Published in ConnectED Newsletter - Volume 6 - Issue 1 - August 2022
Ingrid Romero is a senior majoring in art education. They hope to be part of the graduating class of 2023.
When asked what motivated them to apply to the Art Education program, they said, “I believe that art education is inherently social justice. This program specifically is a dream of mine. The classes are all incredible, and the lived experiences of the administrators and professors within the program are very inspiring and helpful.” Ingrid was brought up in community organizing, activating art to build with our people. “I firmly believe that we need to integrate culture and community within arts education; there is no separation. Art creates spaces to have these dialogues and tap into our imaginations and memory. It invites us to heal, critique, and move us forward,” they added.
Ingrid has been teaching for ten years, so they find it interesting to take education classes and reflect on their practice. “I feel that I am more of a teaching assistant than student at times because of my experience and maturity; however, it feels great to connect with younger students and hear the ‘why’ that makes us want to be teachers.”
Ingrid’s goals as an art teacher are to support students in their creativity, develop their leadership, tap into their talents, and invite them to be curious and explore themselves and the world around them. “I always notice how much I change when working with others, especially with young people. I question myself, I reflect, I heal, and I am challenged to stay present,” they said. Ingrid hopes to inspire their students to emerge as artists and responsible leaders in our world, and to keep passing their wisdom to the next generation and so forth. “Each one teach one.”
“I will always be a community organizer, as that was the first identity that I remember claiming as young as fifteen years old,” Ingrid claims. A native New Yorker of Colombian descent, they are passionate about organized communities, collective action, healing justice, arts, and culture. They are part of a movement hub in Bushwick, Brooklyn—where they grew up—called Mayday Space and part of the movement Leadership Fellows of the Leadership Center for Social Justice. “I do many things, but that is because there are many things to do!,” Ingrid says.
Thank you for your commitment to make a difference in the world. We cannot wait to see what is next in your educational journey!
Last Updated: 08/26/2022 13:26