Now some of her work will be collected in a book created for youth to connect with their stories as refugees to New Zealand.
Students with refugee backgrounds are working closely with the dean of education Vivienne Anderson and assistant research fellow Anna Burgin at the University of Otago to create the book.
Ms Burgin said some of the students would tell stories about their experiences prior to moving to New Zealand, others would tell stories of everyday life.
The book will include a wide range of artistic expression — stories, poetry, art, photography, maps and anything else the students wish to share.
Ms Cambindo, moved to Invercargill from Colombia during her high school years.
She met Ms Anderson while attending her regular workshops aimed at helping refugee pupils get access to tertiary education.
"I remember the first one, they were so funny," Ms Cambindo said.
"She would be talking to me and I’d be like ‘yes, I don’t know what you said but yes’."
The workshops had interpreters, but Ms Cambindo preferred to try to converse herself, she said.
Ms Cambindo planned to contribute her paintings to the book.
"When I was in high school, art was the only class where I didn’t have to speak. I just had to paint and express myself."
She said all of her paintings were of desserts.
"I love desserts. I love everything sweet.
"If I was sad, I’d go and eat something that’s sweet so I’d be happy."
Nicole Torres also moved to Invercargill from Colombia and quickly became friends with Ms Cambindo.
Her submission to the book was a written story inspired by a Colombian legend from her home.
Ms Torres enjoyed writing and was on the editorial team for the book.
"I would love for people to know how difficult it is for us to settle down here and all the challenges that we go through and the fact that we are so resilient about it.
"I want people to somehow feel it and connect with us."
Ms Burgin said, through their research, they found refugees were often represented in the media as "victims".
"We’re wanting to counter that because people don’t want to live in that forever.
"For some people, that’s important to carry, but for others, they don’t want to be associated with that any more."
The team were still requesting submissions for the book from people throughout New Zealand with a refugee background.
Those interested should reach out to Ms Burgin before August 9 for the book which is set to be complete by next January.
