Johana Diaz

Johanna Diaz’s story is much like a movie. It was Christmas day. The day that Johana’s life began to shift to brighter trajectory, by being dropped off on someone’s doorstep. Lori Brown opened her door, not expecting to see Johana on the other side, but since that day both of their lives have been transformed.

After being dropped off on her doorstep, Lori, Johanna’s guardian, began unexpected legal, custody battles and the draining process took a toll on Johana’s life and education. Eventually, she lost hope in learning. Having fallen behind in her education due to all the surrounding issues with her trying to go to school, dozens of places turned her down because she wasn’t qualified. With Lori fighting for the education that Johana had never received but deserved, the duo finally saw a light at the end of the tunnel when they stepped in the doors of Fusion Academy.

It wasn’t until Johana and Lori took step onto the Fusion Academy Los Angeles campus, where Johana said for the first time in her life “this is where I belong.” Since starting at Fusion, Johana has improved her social, emotional and academic growth, working to attend college and become an astrophysicist.

I’m so excited for you guys to connect with Johanna and follow along as she continues to follow her passion and joy and find purpose and meaning through life’s experiences.

I'd love it if you'd introduce yourself, what you do, and what you're working on.

My name is Johana Diaz I am a Senior at Fusion Academy in Los Angeles, Ca. I was born in Medellin, Colombia. I have a part time job teaching Special Needs Kids to learn to swim - it is especially rewarding as I learned American Sign Language at Fusion Academy which enables me to help with a very special autistic boy who is also deaf. I like to read books and do volunteer work.

How did you get started?

My life really started when I joined Fusion Academy. I was struggling in public school - it just wasn't working for me...so I visited every school I could find - one that could fit my needs, and after a very long search I learned about Fusion Academy.

I went for a visit and upon walking in the door - I knew I had found exactly where I belonged. The staff was so nice and seeing how engaged the community was - I found it inspiring - and the method they use to educate has a personal touch!. I had never seen anything like it - and I wanted to go!

What inspired the work that you're doing?

I just love my teachers - its one teacher for one student (meaning a one teacher, per student model). It makes it so easy to learn, to ask questions - and they let me be me. At Fusion - everyone can be who they are and everybody is happy and everyone is nice to each other. That makes me look forward to going to school every day - I love school now- I love learning.

What is your biggest passion? Do you feel like you're living your passion and purpose?

My biggest passion is to learn. I love knowledge. Learning things takes away feeling "dumb" - I love my life. The Fusion learning model has given me the ability to dream, and fulfillment of those dreams which in turn allows me to dream bigger. My purpose is yet to come and live life to the fullest possible.

What is your joy blueprint? What lights you up, brings you joy, and makes you feel the most alive?

Learning about cultures brings me joy... the history, the universe, and even space. The world is mysterious, historic, complex and vast...how does it all fit together? I feel most alive while reading books as it transports me to another world another place and /or another time.

How do you live intentionally? Are there tools/resources/practices that you rely on to help you stay mindful and grounded?

Living the principal of never giving up. Watching Anime brings me to a centered place. It transports me to another world that I would like to belong. Anime is a beautiful creation of storytelling, the colors, the imagination and depth of motion. Naruto was the first character that I was introduced to in the world of Anime. A young ninja who dreams to become a leader of his village, but he has to overcome the demon that he has inside. It relates to me as I fear I have my own demons and I must battle them all the time to overcome them.

What would your younger self think about what you're doing now?

Amazing!!! She would be very proud of me. She would be surprised big time...shocked.

Do you have a go-to mantra or affirmation?

It is what it is!!!

What is your biggest dream?

I want to work in the space industry. Anything that has to do with space- especially the development of Mars. I believe that Personal Space Travel will be possible.

To learn more about Johanna’s involvement with Fusion Academy visit their website here and check them out on Facebook and Instagram

Joy Corner is an interview-style blog series brought to you by Seek The Joy Podcast. Our mission continues to be a desire to share your stories, truths, joys and inspiration in your words. We invite you to join our corner, and share your joys, passions, and moments of inspiration as we continue to seek the joy, together. Join this series here

Johana Diaz - Senior, Fusion Academy