2026 Voices Seen Library Exhibit

My name is Aaron Lopez, I served in the Army from 2010 to 2018 as an Airborne Infantryman. The first half of my career I was in the 1-501st PIR whom I deployed to Afghanistan with in 2011-2012. The second half of my career was with the 82nd where I deployed to Iraq with them in 2015. After leaving the military in 2018 I decided I would continue my education and have now found myself here at CMU studying philosophy and psychology. When I'm not in school I enjoy my time as a dad, beekeeping, and just enjoying the life that is in front of me. 

 Photographer: Jordan Browning 

Hey there! My name is Adriana Aleman, and I am a first-generation Colorado native who grew up on the outskirts of Denver. I come from immigrant parents who were born and raised in El Salvador (shout out to all my Salvis). Everything I do and strive for is rooted in honoring the sacrifices, resilience, and determination of my parents. My family is everything to me, and because of their hard work, I was given opportunities they never had themselves. I carry their story with me every day; it pushes me to work harder, stay grounded, and never take my opportunities for granted. Pursuing a college career is not just a personal achievement, but a reflection of my family’s faith, effort, and hope for a better future.  

My college experience has allowed me to put myself out there in ways I never thought possible. It has been a wonderful and transformative part of my journey, bringing meaningful memories, growth in confidence, and a deeper understanding of who I am and who I want to become. A huge part of my experience was being involved in the Latino Student Alliance, where I found lifelong friends, community, and cultural pride, as well as the opportunity to help create a safe and welcoming space for others. At times, these moments feel bittersweet. While I am proud to have completed my bachelor’s degree in two years, I feel sad that my experience was cut short. Even so, I look forward to what the next chapter of my life holds and hope to use my experiences and education to live a purposeful life by giving back to the communities and people who helped shape me. 

 Photographer: Paul Irvine 

My name is Alena Meiko Bartley, and I want to make the world a better place. I was born in Waiʻanae on the island of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi and was raised a catholic. A lot of who I am is where I come from. More than 3,000 miles away from home, the Hoʻolokahi Polynesian Alliance and Saint Joseph's Catholic church has given me a space to find community. In the 11th grade I decided I needed to save the environment, so I started looking into what could help me do that. Now, I am a freshman here at CMU studying environmental science and technology with a minor in geographic information systems. 

When I was 14, I fell in love with the sport of wrestling and everything that came with it. Currently I am an athlete on the CMU women’s wrestling team and my new teammates have become some of my closest friends. This past summer (June - August 2025) I interned at Ka Paʻalana, a homeless family education program. This ignited my passion for teaching kids so after college I plan to get my teaching credentials and pursue this passion. Together, these experiences continue to inspire my goal of making the world a better place. 

 Photographer: Becca Dunn 

My name is Caleb Rhodes; my service dog's name is Ollie. I am a Secondary English Education major. I have Tourette's Syndrome as well as a seizure disorder. Ollie helps me through those episodes in many ways and allows me to live a pretty normal life. He will be retiring at the end of this semester, but he will still happily perform his duties at home. 

Photographer: Megan Conley 

My name is Carissa Blaine, and I was born and raised in Colorado. After spending 15 years living in Los Angeles, I returned to Grand Junction and found a renewed appreciation for the life and opportunities Colorado offers—especially through the eyes of my two young daughters. Watching them grow, explore, and experience the world around them in the same places I once enjoyed as a child has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life. 

While raising my two daughters, I am also a full-time student at Colorado Mesa University, balancing the demands of family life and my education. I earned my associate’s degree in liberal arts in California and am now continuing my education as a non-traditional, first-generation college student, working toward my bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in forensic investigation.  

In addition to my studies, I work with children who struggle with behavioral challenges—an experience that continues to shape my passion for understanding and helping others. Having struggled with a learning disability myself, I have come to appreciate both the challenges and the strengths it brings. Living with ADHD, or what I like to call a “neuro-spicy” mind, I have learned to work with the way my brain functions rather than against it, allowing me to approach life with creativity, adaptability, and resilience. 

My journey has shaped me into someone driven by growth, empathy, and a strong sense of purpose. I have learned to give myself grace through my struggles and to truly embrace who I am and the path I am pursuing. Above all, I hope that by watching me overcome personal adversities and pursue my dreams, my daughters will learn that they are capable of achieving anything they set their minds to. 

Photographer: Elle Unflat 

I am a former dual-sport college athlete who has transitioned my competitive mindset into the world of business. I am driven by a deep belief that opportunity should not be limited by location. I am building LikeMnd, an AI-powered networking platform designed to connect entrepreneurs, investors, and creators within one powerful ecosystem. My goal is to create a space where anyone, anywhere, can access the relationships and resources needed to succeed. Through my work, I aim to fundamentally change how entrepreneurship is built and scaled in the modern world. 

 Photographer: Bonnie Duffy 

My name is Dakota Ilae. I was born and raised on the island of Oahu, Hawai‘i, where community, culture, and hospitality shape everyday life. I am currently working toward my BA in Business Hospitality with a minor in Economics. My long-term goal is to return home and work in the hotel industry, where I can contribute to Hawai‘i’s tourism sector in a way that honors local values and supports the people who make our islands special. 

Growing up in Hawai‘i, I learned that identity is something we carry with pride, but it is also something we share through our stories, our traditions, and the ways we show up for one another. This project gives me the chance to represent where I come from and the communities that shaped me. It also reminds me that diversity is not just about being different; it’s about being seen, understood, and valued for the experiences that make us who we are. 

As I continue my education and move toward my career goals, I hope to bring the spirit of aloha into every space I enter, creating environments where people feel welcomed, respected, and cared for. 

Photographer: Taylor Kaspar

Upon first glance at my photo you may have your own thoughts about who I am; some may be right, some may be way off. I am a First generation student here at CMU pursuing a bachelor's degree in radiologic sciences. I was born June 3rd 2007 in Glenwood Springs, Colorado and my name is Danaka Rodriguez. Spelled phonetically, that's Dan-uh-cuh. My name is often mispronounced, people tend to take one look and run wild. I've heard just about every possible pronunciation that can be conjured up. I often correct people on the pronunciation, but even then they still get it wrong. They read and say whatever they want regardless of what it is I want.  

I've lived a good portion of my life trying to fit into what people want of me, or at least what I believe they wanted of me. It was exhausting. Even when I thought I broke off, I was still stuck.  It's taken a long time but I realize now that I don't have to stay in that box. I don't have to be like everyone else in order to fit in. Dyeing my hair a different color, getting another piercing or tattoo is what makes me, me. I enjoy the hours it takes to do my hair. I enjoy ceramics and painting. I enjoy reading nerdy comics and manga. I enjoy watching “kid’s” shows. These are all components of me that I at some point in my life have hidden or down played in order to fit in; but they are things that have made me who I am today. In the end I will always be Dan-uh-cuh Rodriguez, regardless of what others think. I'll always be a little different, but what's the fun in all of us being the same?  

Photographer: Jordan Browning 

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 do so during my time here at Colorado Mesa, this has come to fruition 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 held here I have learned how to be caring, compassionate, and considerate of those around me. All of this had led to enrichment and a level of understanding for the world around me I otherwise would not have experienced. 

Photographer: Megan Conley 

Hi, my name is Elizabeth Fernandez Salas! I’m currently majoring in Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Biology with minors in Forensic Investigations and Chemistry. As a first-generation college student, I’m passionate about working in healthcare and aspire to become a Physician Assistant one day.  

At CMU, I’ve gotten involved in a few different organizations. Right now, I serve as a coordinator for the Latino Student Alliance, which has been such a meaningful experience for me. I love being able to represent my culture and help create a welcoming space for others. Being a first-gen student hasn’t always been easy, but it’s pushed me to grow a lot, and I enjoy supporting and motivating other students as they figure things out too. 

Photographer: Taylor Kaspar 

Born and raised in New Zealand on a rural property in Hunua, Auckland, life was very different to what it is now, 22 years later. I am about to graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, and finishing out my last season on the Colorado Mesa Women's Lacrosse team is something little me would never have seen coming. I have been incredibly grateful to experience the opportunity to pursue my dreams all the way on the other side of the world, and build memories to last a lifetime. This time and this school have shaped me into the best version of myself, knowing that I truly can do anything I put my mind to.  

There is something that can be said about this experience being made possible, and that is that it would not have happened without the love and constant support of my family at home and the new home away from home I have built here. Every step of the way has never been truly alone, as my parents, family, boyfriend, teammates, and best friends have guided me through it all. They are my why every day, and who I aspire to make proud through all I have done in my time at CMU. I wouldn't trade this experience for the world, and as hard as it was at times, being an international student and representing New Zealand here has been the best decision of my life. 

Photographer: Elle Unflat 

They say a strong life requires a solid foundation, but no one teaches you how to build when the ground is intentionally pulled from beneath you. 

For years after high school, my focus was on the daily mechanics of surviving the real world. I thought I had finally found my footing when I moved to Colorado seeking a fresh start. Instead, life offered a much harsher lesson. One fateful afternoon, while I was on the clock, a single text message dismantled my reality. In an instant, I was left completely on my own. No home, no safety net, and no support system. 

That sudden environmental instability mirrored a quiet war I already fight in the dark. Every night, I manage the invisible, physical toll of nocturnal epilepsy. When the waking world strips away your shelter and your own nervous system disrupts the rest, you learn the actual cost of resilience. You learn that rock bottom is just a blank canvas. 

Stripped of everything, I realized I didn't just want to survive anymore. I wanted the leverage to be a protector and an anchor for my family. That deep necessity to step up for the people I care about pushed me to redefine my trajectory. 

That shift in perspective brought me to Colorado Mesa University as a First-Generation and Non-Traditional student. Today, I'm majoring in Computer Science with a focus on Artificial Intelligence. The years I spent navigating the trenches gave me the grit required to treat every lecture and every line of code as a blueprint for a new life. It's clear to me that true intelligence and strength only come from adapting to failures and processing the errors. 

My name is Henry Mejia. To anyone reading this who feels like they are starting late or carrying a heavy weight: Your past is not a liability. It's the architecture of your strength, and the reality is that no one will ever truly understand. It's never too late to write a new code for your future. 

Photographer: Bonnie Duffy

My name is Justin Willis and I am one of two coordinators for black student alliance. The reason why I wanted to join BSA was to make a lasting impression on my peers at CMU. The experience of doing something much bigger than me will always be a blessing and I wouldn't want it to be different. 

Photographer: Elle Unflat 

I am a lot of things to a lot of people. I am a sister, daughter, cousin, and friend. I’m a Christian. But I am also a disabled woman. I learned the importance of accommodations and accessibility very early on in life. As I navigate the challenges of college with disabilities, it has taught me a lot about perseverance and the importance of advocating for my needs. I have learned how capable I am when I have the correct accommodations and tools. I have learned how to ask for help when I need it and how to adapt as my needs change. Learning how to ask for help and change my expectations of my body and how I do day-to-day activities has been and still is a struggle for me at times. My disabilities have tested my faith immensely throughout the years. They have also made my faith stronger. Teaching me to trust God’s timing rather than my own and how to trust and rely on him in the midst of flares and chaos life throws at you. While also trusting and relying on him when life is calm and when my body isn’t flaring. There is no instruction manual on how to live with disabilities, but there is a community of people who understand your struggles in a way nobody else can. There is so much more to me than just my disabilities. I am a nursing major and a first responder.  I am a country girl. I grew up on a ranch with dogs, horses, cat, a donkey, and a buffalo. I grew up working the horses till dark. Feeding them by 5 am because you'll hear about it if you don’t. I was working as cattle crew at roping's before I had my license. If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be this. “Embrace your needs. Ask for help. Use your accommodations. Change how you accomplish tasks, even if it looks different. Most importantly, let them. Let them judge you, doubt you, walk away from you. But DON’T let them tell you what YOU are capable of.” 

Photographer: Megan Conley

My name is Lexon Urbain. I am from a small town called Berthoud, which is about an hour north of Denver; but I spent my childhood in an even smaller town called Gill - just outside of Greely. Currently, I am a student at CMU getting a major in English, and two minors. School is the one of the most important things in my life, and if I am not studying, I am reading. My dream, goal, and life aspiration is to become a lawyer - to graduate from Columbia and practice law in New York City, to be specific; and I am a firm believer that small hopes make big dreams. One of my first steps in accomplishing my goal was getting into CMU and receiving my acceptance letter was one of the best moments of my life. 

Photographer: Taylor Kaspar

𐓣𐓟𐓘𐓤𐓘𐓣, 𐓟𐓤𐓘 𐓬𐓘 𐓤𐓟𐓘𐓣 𐓂𐓘𐓡𐓟𐓣𐓘 

Hello, my name is McKenna 

I am one of the coordinators for the Native American Student Association on campus. This is my second year I have been a part of this group. I am a nursing student and am graduating with my LPN this year, and will return to complete my BSN later. I have been given the honor to spread awareness and visibility across campus these past two years. And I plan on continuing by practicing 𐓤𐓘𐓟 𐓬𐓟𐓘𐓣 (good medicine) as a nurse. My goal is to make every patient I meet feel loved and accepted, no matter their history or background. I am thankful for the lessons and experiences I have gained from these past two year. 

𐓣𐓟𐓘𐓤𐓘𐓣 𐓬𐓘𐓣 (go well/take care) 

Photographer: Maddie Nowak 

I was born in Afghanistan, and my journey has taken me far from where I started, both physically and emotionally. Moving to the United States meant leaving behind familiarity and stepping into a completely new world—new language, new culture, and a new version of myself that I had to slowly build from the ground up.  

There were moments where I felt out of place, like I was trying to understand who I was while also trying to fit into everything around me. But over time, I learned that growth often comes from discomfort. I started to find strength in the small things—pushing myself through challenges, staying focused on my goals, and learning to trust myself even when things felt uncertain.  

I am currently a student at Colorado Mesa University, and I look forward to graduating from Business Department in 2029.   

In my life, I’ve learned how important it is to keep going even when you feel like you’re figuring everything out alone. I’ve learned how to take care of myself, how to grow in confidence, and how to stay grounded in who I am becoming. Whether it’s focusing on my goals, building discipline, or simply trying to become the best version of myself, I’m always working on growth—even in quiet ways.  

Today, I carry my story with me with pride. I am still becoming, still learning, and still growing. And being part of The Voices Seen 2026 is a reminder that my voice, my journey, and my presence matter. 

Photographer: Mickey Stellavato 

My name is Sara Saiyed, I am a Junior here at CMU. I am a second generation Indian American and third generation Italian American. These roots and my family have shaped me into the caring, empathetic person I am today!  My grandparents came to America in the 70s and worked incredibly hard along with my parents to give me the opportunities they never had. Growing up, my family always taught me to stand up for and help those who are less fortunate or cannot advocate for themselves. This gives me the drive to pursue my dreams of becoming an attorney. I want to help people through law, use my skills for good, and make my family proud. 

Photographer: Paul Irvine 

My name is Tori Keever. I was born and raised in Grand Junction. With limited access to my Japanese heritage in Colorado, I decided to become a co-coordinator for the Asian Student Association to not only learn about my culture but to provide a safe space for other Asian students to learn.  

I have three nephews and two nieces who are my reason why. They inspire me every day to be a better person and create a world where they can learn about their heritage. Being an aunt is the most important role that I will ever play, and I am proud to be theirs. 

Photographer: Paul Irvine 

At Colorado Mesa University, I have come to see college as more than just classes, or assignments to get a degree. It has become a place of growth, connection, and purpose. Through CMU TV, student organizations, and my studies in mass communications, I have learned that education is not only about information. It is also about people, perspective, and using your gifts to serve others. 

As a veteran, father, nontraditional student, and creator, I no longer define myself by limitation, but by growth and by faith in where God may be leading me. The CMU TV studio and control room reflect that journey. I am drawn to the inner workings of production, communication, and storytelling because they make it possible to preserve voices, experiences, and truths that matter. 

As I move toward graduation in Spring 2027, I hope to use media to help people feel seen, heard, and remembered. You will never know what is on the other side until you try, so praise today. 

Photographer: Bonnie Duffy

Hey, my name is Yair Aguilar Manzo. I'm a freshman studying film at CMU; I was born in Denver Colorado and lived in a town called Montbello for a good chunk of my life. Both my parents came from Mexico and immigrated to the USA, I'm the first in the family to travel out of state for college and me saying that it's been difficult is something that more the 50% of students in this college have said which would be beating the heck out of an extremely dead horse, it's probably just a skeleton at this point.  

Instead, I want to talk about how much more different colleges feels like what I imagine it would be. Originally I thought college was going to be this nonstop train of constantly professional work that is the single most important thing in your college path and you need to stop at nothing to achieve that, no its actually more tame and calm, you show up listen to the professor maybe ask for the occasional question or feedback do the assignment you need to do then move on the other thing you need to do for that class, then jump to the next class. It's not a big moment where you have to make the ultimate decision time slows down and you take all what you learn and use it to make the choice; There is no single action that determines your future but rather the many small choices that impacts one and the other, which definitely make my college experiences harder then it need to be, and it made me realize that college is about taking what your given and making the most out of it. 99% the info you learn and be found online within less than the minute, yet with college you can take what you learn and test it out showing your work to professor and collages and they are able to show you their perspective and opinion on it allowing more insight and giving more flexible expression.  

While this doesn't just fix all my problems at once, this mindset shift has not only allow me to move in the correct direction of my college career it also helps remind me that college isn't just certain black and white story but rather it can be so much more broad then one expect and the only person that can make that happen is you and isn't made in just one page of a book but rather a bunch of scatter pages of a book that combine together tells you story. 

Photographer: Maddie Nowak