2023 Voices Seen Library Exhibit

My name is Ali Kazemi. I was born in Van, Turkey but both of my parents were born in Afghanistan. I came to America when I was 10 months old with my three older siblings and mother. I have always considered myself to be mostly American but I find myself connecting with my South Asian culture more as I go. Something I’ve struggled with is finding a middle ground between being able to live in western culture but still respecting and carrying out my family's old heritage and traditions. Everyday I try to remind myself how lucky I am to be here and to pray for the people back home.

Photographer: Dr. Mickey Stellavato

I never thought I would go to college. I joined the Army my senior year of high school and left for basic training two weeks after graduation. At the end of my first contract, I hadn’t deployed and felt like I had been born too late to participate in the war. I left, came home to Colorado, and joined the National Guard. My time in the guard has taken me across the U.S. as well as to Europe and the Horn of Africa. In between those trips I’ve been able to continue my education. I’ve been working on a Criminal Justice bachelor's on and off since 2015. As someone who didn’t enjoy high school, I’m happy to say that I love taking college courses. I will graduate right around my 30th birthday.  

Photographer: AnnaMarie O'Laughlin

My name is Andrea Hollinger. I am a senior getting my bachelors in English. Most people when I tell them that, immediately ask if I want to become a teacher and after I say no I explain to them my real dream for the future. Becoming a writer and director for television to make content for and, about people of all backgrounds but especially those with disabilities. When I was a kid, I never really saw anyone that looked like me in either tv or books, and I was ashamed for a very long time about it. I wanted to be like everyone else, but I realize now that I’m older, there is nothing wrong with me. I hid in plain sight so my existence didn’t bother others. I was invisible and still am sometimes, but the lesson and reason for continuing my dream and participating in this show are this: Everyone deserves to be seen, and to show other disabled people like me we don’t need to hide and be afraid or ashamed. There is a place for us.

Photographer: Summer Fredlund

Aloha my name is Abigail Haliakamaikalani Andrade. I am born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii. I am a junior here at CMU and I am majoring in Baking and Pastry Arts and Hospitality Management. Once graduating I plan to continue to perpetuate my culture through food with local ingredients and traditional Hawaiian desserts.

Having the opportunity to lead the Hoʻolokahi Polynesian Alliance as a coordinator has been a huge honor. Consistently perpetuating my culture away from home has allowed me to stay grounded to my roots. 

Mahalo

 Photographer: Kaleb Niumata

Although difficulties and problems are a part of life, it's crucial to realize that each one offers the chance for development and change. You can find the power and perseverance to get through even the most trying situations by adopting an upbeat mindset and placing your attention on the good. Even though it could be challenging at first, clinging to optimism and maintaining your gaze on the horizon can help you endure the storm and come out the other side stronger, wiser, and more appreciative of the adventure.

Photographer: Makenna Livingston

My name is BonBon Bonjour (They/Them) and I am a part of the GSA here on campus.  I am a trans-masculine, agender, asexual, aromantic individual. Trans-masculine means I have gender dysphoria with the body I was born in and I am transitioning to be more masculine presenting.  However, I am agender, meaning I simply do not have a gender.  Even though I am trans-masculine, I am not a man.  I am simply just BonBon. Being asexual means you have little to no sexual attraction and being aromantic means you have little to no romantic attraction.

I tend to have a hard time trying to have others understand me since my experience is so different than others.  I am part of the LGBTQIA+ community (and proud), but I can’t relate with other people about their first crush or their “gay awakening.”  I just am surrounded by the pressures of gender and romance and simply am not interested.  Living in a world that shoves one way of living down your throat when you don’t fit that is a challenge, but it makes me, me.  I wouldn’t change anything for the world.  

The world today is full of controversy around people being themselves.  Every day I wake up to see another bill proposed that will take my rights away.  More and more tragedies happen in the LGBTQIA+ community and I am here with GSA to stand up against it.  I try my best to educate other and be an advocate for myself and my queer/trans siblings who are suffering from our world's ignorance.  Even though the war isn’t over, I will never stop fighting for my rights and I will never quiet my voice.  I deserve to live my life the way I want to, and you do to. Never stop fighting for the right to live as yourself

Photographer: Summer Fredlund

My name is Elliot. I am a young black kid from Africa who has taken every opportunity given to me to reach where I am today. I didn't do it on my own. I did it by the grace of God and my mom's prayers which makes her the most important person in my life. I do everything for my mom, to give her a comfortable life and I'm willing to fight and go the extra mile for her. I am not stopping till I give her that life she deserves.

Photographer: Jillian Richardson

My name is Evelyn, and I'm a new student to CMU this year. I'm studying computer science, coordinator for the Genders & Sexualities Alliance, wife, and mother. I am also transgender.

It took me nearly 40 years to figure out who I am, and I feel it is important for me to be visible so that others don't have to spend as long as I did wondering who they are - or, if they have spent as much time as I did wondering, it doesn't mean that "I am trans" can't possibly be the answer to their questions.

Photographer: McKenna Bone

My name is Gina Tamayo-Sanchez, and I am a first-generation Latina from Denver, Colorado. I’m majoring in Business Administration, minoring in Criminal Justice, and earning a certificate for Addictions Counseling. Like many other first-gen students, my parents sacrificed everything and migrated to the United States from Mexico to pursue a better life and work hard. Because of this tremendous sacrifice, there is both pride and guilt that come with taking advantage of opportunities that were not accessible to my mother or father. Despite the moments where I feel confused, stressed, and overwhelmed, I always remember that I have no other choice but to succeed and repay my parents for everything they have done to make a difference in my life. Maybe in another universe my parents would have been the lucky ones to experience this, but instead it’s my privilege. For this reason, it is incredibly important for me to break generational cycles and accomplish my goals for those in my family who couldn’t. Cuando mas miedo te da saltar, es cuando debes de harcerlo porque esta vida es muy corta para quedarse con las ganas aunque falles. Vale la pena volverse a levantar y emperzar de nuevo. Si se puede.

Photographer: Kaleb Niumata

Hi! I’m Hailey. I’m from Michigan. Being from the Midwest is something that brings me great pride, but I’m so grateful to be in Colorado going to CMU. The path I’ve taken hasn’t been the traditional one by any means, but it’s landed me here and that’s exactly where I want to be. I consider myself to be an artist, a feminist, a chronic illness warrior, a sociologist, a survivor, and an empath. Finding beauty in everyday life, everyone, and all around me is incredibly important. I believe a lot of things could change for the better if we were all kinder to one another, we listened more, and we connected more in real life again.

Photographer: Devin Van Der Lee

I’m Jabari Anthony, from Trinidad and Tobago, I’m a business management major and I play for the men’s soccer team. What is important to me is keeping a close relationship with God, family, friends and just striving to be the best version of myself.

Photographer: Jonah Hokit

My name is Jacky Salazar, and I am a first-generation student at Colorado Mesa University. I identify greatly with being a first generation student because it has defined my academic journey thus far. I come from a family of Mexican immigrants and am the first in my family to be born and raised in the United States. In high school, I had little to no knowledge of the college experience, but I knew I wanted to be here. When I first came to CMU I experienced a great amount of culture shock. I constantly wanted to be home where everything was familiar and comforting. It was very difficult to move forward; however, I knew I was incredibly privileged to have the opportunity to further my education. From this experience, I’ve learned to allow myself to feel uncomfortable at times, and I say this as a highly anxious person. Some of my most memorable life events have occurred because of uncertainties. It is important to allow yourself to grow even in the face of fear and rejection. I encourage others to partake in awkward conversations, taking risks, and most important of all, being vulnerable.

Photographer: Mariah Hokit

My name is Jaden Lopez and I am a first-generation student as well as a proud Army Veteran who served from 2017-2020 as a Horizontal Construction Engineer. One thing that I will always remember that one of my platoon sergeants told me is that "you can't possibly expect to do everything by yourself, Lopez. Sometimes you need support and there's nothing wrong with that." Since then I have always carried myself onward as best as I could and really set my mind to things. I just know that I wouldn't be where I'm at today without the support from my mentors and the love from the people I cherish most.

Photographer: Olivia Pelaez

My name is Jeremiah Wilson. I am from Eagle River, Alaska and I am a military kid who is used to new beginnings and moving forward. 

I am filled with charisma and try to spread positivity amongst my peers. I am a member of the Track and Field team here at CMU, and I am a member of the BSA here on campus as well. I enjoy spending time outdoors with my fiancé and our two dogs. I also am very ambitious with my personal goals and the goals of others around myself, and I will do anything necessary to see those around me and myself succeed by fulfilling those goals. 

 Photographer: Noah Turbyfill

My name is Kase Oshiro. I am a senior majoring in Business Marketing. I am also the coordinator of the new Asian Student Association here on campus. I am from Hawaii and my ethnicities are Chinese, Japanese, Caucasian, and Hawaiian. Some things that are important to me are my friends and family. My friends and family keep me grounded and give me the support I need to continue to be successful not only in school, but in everything I do. Since I come from a really diverse background, I get the privilege of practicing my different cultures in a variety of ways even here in Colorado, which I am very appreciative of. 

Photographer: AnnaMarie O'Laughlin

My name is Louis Perez, I am a first-generation student/transfer student, pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Forensics with the intent to become a detective. I was raised in Greeley, CO and have Mexican roots from the state of Guerrero. I am the middle child of 5 and will be the first one in my family to get a bachelor's degree. I am working hard to get my degree to not only make my family proud but myself as well. I am also part of Kappa Sigma, a fraternity here at CMU, where we do a lot of philanthropy events and community service. I am also a part of LSA, the Latino Student Alliance, where I am able to grow, learn, teach and embrace my culture. It hasn't been easy but, I am beyond grateful to be able to continue my studies here at CMU. 

"YOU DONT DROWN BY FALLING IN THE WATER, YOU DROWN BY STAYING THERE." - My mind.

Photographer: Mariah Hokit

One of the best decisions I took in my life was traveling to the US, as now I have friends from all over the world, I met friends from Germany, Spain, Denmark, Italy, China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, etc.…I have friends who I wouldn’t say they are only friends, but they are now my American family. I got married last July in Cairo Egypt, and I had 9 of my CMU teammates (4 Americans, 3 Brazilians, 2 Czech). The best in life is having a family so what about having an international huge family.

Quran 49:13 Surah al-Hujurat: “We created you from a male and a female, and We made you races and tribes, so that you may come to know one another. The best among you before Allah is the most righteous. Allah is Knowing and Aware.”

Photographer: Maddy Warn

My name is Mateo Gaytan and I am a senior at CMU. I’m a first gen Hispanic individual. As an LSA coordinator and CMU student I try to impact my peers and community by staying true to myself, values, and beliefs. 

Photographer: Jae Kinton

I am a non-traditional student pursuing a major in computer science with a keen interest in technology and innovation. Creative self-expression is also important to me as I play in a band, and love listening to and collecting vinyl records. I find solace in nature, and camping is one of the things I cherish most. I am passionate about beer. Not just drinking beer but beer styles and brewing. I am also a big nerd. I like to fuss with my comic book collection and play many tabletop games with my friends. However, nothing comes close to my family who are the foundation of my life. I hold my family with the highest regard. I have a beautiful wife and the two cutest kids in the world. I cherish every moment spent with them. As I venture towards a bright future, I am grateful for everything that has brought me to this point in life and look forward to what the future holds.

Photographer: Jillian Richardson

Shekoli, swakwek Rilee Powless Niyukyats (Hello everyone, my name is Rilee Powless, I am Wolf clan and from the On^yote’k^ (Oneida) the people of the standing stone.

I am Oneida and Navajo, I’m in my freshman year here at Colorado Mesa University, and my major is undeclared as of right now. But I have a niche in fashion and design and next school year I plan on focusing on that for a major. I was raised on the Oneida Reservation in Wisconsin until moving away to CMU.  I am the youngest of two siblings, and it is nice to have unconditional support from them back home. I am a part of the Native American Student Association, and I am glad I found it because it has showed me a family away from home and new connections. My hobbies are exploring and learning new things, reading, working out, and expanding my knowledge of the fashion industry.  

Photographer: Maddy Warn

My name is Salina Edwards. I started at CMU as a non-traditional student, and I became heavily involved on campus and in the community as an athlete, an employee, and a leader. I enjoy playing rugby and love sneakers. What is most important to me is helping and caring for others while inspiring others to also become leaders. I think it’s important to help build people up especially as we work to better ourselves.

Photographer: Jae Kinton

My name is Sanaa Cherokee Nugent, my family roots come from Mississippi and Maryland. I was born in Jonesboro, Georgia but grew up in Columbia, Maryland. I come from a three-person family; my mom, dad, and me. I am a Senior at Colorado Mesa University studying Business Administration: Finance. I would love to pursue project management or diversity, equity, and inclusion careers. My current position as Co-Coordinator of the Black Student Alliance on campus is important to me and my biggest accomplishment. When I first came to CMU, I experienced culture shock for the first time from the campus and the town. Coming from an area that is enriched with diversity to a campus that only has less than 2% Black population, I was put in a mentally challenging position with feelings of isolation and pressure. I felt like I was the only one I saw who looked like me for long periods of time. Stepping into the community and feeling like I was being watched, it came to a point where it felt unbearable. When I found a community in the Cultural Inclusion Council, I felt like I could stay on campus and felt supported throughout the journey. I stepped into this position because I wanted to create that same supportive community I experienced when I was backed against a wall. Throughout the journey, I have grown so much since being in this position; the experience that I gained through trial and tribulations is indispensable. The relationships I established with my co-workers and friends are irreplaceable. Thank you CIC!

Photographer: Riley Simianer

I am Sauvelyne Randel. I am a woman of many facets. I have been learning to fall in love with life; all of the places where only the sun has touched and where the clouds have lingered. There is power within, and it is our responsibility to wield it how we please. I aspire to serve people alike and unalike to myself, granting them what I would desire as another inhabitant on this planet. A moment of true transparency. There is a place for all individuals but knowing when to create new spaces or amplify the existing ones is one of the most important virtues of an individual. I pride myself in protecting and nourishing my peace. I believe that I am so lucky and exactly where I am meant to be. I am Sauvelyne Randel.

Photographer: Jonah Hokit

Aloha, my name is Waileia Edwards. I was born and raised on the island of Kaua'i in Hawai'i. I am studying to obtain my Associates of Applied Science as an EMT basic and a Bachelor of Science in Fitness and Health Promotion. Growing up in Hawai'i it has always been a goal of mine to go to college away from home, gain knowledge and move back home to give back to my community. My 'Ohana (family) is my greatest support system and gives me strength and has continually provided guidance for me on my journey. My home (Kaua'i), my culture, and my community are the other important pieces of who I am. CMU has not only given me academics but is has helped me to develop into a strong, young woman and leader. I look forward to intertwining all that I have learned and experienced with my community and give back. 

Photographer: Nicole Roberts