Walking at Graduation

Helloooo from Kapiti Coast, New Zealand! :)

As some of you may know, I graduated in January after going to Rwanda (check out my short film if you want to see how the trip was: https:// youtu.be/TKD5g6Tn06M)! Now, I’ve started my post-grad journey volunteering with an international organization called L’Arche. 

L’Arche is an intentional community made up of people with and without intellectual disabilities. I am currently working as a live-in assistant for a year in a community located in Rangimarie house. Here, we support each other and see the value in each and every person. If you would like to learn more about this organization, here is the site to L’Arche Kapiti, http://larche.co.nz. I have been fortunate enough to be with the kindest Kiwis. I have set out to try and create a short film of each month I am here. If you would like to see all my first month’s fun, you can check it out above .

I feel very grateful to have been given this opportunity to explore New Zealand and pursue my passion of working with people with intellectual disabilities. In late 2017 I learned about this opportunity through my friend, and now housemate, Jenny. We both hope to return to California, specifically the Bay Area, to start our own L’Arche community. We want to address the lack of communities for people with intellectual disabilities in the Bay Area and ensure everyone is recognized for their unique value. 

However, before any of that can begin as I have barely just started my year as a live-in volunteer assistant, I would really love to walk at graduation! I know experiences such as these are invaluable and I am grateful for all the friends I am making and everything I am learning here in NZ. My ticket to California and back to NZ is quite pricey and I was hoping for any support anyone is willing to give me. I did not realize how important a graduation ceremony was to me and my family, but as a first-generation student I want to make my mom, my Mama Angela, and other family members proud as I walk across the stage. 

Thanks so much for your interest and any generosity you can show me! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask! :)

With love,

Angélica