The First Wave Hip Hop and Urban Arts Learning Community is a cutting-edge multicultural artistic program for incoming students which offers a four-year full tuition scholarship to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Bringing together young artists and leaders from across the U.S and beyond, the First Wave Learning Community offers students the opportunity to live, study and create together in a close-knit, dynamic campus community. Administered by the Office of Multicultural Arts Initiatives (OMAI), the First Wave Learning Community is the first university program in the country centered on urban arts, spoken word and hip-hop culture.

AND I GOT INTO THE FIRST WAVE PROGRAM!!!!!

I still remember being called at 11:01 A.M. today and staring at my phone, my heart dropped, I really think I stopped breathing for a good minute. All the stress, late nights crying, doubts in myself were lifted (for a bit at least lol.) I can't believe this, it's still surreal. I will forever be thankful for Atlanta Word Works, Natalie Cook, my brother Adan Velazquez, and GOD. Because I would not be here without them. 

01/07/2015 God is a blessing. Truly. 

2014 has been an amazing journey. It definitely came with its triumphs and turmoils but I still made it through. 2015 is here!  Praying number 9 will be my cohort tongue. I ask God is for love and safety for my friends and family. Let's get on this next roller-coaster.

I keep telling myself.

I don't know if I can handle anymore months of waiting.

I feel like knowing whether or not I got it is eating me alive.

I really have no one to tell this to, so maybe my blog can hold some of the thoughts racing through my head.

What is light anymore. I feel heavy. 

Probably one of my favorite pictures. I can't thank God enough for my parents. Regardless of what happens, and countless arguments, I want to work until I am nothing but skin and bones to make sure they are nothing less than glory and kingdom. I will make my parents the legacy they have fought so hard to keep alive. 

I got into my dream school. I've wanted to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison since I heard about them at Brave New Voices this past summer. I know that without God I wouldn't be here. Every time I think about First Wave, I begin to cry. I don't think anyone understands how badly I want this. I've never been good at anything and I'm just scared. Is my art enough. Is my truth enough. If I don't get First Wave is my writing journey over? I know I shouldn't let this determine everything I am but how can it not when all I've ever wanted is to be is more than the words on my paper. I pray that God believes I am enough. 

I want to be light. 

#ATLPRIDE2014

It was truly amazing witnessing so much love in one area. 

Pride was everything you could imagine and so much more. It was refreshing seeing so many churches and businesses supporting the LGBT community. 

love is all around

Almost.

I hope to find a school I can actually call home by Fall 2015. Everything now is uncertain. I am lost, I hope to be found.