Photographer: Amanda Mollindo in collaboration with Leonora Jackeline Barrera

The Prose and Image  Project was an attempt by myself Joe  Medina and Professor Juan Pacheco to have our beginning photography students look into themselves and find a way of bringing out their vision and voice to share with the world . This very unique project has what Juan calls , "its geneses in a cell phone conversation between two artist_teachers", dedicated to the idea that art does make a difference in a students life . We encouraged our students  to use the photographic medium and the written word as a means of expressing thoughts about the big challenges they face in their  lives and communities .  These written pieces could pose a question , illustrate a personal feeling or challenge a convention , taking the form of a letter, poem or personal essay.  Juan is a Professor of Photography in California and I am a High School Photography Teacher in Arizona. The distance required  students to exchange their written pieces with each other via email . Following this exchange, students validated their interpretation of the received text using the photographic medium .  Images could range from representational to abstract, including portraiture . As with any meaningful art, clarity of ideas and honesty of expression was essential.  As stated by Professor Pacheco , "There's are no I's in this collaboration only We's . Our students personal narratives and vision are precious gifts. Allowing someone a glimpse into their lives is a challenging and brave step". We  appreciate the generosity and maturity of each and every one of these young artist and scholars . We urge you to listen to these voices of tomorrow and acknowledge their courage, honesty and importance.