Mapping Community: Elba P.
Creating personal maps is one of the first activities we do in Youth Voices. We asked the students at South El Monte High School to identify the places where they spend time with friends, or places that have meaning to them, as well as other key locations, people, and things. This begins the process of thinking critically about their neighborhood, along with initiating a creative freedom to express ideas true to their experiences. The maps provide a visual narrative of their city and a possible vision for the future. To see more of their work click HERE or use #kcetyv on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Drawing my own map was fun. I started with my house because I like to believe everything revolves around me. I should be the center of the universe... Including South El Monte High School was the most important because it is where I spent most of my day -- 7:45 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. to be exact #DEDICATION.
A place I would love to see changed in my community is The El Monte Valley Mall; because every time you walk into the Valley Mall, it just looks run down. They need to update stores and restaurants. It's smelly and NEEDS to be brighter. I would suggest painting a mural that involves the community and local residents.
A place with bright colors is South El Monte High School. As soon as you walk into our school you see posters, our school Eagle logo, and the student quad. The Associate Student Body (ASB) does a great job in reminding the student body of events with bright posters bombarded throughout the school walls.
As a person who has moved around a lot. A LOT. I can say the streets have deep personal meaning for me -- especially Adelia Avenue and Humbert Street. Because I grew up near there, left, came back, so the stories are endless.
A place that is full of history is the "Famous" Whittier Narrows Park. There is always an annual fair held in spring and a second in the fall.
A great place to hang out is any place as long as you have the right people by your side. I hang out here at school or at my house with friends.
My school is a place where people come together as a community and participate. We come together at football games, fundraisers, and our school swap-meet. We have even held a Breast Cancer Awareness event at our school where I have seen the most involvement.
A great place to eat in South El Monte is Tacos Omaña, King Taco, and Tejuinos. No free advertisement intended. These places are all Mexican food places. You got to love a good burrito.
The last place I included in my map was Edwards Cinema. I've been watching films there since I was a little girl and now I'm devastated its shutting down.
