Hi everyone! My name is Iliana Jaye. I am going to be a Junior, in the Fall of 2020, at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. I am a positive, energetic, workout enthusiast, health conscious vegan. Caring about my body and my mental health is very important to me. Growing up, I had a hard time breathing through my nose. After many years, I was finally diagnosed with allergies to gluten, dust and dairy. It was a bummer finding that out, but also a great relief to know and then be able to make the proper changes in my diet and lifestyle. Just recently I started my own blog called ila_eats (https://ilianabug22.wixsite.com/ilaeats) which contains recipes, photos and an about section. You can also find me on Instagram with the same name. Something that is very close to my heart is an organization called CHANGE THE REF. CTR was started by Patricia and Manuel Oliver after they lost their son, Joaquin, to gun violence from the shooting that took place at my high school here in Parkland, Florida when 17 innocent people were killed. I work with other young adults to bring awareness to the epidemic of gun violence that kills people of all races and all ages every single day in our world. If you would like to speak with me about any of my interests, please feel free to reach out to me via Instagram @ilianajaye or via email: ilianabug22@gmail.com. Thank you. Stay safe and be positive!

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The Creative Process is delighted to be collaborating with Iliana and other students and arts organizations on projects spreading awareness of gun violence and promoting healing through the arts. One of our first projects is a dance piece in collaboration with our friends at Neo-Political Cowgirls and participants in Parkland, FL, and other storytelling initiatives allowing students to share their personal stories and hopes for the future. We look forward to a time when all students can feel safe in their schools and this epidemic, which has claimed so many lives, finally becomes a thing of the past.
Thank you, Iliana, for all you and your friends do to spread awareness, peace, and compassion!