Many of you have heard statistics of how amazing CMW is, but
have you heard the story of how it changed my life? When I first
started, I was a shy 8 year old, but through everyone pushing and
encouraging me, I am now a strong, independent woman who can say I'm
proud of who I've become.

Many things have highlighted my time at CMW: At 15 I joined Phase III and became part of a string quartet with my 3 awesome friends Josh, Luis, and Itza. Together we learned how important it is to work with each other and pull your own weight. We met weekly for an hour rehearsal with our coaches, including Chloe, Jesse, and Jason. We also performed concerts around the city, which included playing at the Mayor's house last summer.

Being part of Phase III has made me into a more responsible person. It has also helped me find my passion. This happened when I met Jori, CMW's Media Lab Director. These past 2 years I have worked closely with her, learning how to conduct interviews, use iMovie, and make documentary films. Jori has become my teacher, my mentor, my partner, and most importantly, my friend. Next year, at college, I plan to minor in film, and I have even started working on my own projects.

This month I'm graduating and will be attending Smith College in the fall. I cannot say what I will miss the most, but maybe it's the many relationships I've formed. Maybe it's my weekly cello lessons with Adrienne, my afternoon chats with Liz at the office, mentoring Malachy over 2 years, or my sense of belonging to a community bigger than myself.

What comforts me is that CMW will continue and go on to change lives in the way that it has changed mine. I know CMW will be there tomorrow, next year, and hopefully 20 years from now.

CMW will be there because of the generosity of all of CMW's donors. We need to raise $20,000 by June 30th to balance our budget. Will you help us?

Thank you for all of your support!

-Kirby Vasquez