In San Antonio, the music scene is very heavily supported by underground venues and DIY spaces hosting shows and events that celebrate Latin culture and music. I first discovered this as a freshman in high school, after going to my first concert at the Paper Tiger, a music venue that often hosts smaller independent local artists. Being there for the first time, I was exposed to so many new kinds of people, all of these people proudly wore their passion for music, culture and community. 

Every concert was like an ode to my Mexican culture, every song was a love song to music itself and every person I met was so happy to be in a space where judgment felt so far away. Not only was this a place where I didn't feel judged but I was also able to reignite my love for making art and collaborating with people. High school theater can often be an angry beast, I found myself not very happy where I was in my theatrical journey. When I would go out to silly little basement shows and watch my friend sound mix for some lame band, I would find myself excited about the idea of this being my future. I loved live entertainment.

This love carried over soon after into the theater. Çoming to UT I find myself with that same euphoric feeling on every project I work on. I get to learn, create and be around people that have a similar drive for performance. Even though I love theater, I do always find my way back to the blaring speakers and lead singing divas that live music brings me. Not only did I find my love for art in the San Antonio music scene, I also found my love for life. It played a crucial role in shaping me into the artist I am today. By celebrating Latin culture and promoting inclusivity, this scene has empowered me to embrace my identity and try to share my euphoria with others. I look forward to seeing how it will continue to shape my artistic journey in the future.

I believe everyone should practice silliness and playfulness in their lives. I think we can especially learn a lot from our younger selves, they are the original promoters of fun, humor, and lightheartedness in daily life.I believe that humor and irony are essential for our human experience, as they allow us to distance ourselves from the seriousness of life and find joy in the absurdity of existence. I would argue that play is not just for children, but is essential for adults as well. In the fall I took a class called “The Art of Wellbeing” in which we learned the importance of art and played on our mental health. We spent an hour and a half discussing the importance of play and then we spent the last hour and a half, playing. We would finger paint, explore outdoors, blow bubbles and also learned that this all is able to reduce stress, improve our relationships, and stimulate creativity. By engaging in activities that bring us joy and laughter, we can enhance our overall well-being and lead more fulfilling lives.Some may argue that excessive silliness can be disruptive or inappropriate in certain environments, such as in professional settings or during times of crisis. It is important to create a clear balance between lightheartedness and seriousness, and develop the skill of recognizing when it is appropriate to let loose and when it is necessary to be more focused. I believe everyone should practice silliness and playfulness in their lives. By embracing humor, laughter, and joy, we can improve our mental and emotional well-being, foster stronger relationships with others, and enhance our overall quality of life. As we look to the future, it is important to continue to prioritize fun and play in our lives, finding ways to incorporate silliness into our daily routines for a happier and more fulfilling existence.