Author: findinghumanKIND

Video Series

Grab your tissues, it’s going to be a wet one.. (San Jose, California)

findinghumanKIND

“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” – Albert Einstein

Hey KIND humans! Oh my gosh. This interview was a tearjerker. Laurie has been an art teacher for almost 30 years! Her dedication and unwavering passion brought us to tears. Happy tears, of course! There is no question she is deeply committed to her students and her job. Can we all have teachers like Laurie?! San Jose is a mixing pot of cultures and demographics, how does a teacher not only teach, but also connect with each and every one of her students? Take a listen…

Our Journey
findinghumanKIND

This FB memory describes our lives perfectly. Three years ago, we left it all in Tampa, packed up, moved into an RV and traveled the country to follow our passions of photography/travel/nonprofit work. Thus, NomadiCam (nomads with cameras), our photography company, and Finding HumanKIND were born. After our 2017 road trip, we settled in Portland for a hot minute then Cali for a couple months… with no idea where we were going to live or what we were doing .. we just knew it felt right (story of our lives). The past 3 years we’ve hustled harder than ever and made a business, we had no experience in, into a thriving company sustaining our lives! And what was supposed to be 2 months in Cali tuned into our new home 8 months/year.
Life can be crazy, uncertain, and sometimes scary. Through all our challenges, we’ve learned NEVER UNDERESTIMATE YOURSELF! You are capable of achieving anything you put your mind and heart to. Follow your passions and do what you love bc life shouldn’t be spent chasing a fat paycheck or a prestigious title! Don’t let society’s unrealistic and ridiculously high standards shape your life, stop comparing yourself to others bc let’s be real…no one is as perfect as social media makes us out to be! We all have our own struggles and it shouldn’t be taboo to talk about it!!
Do you! It’s never too late to start over & you’re not too old! Someone once told me that they want to make the leap of faith for an “unconventional” life when it makes “sense.” Chasing your dreams/passions, most of the time, doesn’t make “sense.” That’s okay, it’s more fun! When I told my mentor/boss I was quitting to travel indefinitely, he said, “this is the dumbest financial decision you’ll ever make and the best decision you’ll make for your life.”

Sometimes life is about risking everything for a dream no one can see but you! ❤️❤️❤️ Happy Friday loves!

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What teachers really stand for… (San Jose, California)

findinghumanKIND

When I was storyboarding and drafting interview questions for Peter’s documentary, I wanted to focus on the most highlighted issue that we (non-teachers) perceive based on recent teacher protests and media – the issue of teachers being underpaid. 

When I worked at a food bank, we provided breakfast to students in low income communities for two reasons: 1. ) Students perform better in school when they aren’t hungry 2.) to alleviate the burden on teachers who were dipping into personal funds to provide breakfast for students, as some low income parents were unable to provide a hot meal for their children.

Based on my experience and knowledge of the education system, I began the interview with one goal in mind: to create a real testimonial of how teachers are really coping with the pressure of being underpaid and what our community can do about it. What I didn’t focus on and should have, was the passion and dedication that teachers have for their students. Teachers are an extremely important facet of any society for a number of reasons and their role is invaluable in children’s lives. Teachers educate our kids who in turn become the leaders of the next generation.  Let’s shine a light on who teachers really are and what they stand for. Thank you, Peter, for helping us better understand and for being a guiding force in your students’ lives.

 

Video Series

A day in the life a special needs child. (Atlanta, GA)

findinghumanKIND

Happy Kabuki Syndrome Awareness Day! What is Kabuki Syndrome you say? It’s a very rare condition affecting 1:32,000 births worldwide and the symptoms are similar to those with autism. Our nonprofit Finding HumanKIND is so excited to share a recent video we created with a special needs family to raise awareness & educate. Many of us who’ve never met a special needs person, may or may not know how to act or what to say. I always thought, “Will that person be able to communicate back, will I offend someone?” Who can relate 🙋🏽‍♀️? My reactions were understandable, but my ignorance was not. We have a duty to educate ourselves about special needs because those who are different only seek acceptance and to be treated like everyone else. Hear what Julie and Trevor have to say about breaking down barriers to finding a diagnosis and proper care for your special needs child, what it’s like to live a day in their shoes, and how those with special needs should be treated. Together, let’s overcome disabilities and embrace capabilities because that’s when change is made. 💚

To learn more about Kabuki Syndrome and to join the movement in finding a cure, visit All Things Kabuki!

Video Series

Happy Kabuki Syndrome Awareness Month

findinghumanKIND

Meet Cam – a sweet, adorable, funny, and playful 3-year-old who copies his older sister in everything she does and pretends to be King Kong, stomping on sand castles and roaring as loud as ever! What you may not know by his appearance is that Cam was diagnosed with Kabuki Syndrome. This rare genetic disorder affects 1 in 32,000 births worldwide. Children and adults affected by Kabuki Syndrome experience a variety of symptoms from intellectual impairment, growth delays, and autistic-like behaviors. Despite his condition, Cam is no different than any other 3-year-old boy. Join Finding HumanKIND as we raise awareness of Kabuki syndrome, educate the community about special needs, and inspire those to make a difference.

To learn more and support the movement to find a cure, visit All Things Kabuki!

Video Series

Better Period

findinghumanKIND

For most people, when women speak about their needs and anything to do with their body is “taboo.” Women feel uncomfortable, awkward, and judged when they talk about their body. We’re thankful to have interviewed Priscilla, a light to so many women in need and the founder of Better Period. This local initiative holds drives to collect menstrual and sanitary supplies for women who otherwise can’t afford them.  Ladies, can you imagine it being that time of the month and not having access tampons/pads? This is the reality to so many women in our community and it’s Better Period’s mission to help women menstruate with dignity and comfort. Learn more on Instagram @Better.Period

Video Series

Be you. Be real. Be authentic. This is RAWW

findinghumanKIND

Can you imagine a space where you can freely speak your mind with women who understand and support you, without judgement? This is RAWW, an organization creating a safe space for women to share and discuss “taboo” topics in nonclinical spaces. I posted Nikki’s interview a few days ago where she opened up, for the first time, about her sexual abuse. She was honest, vulnerable, and inspiring. She found the courage to tackle her suffering from a trauma that occurred 15 + years ago, when she attended a RAWW event. Can you believe that?! All it took was a safe space and support from women she’s never met. That is how magical safe spaces, like RAWW, can be. When women support women, anything is possible.