Beyond the Pain

Abstract

Shanely Margarita Garcia is a first-generation undergraduate student at Cal State LA. Her love of the cosmos is what inspires her to be a better person. From a young age, her dream to pursue music gave her the energy to begin to place her mark on the world. Through the study of the performing arts, she wishes to heal and build a community for those who are willing to be open-minded. As she grew into a young adult, she found that chasing one’s dreams is difficult yet exhilarating. Using the lessons that life and her instructors have taught her she explores art through poetry to bridge the spoken word of the mind and spirit.