Growing up Latina, I would see triggering things on the news and media happening to the Latinx community. Protests in my home country, Venezuela, countless media stories of the negatives of being an immigrant, and an overall negative societal view of visible ethnicity. While it’s important to see those things and have conversations about what Latino people face, I always wanted to see more Latino joy. When searching for a senior project idea I heard from one of my professors the term “Glimmer”. Glimmer was coined by licensed clinical social worker Deb Dana, who says the word “refers to small moments when our biology is in a place of connection or regulation, which causes our nervous system to feel safe or calm”. I fell in love with the word and from there, my project formed. Since Latino joy is something I always wanted to see in the media, I wanted to take this opportunity to ensure that I was the one to show it.
Glimmer is a mixture of videography, photography, and audio. It follows three generations of Latina women, showing and speaking about one object that is most significant to them. Their Glimmer. I hold my friends and family very close and they have a really big impact on my life. The three women I chose are my little cousin Mia, my best friend Kamila, and my grandma Carmen. The opportunity to bond with them over this project has brought me so much joy during a stressful time. I am so thankful to be able to experience life with them.
Mia, even at such a young age, you carry yourself with such grace and love to the world. You make me so excited and hopeful for the future.
Kamila, you have shown me how to find beauty through tough times and within myself as well. Your love, mind, and creativity amaze me every day.
Abuela, who I am and who I am becoming is because of you. There aren't enough words in the world to thank you for everything you have done for me.
