As a first-generation college student and daughter of immigrants, I had unconsciously learned to rely on only myself and my immediate family. Anything outside of this close personal network I felt would impose too much of a burden on others. In fact—for a while— doing as much as I could by myself started to become deceptively rewarding. Within academic and professional contexts, I successfully hid any feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, and self-doubt. As you can imagine, this strategy was only sustainable for so long; life inevitably became more complex to navigate on my own. The work was getting done, which provided temporary relief; I had managed to keep my academic scholarship and secure my space at my job, only to be caught in cycles that led to burnout and resentment.
Read moreMODERN MENTORSHIP: Willingness
(Meaningful) mentorship involves a level of trust shared amongst individuals. However, societal -isms have skewed the definition to reflect a sharing of knowledge where “powerful” individuals are given the right to cultivate others with their ideology. The altered state has truth but the authentic meaning of mentorship lies heavily on intent. A significant difference occurs between distributing knowledge with those asking for aid compared to unsolicited instruction to others on how to operate in life, just because the assumption is made that one knows better or enacts unequal dynamics due to their stake in power. For example, youth experience the latter more frequently as their narrative holds the assumption of powerlessness. A typical childhood is built upon following everything you are told. From one's guardians to the media, youth are inundated with messages that can deconstruct their sense of power. Here the culprit, adultism. However, as mentioned previously, our societal -isms construct systems that enforce toxic relationships, especially cultures embracing the frameworks of capitalism where self-centered behavior is admired over collective benefit.
Read moreSupporting Youth Artists at The Old Globe
The Old Globe in San Diego, CA, has established a strong reputation for its high quality, professional productions, some of which have made it all the way to Broadway. However, that is not the only focus of the prominent regional theatre company.
Read moreIntimacy Choreography and Youth Empowerment
I recently had the opportunity to attend a workshop led by Nicole Perry, an intimacy choreographer and coordinator, held by my university’s theatre program. Perry was brought in to educate students, faculty and artists in the area of the importance of her role in creating safe and equitable theatrical spaces.
Read moreArt And Gentrification
Art is central to thriving and healthy communities, offering limitless potential and power to catalyze transformative change at individual, collective, and structural levels. Therefore, examining the relationships artists, art facilitators, -curators, and -educators have to a space and community is foundational to an ethical and justice-oriented creative practice.
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