On the first day of our Undocumented Mentorship Academy program, we facilitated an art workshop centered on planting intentions. Each student was invited to creatively reflect on their personal goals. This included what they hoped to gain, change, or grow during their time in the program. They wrote or drew these intentions, giving form to thoughts that many had never been asked to articulate before.

We then paired this reflection with a hands-on activity. We planted small plants. As they placed soil into their pots, students symbolically were planting what they hoped would grow. For many of these young people, who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, this was their first experience participating in an art workshop. There was initial hesitation, but it became curiosity and engagement.

What stood out most was the shift in energy. Students who were quiet at the start began to open up, sharing their goals with peers and taking pride in their creations. It was also really exciting to see that everyone was participating to the full extent. I was not expecting this since it was a high school group but they all delicately picked up their plants, added their soil, and even asked to do extra ones.

This workshop introduced students to new ways of expressing themselves and setting root to positive change in their lives. By the end, there was a sense of excitement and anticipation in the room. Students left not only with their planted intentions, but with a new openness toward the creative process.