Following Soledad

Have you ever looked back into your childhood and wondered what exactly shaped you into the person you are today? 

Some would say time spent with family.

Others would think about their imaginary adventures with friends.

There is always something that made you look fondly at your memories.  

The story is not the same for everyone.

Some refuse to look back because of their painful upbringing.

Others forced themselves to forget and move on from their past. 

Soledad reflects the lost and lonely childhood I received growing up. Having experienced only ten years of it, adulthood rapidly took over and pushed me to become responsible too soon.  

Growing up with divorced, immigrant parents, you hear the constant fighting. You are put in the middle of conversation you are not supposed to hear. You are constantly conflicted to choose with who you want to stay with for the weekend.  

During those moments, all I thought about was wanting to leave those conversations. I did not want to be a part of the fighting. All I wanted was to travel around the world and be accompanied by my stuff toys. 

As I grew older, walking around the neighborhood became my peace from the fighting, from being responsible. I love my family, but they put too much pressure.  

When the opportunity to study at California State University, Sacramento came along

– I took it.

I took everything I had and left.  

Which led me to the project you see today.  

A child who only wanted to have an adventure.