Andrea Rodriguez and Ashley Blackhurst

Andrea Rodriguez and Ashley Blackhurst discussed integrated curriculum planning for Ms. Blackurst's 4th grade class. Rodriguez's work will focus on dance, Carnaval, and the diversity of Latin American cultures. She is being mentored by Gina Hall of UCLA's Fowler Museum. "I feel so honored and blessed to be working here!" says Rodriguez. "I am really excited to work with the kids in this neighborhood." A senior who will be graduating in June, Rodriguez reflected, "My life has been so UCLA [oriented], and now I wish that I had [gotten out and] done ArtsBridge before." Her AB partner, Ms. Blackhurst, feels that Rodriguez's work will "help the kids tie in to their own cultures, and other cultures. It will be something that they will remember forever." Everyone in the room fell silent. The power and potential of their efforts revealed in Blackhurst's public comment. Forever is a long time. Would they be helping the children create positive memories that they could remember forever? Rodriguez smiled and echoed, "Forever?" "Forever," responded Blackhurst.