Digital Story Excerpts
Year 3 (2024) Cohort
We premiered nine original digital stories co-produced with participants from our program’s third cohort on June 25, 2024 at the Museum of Science, Boston. The following videos are excerpted from these nine digital stories. These videos were created for educational purposes and should be shared responsibly.
Zuhair Zafar Ali
My name is Zuhair, and I was born and raised in Pakistan. I graduated with an associate’s degree from Springfield Technical Community College in Spring 2024 and joined Western New England University in Fall 2024 to complete my bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. I have always loved hands-on activities, outdoor sports, and understanding how things are built, which led me to discover a passion for construction and civil engineering.
My digital story emphasizes the importance of family and the need for a work/life balance. It also follows my pursuit of civil engineering, highlighting my passion, struggles, and the unwavering love and support of my family. (Written in June 2024; Updated in August 2024)
Maura Barrada
I’m an aspiring aerospace engineer attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the fall as a first-generation college student. My goal is to make something of myself in an industry that has proven difficult for students like me. I am the four-year president of a non-profit financial literacy and STEM organization and have attended MIT/LL since the seventh grade.
My story takes the viewer to a childhood that I thought would take me to a different life path. I found motivation along the way and found myself answering a question that many have yet to answer; why I was here. (Written in June 2024)
Luifena Benyamin
I am an engineering student at Bunker Hill Community College. I was born and raised in Surabaya, Indonesia. I moved to Boston in September last year to pursue engineering.
My story is about growing into adulthood and learning to see things from different perspectives. Parents sometimes have differing opinions from their children. This story is about realizing the importance of our parents’ role and to trust the process. Things might be difficult for you, and things might not be what you’d like them to be today. I believe that everything will be okay, you’ll get through it. (Written in June 2024)
Pauleon Dinh
Pauleon is a biotech professional with over a decade of experience in the RNA therapeutics industry, having embarked on his career in 2012. Originally hailing from San Jose, he has lived in various locations across the United States and now calls Boston his home.
Pauleon’s narrative centers around working in the STEM industry and highlights the importance of having direction even after achieving career goals. His narrative will explore toxic cycles in various layers such as repetitive daily routines, parent/child trauma, generational displacement, and how interconnected these motifs are as a BIPOC working in corporate industries. (Written in June 2024)
Hoa Truong
I’m currently a student at UMass Boston studying engineering physics with a minor in computer science. I work full time as a nail technician to support my education and lifelong love of aerospace.
My family moved to California in 1993 from Vietnam under the Humanitarian Operation (H.O) program. We faced many obstacles such as language barriers and financial issues. Our family moved around a lot. In these places, I met some of the greatest people in my life. They gave me strength and support. My digital story is about my journey of finding love and purpose for aerospace. (Written in June 2024)
Marilyn Machuca
I am from Miami, though now I call Boston home. I am a junior at UMass Boston, majoring in computer science and minoring in women, gender and sexuality studies. I work at my alma mater, MassBay Community College, under the STEM Starter Academy grant, where I support students like me to pursue their education and careers in STEM fields.
My digital story shines light on the incredible people who have shaped my journey. From the impact of immigration to navigating some of life’s toughest losses, I have been inspired by family members who showed immense resilience and mentors who believed in me when I needed it most. (Written in June 2024)
Obiajulu Chimamaka Courtney
Courtney is a Nigerian American student who graduated from Bunker Hill Community College in 2023 and is a junior at Clark University majoring in Biology. She is pursuing a pre-med pathway. Her passion is driven by her experience with unjust mental healthcare systems.
Each piece of Courtney’s story sheds light on the obstacles she had to overcome and the people she met along the way. Courtney hopes her narrative can create spaces where others can find solace and validation in knowing that they are not alone and they too can embrace their stories and the journey towards healing and growing. (Written in June 2024)
Reiyana Tuladhar
Reiyana is a junior in high school and has an interest in architecture and civil engineering. As the first child in her family to be born in America, she loves to share her culture within the local Nepali community and her school’s Asian community, even if that means facing the pressures that come with it.
Reiyana’s digital story is about coping with stress and learning to find yourself. She hopes that her story can encourage others who may be in a similar situation, and inspire them to continue fighting for themselves, no matter what obstacles life throws their way. (Written in June 2024; Updated in August 2024)
Ivonne Wang
Ivonne is a student at Bunker Hill Community College, pursuing a double major in mathematics and computer science with plans to transfer to a four-year university. As a minority woman in STEM, Ivonne knows intimately the difficulties of overcoming barriers. She believes that the key is to believe in your dream when no one else does.
Ivonne’s story is about family, growth, and dreams. Arriving in the United States alone at the age of 13, she has faced numerous challenges and setbacks. Despite these obstacles, her resilience has driven her to continue exploring and discovering the world around her. (Written in June 2024)