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Aarron Holzaepfel

605

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

I am a passionate, creative gamer with a love for drawing and video games. My ambition is to become a game developer and video editor, using my skills to contribute positively to society and people around me. I also enjoy watching and being a part of esports.

Education

Saraland High School

High School
2021 - 2025
  • GPA:
    3.8

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Visual and Performing Arts, Other
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Computer Games

    • Dream career goals:

    • Student

      Beta Club
      2021 – 20232 years

    Arts

    • Saraland High School

      Graphic Art
      Upcomin Sporting Event Advertisements - 6 Total
      2025 – Present
    • Saraland High School

      Drawing
      Duck Stamp Competition
      2021 – 2025

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Beta Club — Member
      2021 – 2023
    Lewis Hollins Memorial Art Scholarship
    My artistic aspirations are connected with a desire for personal completion and the giving joy to others. At the heart of my endeavor lies a simple, yet profound goal: to achieve satisfaction and happiness through my art. I yearn for those moments of silence, where I can look upon my completed work and smile, a genuine, unadulterated smile of contentment. This isn't merely about my art doing well; it's about capturing a spark of emotion, a fleeting moment of beauty, or a whimsical idea that resonates with the soul. Beyond personal happiness, I aspire to share this joy with others. I envision my art as a source for positive emotions, a visual language that transcends barriers and speaks directly to the heart. I hope to create works that form smiles, spark laughter, and give people a sense of warmth and delight in those who encounter my art. In particular, I am drawn to the dynamic world of game design, where I can craft interactive experiences that transport players to realms of wonder and imagination. I want to build worlds and characters that become cherished companions, prompting players to exclaim, "That's my favorite character!" or "That's why I love this game!". The pursuit of "peak game design" is a driving force in my artistic journey. I aim to create games that are not only visually stunning and technically sound but also deeply engaging and emotionally impactful. I want to craft narratives that captivate audiences, mechanics that challenge and delight players, and worlds that invite exploration and discovery for adventurers. This aspiration extends beyond mere entertainment; it's about crafting experiences that leave a lasting impact, that spark conversations, and that inspire creativity in others. I view my art as a living, breathing entity, a "child" that I nurture and guide. I envision a future where my artwork flourishes, where it finds its audience, and where it contributes to the cultural background. I want to be the proud "father" of a successful creation, witnessing its growth and impact on the world. This relationship with my art is not merely transactional; it's a deep, personal connection, a lifelong dialogue between creator and creation. Ultimately, I hope that my game and art will succeed, not for the sake of fame or fortune, but as a testament to the power of creativity and the ability to bring joy to others. I see a future where I am recognized as a great artist and game developer, not by awards or medals, but by the genuine smiles and heartfelt appreciation of those who have experienced my work. My deepest desire is to create art that enriches lives, sparks imaginations, and leaves a lasting legacy of joy and wonder on the little planet we call Earth.
    RonranGlee Literary Scholarship
    Marcus Aurelius, in a passage of profound philosophical resonance from his “Meditations,” articulates a central tenet of Stoic philosophy: the imperative of accepting the inherent, rational order of the cosmos. He does not merely suggest a passive resignation to fate, but rather a rigorous, reasoned understanding of the interconnectedness of all events. His initial assertion, “Everything that happens happens as it should,” is not a moral judgment, but a recognition of the causal nexus that governs the universe. He urges the reader to engage in meticulous observation, suggesting that through reasoned contemplation, one can discern the underlying logic that permeates seemingly disparate occurrences. This is a call to transcend superficial emotional reactions and delve into the deeper, structural fabric of reality. The phrase “what happens is part of what was destined” requires careful interpretation to avoid the pitfalls of fatalism. Aurelius is not advocating for a preordained script, but rather emphasizing the notion that events arise from a confluence of causes, a chain of interconnected occurrences that constitute “destiny.” This “destiny” is not a rigid, predetermined path, but the natural unfolding of the universe’s inherent order, dictated by the Stoic concept of Logos, the divine reason that permeates all things. The Stoics believed that humans possess free will within this framework, but that the outcomes of their actions are ultimately subject to the overarching cosmic order. Thus, “destiny” is not something to be feared or resisted, but a reality to be understood and accepted. The concept of “the whole” is crucial to Aurelius’s argument. He posits that “whatever happens to you was apportioned to you by the whole.” This “whole” represents the interconnectedness of all existence, the universal system in which individual lives are embedded. The Stoics viewed the universe as a single, unified entity, with each individual playing an integral role in its grand design. This perspective fosters a profound sense of belonging and interconnectedness, mitigating the feeling of isolation and helplessness. When one comprehends that events are not isolated occurrences but integral components of the universal order, resistance becomes futile. Aurelius’s rhetorical question, “For what reason, then, to resist or to hate that which the whole brings, since nothing is done without a purpose?” is a powerful challenge to the inherent human tendency to oppose the natural order. The Stoics believed that resistance to the Logos leads to suffering, while acceptance brings peace. This acceptance is not passive resignation, but an active embrace of reality, a recognition that one’s role is to align oneself with the rational order of the cosmos. By recognizing that all events serve a purpose within the grand scheme, one can achieve a state of equanimity, accepting life’s vicissitudes with composure. To fully comprehend the depth of Aurelius’s philosophy, it is essential to consider the broader Stoic framework that informs his reflections. The Stoics placed paramount importance on virtue, which they defined as living in accordance with nature and reason. They believed that true happiness comes not from external circumstances, but from inner virtue. Therefore, accepting what happens is not about being passive, but about maintaining inner virtue in the face of external events. This involves cultivating wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance, the cardinal virtues that guide one’s actions and thoughts. Furthermore, the Stoic concept of indifference plays a crucial role in understanding Aurelius’s assertion. The Stoics distinguished between things that are within our control (our thoughts and actions) and things that are outside our control (external events). They believed that we should be indifferent to the latter, focusing instead on cultivating virtue. This indifference does not imply apathy, but rather a detachment from the emotional turmoil that arises from attachment to external outcomes. By recognizing that external events are ultimately beyond our control, we can free ourselves from the anxieties and frustrations that stem from resisting the inevitable. Finally, living in accordance with nature is a fundamental Stoic principle that underpins Aurelius’s philosophy. This involves understanding the natural order of the universe and aligning one’s actions with it. This entails accepting the impermanence of all things, recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings, and fulfilling one’s role in the grand scheme of existence. By living in harmony with nature, we can achieve a state of inner peace and tranquility, accepting the ebb and flow of life with equanimity. In essence, Marcus Aurelius’s “Meditations” offer a practical guide to living a virtuous and fulfilling life in a world that is often unpredictable and challenging. His philosophy encourages us to embrace reason, accept what is, and focus on cultivating inner virtue. By doing so, we can find peace and tranquility amidst the chaos of existence, aligning ourselves with the rational order of the cosmos and living in accordance with the Logos. Aurelius's words serve as a timeless reminder that true happiness lies not in controlling external circumstances, but in cultivating inner virtue and accepting the inherent order of the universe.
    Aarron Holzaepfel Student Profile | Bold.org