I have served three years as a Long Beach Search and Rescue member (LBSR). My love of dance provided an opportunity to connect with a non-profit program; Down 4 Dance, teaching classes to dancers with developmental disabilities. I am passionate about continuing to create outlets for self-expression through art, believing it plays a significant role in raising our own awareness about what is happening within, as well as enhancing our human capacity to relate to others.
I interned at the Long Beach City Prosecutor’s Office, which pushed me to view my community from diverse angles, and impressed upon me the importance of supporting those whose voices are often underrepresented. To complete my Girl Scouts-Gold Award, I looked closely at first responder departments that were highlighted for unfavorable behavior of the developmentally disabled during critical incidents. I was concerned that first responders may misunderstand the behaviors of those with developmental disabilities, particularly their inability to comprehend commands, and may use unnecessary force to gain compliance.
After my primary mentor, Officer Chris Zamora died by suicide on November 13, 2021, I did not have direction and guidance to complete a training project that would increase first responders’ ability to respond effectively to the disabled community during critical incidents. I was grieving, and it took time to create space to be open about how the loss was competing with the progress of this valuable project. Eventually, as modeled by Zamora, I learned to be generous with praise and recognized contributions notably boosting morale and commitment to completion. I am so grateful for Zamora’s initial oversight and confidence in me. What I believe Helen Keller was saying is becoming an agent of change in my community will require me to act boldly in the face of adversity and to serve in justice for others.
Word Count: 300
Author: Isabella Del Gaudio, Class of 2022
University of Southern California
Scholarship Essay for Marvel Optics: