going on to the next big event in your life.  Where do you see yourself in the next couple of years?

This year I’ll be going to University of California, Riverside, doing pre-med. I don’t just want to focus on my academics. I want to join clubs that share the same passion as me or who come from the same background, a minority and low-income student. If there aren’t any organizations or clubs that interest me, then maybe I’ll make one. I just want to be a part of a diverse group of people.

Society doesn’t like change often. It likes things constant and ideal to its views. How do you think society, or people of society, would respond to your passions, specifically dance?

I feel like people take hip hop the wrong way so yeah, I’m worried about the response I’m going to be undoubtedly be receiving. I’m specially worried because I’m more into the old stuff. I think people need to have a new, open mindset so that people don’t take it the wrong way and be reflective on people’s lives indirectly.

Shanaya

What are you passionate about?

I’m really passionate about civil rights, people, justice, and the environment. A lot of people assume that the Civil Rights Era has passed but it still continues in our country as well as the world. In some countries women’s rights are still suppressed and even in our own country we have race battles with law enforcement.

What got you interested in you passion?

I read Road to Lost Innocence and it really got me interested in this subject. It’s about a girl who is trafficked and is taken out of slavery and is taught skills to give her a life. Also, i went to Oman and Qatar which are places in the Middle East. I loved the beaches, speaking, writing, and reading Arabic. I loved being a part of a new community because my host family was like my second family. i started wearing a hijab out of respect for the family and the country i was in but even after i left i still wore them. I felt very comfortable in it and not at all pressured into wearing it. I also felt that through wearing it i had a deeper understanding of Islam and a respect for religion.

What do you see yourself doing in a few years?

In the future I want to work with WHO and manage so that i can make a real impact.

What will get people to share their story?

People will share their story when you ask them what their dreams are because they will love talking to someone who is willing to listen. And talking about your dreams makes them more concrete and more attainable.

What advice would you give someone?

I would tell people to pay attention to violence, especially to violence against minority groups. The sections that take place at a protest aren’t as important as what they’re protesting about. It’s important to become a part of advocacy groups that you feel strongly about because it’s a great experience.

Marcel

                                               *Some chose an object in place of a picture*

Where does your interest lie?

I’m really into philosophy and science. I like to think about what may be after death, the existential crisis, and messing around with DNA. In the Mayan religion, they would constantly look for meaning in their present life and the afterlife, something I find very interesting.

Usually, people aren’t very interested in something as complex as philosophy. Some find it too absurd to have a conversation based around it. So, how did it you get interested in it? 

I got interested in philosophy because sometimes I get into this “funk” state where I over think the problems of life and what may come after. For example, I’ll think about the problems of the government. By all means, I’m not trying to define myself as a conspiracist, I just think about the government’s problems and I want to fix them.

Can you elaborate more on your “funk” state?

Yeah, sure. I hate thinking about all the world’s problems because there’s just so much that is wrong. I guess you could say I want to be numb. I want to stop thinking about all the problems. When you’re alone with your mind. Thoughts can wander into territory that isn’t great so I’ll pick the most fascinating think to think about to avoid thinking about the bad things.  

What do you see yourself doing in the future?

I see myself being preoccupied with bioengineering. Like I said before, I like messing around with DNA so I would like to do something involving that. Maybe do some research?

Society likes to assume things. Do you find yourself struggling as a result of assumptions given by society?

Assumptions don’t hold me back from anything and I don’t care about them.

  

Dr. Preston

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about being thoughtful. I like to take every opportunity and challenge to take advantage of the product of thought. We need to know how we think.

 

What got you interested in your passion?

In first grade a five year old kid got kicked out and the teacher pulled his hair. Ever since then I wondered why she did that and wondered is this what education is supposed to be like?

Do you have any advice for anyone?

Focus on the present, everything is changing  and you need to know how to respond to those changes. Create an environment not constrained and challenge the norm.

This story is short because the interview had turned into a meaningful conversation and I was captivated by the character and listened instead of writing. For a detailed story please go here http://roychristopher.com/david-preston-hacking-high-school