2025 Voices Seen Library Exhibit

I was born in Seattle, Washington, but raised in Ameca, Jalisco, Mexico, in a family of seven—my parents, two sisters, two brothers, and myself. I completed the early years of my education in Mexico before moving to the United States at the age of 15. Upon arriving, I faced the challenge of learning English to continue my education and communicate effectively. At 16, the Whelan family welcomed me into their home, providing both personal and educational support—a kindness that continues to this day.

I am happily married to my husband, Jorge Perez, whose unwavering support allows me to pursue my education with confidence, knowing that our family is built on a foundation of love, faith, and perseverance. Together, we are blessed with our beautiful son, Liam, who was born on November 19, 2024. Becoming parents has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives.

Currently, I am pursuing my Education degree and expect to graduate in the fall of 2025. Throughout my journey, I have seen God's hand at work in my life, guiding and strengthening me every step of the way. I take great pride in overcoming the challenge of learning a new language, achieving my educational goals, and preparing to become an inspiring teacher.

Photographer: Mickey Stellavato

My name is Anne Marie Leahy. When I was 19, I was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the connective tissue which is like the “glue” for holding your body together. This affects your joints and blood vessels and can cause hypermobility.

I pretty much freaked out after hearing all the possible outcomes for my quality of life and, unfortunately, this disorder isn't well known amongst doctors. Numerous tests are needed for this disorder to be diagnosed and, many times, it gets misdiagnosed.

Through a series of treatments as well as diet and exercise I have been able to find ways to manage my levels of daily pain. I am very lucky to have caught it when we did so I can take care of myself in the ways needed to live comfortably.

Photographer: Adelaide Martinson

My name is Aubrie Albin, and I have lived in Colorado since I was 15 years old. I moved here to live with my family and ended up residing in Castle Rock until I started college here at CMU. I enrolled as a BFA student majoring in Animation, Film, Photography, and Motion Design.

When I originally started college, I didn’t know what I wanted to do for myself. Looking back, I find it ridiculous that we expect children and teenagers to just know what they want to do when no one on this planet stops changing and becoming someone new. At the end of my degree program now, I understand that I am grateful I chose a BFA versus anything else. I would’ve been miserable forcing myself to write research paper after research paper, stacking multiple math and accounting classes on top of each other, and then probably drowning myself deeper into debt.

As much as I have multiple interests across numerous topics, along with some good knowledge here and there, what makes me passionate are not those things. I am honestly thankful I chose to go into the animation industry. It is so interconnected with other fields that I wouldn’t stray far from my most important, and main, drive: storytelling.

Photographer: Poppy Williams

I adore human connection. Living and working in international settings has reinforced my belief that empathy and curiosity are powerful tools for building meaningful relationships.

As a non-traditional student, my educational journey has been anything but straightforward—and I'm so grateful for that. The appreciation I've developed over time for diverse experiences and perspectives is one of my greatest strengths.

Photographer: Westin Winter

My name is D'Etta Green, and I was born in Farmington, New Mexico. I am a first-generation student studying Criminal Justice (POST-Academy) with the goal of becoming a criminal profiler. Growing up in a crime-filled city shaped my perspective on safety and community, and deeply influenced my desire to make a positive change.

Witnessing the struggles of my neighbors, particularly within minority communities, ingrained in me the belief that everyone deserves to feel secure in their environment. This led me to become the co-coordinator of the Black Student Alliance (BSA), where my mission is to empower individuals and create a supportive network. I aim to build trust, promote safety, and provide resources that ensure everyone feels valued and protected in their own neighborhood. Together, we can transform our community into a place where all its members can thrive without fear.

Photographer: Justin Willis

Hello, my name is Dylan Scher. I was born in raised in New Jersey and grew up in an Italian-American household. Currently I am working towards a BA in Business Administration with a focus on International Business. My goal is to experience as many different people and cultures as possible and hopefully make a lasting impact on them and myself.

I thoroughly love the vastness and diversity of the world. I have already begun to make an impact during my time here at Colorado Mesa by being the Co-coordinator for International Student Alliance (ISA) and a peer mentor for incoming exchange students through ISPMP. Along with this, I also spent time abroad studying at Chukyo University in Nagoya, Japan. Through these many experiences and positions, I have learned how to be caring, compassionate, and considerate of those around me. All of this has led to my enrichment and my developing an understanding for the world around me that, otherwise, I would not have experienced.

Photographer: Juliana Bomark

My name is Elizabeth Fernandez Salas, and I am a first-generation student majoring in Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Biology, aspiring to become a forensic pathologist. Being a first-generation student has been both a challenge and a source of motivation throughout my journey. I knew I would have to work harder than others, but that only pushes me to strive for excellence. All my efforts are dedicated to my family, whose sacrifices have made my education possible. I am determined to make them proud by reaching my goals and fulfilling my dreams.

As someone of Mexican descent, I am passionate about sharing my culture and knowledge. I serve as a coordinator for the Latino Student Alliance, where I work to bring people together, celebrate our backgrounds, and create a welcoming space for everyone. One of my greatest goals is to use the knowledge I’ve gained to help others. Having navigated the challenges of being a first-generation student, I aim to make it easier for others to find their own path and succeed.

Photographer: Courtney Havel

Hello, my name is Ella I am a bad ass woman who has Willam’s Syndrome and I am a battle-fighting warrior.

Photographer: Emme Rezoski

I was born in 1981, an army brat who moved around but who calls Clarksville, TN, home. After graduating in 1999, I joined the Air Force in 2000, married in 2002, and had my daughter Cameron (2003) and son Aedan (2008). My children are my world, my best friends, and the heart of everything I do.

I'm a hippie at heart, drawn to the late 80s and 90s, an era I wish I were still living in. I might be 43, but my spirit insists I'm 26, and I embrace life with a passion that defies numbers. In 2021, I moved to Montrose, Colorado, to be closer to my dad. Along the way, I found love again with Zach, who brings his own joy to my life with his 4-year-old daughter, Aspen. Together, we make up a beautiful chaos—a uniquely blended family with an age spread that might raise eyebrows but fills our hearts with laughter and love.

Outside of family, I thrive in nature. Whether it's skiing, sledding, paddleboarding, or climbing the Via Ferrata with my kids, I find energy in adventure. When I'm not scaling cliffs, I’m tending to my flower bed, soaking in the beauty of simple, living things. I live one day at a time, embracing each moment, because that's how life should be lived.

I believe in kindness—in treating others the way I want to be treated. Life has been a journey of ups, downs, growth, and self-discovery, but through it all, I hold tight to my family, my passions, and my unwavering love for the late 80s and 90s. LONG LIVE the greatest era!

"Be the best friend you always wanted."

Photographer: Megan Pierce

Hey hey, my name is Gemma Redeker! I have moved constantly through my life, meeting new people with my massive family of 9. This has taught me to be a social personality and really value each and every person that I meet throughout life. I knew at a very young age that my hearing was terrible. Moving through early childhood, and then my early teen years, with hearing loss was a very unique problem to navigate. There were very specific problems that I had to face every day, but I truly didn’t mind any of them until it started affecting my social skills and how I interacted with the people around me. Once I made it to my junior year of high school, I knew that I needed hearing aids. Ever since then my life has never been the same. I am grateful to hear every single day. I am grateful for the people around me and the relationships I have developed since!

Although my hearing impairment doesn’t totally define me as a person, it has defined parts of my life and impacted me. It’s hard to explain to others what it’s like to have partial hearing, but the appreciation I feel every day when I put in my hearing aids is endless.

Photographer: Poppy Williams

My name is Izzy, and I am a lot of things. Daughter. Sister. Partner. Friend. This is who I am for others, but for myself I am something more. I am a scholar. An educator. An artist. I am passionate and loyal and honest. I aim to resist the notions of time and what 'should be' in my life and relationships by being true to myself. My disabled self. My neurodiverse self. My self who craves stimulation and requires rest. I am an advocate for non-traditional learning and living, and a supporter of understanding what you, as an individual, need to thrive.

Born in Germany, I've spent my whole life moving. Learning. Experiencing as much of the world as I can through summer camps in different countries and conferences in different states. I recognize the privileges I have been afforded just as I acknowledge the way in which I am limited because of who I am. I am a non-traditional student, and I am graduating. I am queer, and I am happy. I am disabled, and I am successful. I am who I want to be much more than I am who I was meant to be.

Photographer: Justin Shaw

My name is Jay Stewart and I am a Social Work major from Fort Worth, Texas. Simply putting it, I am a friend, daughter, sister, student, and—most importantly—a voice of the future. That is most important to me because I aspire to inspire. I hope to be a voice for change and a person of importance for those who come after me.

Photographer: Adelaide Martinsen

Josh is a decorated Combat Veteran who served in the United States Air Force (USAF) for twenty-one years. He completed multiple tours of duty, including deployments throughout the Middle East and Asia, while also serving throughout various regions of Europe, the Pacific, and the beautiful states of Utah, Colorado, and Northern California.

After returning from a two-year remote (unaccompanied) tour in Turkey, Josh rejoined his family in California for their final return to Northern Utah at the beginning of December 2019. There, he led a medium-sized unit prior to being promoted to a command position for a three-hundred member medical unit. Also while there he championed a vital COVID-response operations program at the onset of, and throughout, the pandemic. He also served multiple tours as an Additional Duty First Sergeant during his tenure.

Josh retired from active duty with an Honorable Discharge in 2021, whereupon he transitioned his civil service on a continuum into the Army and Air Force Exchange Service and Defense Logistics Agency in the avenue of Quality Assurance. These milestone events—his military retirement and becoming a civil servant—occurred prior to Josh and his family moving to Western Colorado, where he now serves our local Veteran population as a Peer Support Counselor.

Josh and his wife, Jenni, are both very blessed to be raising their family of two girls and two boys here in the beautiful home of CMU, where he is a senior and a Psychology major. When he isn’t studying, he’s serving his local church community or exploring the great outdoors. When he isn’t outside, he’s likely immersing himself into the world of music, with his head buried in a good book, or just simply spending time with his family on their mountaintop ranch.

Photographer: Courtney Havel

Growing up on the beautiful island of O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, surrounded by so many of my loved ones, has had such a significant impact on who I’ve become as a person.

My family has always taught me to be kind to everyone, as you never know what they’re going through behind closed doors. I’ve learned to live my life by these words, treating those I come across with the same love and respect I hope to receive.

My family and friends have sculpted me into the loving person I’ve grown to become, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Photographer: Poppy Williams

My name is Mariah, and I am a creative individual passionate about making a positive impact. Growing up in Western Colorado, I’ve come to value the strong sense of community that shapes our region. As a hairstylist and now a small business owner, I’ve spent over a decade blending artistry with connection, empowering my clients while building meaningful relationships.

My two children are the center of my world, bringing me immense joy and inspiring me to strive for personal growth. For nearly 15 years my husband has been a steady source of encouragement, supporting me as I balance family life with my career and academic pursuits. As I prepare to graduate with my bachelors degree in Psychology, I’m eager to apply what I've learned to help others, whether through my work behind the chair or in future roles within the field of psychology.

Photographer: Emme Rezoski

My name is McKenna LaBelle of the Osage Nation. I am a first-generation student who's studying Nursing. Working with NASA has been such an awesome opportunity to get connections within my community and with the school. Galatians 1:10.

Photographer: Justin Shaw

My name is Minhtam La, I was born in Denver, Colorado, but I was raised in Aurora for most of my life. In Aurora, I grew up around lots of diversity, which helped me learn a lot about different people's culture and language. My parents immigrated to the states after the Vietnam War in order to provide my sisters and me a better life and opportunity.

I'm a first-generation student majoring in Fitness and Health Promotion, with a minor in Spanish, and I’m also pursuing a certificate in Personal Training. I hope to be a strength and conditioning coach so I can lead Americans toward living healthier lifestyles.

Another of my goals is to be a martial arts coach to teach people how to defend and protect themselves because I believe knowing how to defend oneself should be a basic necessity. Over the years, I have learned to care for people without receiving anything in return, because that's simply who I am as a person: a person who wants to help others thrive and grow.

Photographer: Westin Winter

Hi! Most people know me as Nia Taubr, but I think I should introduce myself with my full name, Antonia. I am a senior studying Environmental Science and Technology, with a focus in Ecosystem Restoration, where I have done hundreds of hours of research on macroinvertebrates and their contributions to functioning environments. Moreover, I have worn many hats at CMU, such as coordinating events in the International Student Alliance (ISA) and being part of the International Student Peer and Mentor Program (ISPMP) and our team of Resident Assistants (RAs). While these positions taught me various skills, it was the people in these groups who instilled stories and advice that will last a lifetime.

The first year of college I was a shy individual, still frightened to introduce herself and do anything alone. So, I took a leap of faith and joined these clubs, which ended up being my community all these years. Support systems—no matter how big or how small—are critical in college, and shape who you are and prepare you for the outside world. Although I am still learning new things about myself, I have grown to be empathetic, independent, and constantly curious about the world around me and all the beautiful people in it thanks to these groups and opportunities!

I want to end this note by saying, you are never too old or too quiet to try something new. You are capable of anything. Cherish the little moments and sending love your way :)

Photographer: Gemma Redeker

My name is Nick and I grew up in the national parks with both my parents being park rangers. My “backyards” consisted of places like the Petrified Forest and Capital Reef national parks, to name a few—environments of vast sublime beauty. I spent much of my adolescent years hiking and exploring these environments in the Sonoran Desert, on the Colorado Plateau, and in the Rocky Mountain high country. These experiences helped me grow inner confidence in myself, and I was always able to find peace and reflection in these spaces.

I joined the Army a couple years after graduating high school in Vail, Arizona, and spent five years as a Military Police officer and completed one combat tour in Iraq. After getting out, I worked for both the park service and forest service for several years. Presently I am pursuing a double major in Political Science and History. I’ve been using my GI Bill to attend CMU since 2022 with a goal of graduating in 2026 with both undergraduate degrees. I hope to get a job working within the state department or in international politics for the UN.

Since I started attending CMU, I have learned much about myself and the world around me and made many lifelong friends. I had some major challenges in the last year that nearly broke my spirit but—as the saying goes—what doesn't kill you makes you stronger or—as we used to say in the Army—adapt and overcome. Don't ever give up on yourself, your goals, or your dreams.

Photographer: Westin Winter

I am Nikita Thapa and I come from the rugged, beautiful land of Nepal, a country where the mountains touch the sky, and the heart of its people beats with resilience and warmth. Growing up in Nepal taught me that strength is not just found in the face of adversity, but in the unwavering spirit of compassion and community.

This spirit is what drives me toward nursing—a profession where I can combine my deep-rooted empathy with a commitment to healing others. For me, nursing is a calling to honor the values I hold dear: care, respect, and the power of human connection.

No matter where life takes me, my Nepalese heritage will always guide me, reminding me that true service to others is a gift that comes from the heart.

Photographer: Megan Pierce

There is a metaphor in the trans community, of our past selves and eggs, that we were once only nascent things and, once we realized the truth of ourselves and cracked the shell, then we were really born. I recall the moment my egg cracked, lying in bed and swept by the inescapable feeling that my shape was not what I wanted it to be, not what it needed to be.

I also remember the months after figuring out what shape I did need, both physically and socially. I remember diving through the internet, exploring this bold new frontier of myself. What kind of body did I want? What clothes did I want to wear? What did I want to call myself? What did I want others to call me? The shell had cracked, but I was still wrestling my way into the fullness of the light.

In a way, I am still wrestling. I know what I’d like my body to look like, but I’m still plotting the course to get there. I know what clothes I like, but my wardrobe is still slim. I know that I’m bi-gender, and that I use ze/hir pronouns, but I’m still shopping for names to add on to Sean. But, you know, I’m proud of that. I could have surrendered and stayed in the shell’s warmth the rest of my life. Instead, I’m still wrestling, fighting the shell, so that I can be truly born as the me I want to be. Maybe I’ll reach the outside someday, maybe I won’t, but I know I’ll be happy to be the chick wrestling with the shell for as long as I must.

Photographer: Gemma Redecker

My name is Tehani Kauanoe-Sagapolutele, I am a freshman majoring in biology. I am from the beautiful island of O‘ahu in Hawaiʻi. The person that I am today is shaped by my family and where I am from.

My home has taught me to admire the beauty in everything around me and to live my life with aloha, which means love, and to be appreciative of everything around me. My family has taught me to be kind and selfless, and to always be willing to lend a helping hand. I am who I am because of my family and my home.

Mahalo,

Tehani Kauanoe-Sagapolutele

Photographer: Juliana Bomark

Hello! My name is Tyler. I am a Colorado native, born and raised right here in Grand Junction. My family has been in the valley since the early 1900s. I was fortunate enough to have met my great-grandparents on my dad's side of the family. My great-grandparents, Marvin and Beulah McClellan, owned a 25-acre fruit orchard on East Orchard Mesa for many years, and my great-grandfather Jack Baysinger, joined the Army as a Combat Engineer in World War II. They were great examples of the kind of people I strive to be like; they had good, long lives and knew how to work hard. I hope to call another place home someday and to take the legacy of my family name elsewhere, but this will do for now!

I graduated from Central High School and joined the Army in February 2017. I joined for many reasons: pride, honor, to follow in my great-grandfather's footsteps, and to go see parts of the world many are fortunate or unfortunate enough to see. I guess it depends on how you look at it. Free college was just a bonus. I spent about a month at Camp Buehring while in Kuwait and about 8 months in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, for a total time of 9 months spent overseas.

People ask me all the time what I enjoyed most about my time in service, and I often reminisce about my time overseas immersed in different cultures and rubbing shoulders with the people with whom I served. Life was simple overseas, and I think that's part of what made it enjoyable. My time in service taught me a lot and is a huge part of who I am. College wasn't a place I ever saw myself, but I guess that's what makes life so interesting—never knowing what to expect.

Fast forward to the present day and I have been blessed with my two best friends: my dog (Geronimo), whom I got shortly after separating from service, and my girlfriend Olivia. I will graduate next year in May of 2026 with my BAS in Construction Management and an associate's in Business Administration and hope to get married in the same month. I hope to begin a career with Whiting Turner upon graduation and can't wait to see what's next in life!

Photographer: Juliana Bomark

Shalom! My name is Westin and I am an Ashkenazi Jewish student majoring in Business Administration with concentrations in Entrepreneurship and Management and a minor in Economics. On my mother’s side, my great-grandparents and my grandma were born in Lithuania and immigrated to the United States in October of 1938 to escape the Nazis during the Holocaust. My great-great-grandparents did not leave Lithuania with them and were murdered by the Nazis. Upon immigrating to the United States, they changed their names to avoid further persecution. On my grandfather’s side, their origins are from all over Europe. In the late 1890s and early 1900s, some moved to Odessa, Ukraine. During the Holocaust, many of my ancestors were murdered, though some escaped. Some immigrated to the United States and other areas of the world, like Israel. My great-grandmother, Molly Feinberg, had an interview with the Jewish Federation about her life experiences. There is so much history to tell about my relatives that I could write a book about it.

I am so proud to be Jewish. It’s so much more than just a religion; it’s part of who I am and is traced within my DNA. Presently, it’s very important that Jewish people stand together against the current antisemitism and hatred from all over the world. Right now, Hamas, a terrorist organization, wants to murder every Jew and Israeli in the World. On October 7th, 2023, Hamas murdered around 1,200 Israelis, and around 250 Israelis were taken hostage. Additionally, there are other terrorist organizations in the Middle East, such as Hezbollah and the Houthis, that want to completely exterminate Israel and the Jewish people.

As we deal with more unprecedented times that will continue to happen throughout history, it’s crucial to have a safe place for us to be able to exist. This is why Israel is so important—all Jews originate there. There is so much kindness, compassion, and empathy from Jews, and I find so much strength in my Jewish heritage. Again, I am so proud to say I am a Jewish student getting an amazing opportunity to attend CMU.

Photographer: Justin Willis