by Brian Benson, Bridgewater State University
Not everyone can closely tie their education to bettering their hometown. But, Amaryllis Lopez, ’20, is fostering artistic vibrancy and youth empowerment in her Lawrence community with help from her Bridgewater State University studies.
Amaryllis, an English major with minors in Latin American and Caribbean studies and African American studies, helps run art and social justice organization Elevated Thought. Her minors are no accident for the writer and poet of Puerto Rican ancestry.
“This is the community of Lawrence,” she said. “It helps me remind myself why I’m in school, the kind of people I want to impact and help. It gives me drive and keeps me passionate.”
Amaryllis’ commitment to her city is clear. She helps run Andover Bread Loaf, a literacy and writing education initiative. And, as program director at Elevated Thought, she handles logistics as the nonprofit serves youth facing inequality and beautifies the landscape with colorful murals.
One mural on a downtown parking garage depicts a child blowing bubbles and includes words brainstormed by Lawrence residents to describe their city – love, hope, family, opportunity and diversity to name a few.
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