I grew up in the Alabama bible belt surrounded by harsh and judgemental people around every corner. In my household, it wasn't okay to talk about your feelings, and other people's problems didn't matter. My mom was great, don't get me wrong, but as she was doing the best she could to raise three kids on her own, she didn't have much time to dwell on emotions or other people's problems because we had our own. When I got older and started learning about different issues that I wasn't exposed to growing up, I started realizing how complex every situation actually is. I realized that everyone has their own obstacles to overcome and I have no room to be critical or downgrade anyone. I learned many of my childhood morals through movies growing up, and as an animator, I hope to be able to reach children and adults alike by spreading the beauty found in circumstances much different than mine. Because animation is usually geared towards the younger generation, I want to show them a character that they may not identify with and still be able to have compassion for. I want to give children that aren't able-bodied, that have different sexualities, different cultures, and different problems that they're not alone. Everyone that sees the stories of people they have never met or perhaps would never meet could understand life from a different perspective and hopefully be more understanding and admirable of them. Through my animation, I want to not only spread compassion for our fellow humans but also introduce children to other problems they may not be exposed to. Earlier recognition of problems such as global hunger, protecting the earth, race and gender issues, and self-acceptance could help not only children while their minds are expanding, but also adults trying to heal and grow. There are issues everywhere that need to be brought up yet they're ignored. I want to bring these issues to light and help plant the seeds in children's minds so that hopefully their future will be kinder.