These Are Our Stories | Jessica

Photo by: Maya Hill
Makeup by: Mariah Frank

What is your story?

My name is Jessica. I was born in Chicago as a C-section out of my momma's belly. I decided to take a turn and go up instead of down, almost seriously hurting my mom (I'm sorry mom). This life has been a series of up's and down's. Arguments occured a lot in my household and with two brothers it got hectic but I love them very much. My mom had been in a car accident while I was in her stomach and by The Grace of God I'm perfectly fine. Separation happened between my parents at around age 13 and lasted till I was about 17. In between all of the teenage mishaps I struggled with my sexuality, self-love and dealing with inner pain from being in an inappropriate situation. This led to me thinking what happened was my fault only and being in a blame state in my mind. I fell into lustful relationships and was disrespectful to my parents, I didn't feel loved and tried to find love in people. Moving forward; now I'm 19 and my life has taken a total turn around because of God. Jesus has been the foundation of my life all along but I couldn't find Him. I was baptized October 11th, 2020 at Soul City Church Chicago. A day I will never cease to forget. I didn't even know what baptism meant when I was in the church but I did it anyways. Before this all happened, I never read The Bible, but I had one in my drawer since I was about 14. The moment I opened it and actually tried reading, my life started to shift. My relationship started to build with Jesus. I don't see this as a religion but I call myself a Christian because Christ saved me and my eternity is secured. It is a struggle every single day to stay firm in my faith but I'm doing it. We all struggle with something and no one is perfect, I stumble every day, especially in my thoughts. I find joy because God is my story and He is my life and I know I'm not alone in my pain anymore. There is hope in His name when you lose hope everywhere else.

What do you ethnically/racially identify as?

Mexican/ Puerto Rican/Spaniard/Native American.

How can you use your story to make an impact in our community and beyond?

My story can help someone find hope in their life and to know they aren't alone ever.

What encouragement would you give to someone who shares a similar story?

Don't give up the faith that you have and remember that even if you make mistakes you are loved and can be forgiven.

Photos by: Amanda Leon & Maya Hill

Makeup by: Mariah Frank

These Are Our Stories | Jasmyn Scavella

Photo by: Amanda Leon

What is your story?:

My name is Jasmyn Scavella. I was born on a cold windy Monday on November 24, 2003. I was born to Maria Vasquez, a 27-year-old lady, and Troy Scavella, a 30-year-old man in the South-SIde of Chicago. Two hours after I was born, I almost died. I was diagnosed with Truncus Arterious type 2 and 4, a congenital heart defect. I lived in and out of hospitals with a total of 3 heart surgeries by the time age of 3. I attended Pulaski International School of Chicago for most of my elementary school years. By 7th grade, my father's office moved to Westchester we followed suit. I had my last open heart surgery in 8th grade and although I was absent for three months straight, I graduated on time. During my last surgery, the medical staff referred me to the Make a Wish Foundation. My wish was granted in the summer of 2019 where my family and I were able to visit Chichen Itza and was able to learn some of the histories. I attend Proviso West and I will become a Senior in August. I consider myself to be an artist. I like to draw anime.

What do you ethnically/racially identify as?:

Biracial (Mexican, African-American)

How can you use your story to make an impact in our community and beyond?:

I want the kids facing a critical illness or biracial kids who can not identify themselves as one race or the other, to know that they are special and matter.

What encouragement would you give to someone who shares a similar story?:

That they matter and although things may get hard and you may feel like you don't belong, stay strong and never ever give up, keep on going and keep your head up.

Photos by: Amanda Leon & Maya Hill

Film Workshop | Post-production

We are so excited for Mariah and her next steps! The future is so bright for you! Here is the final cut of her scholarship video, wish her luck!

Film Workshop | Production Day

Today the Interns worked with own Co-Founder and Board Member, Jeremy Lopez on all things film! Mariah, one of our Interns, had an opportunity to submit a scholarship video to her cosmetology school for two thousand dollars! The video features Mariah’s cosmetology dreams, but also many of our Interns first ever film shots! Thank you Jeremy for helping Mariah and teaching the Interns film!

Thank you Maya Hill, one of our Interns, for taking wonderful behind the scenes pictures!

Film Workshop | Pre-production

Today Jeremy led the interns on the three steps in film production, in this workshop we learned pre-production. In the course of two and a half hours we collaborated on the most important step in the film making process. As we spent the time planning out a scholarship video for one of our interns, plotting out shots and equipment we would need for the second step in said process. We planned to use a dolly, a teleprompter, and three separate cameras to accomplish the result we intended.