Written by: Rachel Fils-Aime, Caminos al Futuro 2023
I never thought that I would be dancing at an all-paid-for concert during my first week of Caminos al Futuro. We watched a small, indie artist with Colombian, Indigenous, and black roots at the Kennedy Center.
Earlier that day we started off by eating breakfast in Pelham Hall; I opted for some yogurt with granola and mixed fruits. Then, since Caminos students do activities together, we walked to catch the Vex (the shuttle system) to take us to our college writing workshop. When I tell you I learned more in that hour and a half lecture than my school counselors had taught me in years, I am not joking. The support we are given through Caminos makes us feel like they have our backs and want to see us succeed.
However, they don’t just care about our academic success; they want to see us succeed in the world. They guide us to expand our bubbles past just our own cultures and to the broader scope of the world. We do this through going to museums, exploring different career paths, and learning from each other. For example, the same day that we went to the concert we also got the opportunity to participate in a 3D printing workshop where we got to make our own toys. Then, to end the day, we absolutely devoured some of the best pupusas I have had in a while.
Honestly, I am so glad that I was able to take this opportunity because I know I am being productive during my summer, and not the kind of productivity that drains, but one that makes me feel happy and proud. Also, through the Caminos program I have met so many amazing, genuine people. Peers that have aspirations like me. I have felt so much community and a sense of familia within a short period of time. I will be forever thankful that I got to meet a group of people who support me, who I can laugh with, and who I will always remember.
Rachel Fils-Aime is a Caminos al Futuro 2023 scholar. Rachel’s views are her own and not necessarily reflective of the Cisneros Institute.