RACHEL'S STORY

Rachel would have never considered herself a healer. If you speak to those people that knew and loved her the most, they will tell you that it was her loving presence, her open mind and heart that were healing forces in everyone's life that she was in.

In late 2001, the Dartmouth community lost one of it's most outstanding members and someone close to our hearts.

Rachel Cardoza was born in Dartmouth, Massachusetts and graduated from Dartmouth High School in 1999. She was a creative child and teen and gave herself fully to every experience she was in. She went on to pursue studies in the field of art in both New York and at U Mass Dartmouth. To support herself through college she was involved in numerous creative artistic projects and began a budding writing career.

Rachel's passion for learning and desire to touch the lives of those around her with her artistic expression has formed the foundation of this scholarship. Generous donations from friends, family and local businesses have allowed this scholarship to become a reality.

RACHEL'S STORY

Art as Therapy

Rachel was a visionary artist. She had dreams to serve people through art.

When we think of health & healing, we do not often think of art. Art can be therapy, even if we are not professionally trained as 'art therapists', there are many unconventional ways that we can bring healing into the lives of others through creative and artistic mediums.

Rachel's life was an inspiration that lives on forever through her art and through the recipients of this scholarship. When we lead with our hearts and pour ourselves fully into all we do, healing is always the outcome.

Although Rachel is no longer with us in human form, her art lives on forever to inspire us. She brought joy and healing through her art and hope for a better future.

RACHEL'S STORY

Writing as Therapy

Rachel was a visionary in all of the ways she communicated. She built up her community and family by seeing the best in them.

Through her words, the world became a healthier place to live. Through her words she helped others to see the light that exists in every corner of the Earth.

Healing & therapy do not always come in the packages that we think they will come in. Sometimes they come in a kind word or in speaking positive words over someone's life.

To be a visionary does not require a grandiose plan for the world. Rachel showed us all how to be visionaries in little ways in our lives. How to share with love from our heart centers. How to lift others up. This is the heart of healing.