My Story
My name is Owen Chaidez, a senior at Downers Grove South High School and one of the Editors-in-Chief for the Blueprint, Downers Grove South’s newspaper. This is my second year working as staff on the Blueprint, and my third as a writer. I first began writing during my sophomore year of high school, when I highlighted the poor accessibility at my school. I found a sense of satisfaction promoting viewpoints to others that they normally wouldn’t think of. Following that, I learned to channel my passion for films into my reviews, an important hobby of mine. Currently, I continually work to develop leadership skills as an Editor-in-chief, working with a wonderful group of staff to work through issues, develop ideas and evolve our newspaper to new heights.
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Outside of being a student and a journalist, I’m a passionate advocate for disability inclusion, a dedicated storyteller, and an avid enthusiast of cinematography and film critiques.
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In my work, I push to create environments that cater to the diverse needs of all people, emphasizing the importance of integration and inclusion in the everyday world. As a power wheelchair user navigating life with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC), I work to provide a unique perspective on the challenges faced by people with disabilities, aiming to create understanding and empathy within our communities.
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Beyond my advocacy, I like to channel my enthusiasm for cinematography into thought-provoking film critiques. I find joy in exploring the intricate details of filmmaking, analyzing its nuances, and sharing my insights with a wider audience. I am also an avid gamer, having played video games since I was six years old. My other interests consist of reading comics, trying new foods and public-speaking. For a deeper understanding of Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, you can visit AMC Support.