Wonderfolk in the Past, Present & Future: Part 3
(Re)introducing Taiz
To close out our Past, Present, and Future series, we wanted to bring you back to another one of our earlier cohorts. This time we are featuring Taiz!
Q: Where are you now? Are you working? Studying? Etc? Is this where you imagined yourself 7 years ago?
A: Seven years ago, at the age of 16, my understanding of career options was limited to the conventional roles society often emphasizes, such as doctors, nurses, lawyers, and teachers. At that time, I aspired to become an occupational therapist and work with children with disabilities. This stemmed from my experience with the language gap in the healthcare field. Like many first-generation children, I served the role of a translator between my parents and the rest of the world.
Fast forward to the present, and my professional journey turned out to be a very different path. Currently, I am an associate project manager at Lara Media Services, a local marketing firm dedicated to connecting organizations/ companies with historically marginalized communities. While my career trajectory has changed from my 16-year-old dreams, I find great fulfillment in the impactful projects I've been involved in, particularly those benefiting the local BIPOC community. All of this is to say that I am confident that 16-year-old me would be proud of the woman I've become today!
Q: Wonderfolk was born out of the inequalities that exist due to a lack of access. Our mission has focused on providing opportunities for youth to have experiences they might not have had due to inequalities. How do you feel like Wonderfolk bridged a gap for you? Could you have experienced what you experienced in Wonderfolk without the program? (feel free to expand on your own experience and life experience)
A: While growing up, my parents instilled in me the importance of giving back to the community. I think this ideology stemmed from the collectivist culture in the Latinx community. This then created a passion in me for volunteering at several local community organizations throughout the Portland metro area. Little did I know that this commitment to service would eventually lead me to the incredible opportunity through Wonderfolk.
It all began when my Escalera Mentor, Carolina Reyes, introduced me to the program and urged me to apply. I am not going to lie I was initially skeptical, I thought it was too good to be true. The idea of a company covering my fees for volunteering abroad seemed unreal. Volunteering abroad was always a dream of mine but after seeing the hefty prices for these trips I let my dream die because I knew it was not feasible for my family. So I leaped and applied. When the acceptance email arrived, the surge of emotions was indescribable. Wonderfolk truly transformed my life by opening doors that I once thought were firmly closed. Serving as a bridge over the systemic barriers my family and I encountered, the program gave me access to experiences that would have otherwise been out of my reach.
Q: After reflecting on your time with Wonderfolk, what is one piece of advice you would give to an incoming fellow to Wonderfolk? Is there anything you would encourage them to do to make the most out of their experience?
A: Get out of your comfort zone! You will likely feel a lot of discomfort while abroad which will be normal but sitting in and embracing this feeling is important. This will enable you to engage in activities or projects that might initially seem unfamiliar or challenging. But trust me..It's in these moments of growth that one discovers new strengths and capabilities. For example, I ate a snail for the first (and last 😄) time!
One valuable aspect of Wonderfolk is the community it creates. I would encourage incoming fellows to actively build connections with mentors and peers. The relationships formed within the program can be a source of support and guidance.
Wear a ton of sunscreen- your skin will thank you
Keep a journal- I still have mine and read it at least once a year.
Q: What is one goal you hope to accomplish in the future if not already achieved?
A: One day I hope to backpack across Central America and spend a few days in Panama. The community and culture there is truly like no other.
