REMEMBRANCE AND REFLECTION: THE LEGACY OF MIA

Monique Quintana sits and reads the poetry of her friend on a bench behind a tree. That bench and tree honor the life of that writer, who was taken too soon. Mia Barraza Martinez was a thriving writer, educator, and student at Fresno State who tragically died in a car accident in 2016.

She was also a tutor at Fresno State’s Writing Center, where she helped many aspiring writers.

Center director Magda Gilewicz wanted to continue to showcase the legacy of the bright mind.

“I wanted to have something living to commemorate her that would be growing and alive,” Gilewicz said.

With the help of her fellow colleagues, they were able to raise the funds needed for a bench and valley oak tree to be placed as a memorial on campus.

Quintana, Mia’s friend and former classmate, said that she always admired how Mia would take time out of her busy days to sit and reflect on herself and her work.

“I just always think I’ll treasure those quiet moments where I saw her really being with herself and reflecting,” Quintana said.

Now, a new generation of writers can come upon this memorial and they, too, can reflect on the legacy they can bring to the community.