When I was younger, I would spend much time in my backyard to drown out the chaos and fighting that dominated my household. Whenever my parents would start arguing over finances, I would wander off anywhere to find some quiet. Due to all this free I began to draw. I realized I loved to create and design. Over the years I learned to draw, sculpt, paint, and create anything if I put my mind to it. I knew I was created to create and this was my passion.To explore this passion further, I volunteered with an organization called, “Splashes of Hope” where I would paint murals to put on walls of children’s hospitals to make the hospital more vibrant and fun for the patients. Art has been something that has helped me, but also is something I’ve used to help others. If I were to study interior design as a person who loves art and design, and has loved it for as long as I can remember, this career choice stuck out to me when thinking about what type of job I should pursue. Although there are many careers I am interested in, I've met interior designers, architects, and other types of designers. I couldn't help but notice many similarities between us. The similarities we share are our love for art and design and the fact that we can use our artistic talents to improve people's lives. A social issue I’ve noticed is people disliking where they live. They hate the colors their home consists of, the messy and chaotic living space, and coming home from a stressful day of work to an even more stressful environment. I also know some people live in a dangerous or non-functioning home. As someone who has experienced these types of issues, I want to help people solve them because I know how difficult it is. Where we live plays such a big part in our lives including our loved ones. I believe I was created to create, and I want to create the perfect living environment for all people affordably. I am so passionate about design and building things. This career allows me to create a beautiful, comforting, and safe environment for people to live in which can make them so much happier than living in a not functional, dangerous, hazardous, and unwelcoming home . Everyone deserves to love where they live and feel that their homes are their safe space. People should look forward to coming home after their busy and stressful day at work or school. Your home should be a museum of everything you’ve ever loved. It should consist of your favorite colors, designs you can admire for hours, your favorite types of art, enough space for organization and cleanliness, and overall be a place to give you a sense of comfort and protection.

Silly was a cat who was about to become a mom She was so nervous to start motherhood, she couldn’t remain calm One day she got so nervous so she ate a roll of yarn She then started to feel ill and went to a local barn When she had her kittens she realized eating yarn wasn’t clever Because now all of her kittens were born with a sweater

When I was younger, I would spend much time in my backyard to drown out the chaos and fighting that dominated my household. Whenever my parents would start arguing over finances, I would wander off anywhere to find some quiet. Due to all this free I began to draw. I realized I loved to create and design. Over the years I learned to draw, sculpt, paint, and create anything if I put my mind to it. I knew I was created to create and this was my passion.To explore this passion further, I volunteered with an organization called, “Splashes of Hope” where I would paint murals to put on walls of children’s hospitals to make the hospital more vibrant and fun for the patients. Art has been something that has helped me, but also is something I’ve used to help others. If I were to study interior design as a person who loves art and design, and has loved it for as long as I can remember, this career choice stuck out to me when thinking about what type of job I should pursue. Although there are many careers I am interested in, I've met interior designers, architects, and other types of designers. I couldn't help but notice many similarities between us. The similarities we share are our love for art and design and the fact that we can use our artistic talents to improve people's lives. A social issue I’ve noticed is people disliking where they live. They hate the colors their home consists of, the messy and chaotic living space, and coming home from a stressful day of work to an even more stressful environment. I also know some people live in a dangerous or non-functioning home. As someone who has experienced these types of issues, I want to help people solve them because I know how difficult it is. Where we live plays such a big part in our lives including our loved ones. I believe I was created to create, and I want to create the perfect living environment for all people affordably. I am so passionate about design and building things. This career allows me to create a beautiful, comforting, and safe environment for people to live in which can make them so much happier than living in a not functional, dangerous, hazardous, and unwelcoming home . Everyone deserves to love where they live and feel that their homes are their safe space. People should look forward to coming home after their busy and stressful day at work or school. Your home should be a museum of everything you’ve ever loved. It should consist of your favorite colors, designs you can admire for hours, your favorite types of art, enough space for organization and cleanliness, and overall be a place to give you a sense of comfort and protection. A home and the space you live in is so important because we spend so much time there. We live there, that is a home and I want people to feel like they are in a place they can call a home.I believe I can make a difference in the lives of people who deal with this issue and give them life-changing solutions with my critical thinking and communication skills.

When I was younger, I would spend much time in my backyard to drown out the chaos and fighting that dominated my household. Whenever my parents would start arguing over finances, I would wander off to anywhere find some quiet. With all this free time I had, I started to fall in love with art. became my outlet for when I felt stressed, sad, or bored. To explore this passion further, I volunteered with an organization called, “Splashes of Hope” where I would paint murals to put on walls of children’s hospitals to make the hospital more vibrant and fun for the patients. Art has been something that has helped me, but also is something I’ve used to help others. I knew from a very young age creating ,art, and designing was what I wanted to do.If I were to study interior design as a person who loves art and design, and has loved it for as long as I can remember, this career choice stuck out to me when thinking about what type of job I should pursue. Although there are many careers I am interested in, I've met interior designers, architects, and other types of designers. I couldn't help but notice many similarities between us. The similarities we share are our love for art and design and the fact that we can use our artistic talents to improve people's lives. A social issue I’ve noticed is people disliking where they live. They hate the colors their home consists of, the messy and chaotic living space, and coming home from a stressful day of work to an even more stressful environment. I also know some people live in a dangerous or non-functioning home. As someone who has experienced these types of issues, I want to help people solve them because I know how difficult it is. Where we live plays such a big part in our lives including our loved ones. I believe I was created to create, and I want to create the perfect living environment for all people affordably. I am so passionate about design and building things. This career allows me to create a beautiful, comforting, and safe environment for people to live in which can make them so much happier than living in a not functional, dangerous, hazardous, and unwelcoming home . Everyone deserves to love where they live and feel that their homes are their safe space. People should look forward to coming home after their busy and stressful day at work or school. Your home should be a museum of everything you’ve ever loved. It should consist of your favorite colors, designs you can admire for hours, your favorite types of art, enough space for organization and cleanliness, and overall be a place to give you a sense of comfort and protection. A home and the space you live in is so important because we spend so much time there. We live there, that is a home and I want people to feel like they are in a place they can call a home.I believe I can make a difference in the lives of people who deal with this issue and give them life-changing solutions with my critical thinking and communication skills.

Chappell Roan is an amazing artist who puts so much emotion and effort into her music. Her songs like "Pink Pony Club" and "Picture you' are songs that stick out to me the most because I have many life experiences that correlates with them both. Her songs are so relatable and it gives me so much comfort. ​Chappell Roan profoundly influences teenage girls, by offering a powerful blend of authenticity, vulnerability, and advocacy. Her music delves into themes of self-identity, love, and mental health, resonating deeply with young listeners navigating their own journeys. I also love her songs like "Good Luck, Babe!" and "Casual"because it addresses complex emotions and experiences, providing a soundtrack for self-discovery. Beyond her music, Roan's unapologetic authenticity and openness about her bisexuality and mental health struggles have established her as a role model for resilience and self-acceptance. Her recognition as the inaugural "Joy Rebel of the Year" by It Gets Better underscores her role as a beacon of hope and empowerment for queer youth . Roan also emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and self-care, encouraging her fans to prioritize their well-being and engage thoughtfully with the world around them .​ Through her music, public persona, and advocacy, Chappell Roan provides teenage girls with a voice that celebrates individuality, fosters emotional connection, and promotes a culture of inclusivity and self-love.​

My absolute favorites song on the Brett album is Charli's XCX’s “360” It.is a masterclass in pop minimalism and self-aware swagger, making it an instant standout. The song thrives on its icy, stripped-back production, allowing Charli’s sharp lyrical delivery and infectious charisma to take center stage. With glitchy synths and pulsing beats, “360” sounds like the future of pop,cool, detached, yet deeply intentional. It doesn’t beg for attention; it demands it. Lyrically, “360” is both a flex and a wink. Charli positions herself at the center of the cultural radar, referencing fashion, fame, and her circle of influential “it-girls.” The hook“I’m everywhere, I’m so 360”,isn’t just catchy, it’s a thesis statement. She knows her influence spans music, fashion, and internet culture, and the song revels in that self-awareness without becoming self-indulgent. What makes “360” especially effective is how it blurs the line between satire and celebration. It’s tongue-in-cheek but also genuinely cool, reflecting Charli’s unique place in the pop ecosystem: both insider and disruptor. In just over two minutes, “360” captures the ethos of the BRAT era,hyper-modern, ironic, and irresistible. It’s a song that doesn’t just ask you to get it,t dares you to keep up. This song is incredible, truly.

*“I’m sorry that I’m not enough / Maybe I’m just not as fun as I used to be” – Olivia Rodrigo, "lacy" ** In Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS, the lyric “I’m sorry that I’m not enough / Maybe I’m just not as fun as I used to be” from the song "lacy" captures a deeply relatable feeling from my own teenage years: the fear of outgrowing relationships and the quiet self-doubt that creeps in when change makes others drift away. Change is very hard to accept, and its hard for me to go through change.These two lines, simple \delivered, tells us what it means to grow up and feel like you're losing pieces of yourself. When I was sixteen, I noticed that I wasn’t laughing as much at the same jokes, or texting back right away like I used to. I started saying no to plans more often, not because I didn’t care, but because I was tired in a way I couldn’t explain. School was overwhelming, family tensions were high, and I was quietly dealing with a deep uncertainty about who I was becoming. Somewhere along the way, my best friend started pulling away. We didn’t fight. We didn’t break up. She just… stopped asking me to hang out. And I couldn’t help but wonder if I had changed too much if I just wasn’t “fun” anymore. It was so hard. Rodrigo’s lyric is steeped in that insecurity. It doesn’t scream or rage. It whispers. And that’s what makes it so powerful. It reflects the subtle but painful self-questioning that defines so much of adolescence. We’re told that teenage years are supposed to be the best time of our lives, filled with friends, freedom, and excitement. But for so many, they’re actually full of emotional whiplash, shifting identities, and a constant sense of not measuring up. What Rodrigo captures so well in this lyrics and throughout GUTS s that feeling of inadequacy that often goes unspoken. As teens, we’re experimenting with who we are, but we’re also hyper-aware of how we’re perceived. We long to be accepted, to be liked, to be enough. And when that validation fades or disappears, we internalize it. We wonder if we were ever really worth it in the first place. But there’s also something quietly rebellious about acknowledging that pain in a song, and in listening to it together. When I first heard "lacy", I felt seen. Not in the dramatic, romanticized way, but in the quiet, vulnerable reality of just trying to hold onto who you are when everything is shifting. In a world that often expects teenagers to “get over it” or move on, Rodrigo dares to sit in that sadness and self-doubt—and that, in itself, is empowering. Her lyric is a gentle reminder that even in the messiest moments of adolescence, we’re not alone in feeling like we’re not enough. And sometimes, just knowing that someone else has felt it too makes all the difference.

Would one ever think three cats that spontaneously appeared in a backyard would have had an impact on who you are. It’s exactly what happened to me. When I was younger, I would spend much time in my backyard to drown out the chaos and fighting that dominated my household. Whenever my parents would start arguing over finances, I would wander to the edge of the backyard to find some quiet. I distinctly remember the day where I found three cats hiding behind a bush. I was initially frightened as I had never interacted with cats before but I also felt inexplicably drawn to them. When I gave them food for the first time I thought it was a one time act of kindness, but it actually was the beginning of the next few years of self-discovery and a bond between my young self and three cats. Hiding away with the cats in the backyard became my little sanctuary away from my family and caring for them ignited my love of animals. By the second time I saw them, I had their names ready: Old Faithful, Minnie, and Marshmallow. During the first few weeks of feeding and helping these cats, I started to draw them. I loved to draw their different fur patterns, positions, and facial expressions. I began to develop a fondness for drawing, so I started to draw more things, especially different animals. I fell in love with art and it became my outlet for when I felt stressed, sad, or bored. To explore this passion further, I volunteered with an organization called, “Splashes of Hope” where I would paint murals to put on walls of children’s hospitals to make the hospital more vibrant and fun for the patients. Art has been something that has helped me, but also is something I’ve used to help others As the youngest of nine children, I never grew close with anyone in my family because of big age gaps. When my oldest sister, who is 19 years older than me, found out how much I loved to take care of these cats, she would come home often to help me take care of them. Every time we took care of the cats together we became closer. Although she always put an effort to come visit me at home before I met the cats, I learned I do in fact have a sibling who I feel connected to. Today she is my biggest role model and her intelligence inspires me everyday. When I saw her achieve something, get a job, or graduate college it made me determined to do the same. Our bond is very special to me and our love for cats made me realize how I’m not alone in a big family. Eventually, the cats passed away but my passion for animals has never wavered. I’ve volunteered at animal shelters, read books about animals,At a time where I was feeling alone and disconnected, these cats gave me companionship and purpose to keep going. Although this hardship and all these challenges were hard they helped me have character development to be the hardworking and determined person I am today.

Although I grew up loving to create and admire art, one painting I could never understand was the “Mona Lisa” by Leonardo da Vinci. I was confused as to why it was so famous, what made it special, and what made it stand out compared to other paintings. One day I decided to watch a movie called “Mona Lisa Smile” directed by Mike Newell. This movie is about a female art history professor who teaches at a prestigious all-women's college. She is determined to teach the girls not only the history of art, but to teach them to not listen to the societal norms that prevent women from reaching their highest potential. This movie takes place in the 1950’s where women were told they couldn't follow their dreams and pursue careers that they truly want because they are told the jobs aren't fit for women. In the end, she taught these girls exactly what she wanted to teach them, to follow their hearts and dreams. Now after watching the movie, the “Mona Lisa” painting became so fascinating to me after thinking it was boring for my entire life. The woman's smile in this painting has been interpreted in many ways and her smile has been called many things. People describe her as calm, obedient, and enigmatic. Just like her smile, this school wanted the girls to be just like her, very cool and collected, even the insanely smart and talented women who were born to stand out. Society wanted women in the 1950’s to be all the same and fit into a very sexist standard. This movie educated me on the tension between societal norms and what women really wanted. After years of believing this painting was vague, I now look at it with depth and meaning. The interpretation of this art taught me to pursue my dreams despite what others may say or societal norms and also showed me how important a piece of art can really be. When I experience periods of self-doubt and tell myself I can't do things because I'm not good enough or when people doubt me I always think of the connection between this movie and painting. To be a young woman who is able to go to college, learn, and get a job after centuries of women not being able to attain these privileges is a thought that motivates me to be the most dedicated and hardworking version of myself. I want to use my artistic skills in ways that will not only make a difference in people's lives but to also use my privileges to be creative and artistic for the many female artists who didn't have the same rights I have today.

If I were to study interior design as a person who loves art and design, and has loved it for as long as I can remember, this career choice stuck out to me when thinking about what type of job I should pursue. Although there are many careers I am interested in, I've met interior designers, architects, and other types of designers. I couldn't help but notice many similarities between us. The similarities we share are our love for art and design and the fact that we can use our artistic talents to improve people's lives. A social issue I’ve noticed is people disliking where they live. They hate the colors their home consists of, the messy and chaotic living space, and coming home from a stressful day of work to an even more stressful environment. I also know some people live in a dangerous or non-functioning home. As someone who has experienced these types of issues, I want to help people solve them because I know how difficult it is. Where we live plays such a big part in our lives including our loved ones. I believe I was created to create, and I want to create the perfect living environment for all people affordably. I am so passionate about design and building things. This career allows me to create a beautiful, comforting, and safe environment for people to live in which can make them so much happier than living in a not functional, dangerous, hazardous, and unwelcoming home . Everyone deserves to love where they live and feel that their homes are their safe space. People should look forward to coming home after their busy and stressful day at work or school. Your home should be a museum of everything you’ve ever loved. It should consist of your favorite colors, designs you can admire for hours, your favorite types of art, enough space for organization and cleanliness, and overall be a place to give you a sense of comfort and protection. A home and the space you live in is so important because we spend so much time there. We live there, that is a home and I want people to feel like they are in a place they can call a home.I believe I can make a difference in the lives of people who deal with this issue and give them life-changing solutions with my critical thinking and communication skills.

All of my sisters and brothers became doctors and lawyers and received many degrees and awards for these rigorous jobs. My whole life I felt I needed to go to law school or medical school to achieve success and happiness. Since I was a child I had this deep passion for art. I love to paint, sculpt, draw, and create. Making, designing, and creating was something I have always loved and still love. I always hid it away or was embarrassed by it because I compared myself to my family who had very different interests from me. I felt I had to do everything they did to reach success, but I soon meet a teacher who taught me that isn't quite true. When I started high school I met my art teacher. I was beyond nervous. I knew no one. When I came to class she noticed I was a bit shy and quiet. She told it was also her first day as well. I was instantly comforted and knew she was going to be someone that I will look up to and learn from. She always would say art is a form of self expression, and we first need to understand ourselves to make our art as true to us as it can get. Now as a senior in high school, I can gladly say she changed my perspective on what the true meaning of life is. As she taught me art, she taught me more about myself. I realized I was created to create, not to be a lawyer or a doctor. Every time I painted or drew a picture she would analyze it then before giving any critique she would ask me questions about my life. I would talk and talk and she would let me until I realized how I could add to this work. My artwork became like diary to me. I found myself through art, but I couldn't have found my love for art without her guiding the way. My absolute dream is be study interior design and attend art school. To create and learn with other creatives is something I yearn for. This scholarship would help me make my artistic dreams come true. I've met many designers. I couldn't help but notice many similarities between us. The similarities we share are our love for art and design and the fact that we can use our artistic talents to improve people's lives. A social issue I’ve noticed is people disliking where they live. They hate the colors their home consists of, the messy and chaotic living space, and coming home from a stressful day of work to an even more stressful environment. As someone who has experienced these types of issues, I want to help people solve them because I know how difficult it is. These careers allow me to create a beautiful, comforting, and safe environment for people to live in. Everyone deserves to love where they live and feel that their homes are their safe space. People should look forward to coming home after their busy and stressful day at work or school. Your home should be a museum of everything you’ve ever loved. It should consist of your favorite colors, designs you can admire for hours, your favorite types of art, enough space for organization and cleanliness, and overall be a place to give you a sense of comfort and protection. This is a my true passion and I couldn't have realized it without my amazing art teacher.

Would one ever think three cats that spontaneously appeared in a backyard would have had an impact on who you are. It’s exactly what happened to me. When I was younger, I would spend much time in my backyard to drown out the chaos and fighting that dominated my household. Whenever my parents would start arguing over finances, I would wander to the edge of the backyard to find some quiet. I distinctly remember the day where I found three cats hiding behind a bush. I was initially frightened as I had never interacted with cats before but I also felt inexplicably drawn to them. When I gave them food for the first time I thought it was a one time act of kindness, but it actually was the beginning of the next few years of self-discovery and a bond between my young self and three cats. Hiding away with the cats in the backyard became my little sanctuary away from my family and caring for them ignited my love of animals. By the second time I saw them, I had their names ready: Old Faithful, Minnie, and Marshmallow. During the first few weeks of feeding and helping these cats, I started to draw them. I loved to draw their different fur patterns, positions, and facial expressions. I began to develop a fondness for drawing, so I started to draw more things, especially different animals. I fell in love with art and it became my outlet for when I felt stressed, sad, or bored. To explore this passion further, I volunteered with an organization called, “Splashes of Hope” where I would paint murals to put on walls of children’s hospitals to make the hospital more vibrant and fun for the patients. Art has been something that has helped me, but also is something I’ve used to help others As the youngest of nine children, I never grew close with anyone in my family because of big age gaps. It was very hard for me and I began to feel left out, disconnected, and alone at a very young age. I sometimes felt I didn't have anyone I could relay on in my family which made me scared and nervous.When my oldest sister, who is 19 years older than me, found out how much I loved to take care of these cats, she would come home often to help me take care of them. Every time we took care of the cats together we became closer. Although she always put an effort to come visit me at home before I met the cats, I learned I do in fact have a sibling who I feel connected to. Today she is my biggest role model and her intelligence inspires me everyday. When I saw her achieve something, get a job, or graduate college it made me determined to do the same. Our bond is very special to me and our love for cats made me realize how I’m not alone in a big family. Eventually, the cats passed away but my passion for animals has never wavered. I’ve volunteered at animal shelters, read books about animals, and learned how to horseback ride so I can spend time with the horses and different animals on the farm. At a time where I was feeling alone and disconnected, these cats gave me companionship and purpose to keep going. These cats gave me so much love and ever since I received that love I want to return it to every animal. All these challenges were something I needed to become the very determined person I am today.

When I think of empowerment, I think of my mom going back to work after years of staying home to take care of my siblings and I. My mom had been out of the workforce for over 20 years but after my family began to face financial challenges, she applied to a job at a nursery. I remember how anxious my mom was when applying for the job and the fear she expressed before her first day. I watched as my mom adjusted to this new schedule of going in person five days a week while continuing to manage her responsibilities at home. My mom started to enjoy her job at the nursery, and she now finds great meaning in her role of caring for these children. I learned from that situation, that just because something feels new or scary doesn't mean I shouldn't try. Being empowered to me means trusting yourself to take on new challenges and not letting doubt or anxiety hold you back. This sentiment helped me develop my passion for art and creative expression. When I was a young child, I enjoyed painting and drawing but was nervous to share this with others. I didn't know anyone who had a career in the arts and also was worried to have my creations judged by others. When I entered high school, I made the decision to apply to the honors art program. I was scared to be rejected from the program or to be accepted and be given negative feedback on my art. I thought of my mom holding her head up high on her first day of work, and I made the decision to apply to the art program. This was the best decision I ever made and I continued to grow both personally and in my artistic ability. I became more comfortable hearing constructive feedback from my art teacher and taking in her valuable advice. I became more vocal to others about my passion for design and desire to pursue a degree in interior design. Upon sharing this with an uncle of mine, he questioned whether this was a practical career path and suggested that art is a hobby rather than a college major. I felt the familiar anxiety creep in and began to doubt myself and my abilities. In that moment, I also reflected on all the growth I had made in the art program and the work I put into making my portfolio. I began to feel a sense of empowerment as I shared to my uncle why this decision felt right to me. I explained how I had spent months speaking to other students who went to art schools and researching programs on my own. I shared with him what I learned about the path to becoming an interior designer and why the programs I applied to would help me on my path towards getting there. My uncle listened intently and shared that although he believes it is better to have a more practical college major, he can see I have a plan and supports me. I felt proud of myself for trusting my decision and believing in my ability to accomplish my goals. I am grateful for the role model I had in my mother and watching her excel at her job. I saw how not all success comes easy and she had to put in work to move past the doubt. I learned from her that empowerment is being able to make and stick through decisions despite the obstacles that come up along the way.

If I were to study interior design as a person who loves art and design, and has loved it for as long as I can remember, this career choice stuck out to me when thinking about what type of job I should pursue. Although there are many careers I am interested in, I've met interior designers, architects, and other types of designers. I couldn't help but notice many similarities between us. The similarities we share are our love for art and design and the fact that we can use our artistic talents to improve people's lives. A social issue I’ve noticed is people disliking where they live. They hate the colors their home consists of, the messy and chaotic living space, and coming home from a stressful day of work to an even more stressful environment. I also know some people live in a dangerous or a not functional home. As someone who has experienced these types of issues, I want to help people solve them because I know how difficult it is. Where we live plays such a big part in our lives including our loved ones. I believe I was created to create, and I want to create the perfect living environment for all people affordably. I am so passionate about design and building things. This career allows me to create a beautiful, comforting, and safe environment for people to live in which can make them so much happier than living in a not functional, dangerous, hazardous, and unwelcoming home . Everyone deserves to love where they live and feel that their homes are their safe space. People should look forward to coming home after their busy and stressful day at work or school. Your home should be a museum of everything you’ve ever loved. It should consist of your favorite colors, designs you can admire for hours, your favorite types of art, enough space for organization and cleanliness, and overall be a place to give you a sense of comfort and protection. A home and the space you live in is so important because we spend so much time there. We live there, that is a home and I want people to feel like they are in a place they can call a home.I believe I can make a difference in the lives of people who deal with this issue and give them life-changing solutions with my critical thinking and communication skills.