AMAYA F. / Finalist

Posted on by beobasque in scholarships 23

The Empowerment of Women
Through an original piece of creativity (written, performance, or visual), explore ways to showcase how a Basque woman in your life influenced you and shaped your Basque identity.

Amaya’s Inspiration

My spoken word is inspired by the multiple generations of Basque women in my family, beginning with my great-grandmother and ending with my mother and me. I describe the traits of each of these women and the obstacles they overcame in order to keep our Basque culture alive, in turn inspiring me and increasing my passion for my Basque culture. 

I use a variety of Basque words so here is a list of the translations:

Emakumeak = “women”
Machi = term of endearment for “great-grandmother”
Basseri = ‘farmhouse”
Amaiur, Nafarroa = town in the Basque country
Tia = term of endearment for “great-aunt”
Ainhoa, Iparralde = town in the Basque country
Amachi = “grandmother”
Euskal Herria = “Basque Country”
NABO = North American Basque Organization
Pazientzia = “patience”
Ama = “mother”
Trikitixa = Basque accordion
Txistu = Basque flute
Udaleku = Basque culture camp
Gazteak = Basque youth group
Oinkaris = Basque dance group
Txantxangorriak = Basque accordion and percussion group

The final quote,”Izan zirelako gara; garelako izango dira,” is a Basque proverb.

About Amaya

Naiara G. / Finalist

Posted on by beobasque in scholarships 23

The Empowerment of Women
Through an original piece of creativity (written, performance, or visual), explore ways to showcase how a Basque woman in your life influenced you and shaped your Basque identity.

A Letter to Amatxi

My mind wanders a lot throughout the day. More often than not, I think about the time spent with my amatxi (grandma), and how much more time I would like with her. This short film highlights the love and admiration I have for her. Because even though I have plenty of fears and worries, she keeps me grounded. Though she has spent most of her life in the house that sits at the end of a small neighborhood called Oharriz (located in Navarra, Spain), her wisdom and patience have enlightened me. From being expected to cook for a table of dozens of men, to facing the hardships of motherhood that were left unspoken, to now living alone, with little desire to leave the comfort of the house she’s always known. Talking to her on the phone is an option, though I’ve enjoyed writing her letters since she has trouble hearing. In my entry, I share how inspirational my amatxi has been to me and how she’s taught me to never let my doubts take over; this life is too short to be spent hesitating. Eskerrik asko amatxi.

A Word from Naiara

EMMA D.

Posted on by beobasque in scholarships 23

The Empowerment of Women
Through an original piece of creativity (written, performance, or visual), explore ways to showcase how a Basque woman in your life influenced you and shaped your Basque identity.

My Inspiration

I drew inspiration from the women in my family because my mom, or “Ama,” and grandmother have truly helped shape my Basque identity, but my mom has especially inspired my love of dancing. My mom danced for over 30 years and has always been a great influence on my sisters and I in increasing our appreciation for our culture and our love of dancing. I have been dancing since I was 4 years old and for the past seven years have been in the eldest dance group called Gauden Bat, which translates to “We Are One.” In recent years I also began teaching kids ages 7-12 traditional Basque dances here in Chino, CA, just like my mom did for many years while I was growing up. Her dance style, confidence, and pride in her culture has really been the biggest inspiration in my life, and as I have gotten older, I’ve grown to appreciate it even more. She has truly made me the young woman I am today and has encouraged me to empower other young girls of future generations.