Julian began in DAVA’s Computer Art Lab at age 12. He was then selected to be Junior Staff, working as a special assistant in our programs all through high school. Julian will quickly testify that after-school programs kept him off the streets and out of trouble during peak youth crime hours.
BACKGROUND
What began as a choice to do something fun after school led to a 10-year relationship with DAVA and staff mentors that literally changed the trajectory of Julian’s life.
INSPIRATION
Julian was a recipient of the 2007 DAVA Scholarship for Excellence Award. In his award acceptance speech, he spoke of the importance of having access to a place like DAVA, “this involves me, and you, and everyone…I had a choice to wander or a choice to expand and create personally and for others.” Most recently, he represented DAVA at a fundraiser attended by 500 people, speaking about how the arts changed his life, “You just don’t forget your roots; you don’t forget where you came from.”
OUTCOME
A previous graduate of Aurora’s Central High , he recently graduated with a degree in graphic design from the University of Colorado Denver. Julian continues to volunteer, helping kids in DAVA’s OASIS Open Studio and Job Training programs.
