My favorite seminar was my first one, “Theatre for Social Change”, where I learned about the Theatre of the Oppressed by Augusto Boal. This unique series of techniques works to raise awareness about oppression by portraying unfair situations and allowing spectators to participate, becoming actors themselves in order to correct such injustice. As a result, collaborative new solutions emerge to solve widespread problems.
During my gap year after high school, I founded EMITA, an online interdisciplinary arts program that aimed to provide more accessible cultural experiences in Brazil, where art classes are not offered in schools. EMITA provided free weekly video classes on YouTube and an online library with 190 PDFs on creative writing, music, dance, theater, and visual arts. I led a team of 19 volunteers to create these resources and support our students in their artistic education. One of my proudest accomplishments was when, after a month of rigorous fundraising, EMITA succeeded in purchasing a guitar for a low-income student. When I saw a picture of the student with the instrument, her face lit up with excitement, I felt absolutely fulfilled in helping her overcome a financial barrier between herself and her dreams. As I pursue my degree at Connecticut College, I look forward to making arts education more accessible to all despite burdensome living conditions.