From Passion to Action: Serving with Purpose in Miami
Adriana’s (she/her) transformative journey with Repair the World Miami began with an encounter through her current service corps service partner organization, Miami Sound Space. Reflecting on how she first heard about Repair the World, Adriana recalled the pivotal moment when Laurah Merisier, Founder and Director of Miami Sound Space, a Repair the World Miami partner introduced her to Repair’s mission to mobilize Jews and their communities to take action to pursue a just world. “She explained how it would be a meaningful opportunity for me to not only continue engaging in service that meant so much to me but also to connect more effectively with my Miami community,” Adriana reminisced, highlighting the significance of that moment.
As a dedicated corps member since Spring 2023, Adriana fully embraced her role with enthusiasm. Immersed in virtual cohort sessions, she gained insights into the diverse communities she served. “I learned so much every single time we had our virtual cohort session,” she reflected. “I gained deep understanding about the people I’m surrounded by every day,” Adriana shared, emphasizing the value of continual learning and connection.
One of Adriana’s most significant experiences during her service involved her collaboration with the Bluebirds Choir, an organization dedicated to music-based rehabilitation for incarcerated individuals. Driven by her belief in redemption and the importance of second chances, Adriana immersed herself in serving with them. “Being part of the Bluebirds feels like an honor because I’m not just giving, but also learning from individuals who have faced adversity,” she expressed, highlighting the profound impact of her service on both herself and those she serves.
Adriana’s service extended beyond the walls of the choir room and into the wider community, where she encountered stories that touched her deeply. She described a significant moment when Miami Sound Space taught the community the Bluebirds’ original song and then took a video of the community’s performance to show to the Bluebirds. “It was incredible to see them recognized for their amazing song through the eyes of the community… It felt really beautiful to watch that realization that people do care, even if you can’t see them,” said Adriana. The Bluebirds saw how impacted the outside community was by their own music!
Throughout her journey, Adriana’s connection to Jewish values deepened, influenced by Repair’s emphasis on service and showing up for community. Growing up in a multi-faith household, she found herself drawing strength from both her Jewish roots and the diverse spiritual perspectives around her. She found inspiration in Jewish tradition’s focus on love and service, further strengthening her commitment to making a difference. “The Jewish religion is inspiring to me because of the service element, and specifically because of the love aspect,” she explained, sharing the impact of her service experience on her spirituality.
Looking ahead, Adriana expressed her dedication to continuing her service beyond her time as a Repair the World corps member. “I will never stop being involved in serving my community because it’s my passion,” she said, echoing her commitment to service as a lifelong pursuit.
As Adriana prepares to continue the next phase of her Jewish service journey as a corps member this spring, her story serves as a testament to the transformative power of service. Through her dedication, Adriana not only enriched her own life but also left an indelible impact on the communities she served.
Adriana Novello is a junior undergraduate at the University of Miami double majoring in Music Therapy and Psychology with a minor in Sociology. She has been a Repair the World Service Corps member for the past year, in partnership with Miami Sound Space, serving with the Bluebirds Choir. The Bluebirds Choir is a choir of over 60 inmates that rehearses at the Everglades Correctional Institution, a Level 5 Security Prison designed for incarcerated individuals with special considerations. In her role with the Bluebirds Choir, she actively assists during rehearsals and plans future events, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for incarcerated individuals to express themselves through music. She further contributes to the prison choir by engaging in meaningful conversations and forming connections with the singers during each rehearsal. Outside of the prison walls, she passionately advocates for incarcerated individuals by raising awareness about the Bluebirds, mental health in prison settings, humane treatment for those who have been incarcerated, and the overall need for reform. She has a genuine passion for prison reform and is incredibly grateful for the connections she has made with the choir members. After obtaining her music therapy degree and certification, she intends on returning to school for her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and will continue to serve those who have been incarcerated. She deeply appreciates the education and friendships she has acquired through Repair the World and looks forward to continuing her service in the next session.
