You're going to hear a lot about the Latino Art Show at The Other Side Arts (TOSA) because to lump all the pieces into one article wouldn't do any of it justice.  I've worked with kids in clinical, psychiatric, educational and community settings for over twenty-five years.  I continue to be impressed at a child's resiliency and potential to create a place of hope in their hearts.

Two of the students involved with the outreach program and show at TOSA personified the essence of hope and aspiration.  Elijah and Nate brought a CD with them that they had created.  They were anxious (excited anxious) to put the CD in the player to hear a particular song.  They were encouraged to play the entire CD and the song they wanted would take its turn. 

About twenty minutes after their arrival I hear these two kids performing along with the CD.  It was them on the CD and they were give it all they had.  The song was about their future and what is possible for them.  The song was the embodiment of hope and drive.  These two boys were planting not only a seed for their success but a forest of opportunity in their heart and soul.  As I watched their faces you could see  this belief of success and opportunity leak out of their pores; it was that strong.

The song was one aspect of the astonishment during their performance; the other was pride.  They were so proud to be performing and neither had a shy bone in their body.  It was a public declaration for what life will be like for them and I'm honored that I got to bear witness to their declaration.

In awe...
Greg