Student Spotlight: Mika C.

Currently a junior, Mika chose Northwest because she was intrigued by the Humanities curriculum and, in particular, how counternarratives are represented and under-represented voices are included in the vibrant curriculum. "Even the questions in the application form," she notes, "I enjoyed responding to them." And then she visited campus and her mind was set. 

"I liked that it was a small and intimate community. It really seemed like the student-teacher relationship was easygoing, they were easy to talk to, and the teachers clearly cared about the students," she says.

Mika's work stems from personal experience through her family, but it is also grounded in research to explore some of the roots and manifestations of intergenerational trauma across various communities and contexts. Early exposure to the stories and experiences of marginalized communities came from her mom, who is a journalist, and it has shaped her curiosity and dedication to contemplating and reflecting these truths outwards.

"Throughout this residency, I’ve been doing a lot of research through listening to podcasts and reading about intergenerational trauma," she shares. This includes familiarizing herself with the work of experts like Canadian physician Gabor Maté (who studies childhood trauma and its impact on long-term physical and mental health), Cree writer Chyana Marie Sage (whose writing focuses on Indigenous resilience and storytelling), journalist and author Isabel Wilkerson (who has written about global systems of oppression), as well as trauma-informed herbalist Elizabeth Guthrie, local herbalist Rachael Witt, and Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Dr. Yiwen Su.

Mika's three-piece project engages these themes, specifically that "the root of a lot of trauma can be traced to systematic oppression of groups of people based on the belief of their superiority to the oppressed group. The main piece shows some of the ways in which trauma affects and flows through communities, represented through images of oppression, such as suppression of voice and imprisonment. Trauma is also reflected through forms of emotional abuse and violent behavior toward people in the home and community," she notes. 

"The two smaller pieces of the triptych focus on healing. One shows medicinal plants as a possible alternative to pharmaceutical drugs. The healing power of plants can offer solutions that depart from healthcare controlled by capitalism, which is another socially oppressive system. The third piece is about the potential to heal emotionally by connecting with and being present to listen to the stories from our elders and through community."

She adds, “I would like to challenge those who have the option to look away from uncomfortable, awkward or hard topics to have a glimpse of what those who can’t “escape” emotionally may experience on a daily basis. I'm consistently reminded that people's entitlement can hurt others.”

Julia Freeman, NWS Visual Arts Faculty and Mika's teacher, is excited to see Mika's work receive this recognition. "It’s really rare for a student artist to incorporate such high technique, skill, and artistic knowledge with a concept and theme," she says. "The political component adds another dimension – when Mika talks about doing research before starting, that is very exciting for me. That she approached the topic with understanding, and from lived experience, and community history."

Mika enjoys the opportunities that Northwest gives her, and especially the Humanities courses and the art classes. "I like how the curriculum incorporates visual learning – that’s how my brain works," she shares. In addition, she enjoys traveling and will be going on the upcoming study abroad trip to Taiwan this April. "I also love that there are lots of outdoor activities for students here."

When she's not in class, Mika enjoys glass blowing, rock climbing, face painting, and volunteering at the Rainier Valley Food Bank. She even sells herbal remedies and art at markets through her own small business, Puffball Art, LLC. 

She credits her supporters, community, and the Northwest School with encouraging her on this journey. "Throughout the most difficult times of my life, people have shown up to encourage me to be myself, unapologetically," acknowledges Mika. "I'm grateful for my community aunties, uncles, my family and friends, teachers and the community at the Northwest School who continue to inspire and nourish me every day."

We're excited to see where her creative drive and passion take her next!