I joined Breaking Walls in late 2015, after being asked by my teacher to stay after school for a workshop she felt would suit me well. I had written poetry and performed for my English class that morning, and it gave her an idea of my passion for writing. I initially believed the workshop was going to be uninteresting and generic, a simple meeting where you wrote about your feelings for a few minutes, turned in your paper and went home without actually doing anything. Never have I been so wrong.
The first meeting, Fran welcomed me with open arms. It was different for me, her energy. But she seemed entirely comfortable with me and oblivious to my confusion with her kindness. I recognized some of my schoolmates that I have seen but never really spoke to, and a couple of people from the debate team I was apart of. It was interesting, seeing anyone from my school interested in what this woman had to say. Most of the students didn’t take anything seriously and energy like hers would have been a joke in the classroom.
When I came home from the first meeting I had, I told my parents about it the moment I saw them. I talked about the check-in, where we would let the group know our mood at the beginning of the meeting. Then we would talk for a bit and a writing trigger was given to us. We then wrote freely on the subject and ended up reading it out loud and discussing it. It was simple but empowering. The initial difference between Breaking Walls and any other writing organization is the actual discussion that comes from our work. After a discussion, whether it’s public or private, we usually construct a plan or a first step to solving any issues mentioned. Then I learned that the organization travels and gives artists this opportunity around the globe. All of a sudden I was a part of something bigger than myself. Bigger than just writing. I was a part of making a difference.
Over the past three and a half years, I have transitioned from being a Breaking Walls artist to becoming an ambassador and learned the true meaning of family far from home. I have built friendships and established hope with my global family wherever we went. I’ve learned about global relations and conflicts that affect the people I have grown to love. I have learned that the youth can become leaders, and should not sit in silence. I’ve learned that people aspire to share their stories in the way I have. I’ve learned about different cultures, I’ve helped planned solutions for the conundrums within our communities. I’ve transformed my passion into a platform to help this organization share its progress and plans and inform our supporters every step of the way. Most importantly, I’ve learned to trust myself. To love what I do and to do it better. Everyone has a story, and everyone deserves a platform to tell it because the first step to solving any problem is to acknowledge its existence.
Breaking Walls says exactly what it does. We break down the barriers between our communities and build bridges instead. We speak for peace, unity, and creativity. We create future global leaders. I once believed that Breaking Walls was generic, an easy way to travel and throw half-hearted work that would be falsely praised. But this group of people honed my passion, and the effort they all put in me left no room for question. I wrote with my soul, just as everyone has done. Traveling was not easy. Our time to create a performance was limited, and the community service we provided also took up time. Each year we learn about communities, and sometimes it’s heartbreaking to learn about their own struggles. We meet people and create bonds in a matter of days to be separated for a year again. It is difficult sometimes if you really consider the aspects of everything we do. But I promise we all love to do it. We love to learn, for ignorance is not bliss. We love to change, we love to create, we love to love each other, and we love to see greatness in the world where most people don’t.
My perspective of Breaking Walls has forever changed for the better, and it continues to do so every day. I am proud to be a part of this family because of the work I do, and the work I will continue to do.
Naya and her global brothers and sisters in Detroit.
Breaking Walls 2018 Santiago – Naya!