Hispanic Serving Institution with Abel

Transcript

It’s time to meet Abel, a senior visual and new media arts major from San Diego, California. He’s here to share his inspiring story of how after two decades in the Navy, he felt a calling to return to his passion, art. Abel, tell us about how OLLU is helping you return to your childhood dream. Please take it away.

– Thanks for that introduction, Alex. Hello, everyone. I grew up in Southern California in the 1980s, skateboarding the streets and creating artwork inspired by San Diego Chicano and surfside aesthetic. My dream was to go to art school. That dream took a 20 year pause when I joined the Navy and left my body a culture behind. My last station in the Navy was in San Antonio where I retired in 2019. The Veterans Administration helped me choose a school, and that’s how I discovered Our Lady of the Lake University. I registered without visiting the campus or knowing where it was located. When I arrived for my first class, I was surprised to find that it was in the heart of the city’s west side, the Barrio. I discovered that OLLU is a Hispanic-serving institution and the birthplace of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. School where most students looked like me. Two decades in the military left me feeling disconnected from my Mexican American culture, but when I arrived at OLLU, I found my culture right here. As a kid, I wanted to create artwork like I saw in the murals of San Diego. Today, I’m an intern with the San Antonio Street Art Initiative, a team of muralists that are transforming downtown San Antonio with their artwork. My childhood dream became a reality through the guidance of my art professor. She’s a visual artist who focuses on Chicano themes and Mexican American culture. I followed her instruction and advice to become the artist that I am today. When I finish school, I plan to write grants for community art projects, and organize solo and group art exhibitions. Many thanks to OLLU for helping me fulfill my aspirations. That’s my story. Now, back to you, Alex.

– Abel, we are absolutely amazed with your artwork. You have a true talent, and we can’t wait to see downtown San Antonio once you’re finished with it. Thank you for sharing your art with us. That was awesome.