Growing up in Atlanta as a young black girl, I learned early that pain can travel through generations without anyone ever speaking its name. My family carried trauma that was never fully healed, only passed down through silence, anger, and survival. Living with a mentally abusive mother shaped nearly every part of my childhood. Her words often made me feel small, unwanted, or like I could never be enough. Instead of home being a place of comfort, it became a place where I constantly felt anxious and emotionally unsafe. Over time, those experiences deeply affected my mental health, my relationships, and the way I viewed myself and the world around me. As a child, I struggled with depression and anxiety without fully understanding what those feelings were. I often felt isolated even when surrounded by family. There were moments when I questioned my worth because criticism and emotional manipulation became normal in my household. My mother’s behavior was likely influenced by her own unresolved trauma, but as a child, I could not separate her pain from the damage it caused me. I became overly cautious, quiet, and emotionally guarded because I feared conflict and rejection. Anxiety made me overthink every interaction, while depression drained my motivation and made me feel emotionally exhausted. My grandmother played a complicated role in my life as well. While she represented strength and survival, I also saw how generational trauma shaped her mindset and parenting. In many black families, emotional struggles are often ignored because survival has historically been the priority. Conversations about mental health are often times replaced with phrases like “I'll give you something to cry about” or “stop being ungrateful.” Even if these words aren't meant to be hurtful, they have still unintentionally dismissed real emotional pain. Watching both my mother and grandmother cope with life through emotional suppression helped me realize how deeply trauma can become normalized within families. Despite these struggles, art and animation became my escape and eventually my purpose. Drawing allowed me to express emotions that I could not comfortably speak about. Animation inspired me because it creates entire worlds where emotions, struggles, and imagination can exist freely. While my real life often felt unstable, art gave me control, freedom, and peace. It became a way to transform pain into creativity instead of letting it destroy me. Through art, I discovered that even broken experiences can produce something meaningful. Pursuing art and animation is more than just a career goal for me. It represents healing, self-expression, and the opportunity to inspire others who may feel invisible or misunderstood. Many animated stories explore themes of loneliness, identity, trauma, and perseverance, which are experiences I deeply connect with. I want my work to tell honest stories that emotionally resonate with people, especially young Black children who may not always see themselves represented in creative industries. Growing up in Atlanta exposed me to rich Black culture, creativity, music, and storytelling, which continue to influence my artistic vision. At the same time, I also witnessed violence, poverty, and emotional hardship in many communities, which shaped my understanding of resilience and survival. Living with depression and anxiety has changed how I see the world. I have become more empathetic toward others because I understand how hidden emotional pain can affect someone’s behavior. I have learned that people often carry battles that are invisible on the surface. My experiences also taught me the importance of mental health awareness, especially in communities where emotional struggles are often stigmatized or ignored. Although trauma affected my childhood, it also forced me to develop self-awareness and emotional depth at a young age. My relationship with my mother remains difficult because emotional wounds do not disappear easily. Part of me still struggles with anger and disappointment, while another part recognizes that she may also be a product of unresolved pain. Understanding this does not excuse the abuse, but it helps me break the cycle instead of continuing it. I do not want my future to be defined by bitterness or emotional damage. Instead, I want to create a life built on healing, creativity, and growth. In the end, my experiences with generational trauma, depression, and anxiety have shaped both my identity and my ambitions. They taught me how painful environments can either destroy a person or push them to create something greater from their suffering. Art and animation became my voice when I felt silenced, and they continue to give me hope for a better future. Through my work, I hope to tell stories that connect with others emotionally and remind people that even in difficult circumstances, healing and purpose are still possible.

In a world increasingly shaped by rapid technological advancement, authentic human connection risks being diluted by speed, convenience, and constant digital mediation. The main challenge is not to reject technology, but to use it intentionally to preserve and deepen the emotional, ethical, and interpersonal qualities that define meaningful connection. An authentic human connection must be preserved because it grounds empathy, strengthens communities, and gives creative work its relevance. Without it, communication becomes efficient but hollow, and storytelling loses its ability to resonate on a human level. Preserving this connection begins with awareness. Technology often prioritizes immediacy, quick responses, short-form content, and surface-level interaction. While these forms of communication are not inherently negative, they can reduce opportunities for reflection and depth. To counter this, we should be deliberate in our engagement. This means valuing presence over distraction, depth over speed, and intention over impulse. It also requires recognizing that connection is not defined by frequency of interaction, but by sincerity and understanding. As someone in the creative field of animation, I find this distinction to be critical. Animation exists at a unique intersection of technology and human expression. As tools become more advanced through real-time rendering, artificial intelligence, and increasingly sophisticated software, the technical barrier to creating visually impressive work continues to lower. But only having technical excellence is not what creates meaningful animation. Furthermore, the shift occurring in animation is not just about what can be created, but about what should be created. There is a growing need to prioritize storytelling that reflects genuine human experiences rather than relying solely on spectacle or technical novelty. This shift can already be seen in films that emphasize emotional authenticity over visual excess, such as some of my favorite movies, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Soul. While both films are visually innovative, their impact comes from their focus on identity, purpose, and personal struggle. They demonstrate that audiences respond most strongly to stories that feel honest and relatable. Technology, in these cases, serves the story rather than overshadowing it. And this is what represents a broader direction for animation: a return to human-centered storytelling within an increasingly digital medium. In my own work as an aspiring animator, preserving human connection begins with storytelling choices. I focus on creating characters who feel emotionally grounded, even within imaginative or stylized worlds. This means developing clear motivations, internal conflicts, and moments of vulnerability. Audiences connect not to perfection, but to struggle and growth. By emphasizing these elements, I aim to create stories that reflect real human experiences, even when the setting is fictional. Another important aspect to me is pacing and intention. In a digital environment that often rewards speed and constant stimulation, I make a conscious effort to allow moments to breathe. This is because I believe silence, subtle expression, and small gestures can communicate more than rapid action or dialogue. These quieter moments create space for reflection and allow the audience to engage more deeply with the characters. In this way, storytelling becomes less about delivering information and more about fostering understanding. I also make sure to consider the role of empathy in the creative process. Preserving human connection requires actively thinking about how an audience might feel, not just what they will see. This involves asking questions during development. Does this moment feel honest? Does this character’s reaction make sense emotionally? Is the story saying something meaningful, or simply moving forward? These considerations help ensure that the final work is not only technically sound but emotionally resonant. Ultimately, reimagining human connection in a technology-driven world is about balance. Technology should enhance our ability to tell stories, not replace the human insight that gives those stories meaning. In animation, this means using advanced tools to support, rather than overshadow, emotional truth. It also means maintaining a commitment to sincerity, even as the medium evolves. Preserving authentic human connection is important because it sustains the purpose of storytelling itself. Stories exist to help people understand themselves and others, to reflect shared experiences, and to create moments of recognition. As both technology and animation continue to advance, that purpose must remain at the center. Without it, innovation loses direction. But with it, even the most technologically advanced work can still feel deeply, unmistakably human.

Growing up in a single-parent household taught me the true meaning of resilience, sacrifice, and unconditional love really means. My mom has always been the foundation of my life and educational journey, carrying responsibilities that would overwhelm most people while still making sure my sister and I felt supported, encouraged, and cared for. Living in Atlanta, our family faced one of the most difficult challenges imaginable when my sister was diagnosed with leukemia. During that time, my mother became more than just a parent—she became our provider, protector, and source of hope. She worked three jobs to support our household and manage the overwhelming financial and emotional strain that came with my sister’s illness. Yet despite the exhaustion she must have felt, she still showed up for us every day. What amazes me most is that my mom never let hardship stop her from investing in our futures. Even while working several jobs, going to the hospital, and handling so many responsibilities, she still came to our extracurricular activities and encouraged us to follow our interests. She knew our passions were important, even when things were tough. Seeing her at school events and performances reminded me that I was never alone in my dreams. Watching her push through hard times taught me discipline, determination, and how important it is to keep going, even when life feels overwhelming. As I pursue my dream of becoming a 3D animator at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I honor my mom through my commitment to excellence and perseverance. Animation is more than a career path to me; it is a way to tell meaningful stories that can inspire and comfort others, just as art and storytelling inspired me throughout my childhood. My mom's choice to sacrifice her own leisure and passions in order to create opportunities for my sister and me is something that I carry with me every time I work toward my goals. When I face creative challenges, self-doubt, or difficult moments in my artistic journey, I think about the strength my mom has shown while supporting our family. Her resilience reminds me that success is not achieved without hard work and sacrifice. The support that she has shown throughout my childhood has shaped me into someone who values persistence and purpose. Because of her example, I approach my education with gratitude and determination. I understand that attending SCAD is not only an opportunity and privilege for me, but also a reflection of everything my mom has worked for. I want to succeed not only to fulfill my own dreams, but also to honor the countless hours of labor and tiresome nights she spent working to ensure that my sister and I could have brighter futures. Growing up in a single-parent household made her support especially indispensable because there was no one else to share the burden she carried. Despite that, she never allowed our circumstances to define our potential. Instead, she taught me that adversity can become motivation. Her strength gave me confidence in my own ability to overcome obstacles, and her sacrifices continue to drive me toward success. As I continue my journey in animation, I hope to build on the foundation she created by using my creativity to make a positive impact on others and by proving that her sacrifices were never in vain.

Pursuing 3D animation was a natural choice for me because I’ve always believed that the media we consume as children shapes the way we see ourselves and the world around us. Growing up, animated films were more than entertainment to me—they were stories that taught empathy, imagination, perseverance, and creativity. They created emotional connections that stayed with me long after childhood, and I realized I wanted to create that same experience for future generations. What especially drew me to 3D animation is its ability to fully immerse audiences in believable worlds and emotionally resonant characters. Through movement, lighting, design, and storytelling, animation has the power to communicate ideas and emotions in ways that transcend age, culture, and language. I chose this field because it allows me to combine artistic expression with meaningful storytelling while creating work that can positively influence children during some of the most formative years of their lives. As a Black woman from Atlanta, my involvement in animation has had an even deeper impact on my life because representation and storytelling are deeply personal to me. Growing up, I did not always see characters whom I could relate to. Instead, I saw characters with racial stereotypes that didn't actually reflect the experiences of people in my community. That absence made me realize how important diverse storytelling truly is, especially for young audiences who are still developing confidence in their identities. Animation has given me the opportunity to help change that by creating stories and characters that allow children from all backgrounds to feel seen, valued, and understood. Being from Atlanta has also shaped my perspective as an artist. Atlanta is a city filled with creativity, culture, resilience, and diversity, and growing up in that environment taught me the importance of self-expression and community. Those experiences influence the themes I want to explore in my work, including identity, empathy, inclusion, and imagination. Through animation, I can celebrate the richness of different cultures while also creating stories that connect people emotionally. My involvement in animation has strengthened both my creativity and my sense of purpose. I’ve learned that animation is not simply about technical skill, but is about collaboration, empathy, and understanding human emotion. Every project challenges me to think more deeply about the stories I want to tell and the messages I want audiences to take away from them. It has also taught me resilience and patience, because the creative process requires constant learning, revision, and growth. Most importantly, animation has given me confidence in my ability to contribute something meaningful through art. Knowing that my work could inspire a child, especially a young Black girl, to embrace her imagination, feel represented, or believe in her own creative potential makes this path incredibly meaningful to me. Ultimately, 3D animation has transformed a childhood passion into a purpose-driven career. It has given me the opportunity to create stories that reflect diversity, empathy, and creativity while working toward a larger goal: leaving a positive and lasting impact on others through animation.

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive—to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love—then make that day count. Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.” - Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. The main idea of this paragraph is that you don’t become a good person just by thinking about it; you do it through consistent, purposeful action. Realizing how short and fragile life is should push you to live out your values now instead of endlessly thinking about them. The opening sentence of recognizing life as a “precious privilege” is not sentimental, but corrective. It reframes existence from something assumed into something earned by chance, and therefore owed a response. This recognition is meant to produce urgency. If being alive is a rare condition rather than a default state, then hesitation becomes irrational. The mind’s tendency to delay waiting for better circumstances, better skill, better clarity is exposed as a quiet form of ingratitude. Gratitude, in Aurelius’ sense, is not expressed through feeling alone but through the refusal to waste time. The second statement in the passage sharpens this idea into a critique: “Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be.” This is not an attack on philosophy itself, but on the misuse of it. The problem is not thinking, but substituting thinking for doing. The phrase “no more time” suggests that such an argument has already consumed too much of one’s life. It implies that moral debate can become a refuge for inaction, a way to feel engaged with virtue while avoiding the risk of practicing it. Aurelius is rejecting abstraction when it becomes an excuse. The final declaration “Be one” is deliberately stark. It removes all mediators between intention and action. There is no process outlined, no gradual path offered. This abruptness reflects a stoic belief that virtue is not something gradually assembled but something immediately enacted through choice. One does not become good by defining goodness more precisely, but by acting in accordance with it, however imperfectly, in the present moment. As an aspiring animator, this passage cuts directly through a struggle that is easy to rationalize: the tension between preparation and creation. It is easy for me to spend hours studying concepts, color harmony, motion principles, storytelling structures, while postponing the act of making something real. This is because the mind frames this delay as necessary groundwork, when oftentimes it's actually a form of avoidance. The fear of producing something flawed disguises itself as a commitment to improvement. Aurelius’ words dismantle that illusion. If life itself is a privilege that demands expression, then creating is part of honoring that privilege. To “make that day count” in animation is not to wait until one’s skill matches one’s ambition, but to animate anyway: to sketch, to fail, to revise. The command to “be one” translates into becoming the artist now, not in some imagined future where all deficiencies have been resolved. Overall, what makes this paragraph so important to me is its insistence on immediacy. Animation, like any craft, can become a domain of perpetual becoming, always learning, never arriving. But Aurelius rejects the comfort of deferral. He demands that identity be grounded in present action. You are not an aspiring animator because of what you intend to do, but you become one through the discipline of daily creation. This passage is not merely motivational; it is uncompromising. It removes the legitimacy of excuses that feel reasonable: lack of time, lack of skill, lack of certainty. When you remember how rare life is, your excuses start to feel small. And what remains is a simple, yet difficult demand: act in alignment with what you claim to value today, and do so without delay.

Balancing student loan planning while managing anxiety, depression, and working two jobs has required me to be intentional, disciplined, and patient with myself. As I work toward attending the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) for 3D animation, I understand that my financial responsibilities are significant, but I also recognize that my mental health is just as important. Because of this, my approach to addressing current and future student loan debt is rooted in both strategy and self-awareness. One of the main ways I am preparing is by doing everything I can to reduce the amount I will need to borrow. While working two jobs, I am saving as much as possible and contributing to my education expenses ahead of time. I am also actively applying for scholarships, grants, and financial aid. Even though balancing work and applications can be exhausting, I see it as an investment in reducing long-term financial stress. Every dollar I earn or receive now is one less dollar I will have to repay later. Working two jobs while managing anxiety and depression has not been easy. There are days when the pressure feels overwhelming, and staying motivated can be difficult. However, these experiences have also taught me resilience and time management. I have learned how to prioritize my responsibilities, create structure in my schedule, and recognize when I need to rest. Instead of pushing myself to burnout, I try to maintain balance, understanding that my ability to succeed financially depends on maintaining my mental well-being. I also plan to continue working part-time while in school, but I am mindful about not overextending myself. My goal is to find a balance where I can support myself financially without negatively impacting my academic performance or mental health. I have learned that sustainability is key—working constantly without rest is not a long-term solution. After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in 3D animation and begin repaying my student loans in a structured and manageable way. I intend to explore income-driven repayment plans, which can adjust payments based on my earnings, making them more realistic and less stressful. Knowing that flexible repayment options exist helps reduce my anxiety about the future. In addition, I am committed to continuing to build financial literacy—learning how to budget, save, and manage debt responsibly. I also understand the importance of support systems, whether that includes mentors, financial advisors, or mental health resources. Asking for help is something I am learning to embrace, rather than avoid. Ultimately, my journey is not just about managing student loan debt—it is about building a stable and healthy future. Working two jobs while dealing with anxiety and depression has challenged me, but it has also strengthened my determination. I am committed to pursuing my education, managing my finances responsibly, and taking care of my mental health so that I can succeed without losing myself in the process.

Growing up in Atlanta has been a unique experience shaped by both creativity and contrast. In a city like Atlanta, culture—music, art, film, and storytelling are part of everyday life. Being surrounded by that environment inspired me early on and helped me realize that creativity could be more than just a hobby. I saw how art could influence people, bring communities together, and tell powerful stories. At the same time, I also grew up aware of the differences between communities, especially when it came to access to resources and opportunities. While Atlanta is rich in culture, not every neighborhood has equal access to the tools needed to fully explore that creativity. Pursuing art in an under-resourced school district came with several challenges. One of the biggest obstacles I faced was limited access to materials and technology. While others had drawing tablets, fancy laptops, and classes they could afford, I often had to rely on basic supplies or free resources. From a young age, I've always known that I wanted to pursue 3D animation. But my realization that this field requires advanced and expensive tools made it feel somewhat out of reach. There were moments when I doubted whether I could realistically pursue a career in animation, simply because I didn’t have the same starting point as others. Another challenge was the lack of guidance and representation. In my community, there weren’t many visible examples of people pursuing careers in animation or digital art. Without mentors or clear pathways, it was difficult to know where to begin or how to take the next step. It often felt like I had to figure everything out on my own, which made the journey more overwhelming. On top of that, financial limitations made it harder to access extracurricular programs, workshops, or opportunities that could have helped me grow faster. Despite these obstacles, I refused to give up on my passion. Instead, I learned how to be resourceful. I took advantage of free online tutorials, practiced drawing and animation fundamentals whenever I could, and studied animated films to understand storytelling, character movement, and design. I focused on improving little by little, even when progress felt slow. I realized that consistency mattered more than having perfect resources. I also stayed committed to my education, knowing it would help me get closer to my goal of attending the Savannah College of Art and Design. Growing up in my environment also gave me something powerful: perspective. It shaped the way I see the world and the kinds of stories I want to tell. I want my work to reflect resilience, representation, and real-life experiences that are often overlooked. My background has taught me that creativity can come from anywhere, even in difficult circumstances. Overcoming these challenges has made me stronger, more disciplined, and more determined. It has shown me that my circumstances do not define my limits. Instead, they fuel my ambition. As I continue my journey toward becoming a 3D animator, I carry these experiences with me, using them as motivation to succeed and to one day create opportunities for others who come from backgrounds like mine.

I am a fan of Sabrina Carpenter because of her authenticity, creativity, and the way she has continuously evolved throughout her career. She started in the public eye at a young age, but instead of staying in one lane, she took risks, refined her voice, and built an identity that feels genuine and self-defined. Watching her growth has shown me that success is not about immediate perfection, but about consistency, confidence, and the willingness to grow over time. What inspires me most about her career is her versatility. She is not limited to just one form of expression—she moves between music, acting, and performance with confidence. That reminds me of my own journey as an aspiring 3D animator. Animation is not just about technical skill; it involves storytelling, emotion, design, and performance. Seeing how she brings emotion and personality into her work encourages me to think about how I can bring characters to life in a way that feels real and relatable. Her work has also impacted my mindset. Sabrina Carpenter’s journey shows that it is okay to start small and build your way up. She didn’t become who she is overnight, and that motivates me as I work toward studying at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). There are times when learning animation feels overwhelming, especially when mastering new tools or building a portfolio, but her persistence reminds me to stay committed to the process. Growth takes time, and every step matters. As I pursue 3D animation, I want to carry that same sense of authenticity into my work. Just as she connects with her audience through honest storytelling, I want to create animated stories that connect with people on a deeper level—especially children who need inspiration and representation. Her confidence in expressing herself pushes me to be bold in my own creativity and not be afraid to share my ideas. Ultimately, being a fan of Sabrina Carpenter is not just about her music or performances—it’s about what her journey represents. She inspires me to stay dedicated, embrace growth, and believe in my ability to succeed. As I continue working toward my goal of becoming a 3D animator at SCAD, I carry that inspiration with me, using it as motivation to keep improving, creating, and pushing forward.

Animation has always felt like more than just art to me—it is a language of imagination, emotion, and possibility. My passion for animation comes from its unique ability to bring the impossible to life, to tell stories that transcend reality, and to connect with people in ways that words alone often cannot. As I pursue a career in 3D animation, I see it not only as a creative outlet but as a powerful tool to inspire children, spark curiosity, and shape how they see themselves and the world around them. Growing up, animated stories were often where I first saw courage, friendship, and perseverance take form. Those stories stayed with me, shaping my values and fueling my imagination. Now, I want to create that same sense of wonder for the next generation. Through 3D animation, I plan to design characters and worlds that children can relate to—especially those who may not always see themselves represented. I want kids to feel seen, valued, and empowered when they watch my work, believing that they too can be heroes of their own stories. One of my main goals is to use animation to spark wonder. Children are naturally curious, and animation has the ability to expand their imagination beyond limits. By creating visually rich and emotionally engaging worlds, I want to encourage them to dream bigger, ask questions, and explore creativity without fear. Whether it’s through magical landscapes, futuristic cities, or reimagined everyday settings, my work will aim to remind children that the world is full of possibilities. At the same time, I want my animation to increase awareness and create meaningful dialogue. Storytelling is one of the most effective ways to introduce complex topics in a way that is accessible and engaging. Through my work, I hope to address themes such as diversity, empathy, environmental responsibility, and social justice in ways that are appropriate for young audiences. By doing so, I can help children develop understanding and compassion early on, encouraging conversations that extend beyond the screen and into their daily lives. Evoking emotion is another essential part of my vision. Animation has the power to make people laugh, cry, and reflect—sometimes all at once. I want my stories to leave a lasting emotional impact, helping children process their own feelings and understand others better. Whether it’s a story about overcoming fear, dealing with loss, or celebrating joy, I want my work to resonate deeply and remind children that their emotions are valid and important. Ultimately, my vision is to use 3D animation to help create a better world by shaping how young minds think, feel, and connect. I believe that the stories children grow up with influence the kind of adults they become. By creating content that promotes kindness, creativity, and awareness, I hope to contribute to a generation that is more empathetic, open-minded, and inspired to make positive change. Animation is not just entertainment—it is a powerful force for growth, understanding, and transformation, and I am committed to using it with purpose.

The legacy of Albert Dono Ware is a powerful reminder of what it means to live a life grounded in service, sacrifice, and bravery. Although his story comes from a different time and circumstance, the values he embodied resonate deeply with my personal journey and how I view my role in addressing challenges faced by the African diaspora in the United States today. Service, to me, is about showing up consistently for others and committing myself to something greater than my own individual success. I see it in the ways I choose to support my community—whether through mentorship, advocacy, or simply using my voice to highlight issues that matter. It is not always about recognition or large-scale action, but about the everyday decisions I make to contribute positively to the lives of those around me. This understanding of service pushes me to stay engaged, aware, and intentional in how I use my time and energy. Sacrifice is a more difficult, yet equally important, value that shapes my journey. I recognize that meaningful change does not come without giving something up—whether that is comfort, time, or immediate gratification. I am inspired to invest in long-term goals that may not yield quick results but have the potential to create lasting impact. This might mean dedicating myself to education, community work, or advocacy efforts that require patience and persistence. Sacrifice, for me, is about believing in a future that is better than the present and being willing to work toward it, even when the path is challenging. Bravery, in my experience, is not always dramatic or visible, but it is essential. It is the courage to speak out against injustice, to challenge systems that perpetuate inequality, and to stand firm in my beliefs even when it is uncomfortable. I understand bravery as moral courage—the willingness to confront difficult truths and to take action despite fear or uncertainty. Inspired by Ware’s example, I strive to embody this kind of bravery in my everyday life, particularly when addressing issues that impact marginalized communities. These values directly shape my vision for addressing the challenges faced by the African diaspora in the United States. I believe that empowerment must be at the center of any meaningful progress. This includes expanding access to quality education, creating economic opportunities, and supporting initiatives that build generational wealth within Black communities. I am particularly passionate about efforts that uplift Black-owned businesses, improve financial literacy, and open pathways to stable and sustainable careers. At the same time, I recognize the importance of pursuing equity through systemic reform. I believe that education systems must be reimagined to ensure fair funding and inclusive curricula that reflect diverse histories and experiences. Healthcare disparities—especially those affecting Black women and families—must be addressed with urgency and care. Additionally, criminal justice reform is crucial, necessitating a shift toward fairness, accountability, and rehabilitation, rather than relying solely on punishment. These are not isolated issues, but interconnected challenges that demand comprehensive solutions. I also understand that I cannot contribute to this work alone. Meaningful change requires collaboration among a wide range of stakeholders. I recognize the importance of community leaders and grassroots organizations that are deeply connected to the needs of their communities. Policymakers and government institutions play a crucial role in enacting change at a structural level, while educators and schools help shape future generations. The private sector can provide investment and innovation, and faith-based organizations continue to serve as anchors within many communities. Importantly, I believe that young people, including myself, have a responsibility to stay engaged and help carry this work forward. In reflecting on the legacy of Albert Dono Ware, I am reminded that these values are not just ideals to admire, but principles to live by. Service calls me to act, sacrifice challenges me to commit, and bravery pushes me to stand firm in the pursuit of justice. Together, they guide my personal journey and inspire my vision for a more equitable and inclusive future for the African diaspora in the United States.

I've never been a realistic person. Oftentimes striving for unrealistic goals that my peers believe are too far to reach. But, has extraordinary change ever happened through realistic means? For as long as I can remember I've been referred to as spacey or “lost in my own world” And I do admit that I prefer the imaginary world to the real one. This is because I can get lost in the depths of an icy blue planet, or orchestrate the world's greatest heist, all in the span of an hour, while sitting at my classroom desk. My interests in the make believe and ability to attain unrealistic ideas have been enhanced by the different movies I watch. One in particular being Sing 2. Sing 2 follows a headstrong Koala Named Buster Moon, and his group of musically gifted individuals that strive for excellence with each show they put on. But, when they get declined by a scouter, they push through to insist that their group is good enough for the big leagues. Mr Moons’ determined and unshakable need to achieve his out of reach dreams is something that I have incorporated into my day-to-day life. For example, when I moved from my secluded and reserved highschool into my fast paced current one, I was put into classes that were below the level I was expecting, specifically my orchestra class. Instead of being put into mastery, I was moved into Adv I. This was a huge step back for me and I was now stuck playing level 3 music. During this period of time I would daydream about what it would be like to play with mastery orchestra, and how it felt to be considered the best orchestra class at Midtown High School. And sometimes I would express this dislike towards our easy music to the other violinists in my class. But, all of their responses were somewhat the same. Usually along the lines of our class not being able to sound good enough playing that music. After a while I got tired of their lack of confidence in my playing skills and their own. So, I decided to take inspiration from Buster Moon, and reach for what was considered the unreachable. With months of practice and hard work I now play level 5 music and I'm the first chair of my section. My newfound determination will not just stop with this victory, but will continue through my art. By showing different depictions of determination I will hi inspire others to strive for their own goals. My broad imagination and love for cartoons reflect in my art and show new and unique ideas that will evoke wonder in viewers. Overall, I believe that creating artwork that shows perseverance and “unrealistic” concepts can help the world reach newer goals that were once unimaginable. Although I haven't discovered or explored a new planet, my artwork has, and will continue to inspire the ones around me.