Welcome to Mission 1477, YEBO’s statewide storytelling initiative centering and celebrating the voices of people in our communities. The theme of this Mixtape is Monsters — stories about fear and resilience.

Our partner for this episode is Justice and Heritage Academy (JHA), a homeschool consortium that aims to develop well-rounded human beings in academics, arts, and justice initiatives within their community and world.

Hosted by the Growing Storyteller, Isaura Maria.

Recorded by Cory Montalvo, Chief Plug

Edited & mixed by Luis Antonio Perez, El Productor.

Coached by Cristina Chacon, The Amplifier

Recorded live in Antonito, Colorado.

The Stories:

(1:42) Kianna Gurule once feared the water — until a surprising poolside moment changed everything.

(4:58) Natalie Montoya shares how moving from house to house made her holidays feel fragile — until she found one to call her own.

(8:59) Micaela Casillas opens up about starting fresh at a new school and the surprising friendships that followed.

(11:36) Frankie Allen describes a long-standing fear of needles — and how advice from his grandparents helped him face it.

(15:42) Valentina Valdez confronts the monstrous weight of societal expectations, and how a seed — literally — led her back to herself.

Links:

Justice & Heritage Academy

Valentina’s Instagram @Descubriendo.Mis.Maices

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