While most people tend to communicate with words, University of Arizona student-athlete sophomore Chelsea Powell chooses to communicate through film.
"I think there is a lot of truth that can be revealed through film," she said.
This Arizona track and field star filmed her first movie in the fourth grade, a fictional account of "the new girl in town." While Chelsea, admits it wasn't her finest film, it was the beginning of her lifelong goal of becoming a director and producer. Movies are an inescapable part of Chelsea's daily life.
"When I hear music, I see the music video in my head. When I hear stories I see them in my head," Chelsea said.
In March Chelsea will begin shooting her first documentary, "Latinazation of America." Through this film Chelsea hopes to draw attention to the contributions that Latin Americans have made to the Tucson community as well as inform Latinos about untapped resources to help further their education.
"I'm trying to focus on how they are contributing to society and highlight that," she said.
Chelsea came up with the idea for her documentary after visiting the UA Center of Creative Photography's recent exhibit "Americanos: Latino Life in the United States", a project of Olmos Productions that explores the contributions Latin Americans have had in the United States. Chelsea, with the support of Jose Galvez, a photographer who participated in the exhibit, decided to take that idea and localize it.
"Latinos have become the largest minority group in the United States," she said. "I want to research different education programs here in Tucson and see what is being done to remedy the problems involving this group of people."
The entire documentary will be shot in Spanish and is directed toward a Latino audience. This allows Chelsea to combine her knowledge of the Spanish language, using her Spanish minor and her knowledge of film, using her media arts major.
" Originally, I just wanted to get credit for the project, but now I am getting deeper into the issue," she said. "This is going to be a in-depth exploration of their culture."
For most people this project would seem like a lot to take on, but Chelsea draws on skills learned as a student-athlete such as prioritizing her time and focusing on her goals.
"Track and field has helped me with time management," she said. "I know I have two and half hours of practice everyday."
As a freshman, Chelsea had the top time for the 400-meters and 400-meter hurdles at the UA, while still maintaining a 3.8 GPA. Chelsea has remained on the dean's list all three of the semesters she has completed.
Chelsea's strong work ethic is her strength and allows her to excel at almost everything she tries. Being a strong woman, Chelsea identifies herself with strong female characters in film.
" I think society forces you to recognize where you stand," said Chelsea. " I like the fact that strong, dominant female characters go against the norm."
This is why in another effort to express herself, Chelsea painted her Volvo with female characters like the Powder Puff Girls, Wonder Woman, and Rosie the Rivetter. The car is an eye-catching display of her creativity and female strength. Unfortunately, Chelsea had to sell the car to a friend. But even without her girl power car, Chelsea is still focused and driven to be a successful woman someday.
For more information about Chelsea's successes on the track and field team check Arizona Athletics - Track & Field Page
January 2003 Student Athlete Spotlight - Johnny Bailey
