Free from the limitations of a traditional classroom setting, several Northwood students used multimedia to share their stories of growing up in marginalized groups, challenging long-standing narratives at OC Focus’ “Crafting Identity” exhibition on April 12.
The event, held at Stonegate Elementary, featured photos and digital art to document the lived experiences of youth of color. After presenting the stories behind their photos and original art, students participated in a gallery walk, during which attendees could learn more about the contexts of the photos and ask questions.
“I could see that the students found something meaningful to them through the project,” science teacher Jordan Tyo said. “Each image showed me something about that student that I wouldn’t have known.”
The exhibition marks the culmination of OC Focus’ year-long program, which runs from October to April. OC Focus, founded by junior Lauryn Chew in 2023 after receiving the Community Engagement Fellowship from Asian American Youth Leaders, hopes to provide a platform for students of color to share their experiences.
“What makes Focus special is its emphasis on youth stories and empowering students to speak on issues unique to them,” board member junior Sheryl Satur said. “Our opinions on modern issues need to be heard to create a world we want to live in.”
At the event, students shared the personal stories behind their work. One piece, “Home Away From Home” by sophomore Sadik Premjee, featured an image of the Sanctuary of Imam Ali, a religious figure for Shia Muslims. Through the image, he hoped to promote unity, peace and a message of putting aside difference.
Another piece, junior Sage Park’s “Hearts’ Home,” is a backstage photo of a Northwood musical production. The image illustrates the community of technical theatre that he is in and students that have found a passion in the arts, an often underrepresented subject in schools.
“The arts aren’t talked about as a field that students can actually get into,” Park said. “I hope more people would appreciate the smaller things and the hidden things that aren’t really shown, but mean the whole world to someone else.”
