Hi! My name is Diane Heo, I am currently a senior at UC Santa Barbara. I have been dancing ever since I was little, and it is one of my greatest passions in life. However, growing up, I was very aware of the fact that I was privileged in the sense that I was able to afford to dance lessons as many of my other peers weren't able to simply because of the cost. This is what drove me to begin teaching classes at my local homeless shelter, for I felt there was a large disparity in who had access to the arts and creative outlets. Dance had given me so much—confidence, a sense of belonging, and a way to express myself—and I couldn't accept that these benefits were only available to those who could pay. By bringing free dance lessons to the shelter, I hoped to bridge that gap and create a space where everyone, regardless of their circumstances, could experience the transformative power of dance and movement. This experience has taught me that true passion isn't just about pursuing what we love—it's about sharing it in ways that uplift others and make our communities more inclusive and connected.