Art Inspired by the Experiences of Undocumented People
Paola Castro
Creative Project: “Art Inspired by the Experiences of Undocumented People”
Courses: Honors Introduction to LGTBQ studies and Honors Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies
Instructors: Professor Lindsey Hewitt
My name is Paola Castro, and I received my Associate in Arts degree in Spring 2022 with concentrations in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) and Peace and Social Justice Studies. I will be transferring to Elmhurst University. As a first generation student navigating school was incredibly hard and I was lucky to find a community at Oakton that helped me navigate school and life. The Honors, ANDALE, and WGSS program allowed me to personalize my education, learn about the world around me and connect with other students in my position. My participation in learning communities allowed me to create projects involving the latino/a/x community. Some of my honors projects are: “Testimonio: A form of civic participation for non-citizens”, “ Exploration of the History of the LGTB identities in Colombia” and “Art project inspired by the experience of undocumented individuals living in the U.S.”. My experience at Oakton gave me the confidence to move forward with my head held high and the Elmhurst-Honors Transfer Scholarship is giving me the opportunity to continue my education.
My intention with this project was to represent experiences and highlight the resilience of Undocumented individuals in my life through art. The pieces I made for this art collection were inspired by the stories: The hardships, hope, and overwhelming sense of loneliness that comes from being miles away from their families, friends, and culture. Their experiences trying to form life in a country that does not want them but ultimately needs them while at the same time has the audacity of taking advantage of them.
