Gael Gaudarrama ’27

By Gael Gaudarrama ’27

I chose to come to COA precisely because I learned that the human ecology degree would offer me the academic freedom to merge different interests and disciplines into a unique educational path. I have been deeply inspired by the faculty and students in this community. Most of what we do seems to be motivated by a deep love for the land we inhabit, as well as the people we choose to open our hearts to. 

The start of my second year marked a deeper focus in my educational path. With a strong interest in the arts, I began exploring how societal changes and the interplay of economic and political systems shape creative expression and forge different avenues for intercultural conversations.  

Methods of Tutoring Writing Across the Curriculum

This course, taught by Writing Center director Blake Cass MPhil ’19, was pivotal in preparing me for a tutoring role at the Writing Center, but it unexpectedly became a journey of self-discovery. The principles of mentorship resonated with my experience under other leadership roles, such as being a resident advisor.

The course challenged me to reconsider academic conventions, institutional norms, and the paradigms shaping higher education. It also provided a platform that allowed me to refine my own voice within writing in academia. Practical applications of these understandings emerged during my time in the Writing Center, where I engaged with translingualism, spoken word, and other conversational approaches to tutoring writing.

Samba Percussion Ensemble

Joining Jonathan Henderson’s Samba Percussion Ensemble was an energizing experience. The rhythmic beats of the drumsticks felt like an extension of self-expression, allowing me to find a unique voice within the collective sound. Beyond improving my percussion skills, this experience became a gateway to understanding samba's profound role in political and social movements in its country of origin and around the world.

Performing for local schools highlighted samba's community-building power, while class discussions explored its roots in Brazil's race and class struggles. I was particularly moved by the sociopolitical narratives and questions of cultural appropriation that emerged, inspired both by assigned readings and my personal reflections. This deepened my understanding of my own cultural identity and how it intersects with global artistic traditions.

Sound Studies Practicum

This practicum was co-taught by Jonathan Henderson and audio storyteller Galen Koch. I did not have a lot of experience with sound before taking this class, and it transformed the way I perceived the world, focusing on the act of listening as a culturally and linguistically shaped experience. The course also questioned ocularcentrism, expanding my sensory awareness and appreciation for sound as a research medium.

From attending lectures on data sonification to learning about sound as a physical phenomenon and its relationship with human physiology, I was inspired to explore sound in innovative and personal ways with a storytelling intent. Field trips to COA's research stations and hands-on projects, like sound recording and editing, culminated in a personal project that examined the intersection of the digital world and auditory experience. This creative journey paralleled my passion for photography and videography, further broadening my artistic perspective.