MISSION: Southwest Research and Information Center is a multi-cultural organization working to promote the health of people and communities, protect natural resources, ensure citizen participation, and secure environmental and social justice now and for future generations

Desert Voices

March marked poetry month, and students at Wilson Middle School participated in a writers workshop as part of SRIC's poetry in the classroom program, known as Desert Voices. Gloria Baca, a teacher and administrator at Albuquerque Public Schools, believes poetry can play a significant role in learning and helps to build multiple intelligence. Ms. Baca extended an invitation to Christina Marie Castro, guest poet and educator who assisted students in creating cycle poems as a classroom interactive activity. Born in Los Angeles, California, Christina is 27 years old and currently lives in Jemez. She is working on her first book of poetry, prose, and short stories. Ms. Castro has conducted numerous workshops throughout the Southwest. She is a graduate of the University of New Mexico and holds an MFA from the University of Arizona in creative writing.

Christina encouraged students at Wilson to keep journals as way for youth to express feelings and as a means to document their experiences, both of which are valid. Journaling is a form of expression and assists to understand life events. The process of writing and reflecting is a creative and positive step toward developing voice for young adults.

Christina invited students to read, think, and put their thoughts to paper. In addition, she introduced students to a compact disc by Michele Serros, an accomplished Chicana poet and author of books that include, Chicana Falsa and How to Be a Chicana Role Model. "The CD is a method some writers use to take their work further," explains Christina. It enables us to capture a wider audience and increases accessibility. Access is an important issue, particularly for youth of color who can benefit from reading and hearing perspectives from their communities. Including diverse perspectives creates a rich and engaging opportunity for students alike. As a Pueblo/Chicana, Christina Marie Castro demystifies the writing process and illuminates a path for all students who plan to participate and include writing as an integrated part of their lives.