At The New School, I would focus my efforts on addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by children with ADHD, particularly within the often-demanding landscape of educational settings. It's disheartening to witness how many children grapple in school due to persistent attention difficulties, which can unfortunately cascade into feelings of profound frustration, a diminished sense of self-esteem, and a palpable disengagement from the joy of learning. Drawing upon the wellspring of my own personal experiences with art—specifically the tactile precision of sewing and the expressive freedom of painting—I’ve come to deeply appreciate how these creative outlets uniquely provide me with an invaluable sense of focused attention and tranquil relaxation. This deeply personal realization has profoundly inspired me to earnestly explore the largely untapped potential of art therapy as a remarkably valuable and complementary tool for holistically supporting children navigating the complexities of ADHD. Art therapy holds immense promise as a powerful and readily accessible supplemental intervention for child therapists diligently working with children affected by ADHD. Actively engaging in a diverse range of creative activities thoughtfully allows these children to articulate and express their inner worlds in ways that traditional, more verbally-oriented therapeutic approaches may not always fully capture. When I immerse myself in the rhythmic act of sewing, for instance, I often enter a deeply absorbing state of flow that effectively helps me gently set aside distracting thoughts and pervasive anxieties; I firmly believe that children, with the right guidance, can experience remarkably similar therapeutic benefits. The very process of creating art naturally encourages mindfulness, subtly yet significantly enhances concentration skills, and fosters a tangible sense of personal accomplishment and pride. It thoughtfully offers a safe and non-judgmental space for children to channel their often-intense emotions, gradually improve their capacity for self-regulation, and ultimately boost their overall confidence and resilience. Incorporating the enriching practice of art therapy into comprehensive treatment plans could significantly and positively impact the lives of children with ADHD, thoughtfully providing them with a vital alternative and often more accessible means to connect with their sometimes overwhelming emotions and simultaneously enhance their inherent capacity for sustained focus. I earnestly envision actively collaborating with dedicated educators and compassionate mental health professionals to collaboratively develop and implement impactful workshops that effectively train therapists on seamlessly integrating practical art therapy techniques into their existing therapeutic practice. These thoughtfully designed workshops could effectively highlight the myriad benefits of skillfully using art as a versatile and powerful medium for authentic self-expression and healthy coping mechanisms, clearly demonstrating its practical effectiveness in helping children skillfully navigate their unique challenges and build inner strength. Furthermore, with a deep commitment to fostering inclusive environments, I would actively advocate for the thoughtful integration of art therapy into existing school programs and curricula. By proactively establishing engaging art clubs or enriching after-school programs specifically dedicated to nurturing creative expression, we can collectively cultivate a genuinely inclusive environment that thoughtfully recognizes and wholeheartedly celebrates the beautifully diverse ways in which children naturally learn, process information, and effectively communicate their needs and experiences. Ultimately, my overarching goal is to diligently promote greater public awareness and understanding about the nuances of ADHD and the remarkably positive and often transformative role that art therapy can play in holistically supporting affected children. By collectively fostering a supportive culture that genuinely values creativity not merely as a pastime but as a legitimate and powerful form of healing and self-discovery, we can truly empower children with ADHD to not only thrive academically but also flourish emotionally, ultimately helping them confidently realize their unique and full potential in all aspects of their lives.

My journey in the arts began with painting, where I first explored my passion for color, materials, and form. This experimentation led to my AP Drawing portfolio, which focused on combining sewing with drawing. The idea of blending these two mediums came naturally to me, inspired by my grandmother’s sewing machine, which was passed down to me. From a young age, I loved how she would alter my clothes to fit me perfectly, and that sparked my love for design. A couple of years ago, I started sewing classes at Fabricate Studios, where I learned techniques like draping and pattern-making. Though I was the oldest in the class, I embraced the opportunity to work independently, taking on projects like revamping thrifted clothing and creating custom patterns. These experiences helped me grow as a designer, teaching me not only technical skills but also how to trust my creative instincts. Fashion has become my way of expressing individuality. I started making my own clothing—everything from everyday wear to prom dresses—because I wanted to wear something unique that reflected who I am. The constant questions—“Did you make this?”—soon turned into requests to design or alter clothing for others. It became clear to me that fashion is more than just clothing; it's a way to help people express themselves confidently and uniquely. What began as a personal passion has evolved into a small business. As a seamstress, tailor, and designer, I now help others by creating custom pieces and altering clothes. My experience at Fabricate Studios has inspired me to pursue a career in fashion design, where I hope to help others feel empowered by what they wear. I want to create designs that are more than just fabric and thread—they should reflect individuality and tell a story. Receiving this scholarship in honor of Al Luna would be an incredible opportunity to continue developing my skills and pursuing a career in fashion. I will be attending Parsons School of Design to further improve my skills in fashion design. Like Al, I want to make a difference through creativity, using my art to inspire others. My goal is to help people see clothing not as something mass-produced, but as a unique form of self-expression. In the future, I hope to encourage others, particularly underrepresented minorities, to follow their artistic dreams, just as Al did. With ambition, passion, and a commitment to doing good, I believe that anyone can make a positive impact, and I hope to do that through my work in fashion design.

My journey in the arts began with painting, where I first explored my passion for creativity through experimenting with color, materials, and form. This exploration laid the foundation for my AP Drawing portfolio, where I integrated sewing into my drawings, combining two distinct art forms. This fusion sparked my love for designing unique clothing. My deeper interest in textiles grew when I inherited my grandmother’s old sewing machine. She often altered clothes that didn’t fit me, and I would watch in awe as she transformed fabric into something perfectly tailored. It was during these moments that I realized fashion is not just something to wear, but a powerful form of self-expression. Two years ago, I decided to take my passion for design to the next level by enrolling in sewing classes at Fabricate Studios. I attended every other Saturday, learning more about garment construction and pushing myself to improve. Despite being the oldest in the class and having prior experience, I embraced the opportunity to push my boundaries. I learned essential skills like draping, pattern making, and fabric manipulation, which allowed me to start working on my own projects. Revamping thrifted clothing and creating patterns from scratch was both empowering and fulfilling, and it deepened my connection to fashion as a personal art form. The process of transforming old, worn-out pieces into something new and fresh ignited a passion for making fashion that feels meaningful. Struggling to find clothing that fit my personal style, especially without spending hundreds of dollars on high-end pieces, I began making my own clothes. This process has been both fun and rewarding. I’ve made everything from casual wear to more elaborate creations, like my prom dresses for both my junior and senior years. Designing and creating my own dresses allowed me to wear something truly unique, making special occasions even more meaningful. The entire process of designing something that reflected my individuality made the experience more personal, and I realized that fashion is a powerful tool for expressing one’s identity. I often felt disconnected from mass-produced clothing, as it never quite captured who I was. As I continued creating, friends and family began noticing my custom-made pieces and frequently asked, “Did you make this?” I would proudly reply, “Yes!” This often led to requests for me to design or alter clothing for them. What started as a personal hobby quickly evolved into a small business, where I design, alter, and tailor clothing for people in my community. My work at Fabricate Studios has shown me how fashion design isn’t just about creating clothes—it’s about crafting art that empowers people. Clothing can help someone feel confident, comfortable, and truly themselves, and this is the core of why I want to design. Fashion isn’t just about the fabric; it’s about the way it makes someone feel. Fashion has become a journey of learning, creating, and connecting with others. I see it as more than just a career—but an opportunity to bring individuality into an industry with "trends". My goal is to design pieces that reflect a person’s story, helping them feel seen. Whether I’m up-cycling old clothes or designing new ones, I want my work to have significance, not just aesthetic value. The idea of giving people something they can’t find anywhere else. I plan to attend Parsons College of Design. My passion for fashion design isn’t just about mastering technical skills, but about finding ways to infuse sustainability and individuality into the industry. I want to build a career that combines art, creativity, and purpose, helping others embrace their uniqueness through the clothes they wear.