Uplift Voices

MY JOURNEY THUS FAR BY: PALOMA DIAZ, A PROUD UPLIFT ALUMNI

In the past three and a half years I have moved to San Francisco, been awarded enough scholarships to fully cover my tuition and fees, obtained seven internships, (three of which have become lasting clients), been a leader in my community, and built a portfolio I am proud of. As I slowly check off my dream checklist, I reflect on the immense impression that my high school education has made on me.

Throughout my four years at Uplift North Hills Preparatory, I was a leader for multiple clubs, a team member in organizations, a swim coach for all ages, and a voluntary friend to seniors in resident homes- all while playing varsity sports, competing in scholastic art competitions, pursuing my IB diploma, and maintaining honorable grades. With my easy-going personality, experience in customer service, and history of maintaining a large workload, I went into college confident in my ability to balance anything life threw at me.

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Pursuing the International Baccalaureate diploma pushed me in an academic sense, in my community, the arts, and even my personal stature. It has made me the well rounded person I am today. Although it wasn’t an easy road traveled, my peers served as my support system. Going through such an intense curriculum, while surrounded by others as determined as I was,  motivated me to fully invest my efforts into my coursework. This experience instilled enduring discipline into my character. For this reason, I believe that primary and secondary education are the beginning of a fundamental system that motivates the social, educational, safety, and guidance of students.

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I hold Uplift’s mission statement near to my heart, as it does just that. They provide high quality education at a low cost; a gift to minorities that is often out of reach. Access to education has empowered me to act on my highest potential. As a first generation student, it has become my goal to represent my heritage in the best way possible through my art making practices. I create authentic images of the LatinX community in hopes of embracing the rich identity of marginalized groups.

This summer, I had the opportunity to apply my practice as a marketing intern for Uplift’s Communication team. In addition to this, I was lucky enough to also be a fellow for BravenX. I am so grateful for both positions which have sharpened my career skills during these uncertain times. This has been a chance to reconnect with the institution that kick started my lifelong journey to learning and achievement. I remember stating “In 2021 I will be graduating from California College of the Arts” at College Signing Day. Uplift has helped me make this statement a reality. As I approach my final semester of college this fall, I acknowledge that I will be graduating a semester early thanks to my high school transfer credit. With the support of Uplift Education, family, and friends, I will be prepared to confidently pursue my career as an illustrator.

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