July 23, 2025
Finding Her Voice Through the Arts: Emily Batista’s Story
By John Myers
By Amanda Hungria
On a crisp fall morning, Emily Batista was born. Her first-time Dominican parents sat happily with their daughter, swaddled cozily as her whole future awaited to unfold. Now, 16 years later, we awkwardly stare and giggle at each other through Zoom. Ready to uncover who she really is, I start with a rather simple but important identity marker–her name. Names hold roots, meaning, and behind each one lies a story. “Emily Batista and How I Got My Name is corny, but…my mom heard a lady calling out for her daughter ‘Emily!’ And my mom liked it, so she stole it.” We both laughed about the randomness of how she got her name, but Emily’s name chosen by chance now feels like fate—as it signifies ambition, which she truly grows to embody.
Emily is a musician and ambitious spirit, but also a caring older sister of three and a good friend. Her presence is warm and calm. Emily shared small but telling moments that revealed to me who she is. “At age five, I would come home straight after school to play with my brother…change him, feed him, hold him.” she said. I was touched by her solicitude, so much pride and care in looking after others! Her personality shone through our conversation—and I scavenged for a bigger picture. Interviewing her best friend Jhoana, I was warmed by their bond. “She has this energy that allows you to be carefree and full of energy…she makes you feel like what you’re saying fully matters,” Jhoana said tenderly.
As our conversation continued, it became clear that Emily’s warmth and grounded nature are deeply influenced by her roots—which includes her upbringing in New York City. As we bonded over being true New Yorkers, I asked, “What is special about New York City to you?” Her answer is as thoughtful as it is revealing of her values.“You can always meet someone new, You can be from anywhere, have any passion, and be accepted in New York City… it’s all here.” As cliche as it sounds, New York City truly is “the city where dreams are made” and day by day, Emily is a step closer to achieving hers.
As we shift to talking about music, I see her in a different light. She talks about the saxophone, and I am struck by her passion for the feeling of playing and the beats. As I listen to Duke Ellington —her favorite, while writing this—I begin to understand what she means. Jazz, to Emily, involves improvisation and emotion. “It’s unique. It’s special.”
Emily’s passion for the arts began at age eight. She was a dancer and in her own words “sucked,” but she didn’t care because what she liked were the beats. Eventually, the beats led her toward the musical instruments. By eighth grade, she had picked up the clarinet. A year later, she added the saxophone, which is by far her favorite. She is three years in and not stopping.
As our interview neared its end, I left time for reflection. I asked Emily what she would tell her younger self. She answered, “To stop dancing and start playing my instruments!” We both laughed over her self-critique as a dancer. She sometimes wishes she had started sooner, but it’s clear she’s on an inspiring path. ‘So what does the future look like’, I ask her “I want to go to college on the pre-med track,” she says, with the aspiration to become a surgeon—as her finger precision for playing music will help. I still had to ask, “If money wasn’t an issue, what would you be?” The answer, which I knew was there all along, came out, “Oh, I would want to be a musician, doing gigs, everything…I love it, but regular musicians don’t make enough money.” It saddened me to reflect on how passion doesn’t always pay the bills. Still, Emily won’t give up her passion. From one simple question, in a little more than an hour, I got to know a young woman with drive and passion and a dream I know she will pursue.
