Flor de Anahuac / Anahuac Flower, 2016

Metztli García

Metztli Garcia, age 16

East Los Angeles

Las Fotos Project in Lincoln Heights

“Flor de Anahuac”

To me, flowers represent Sacrifice and Strength. Power and Passion. Hope and Happiness. "The Rose that Grew from the Concrete," said by Tupac Shakur, has taught me about having ambitious goals and being able to reach them despite the challenges or obstacles I might have along the way. I grew up in East Los Angeles, a place typically known for its bad influences and violence. Growing up in a low-income family, I have seen the struggles my parents faced with money and keeping a stable home. Even with everything my parents have been through, they have still made time to teach me about the importance of believing in myself. And although they are not able to provide me with the resources that others may have, I know I can be whatever I want to be.

My name is Metztli Garcia and I am currently 16 years old. I was born and raised for most of my life in East Los Angeles. This is my junior year at Mendez High School and I have become very involved in and outside of my school. I participate in a social media ambassadors program to bring information to others about the Boyle Height community. I am part of the Keystone Club, which is a leadership program at the Boys and Girls Club where we organize and help the community. I am also part of varsity cross country at school, and Las Fotos Project where I have continued to learn new photography skills. I would describe myself as an energetic, competitive, and passionate person. In the future, I aspire to attend UC Santa Cruz and to become a modeling photographer.

My experience with Las Fotos Project has, for the past three semesters, continuously made me the person I am today. The impact Las Fotos Project has had on my life, is like no other. They provide an open and safe space for young women to express how we feel, what our thoughts are, and speak our minds through photography. Photography has allowed me to show other people what I see and how I view what's going on around me. There are wonderful mentors who not only care about you while in class, but also outside of class. Each week is full of new and fun photography experimentation, allowing me to explore my creative side. Through Las Fotos Project, I have learned to be more confident, creative, and appreciative of the community I have been blessed to grow up in.