Whether it’s spreading information, donating or marching in protests, Banuelos wants to bring awareness however she can, to causes that matter.
She has been exploring the performance art in Chile, focusing on the femicide happening in South America, and has been following over the last couple years. She explains that she’s become ‘obsessed’ with it, learning and devouring as much as she possibly can.
“I want people to find out what’s happening,” said Banuelos. “I’m hoping that people realize that these movements, that are mostly dominated by women, aren’t movements that happen because it happens out of nowhere. I want people to realize that there’s a lot of history and a lot that has led to this movement.”
Taking Dr. Rebecca Weller’s class and seeing how passionate she was about the movement inspired her to follow in her footsteps, as well.
Women have been oppressed in the arts for so long and it’s time that they’re able to express themselves. That takes a lot of courage and leadership skills, Banuelos pointed out.
“As I got to know her, it was her kindness and her thoughtful insights that made her a truly outstanding person. We talked about art and art history after class frequently, stemming from a genuine curiosity and love of learning. One would never know she was carrying the weight of two-degree tracts and has been very active in campus life, for she never complained about the workload! I look forward to seeing what she will do in the future,” said Dr. Weller.
Banuelos is the first in her family to go to college.
“I want to give back at much as I can, either to my community or to my parents, because they deserve to have that life that they always wanted,” said Banuelos.
She’s heard their stories of how they enjoyed school or learning, but circumstances didn’t allow them to go.
As she’s engaged in a few of her classes virtually, her parents have also joined in, recalling memories they’d lived through or knew about.
“You’re able to seek that better life for your parents,” Banuelos said of going to college.
Banuelos sees getting her degree as a chance to give back.
“You’re doing it for you, but you have to think about what you want to do with that education – giving to your community and being thoughtful,” Banuelos added.
Once she graduates, Banuelos hopes to become a professor at a university, as she wants to “inspire other people to be who they want to be.”
CSUB has graduated nearly 60,000 students in its 50-year history. Soon, Banuelos will join this group of esteemed alumni.
“We’re that next generation, the leaders, in a sense,” said Banuelos. “We have to inspire the next generation. We have to inspire our own siblings to continue pursuing that education.”