Growing up, I understood quickly that I was a hands-on learner. I am someone who has to get out in the world to fully experience something. My future career, dentistry, emulates the hands-on nature that I crave for my learning. But this aspect of my life is not solely academic. I have been fortunate enough to have been accepted into the Gifted and Talented program for visual arts when I was in middle school. This wonderful experience offered me classes at the Oldham County Art Center that I wouldn't have otherwise had. I quickly fell in love with all the new skills I was exposed to- being able to craft ceramics at the pottery wheel, blending watercolors to make a portrait, and even getting into yarn work. Once I had a skein of yarn in my hand I knew I found my favorite thing. Crocheting is something that didn't come easy to me at first, but I was determined to learn all about it. The art of crocheting keeps my hands occupied, and unlocks a world of possibilities. I have been able to make sustainable clothing, and pieces that truly fit people because they are made with their measurements in mind. I have made children stuffed animals in whatever creature they want. My favorite part about crocheting is giving my creations to other people, and I can tell how deeply people are moved when they receive something homemade. It makes me feel good to share my artwork with others, and experience the joy that it brings them. One of my more recent projects was on teacher appreciation week, where I crocheted my teacher's small whales, and gave them cards telling them they are "whale-y" great teachers (besides crocheting, my other passion is humor, clearly). Being able to make practically anything out of yarn allows me to make personalized gifts for the people I love, and it gives me an immense amount of gratification to do so. My family has always loved being outdoors, and we try to go to the beach every year with our grandparents and cousins. My mom has had many memories involving the animals there, and her favorites are sea turtles. So naturally, I crocheted a sea turtle keychain for her bag to remind her of being at the beach with our family. Some of my favorite works include bouquets of flowers for my friend's birthday, a stuffed dinosaur as a Christmas gift, a summer tank top, and the countless whales I have given to friends and teachers. This skill is important to me because it not only provides a creative outlet, but it allows me to brighten other people's days and gift my work to the people I love. I adore getting sent pictures of my work, with friends letting me know they are thinking of me. It's the little moments that make this craft so special in my life. The ability to share a little bit of happiness is one of my favorite things, and I will continue crocheting as long as I'm able. I hope my artwork will inspire others, and remind them how much they are cared for because the most important thing is showing others that they are loved.