Being part of this contest and winning third place means so much to me, it gives me a sense of hope — hope that my words can inspire others to see beyond differences and recognize that everyone deserves equal opportunities, especially when it comes to education.
After submitting a thought-provoking poem inspired by her personal experiences and the happenings of today’s world, SMCC student Destiny Barriga took home the third-place prize at the Maricopa County Community College District’s Second Annual Poetry Contest on Nov. 20. The theme for this year’s contest was “Beyond Borders: Voices of Global Learning”, which was in celebration of International Education Week.
Barriga is currently in her first year at SMCC working towards a degree in Behavioral Health. After exploring different career paths, she decided to follow her passion of working in the medical field with a goal of making a difference in the lives of others.
In addition to her academics, Barriga is a full-time employee for MCCCD, a mother, and an active member of her community. Amongst her busy life, she saw the contest as an opportunity to use her voice and her writing to start an impactful conversation about humanity and having equality for all. She channeled this idea into her poem, "Beyond Borders."
“The poem reflects my deep belief in equality and the power of education to transform lives. As someone with an immigrant husband, the topic is very personal to me — I’ve seen firsthand the challenges people face when pursuing their dreams in a divided world,” said Barriga.
Barriga used this outlet to not only create a poem that was deeply personal, but one that had a powerful message to evoke change in a challenging world while shining a light on the everyday inequalities people face.
“Writing this piece was my way of speaking out against stereotypes, racism, and barriers that silence voices. It’s a call for resilience, unity, and hope — a reminder that no matter our skin color or background, we all share the same humanity and deserve equal opportunities to learn, grow, and lead,” said Barriga.
Barriga credits her friends and colleagues for helping her realize the impact she could make in taking part in the contest and sharing her story. She also received encouragement from SMCC Adjunct Faculty Linda Flores, whose words were the extra motivation she needed to submit her work.
“When I shared my poem with her, she encouraged me wholeheartedly to submit it, and that encouragement made all the difference. Her belief in me gave me the confidence to take that step, and I’m so thankful for the positive impact she had on my decision,” said Barriga.
Barriga was one of 59 students who participated in the district-wide contest. Her work was awarded third place, a great honor that holds a bigger meaning by representing more of what’s to come.
“Being part of this contest and winning third place means so much to me, it gives me a sense of hope — hope that my words can inspire others to see beyond differences and recognize that everyone deserves equal opportunities, especially when it comes to education. For me, this achievement isn’t just about the contest; it’s about using my voice to spark conversations that matter. In a world often divided by race, culture, and circumstance, I want to remind people that we all share the same humanity and should have the chance to pursue our dreams,” said Barriga.