Rocks Zayda

¡Hola! My name is Rocks and I am one excited lady! This summer I will be traveling to Santiago de Chile to study for a semester at the Universidad de Andrés Bello. While there, I will be taking an introduction to Latin American Photography class and workshop that is taught entirely in Spanish. I am really looking forward to exploring the city in such an intimate way; just me and my camera. Over six million people currently live in Santiago which is bordered by the ocean to the west and the Andes Mountains to the east, so I will have plenty to capture through my lens, but I am especially excited about photographing all the amazing street art that helps color the city. I will also be volunteering with a local group that helps marginalized people in the community with self-publishing projects called, “Feria de Fanzines” that sponsors monthly events in and around the city.
I am currently attending Portland Community College in order to become a high school Spanish teacher. But before I enter the classroom to teach, it is important for me to have a more personal connection to the culture.

Growing up in poverty, I never thought that studying abroad would ever fit into my life, but now my dream will soon be realized and I can’t wait to start my learning adventure in Santiago! ¡Gracias FEA!