Last evening at the SMU-in-Taos campus there was an Engaged Learning event where 3 influential women from Taos came to speak to the students. It was such an inspiring event, from writers to philanthropists to project managers; every individual that spoke had powerful words of wisdom to share. At the end of the program the three Engaged Learning students, Dylan, Juan and I shared what our research entails.  What I find most interesting, is the wide variety that our research covers. While Dylan will be writing a novel and Juan will be working with Hispanic youth, I myself will traveling abroad. This truly demonstrates what Engaged Learning is all about.  All of us have different passions and interests in life; yet, we are focused on expanding our knowledge to continue beyond the classroom.

I really enjoy speaking over my research to others because it allows me to present what I am passionate and care about in life.  Since, I come from such a rich and cultural background, I always want to share its beauty with others. At times, speaking of my research makes me sad because it reminds me of the terrible past that my family comes from. While for many, the crimes committed are remembered in history books and are events to memorize for tests, but for my family the pain and memories are all to real. Speaking in front of others and sharing this pain gives me closure because I know that I have a voice and can be heard. It is also my past that gives me strength because I know that I can look forward to the future. When I speak of my research to others, I feel such joy because I know that I am traveling back to my ancestors’ homeland to remember and honor those I was never fortunate enough to meet.  I realize that the lost are never truly forgotten but rather through my voice and stories, they will be remembered.