Quote: “No one is born fully formed. It is through self experience that we become what we are.” – Paulo Freire
La Academia de Esperanza Charter High School is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We are a small school of about 200 students, and we are adding our voices and faces to the movement of young people who want to be more than a test score, a statistic, or a “problem”. These photos and statements represent our unique community, and the power of being our unique selves. Our stories are important, and we are proud to have partnered with Humans of New Mexico to make this Inside Out project happen!
Learn more through La Academia de Esperanza Inside Out Project website here.
“My favorite part of today was making a silly face. It made me feel good because coming into school I was having a rough morning and doing that brightened my day!” – Nancy Yanez
“Esperanza is a second home to most of us. Especially because most of us don’t have one. Most of us have problems at home.” – Mayra Chavez
“My favorite part of today was finishing my final and being told that I got the best score out of the class.” – Ahrya Figueroa
“I would say I am talented musically. Im a bass player and a trumpet player. I am in 3 groups: mariachi, norteno, and sierreno.” – Abel Murillo
“I would say I am talented musically. Im a bass player and a trumpet player. I am in 3 groups: mariachi, norteno, and sierreno.” – Abel Murillo
“My favorite part of today was waking up in the morning and knowing that I’m a graduate soon because I come to school everyday.” – Stephanie Enriquez
“Hice esas caras porque están chistosas y me gusta sacar la lengua.” – Elias Rodriguez
“Something that makes me unique is that I do not follow others. I am myself.” – Efrain Mejia
“I feel really special about being part of Esperanza. Everybody is really connected to each other here. Nobody is left behind.” – Claudia Rios Romero
“My favorite part of today was taking these pictures. It distracts you from what you are doing everyday.” – Andres Arroyo
“Being part of Esperanza has taught me new steps and help me prepare for my future.” – Bianca Quintana
“Taking these pictures was my favorite part of today. I was kind of stressed out and it just made my day.” – Jonathan Valdez
Additional Photographs