D.C. Latino History Project / Community / Special Issue

Mapping my story

By hola | Published September 15, 2016 | No Comments

Over the summer our interns learned how to use spreadsheets and online apps to build beautiful interactive maps.

Leul Bulcha’s Story Map

Hola Cultura Intern Leul Bulcha’s story map showcases the different locations around the Washington area where he spends the most time with his friends and family.

Before I became part of Hola Cultura, even though I would see maps here and there, I didn’t have any idea how geographic information systems (GIS) maps were made. Now I am confident enough to teach it.

We all got a chance to create our own personal story map. Mine is titled “My life in the District.” It basically shows where I hang out with my friends, shop for groceries and of course, the church where I spend my time on Sundays.

What really got my attention about mapping was how people who see my story map can get to me and my personality, even before getting a chance to talk to me. As I get ready to become a college freshman this fall, I think my new mapping skills might help me present my work to professors and help my future classmates get to know me in an articulate and brief way.