Digital Story Excerpts
Year 2 (2023) Cohort
Heather Brillant
My name is Heather Brillant. I was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to the United States when I was 16. I have always been intrigued by computers, so I am currently working on getting my bachelor’s in computer science at WGU. My digital story focuses on some of the challenges I have faced after moving to the United States. It touches upon what I had to leave behind when moving here, and what I encountered that made it more challenging to adjust to my new life. (Written in June 2023)
Mohammed Yassen Noureldaiem Eltayeb
Yassen is a recent graduate of Bunker Hill Community College and has transferred to MIT to complete his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Yassen is a Sudanese international student who grew up in Bangkok, Thailand, and chose to come study in the United States. Yassen’s digital story is one of chasing dreams, failing to accomplish them, and getting up to chase after them again. His story deals with growth, finding our essence, and being within our dreams, letting it drive us towards better versions of ourselves, especially when in challenging circumstances. (Written in June 2023; Updated in June 2024)
Deryq Brown
Self-described as resilient, Black and understanding, Deryq was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts and is a recent graduate of Brighton High. In his internship as a teacher’s assistant, Deryq learned how to work with a diverse group of learners, using classroom management skills and actively engaging a classroom full of young scholars. This strengthened his aspirations in being a high school teacher or college professor, teaching English and History, with a concentration in Black History. In the fall, Deryq will be attending Bunker Hill Community College, majoring in Liberal Arts. (Written in June 2023)
Lingjie Jason Gao
In 2023, Jason graduated from the University of Massachusetts Boston with a bachelor’s in information technology. His career goal is to become a cloud infrastructure engineer. He is the first within his family to gain a college degree. In his digital story, he shares his life experience from flat ground to where he is standing today. He uses fried rice to represent his journey. At first, he was just like a bowl of plain white rice. Later, he added more ingredients and eventually made a bowl of colorful fried rice. Those colors represent the support from family and friends. (Written in June 2023)
Elysse Gonzalez
Elysse is a first-generation Dominican American student at the John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science in Boston, Massachusetts. Growing up, she has always been interested in all things involving technology, recently getting into biomechanical and biomedical technologies involving robotic applications on the human body. Her digital story revolves around a dependence on family history and the need to persevere in environments meant for people who are severely under-represented in various fields, especially STEM. She notes the stories of her uncle, Ariel Mejia, and her mother, Anyelisa Mejia to tie family history and values together. (Written in June 2023)
Naythen T. Lowe
Naythen is a filmmaker/photographer/cartoonist working in the local Boston area. Originally from Tucson, AZ, Lowe comes from a proud Navajo family background (Colorado River Indian Tribes). Just before middle school, his family moved to New England where they lived in Connecticut and Massachusetts. In 2018, Lowe attended the Institute of American Indian Arts, where he studied under a Cinematic Arts and Technology bachelor’s degree. Naythen’s future goals in his career aspirations include working on as many film (and media related) projects – developing his scripts, editing for hire, etc. – while honing in and perfecting his passion for photography and comic illustration. (Written in June 2023)
Ella Mahoney
Ella is a member of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah); an artist, illustrator, and teacher. She received her BFA in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts and an MA in Art Education from Pratt Institute. Her work has been featured in galleries and performances across the United States. She has also illustrated multiple children’s books for the Wampanoag Language Reclamation Project. Her digital story reflects on her upbringing and growth as a mixed indigenous person in various educational settings. She discusses her anxiety, influences and mentors, and journey to finding herself in different spaces. (Written in June 2023)
Simran Paudyal
Simran Paudyal is a high school student who hopes to major in STEM. Born and raised in the Boston area, she spent her early childhood in Nepal. Her digital story reflects the obstacles she encountered around self-identity, and the people who have helped her along the way. Navigating her passions and identity, she has learned that it is okay to embrace who you are and what you stand for, even if at times it feels isolating. She wants viewers to know that discovering oneself may come with challenges, but always remember that you are never alone on this journey. (Written in June 2023; Updated in June 2024)
Nhu Nelly Tran
I graduated from UMass Boston with a major in Biology. Currently, I am working full-time in the Biotech industry. My family moved to the U.S. from Vietnam in 2014. As the oldest child in the family, I carried the responsibility to help both of my parents adapt to the new environment. However, I am grateful to have a strong support system. I have been so lucky to meet people who gave me strength and encouragement to overcome challenges and to keep moving forward. My digital story focuses on the challenges that I have faced since moving to the U.S., and the people and experiences that made me who I am today. (Written in June 2023)
Cindy Xie
Cindy is a student in the MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning. She is a second-generation Chinese American from Los Angeles, CA. Her digital story reflects on her experiences being raised by two immigrant scientists and the influences that in turn sparked her interest in policy and advocacy. The story strikes the balance between charting your own path forward while honoring the places you are from. (Written in June 2023; Updated in June 2024)