We recently connected with Vice and have shared our conversation below.

Vice, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

The kindest thing someone has ever done for me was when my fiancé purchased me a new laptop for Christmas. It was not the thought of getting something new and shiny but knowing what that meant to me at the time. I was going through a lot during the pandemic, and out of it, I was able to create this page of what I’m interested in on Instagram. I was able to find a community with people who shared similar interests and start an unexpected journey that I have no regrets taking. My fiance believed in me and my dreams and supported me in whatever made me happy. It’s not the value of the item but the thought of another person feeling that way about you when sometimes you don’t see yourself in that same light. Thanks Nadine!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Well, under the mask, I am a service provider by day. I work in the Social Services realm working with our Homeless Youth Population by providing housing options and getting them connected to resources in the community. I graduated from San Diego State with a degree in Urban Studies w/ an emphasis in Sociology and a minor in Women Studies. I used my skills and degree to continue to work on my craft and have been in Social Services since 2012. I started off working in a group home, then housing with foster care, and now with our homeless youth population.

Now, with the mask, I feel like I get to enjoy the things I do creatively. I still see myself as a community partner working alongside and helping others. Whether it’s small businesses, raising awareness, or supporting others I’m here for it. We live in a dark world that needs more light from people. I used to care about people’s opinion but then I realize those people don’t pay my bills. :)

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In college, I remember a person telling me that ill never graduate college. Those were tough words to swallow as a transfer student from community college trying to make it at San Diego State. Even better, a C-average student in High School who never enjoyed the majority of the subjects that were presented to him in school. I remember my first semester of college I didn’t understand that withdrawing and getting Ds & Fs didn’t hold the same weight as they did in community college. I didn’t care my first semester and even received a 0.0 GPA for that semester. It was my first time on Academic Probation and I believed If I didn’t bring that grade up in the next semester I was out of SDSU.

The second semester came along and I didn’t make it. I had to appeal (not sure if that was the right word) to SDSU so that I wouldn’t get booted from the school. I remember stepping face to face with the Dean of Student Affairs, Randi McKenzie. After I pleaded my case and shared my story she gave me a second chance. I took that opportunity, and fast forward, I made the Dean’s List the following semester or so and graduated with a degree and a minor. Not only that, she gave me a second chance that steered me to where I’m at today in life. I may have gone back to being a Fed Ex Driver, that’s where I was when I took a break from school before transferring. Thank you, Dean Randi! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that second breathe of air. Now I get to give back at the highest level and give others a second chance at life!

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I think the best way society can support artists, creatives and an thriving creative ecosystem is to just SUPPORT. Whether it’s supporting others visions and dreams even if we don’t see it ourselves or liking, commenting, and sharing their content on their social media platform. That’s how we can support each other. Bring awareness to the work we do and support each other along the way. There’s room for everyone to feel supported, to grow in the process, and experience the opportunities & blessings life has to offer.

Contact Info:

• Website: Linktr.ee/brewpac.shakur
• Instagram: brewpac.shakur
• Other: YouTube channel is on the way in the near future. (Give me a couple years)

Image Credits
Brian Figueroa