2020 YuJa Scholarship Winner – Dara Nicole Díaz Ríos

Congratulations to Dara Nicole Díaz Ríos as the winner of the 2020 YuJa Scholarship Contest

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF:

I am Dara, I was born and raised in Nicaragua and am moving to Boston to attend Emerson College and follow my dream of becoming an integral visual artist. I would like to be a visual activist and a documentarist. My background is in graphic arts as well as drawing, painting, and sculpting. I love teaching and sharing my knowledge as a way of giving back to my community.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BEST EXPERIENCE IN SCHOOL?

The experience of being an exchange student in San Francisco was for me a transformational academic experience. One of my fondest memories of my semester abroad was an incredible experience that took me home; on a cold spring afternoon as I was leaving the university gym, I saw my dance teacher from Nicaragua coming toward me. Coincidentally she was teaching at USF and invited me to her dance class with the school’s company. This wonderful opportunity opened my eyes to the realization that the world is more interconnected than ever and that we can connect with our roots anywhere.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION YOURSELF IN 5 YEARS?

By 2025, I will be developing new ways to distribute more inclusive and accessible artistic content for rural Latin American communities. I see myself getting to know and collaborating with rural populations to document and preserve their traditions and give them the gift of art that has been so transformational for me. Additionally, I know I will be continuing with my education a process that will never end.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO LEARN FROM YOUR SCHOOL EXPERIENCE?

My main interest is to be able to develop my own voice, to understand my unique way of seeing the world, and to be able to communicate it to create a positive impact. I am confident that my university experience will help me build a network of artists who have the same interest in developing a global union for artistic inclusivity and democratization.

WHAT EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES DO YOU ENJOY?

My curiosity is infinite, I am always open to new experiences and eager to learn from others. The breadth of my hobbies is extensive: sports, gardening, all kinds of plastic, visual and performing arts, and any opportunity to give back and share with my community. I especially enjoy listening, writing, and sharing stories as this is a way to mix my vocation with my passions.

Related Article: Scholarship Submissions 2020