roots

Dia de Acción de Gracias

Since my arrival on campus, I have felt my Spanish speaking slowly deteriorating because of my transition from speaking it everyday at home, to only every few days on the phone with my parents. Though it was very last minute, I am so grateful to have been able to come home and rekindle my language skills while spending a lot of time with my family. I have regained a new appreciation for my Mexican descent with our beautiful dinner complete with posole as well as the traditional turkey. Can't wait to come back again in a month and spend some more time in the California sun.

Week 12 // Join the Trebellion

Once again this outstanding group of people never cease to take my breath away. I spent some time in the underground doing promotional shots for the vocalists' big performance coming up. Instead of talking about the technicalities this week though, I want to express my appreciation for these people. 

This shooting environment was one of the most vivid and the most fun to be in since I've started taking pictures. Being surrounded by so many people who are so passionate and so caring really made this shoot as amazing as it was. Each and every one of them work to lift and inspire each other, and I've never really seen anything like it. At the end of the session, there was one moment where someone just started singing and spontaneously began an underground rehearsal and it was absolutely breathtaking. I feel so lucky to have been able to work with such amazing and inspiring people and I thank each and every one of them. 

Hopefully more on Trebellious soon!

Week 11 // Holocaust Memorial

"Those who have perished have been silenced forever. Those who witnessed and survived the horrors carry with them the burden of memory. 

Through their voices, we seek to comprehend the acts of inhumanity that can stem from the seeds of prejudice."

"To remember their suffering is to recognize the danger and evil that are possible whenever one group persecutes another. As you walk this Freedom Trail pause here to reflect on the consequences of a world in which there is no freedom -- a world in which basic human rights are not protected. And know that wherever prejudice, discrimination and victimization are tolerated, evil like the Holocaust can happen again." 

A beautiful excerpt from the Holocaust Memorial in Boston, where the stories of several survivors are displayed on the inside of glass chambers engraved with the millions of serial numbers tattooed on the Jewish people. A truly remarkable structure with a tragic message as a reminder to all of us that if we do not remember our past, we are bound to repeat it. 

How to Be a Human Being

How to Be a Human Being

I've been particularly obsessed with Glass Animal's new album recently, and haven't stopped playing it on repeat for about three weeks now. With its messages on the negative influences of materialism and superficial life goals along with unique beats and flowing melodies, this album is an amazing work of art. Favorite song: Other Side of Paradise. Anyone who isn't familiar with this album or any of Glass Animals previous work should really give it a listen!

Week 10 // Empire State of Mind

"Where is Central Park?"

Shot from the top of the Empire State Building when we went to the City for a team trip! Thanks to our lovely alumni, we were able to get VIP access to the 66th floor on this beautifully cloudy day. This was my first time seeing this view during the day, so besides the gusting wind and rain, this was an amazing experience! This was shot on my phone in order to avoid getting my camera wet and breaking it.

Week 9 // Trebellious Headshots

A wonderful group of talented vocalists! Trebellious invited me back to take their headshots for the website and I was thrilled. I used a tripod to create a steady frame and a 50mm lens with a large aperture of field to focus on the portrait and blur the background. 

More on Trebellious coming soon!