Art and interior design have the power to transform spaces and evoke emotions, and I plan to harness this potential to make a positive impact on the world. My vision is to create environments that not only reflect beauty but also foster well-being, sustainability, and inclusivity. Firstly, I aim to incorporate sustainable practices in my designs. This involves using eco-friendly materials, repurposing existing furniture, and sourcing locally to reduce the carbon footprint. By prioritizing sustainability, I hope to raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage others in the industry to adopt greener practices. Creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible can inspire a broader movement towards sustainability in everyday life. Additionally, I plan to use my art to support mental health and well-being. The design of a space can significantly influence mood and productivity. By thoughtfully selecting colors, textures, and layouts, I can create environments that promote relaxation, focus, and happiness. For instance, incorporating natural elements like plants and natural light can have calming effects and improve air quality. My goal is to design spaces that serve as sanctuaries, providing people with a sense of peace and comfort in their daily lives. Inclusivity is another cornerstone of my approach. I believe that everyone should have access to beautiful and functional spaces, regardless of their background or circumstances. I plan to work on community projects that bring quality design to underserved areas, collaborating with local artists and craftsmen to celebrate cultural diversity. By doing so, I hope to create spaces that reflect the unique identities of their inhabitants and foster a sense of belonging and pride. Through my use of art in interior design, I aspire to create spaces that are not only visually appealing but also meaningful and impactful. By focusing on sustainability, well-being, and inclusivity, I hope to contribute to a more beautiful, healthy, and equitable world.

My name is Abigail Arruda, and I am currently an undergrad studying for a degree in business management. I love learning and believe getting a better education is a must in the world we live in today. I’m someone who values education and creativity deeply. Being the first in my family to pursue a college degree, I carry the hopes and dreams of my family with me, which motivates me to strive for excellence. Growing up, I saw firsthand the sacrifices my parents made to provide for us, and their unwavering belief in the power of education has been a driving force in my life. Achieving this milestone is not just a personal victory but a testament to their hard work and dedication. I am passionate about business and interior design and believe that by combining these fields, I can make a significant impact. Business studies provide a strong foundation for understanding the complexities of the professional world, equipping me with the skills to manage and grow a successful enterprise. Interior design, on the other hand, allows me to express my creativity and make tangible improvements in people’s lives through the spaces they inhabit. By merging these disciplines, I aim to create a unique niche where creativity meets strategic management. I plan to make a positive impact on the world by creating beautiful, functional, and sustainable spaces that improve people's lives. My goal is to establish an interior design firm that not only delivers innovative designs but also promotes environmental sustainability. In a world where climate change and resource depletion are pressing issues, incorporating eco-friendly practices in design is crucial. I envision my firm as a leader in sustainable design, using materials and methods that minimize environmental impact while maximizing aesthetic and functional value. Additionally, I aim to mentor aspiring designers, fostering a community of creativity and growth. I believe that sharing knowledge and experiences can empower others to achieve their dreams. By providing guidance and support to young designers, I hope to inspire a new generation of creative professionals who are passionate about making a difference. Mentorship is not just about teaching skills but also about instilling values of integrity, perseverance, and innovation. Furthermore, I plan to engage in community projects that bring design solutions to underserved areas. Everyone deserves to live and work in environments that enhance their well-being, and I want to use my skills to make that a reality for as many people as possible. Whether it’s redesigning a community center, creating affordable housing solutions, or transforming public spaces, I aim to use design as a tool for social good. In summary, my journey is driven by a deep appreciation for education, a passion for creativity, and a commitment to making a positive impact. Through sustainable design practices, mentorship, and community engagement, I hope to leave a lasting legacy that not only transforms spaces but also enriches lives.

I grew up with very young parents who didn't really get to experience life before getting married and having me. My mom was 19 and about to start college when she met my dad. They started dating, got married a year later, and about another year after their wedding day, they had me so neither got to start college. After having 3 more little sisters, my parents got divorced and a couple years after that my dad got diagnosed with Hepatocellular carcinoma which is cancer in the liver. It didn't last long before he lost his battle, and our family has missed him every day since. I am now 19 years old, and it has been about 8 years since my dad passed. For a while after it happened, I was lost and confused. All I knew is my family would never be the same, and it hasn't been. My mom has been my absolute rock ever since and I don't know what I would do without her support. She was always there for me when I needed help, and more importantly she always pushed me to make decisions that were good for me, not anyone else. This story has absolutely shaped who I am today, because I strive hard to make them both proud of the first daughter they raised together. I know my dad isn't here anymore, but I know he is watching down on me everyday. I know my mom more specifically has worked hard day and night to get her family into a good position, and I will not take her work for granted. I plan to finish my college degree, work towards my masters, and hopefully one day have my own business so that I can give back to my mom just like she has done for me all these years.

Using my skills to build a more empathetic and understanding global community involves several key approaches. Interior design is not just about creating aesthetically pleasing spaces; it is also about fostering environments that promote well-being, inclusivity, and connection among people from diverse backgrounds. Firstly, I will focus on designing spaces that are inclusive and accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical abilities or cultural backgrounds. This means incorporating universal design principles that ensure spaces are usable by all people without the need for adaptation. For example, designing with wider doorways, accessible bathrooms, and tactile surfaces can make a significant difference for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, I will consider cultural sensitivities in my designs, such as the use of colors, symbols, and materials that are respectful and meaningful to different cultures. By creating spaces that everyone can use and feel comfortable in, I can help to foster a sense of belonging and respect. Secondly, I will use my skills to design community spaces that encourage interaction and collaboration. These spaces can range from community centers and libraries to parks and public plazas. The layout and design of these areas can significantly impact how people interact with one another. For instance, incorporating open floor plans, communal seating areas, and interactive installations can encourage people to come together, share experiences, and build relationships. By designing spaces that facilitate social interaction, I can help to break down barriers and promote understanding among diverse groups. Thirdly, I will prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility in my designs. A key aspect of building a more empathetic global community is recognizing our shared responsibility to protect the environment. By using sustainable materials, energy-efficient systems, and eco-friendly practices, I can create spaces that not only benefit the people who use them but also have a positive impact on the planet. Moreover, I will engage with communities to understand their unique needs and aspirations. This involves active listening and collaboration with the people who will use the spaces I design. By involving community members in the design process, I can ensure that the spaces reflect their values and address their specific needs. This participatory approach not only leads to more effective and meaningful designs but also empowers communities and strengthens social bonds. Additionally, I will use my platform as an interior designer to advocate for social and environmental causes. Through my work, I can raise awareness about important issues such as homelessness, social inequality, and climate change. For instance, I can design shelters and housing solutions for vulnerable populations or create public installations that highlight environmental challenges. By using design as a tool for advocacy, I can contribute to a more informed and compassionate society. Finally, I will continue to educate myself and others about the importance of empathy and understanding in design. This involves staying informed about global issues, learning from diverse perspectives, and sharing knowledge with my peers and clients. By fostering a culture of empathy within the design community, we can collectively work towards creating spaces that promote harmony and understanding on a global scale. In conclusion, my interior design talents and skills can play a crucial role in building a more empathetic and understanding global community. By designing inclusive, interactive, and sustainable spaces, engaging with communities, advocating for important causes, and promoting empathy within the design field, I can contribute to a world where people from all backgrounds feel valued and connected. Through thoughtful and compassionate design, we can create environments that not only meet the needs of individuals but also foster a sense of global unity and understanding.

My journey with mental health has been a profound and transformative experience, shaping my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world in ways I could never have anticipated. Navigating the complexities of mental health has taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of self-awareness, all of which have become integral to my personal and professional aspirations. Growing up, I often struggled with anxiety and depression, which at times felt overwhelming and isolating. These challenges forced me to confront my vulnerabilities and seek help, leading me to therapy and support groups. Through these experiences, I developed a deeper understanding of my mental health and learned valuable coping mechanisms. This journey of self-discovery has profoundly influenced my goals. I am now passionate about advocating for mental health awareness and support, aiming to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and ensure that others do not feel alone in their struggles. Mental health has also played a significant role in shaping my relationships. Initially, my struggles made it difficult to connect with others, as I often felt misunderstood or judged. However, as I became more open about my experiences, I found that sharing my story helped foster deeper, more meaningful connections. I learned the importance of vulnerability and honesty in building trust and understanding with others. My experiences have also made me more empathetic and compassionate, allowing me to support friends and loved ones through their own mental health challenges. This newfound empathy has strengthened my relationships and created a supportive network of individuals who understand and appreciate the importance of mental health. Furthermore, my journey with mental health has fundamentally altered my understanding of the world. I have come to recognize that mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, deserving of the same attention and care as physical health. This realization has made me more attuned to the struggles of others, fostering a sense of solidarity and a desire to advocate for systemic change. I have become more aware of the societal factors that contribute to mental health issues, such as socioeconomic disparities, discrimination, and lack of access to resources. This awareness has fueled my commitment to promoting mental health education and advocating for policies that support mental well-being for all. In conclusion, my experience with mental health has been a defining aspect of my life, shaping my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. It has taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of self-awareness, driving me to advocate for mental health awareness and support. Through this journey, I have come to appreciate the profound impact that mental health has on every aspect of our lives and the importance of fostering a compassionate and supportive society.

Education is one of the most important aspects of your life that can enrich and fulfill you throughout your entire life. Even in elementary school I remember caring so much about going to school everyday because it meant I got to learn something new. Even though I can't recall everything we learned then, I know I wouldn't be able to write this essay to you right now if I didn't have some sort of education growing up. School has always been my number one priority and I've never pictured not graduating high school and starting college. It's not only important for me to get an education, but to set the standard for my other younger siblings and my future children. I want them all to know that no matter how tough life can be, fighting for yourself is your number one goal, and getting an education is step one to a better life. Having the ability to learn is also a right that not everybody has in the world which makes me feel it is extremely important to take all the opportunities I can. I truly couldn't imagine a world where I wasn't allowed to work or have a job, to have a life where my only role would be to take care of the household. I have so many dreams and passions in which I couldn't make those become a reality if I wasn't able to get an education. As for a legacy, I want to own my own company one day in the field of interior design or real estate. I'd love to have a business that cares about education and pushes its employees to go back to school if they want, and to help assist them with the entire process. I want to obviously have a successful business but when I think about what I really want out of life, it's to help others. If you ask me why I like interior design or real estate, my initial answer would be because I love design and creating unique spaces, but on a deeper level its so that I can help create spaces for people to grow their families in, and to come home everyday and feel safe and comfortable. Most importantly, education is crucial to me because it empowers individuals, opens doors to opportunities, and fosters personal growth. I believe in leaving a legacy that reflects a commitment to lifelong learning and the pursuit of knowledge. By valuing education, I hope to inspire others to seek wisdom, embrace curiosity, and make a positive impact on the world around them.

Mental health has impacted my life in many ways which has influenced my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. All throughout my childhood I had struggled with mental health without knowing it was something that could be worked through with therapy. I was sad more days then not, angry everyday, upset everyday, and it would constantly trigger headaches by the end of the day. What really made my mental health go down the rabbit hole was at the young age of 12, I literally watched my dad lose his battle with cancer. It was all my siblings in the room with him, and at the moment my youngest sister told my dad she loved him and it was okay to go, he passed. I have always been scarred by this and will never forget the memory but it put me into a really dark mindset. Once I got older, and I started high school during covid, I began seeing a therapist to go over my issues and learn proper ways to cope with them. It was hard to open up to begin with, but the more I talked with her, the more I realized I needed to learn to trust someone. She taught me it's okay to talk through my emotions and to let it out when I need to instead of bottling everything up. Being the oldest of five children, I've always been expected to be the strong one who everyone else could count on. While I still care deeply about them and will always be there for them, I've learned not to forget my own emotions and needs as well. My mental health overall has made me realize no matter what I do in my career, I want to help improve people's lives in some way, shape, or form. My biggest aspiration is in the field of interior design or architecture. I want to help people make a comfortable space they can grow their families in. In my day to day life, my mental health journey has made me take a closer look into my relationships as well and think about what I want and need out of them. It's made me think twice about fake friends, and cherish the moments with those who are worth my time and my stress. Constant overthinking and worry has always made it hard for me to trust people, but now I have started to be able to take a leap of faith when it comes to meeting new people. I never realized how important mental health way before, but now that I see how bad it can make someone's view of life be, I always try my best to help those around me and myself. I think what hurts me most is that people go through life struggling and don't receive any help for it. Life is hard enough as it is already and we all need some help once in a while. I think some people believe they need to suffer alone, but my goal in life is to help as many people as I can during my time on Earth. Thank you for reading a part of my life, I appreciate your consideration. Abigail Arruda

All throughout my life, I just always knew college was my next plan after graduating high school. I never even considered not pursuing something in higher education, because learning and education has always been extremely important in my life. Neither of my parents had gone to college since they got married and had me so young, which also pushed me more to want to do more for myself. Both my mom and dad were very supportive of me but never had to worry about my grades or wether or not my homework was done for the night, I just did it on my own because I enjoyed being successful at accomplishing goals and learning new things. I also believe that going to college will set me up for greater success when I decide to go into the workforce looking for a full time job or even beginning my own company. I believe getting extra lessons in topics I'm passionate about as well will help me a ton in the long run. I don't know much about business or interior design and wouldn't do well if I began a career right away. I also just think its very fulfilling to get a college education in order to live a better life. Even the adjustment from high school to college has gone so well, which I know a lot of other students can't say the same. I have the support of my mom 24/7 and know I can rely on her for everything and all the problems I need help with. I know my dad would've done the same if he were still here. Overall though, I am excited for this new chapter in my life and have fully embraced it. In terms of preparing myself, I really don't think there was anything that could prepare you for an adjustment this big. It's not something you've gone through before and therefore, you don't know what to do to make it easier on you. During the summer before, I did work extra In order to start saving for my tuition since I am paying it all on my own, and I've done so much work in terms of applying for scholarships and looking for grants in order to save myself some money. I also began organizing my tasks and day to day chores better so that I am not always stressed about homework and overdue work.

I feel most creative when I am alone in my room, with nothing but relaxing music on and the lights dimmed just a bit. I feel it allows me to think and focus on what I want to express in that moment, whether it be a simple drawing or something more complex and multi media. Both of my parents loved art and expressed it in many ways, so it was something very big in our house hold. During Covid, my mom and I even ran a little business together which first started as making and donating masks to those in need, and then became something more complex with different crafts and things we created together. Art overall has been a big bonding experience for me and my family, and it is why I cherish it so much. I also feel creative when it comes to interior design and architecture. Those are my two main passions and what I hope to create a career path in. There is something so calming and exciting at the same time about getting to create a space for people to relax and grow a family in. How do I incorporate my lived experiences into my work? Well a lot of my work recently has been through photography, when I am out and about, I will look at my surroundings and take pictures to captures little beautiful moments. It always reminds me that life is hard and people may seem ugly sometimes, but there is always beauty in life lessons. That is the biggest thing I like to exemplify in my work. However, in terms of identity I still struggle to find mine, both in art and in the real world. I am in my first year of college, and it is also the first year I am away from my family. It has been a huge adjustment, and it's made me discover that I don't know much of who I am yet. I like to think I am a bright bubbly person who is kind and enjoys everything, but that's not the truth all the time, and sometimes Im quiet, and lonely, not wanting to be bothered by the smallest of inconvienences. So it is truly very hard to discover who I am and use that In my work. I do intend on using this time in college to figure out more about my interests though, and what inspires me.

I am currently undergoing my first year of college, and my chosen field to study is Business Management. Over the last two or three years I have struggled to decide what I wanted to major in for college. I knew I wanted to pursue higher education, but in what? I know I enjoyed interior design, art, architecture, real estate, and so many other passions, however I wanted a more generic degree to begin my degrees. So, I decided to start taking classes in business which I think is the smartest decision so that I can pursue a career in any of the fields I choose. Even now as I have classes from 9 am - 4 pm daily, I still manage to work a part time job, do door dash on the side, and run my own small business in order to get myself by. I've definitely grown up with the mindset to lead and run my own business. I enjoy taking charge and coming up with fresh new ideas in order to impact whatever it is I'm working on. I know nothing worth working for is easy, and you can definitely see that reflected in my work. This is what will make me successful in my business endeavors while so many others are not. I've already begun making connections with other men and women who are in the same field I am passionate about as well. Being able to network before I even graduate is what will also put me ahead over other candidates. I have done interviews with other interior designers who own their own companies to discuss what made them successful, I have worked with my current manager at my job to learn the ins and outs of real estate in order to find out how he was so successful, and so much more. To answer the last question, a successful life is one where I worked hard and earned every little thing I have in my life. I strongly believe if you walk through life expecting handouts, you will never be happy and feel content. I want to continue to grow a company one day, and help my employees and associates by listening and making them feel like part of a family, and being someone people can rely on. I want to make a impact on peoples lives, and that will make me feel most content.

Mental health has impacted my life in many ways which has influenced my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. All throughout my childhood I had struggled with mental health without knowing it was something that could be worked through with therapy. I was sad more days then not, angry everyday, upset everyday, and it would constantly trigger headaches by the end of the day. What really made my mental health go down the rabbit hole was at the young age of 12, I literally watched my dad lose his battle with cancer. It was all my siblings in the room with him, and at the moment my youngest sister told my dad she loved him and it was okay to go, he passed. I have always been scarred by this and will never forget the memory but it put me into a really dark mindset. Once I got older, and I started high school during covid, I began seeing a therapist to go over my issues and learn proper ways to cope with them. It was hard to open up to begin with, but the more I talked with her, the more I realized I needed to learn to trust someone. She taught me it's okay to talk through my emotions and to let it out when I need to instead of bottling everything up. Being the oldest of five children, I've always been expected to be the strong one who everyone else could count on. While I still care deeply about them and will always be there for them, I've learned not to forget my own emotions and needs as well. My mental health overall has made me realize no matter what I do in my career, I want to help improve people's lives in some way, shape, or form. My biggest aspiration is in the field of interior design or architecture. I want to help people make a comfortable space they can grow their families in. In my day to day life, my mental health journey has made me take a closer look into my relationships as well and think about what I want and need out of them. It's made me think twice about fake friends, and cherish the moments with those who are worth my time and my stress. Constant overthinking and worry has always made it hard for me to trust people, but now I have started to be able to take a leap of faith when it comes to meeting new people. I never realized how important mental health way before, but now that I see how bad it can make someone's view of life be, I always try my best to help those around me and myself. I think what hurts me most is that people go through life struggling and don't receive any help for it. Life is hard enough as it is already and we all need some help once in a while. I think some people believe they need to suffer alone, but my goal in life is to help as many people as I can during my time on Earth. Thank you for reading a part of my life, I appreciate your consideration. Abigail Arruda

For a long time, I struggled with my faith and didn't know what I believed in. I had so many questions and really wasn't sure if I could believe in something I couldn't see. I don't belong to any particular church, I never grew up going on Sundays or for holidays, so it all seemed natural not to believe. As I got older, I came to realize there are a lot of things I feel and believe in that I can't see, but it's my faith in their reality that keeps me believing. Honestly, what sparked my belief in God was after my dad died. At first, I wasn't sure how if God was real, that my dad could've not survived. I needed him, so why would someone who loved me (God), take away someone I loved (my dad). However though, I realized how bad my dad was and how sick his body was. No earthly substance existed that could heal him, and so God took away his pain for us. Ever since this pivotal moment in my life, I have relied on my faith to get me through my toughest of times. I know that each problem is a challenge hand picked for me through God himself and he wouldn't have picked this if he knew I couldn't handle it. Overall, this mindset has made me a lot stronger of a person. Every time I get anxiety or feel lost, and my mental health begins to deteriorate I talk to him and explain my pains in hopes he will listen and show me a clear path. Not to fix my problems for me, but to show me how to get through it myself and become a stronger person from it. In terms of my career path, I will use my faith to hopefully one day create my own company that is accepting of those less fortunate and will bring them up with the amenities my company will provide. No matter where I work or what I do, I plan to lend a helping hand to those in need whether it's just a chat, or a warm bed for the night. By giving back to others, I fulfill my purpose in the world and that makes my faith stronger then ever. A lot of young adults my age don't believe, but I truly think by spreading kindness, I am helping to spread his message.

Mental health has impacted my life in many ways which has influenced my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. All throughout my childhood I had struggled with mental health without knowing it was something that could be worked through with therapy. I was sad more days then not, angry everyday, upset everyday, and it would constantly trigger headaches by the end of the day. What really made my mental health go down the rabbit hole was at the young age of 12, I literally watched my dad lose his battle with cancer. It was all my siblings in the room with him, and at the moment my youngest sister told my dad she loved him and it was okay to go, he passed. I have always been scarred by this and will never forget the memory but it put me into a really dark mindset. Once I got older, and I started high school during covid, I began seeing a therapist to go over my issues and learn proper ways to cope with them. It was hard to open up to begin with, but the more I talked with her, the more I realized I needed to learn to trust someone. She taught me it's okay to talk through my emotions and to let it out when I need to instead of bottling everything up. Being the oldest of five children, I've always been expected to be the strong one who everyone else could count on. While I still care deeply about them and will always be there for them, I've learned not to forget my own emotions and needs as well. My mental health overall has made me realize no matter what I do in my career, I want to help improve people's lives in some way, shape, or form. My biggest aspiration is in the field of interior design or architecture. I want to help people make a comfortable space they can grow their families in. In my day to day life, my mental health journey has made me take a closer look into my relationships as well and think about what I want and need out of them. It's made me think twice about fake friends, and cherish the moments with those who are worth my time and my stress. Constant overthinking and worry has always made it hard for me to trust people, but now I have started to be able to take a leap of faith when it comes to meeting new people. I never realized how important mental health way before, but now that I see how bad it can make someone's view of life be, I always try my best to help those around me and myself. I think what hurts me most is that people go through life struggling and don't receive any help for it. Life is hard enough as it is already and we all need some help once in a while. I think some people believe they need to suffer alone, but my goal in life is to help as many people as I can during my time on Earth. Thank you for reading a part of my life, I appreciate your consideration. Abigail Arruda