Environmental pollution and promoting sustainability is one of the primary social issues in society. The unsustainable consumption and overproduction of products are pushing us towards a future where Earth's livability will be increasingly compromised. While there might not be a single solution to this problem, taking steps to limit our waste is a crucial starting point. My particular passion lies in the creation of more biodegradable products, and I see materials engineering and product design as ways to make our society more sustainable as a whole. As a young person, I recognize that it is my generation that has to deal with the consequences of our overconsumption and pollution. The course that we are on as a society will ultimately lead to our destruction. My passion for this issue lies in my desire for a future where I don’t have to worry about global warming and the environmental issues that accompany it. I don’t want to worry whether my family or my future children will even have an Earth to live on. I have already seen parts of my neighborhood transform from clean, strong architecture to crumbling buildings littered with waste. My desire to see the discontinuation of destruction in my community and the continuation of humanity’s legacy, inspires me to do my part—however small—in reducing humanity’s environmental impact. With my interests in engineering and product design I believe that I create solutions for our problems with the degradation of waste. One solution I have a desire to pursue is creating more biodegradable materials that could replace plastics in our society, resulting in less waste that is unable to decompose in our environment. I envision a future where everyday items are not just functional but also contribute to the well-being of our planet. From packaging materials to consumer goods, the possibilities for biodegradable products are limitless, and their impact on reducing pollution could be the key to solving our environmental dilemma. One of the goals for my study in materials engineering is to understand the chemistry behind biodegradable materials, using this knowledge to discover how to develop products that not only serve their intended purpose but also have a minimal environmental impact. It involves exploring innovative materials that can break down naturally, lessening the long-lasting consequences of traditional, non-biodegradable materials. My studies in this field will allow me to contribute to the development of sustainable alternatives that will help create a more sustainable economy. Moreover, in the field of product design, I hope to learn how to design and implement biodegradable products while involving a combination of different approaches. Through this process, I seek to create products that can be seamlessly integrated into our lives while actively reducing our environmental footprint. In conclusion, the combination of materials engineering and product design is my chosen pathway to contribute meaningfully to the environmental cause. By exploring biodegradable materials and designing sustainable products, I aspire to be part of the change needed for a more sustainable and harmonious coexistence with our planet.

My multicultural heritage has profoundly shaped my artistic journey. Born to a Jamaican mother and a Honduran father, both descendants of immigrant families, I grew up witnessing their relentless drive to secure a better future for our family. Their sacrifices and determination instilled in me a deep respect for perseverance and its transformative power—a that continues in both my life and my art. While my diverse background has enriched my worldview, it has also brought challenges. Growing up, I often felt disconnected from my cultural roots due to language barriers and a lack of acceptance from peers. These experiences compelled me to explore issues of cultural awareness and the importance of embracing diversity, both personally and artistically. Art has been my sanctuary and a means of self-expression throughout this journey. As a child, I was captivated by the timeless beauty of old master paintings, yet I struggled to find representation of individuals who looked like me—dark-skinned with curly hair. This lack of diversity in the art I admired fueled insecurities about my identity and beauty. Unable to see myself reflected in the artwork or among the artists I studied, I questioned my own place in the creative world. However, discovering artists like Kehinde Wiley, who celebrates black beauty with vibrant, powerful depictions, sparked a profound shift within me. His work ignited a sense of pride and self-acceptance, and it inspired me to redefine my creative purpose. Guided by Wiley's influence, I made a deliberate choice to center black women in my artwork. My pieces often feature myself and my family members as subjects, using themes of loneliness, escapism, and relationships, brought to life through vivid colors. One of my most meaningful works, "My Summer of Rest and Relaxation," was inspired by Ottessa Moshfegh's novel "My Year of Rest and Relaxation." In this piece, I explored the act of sleep as a form of escapism, paralleling its role in the book and its significance in my own life. My art draws on a diverse range of influences, blending personal experiences, literary inspiration, and pop culture references. For instance, I often incorporate iconic figures like Hello Kitty and Kuromi alongside motifs from Alice in Wonderland. This fusion reflects my diverse perspective as an artist and my desire to weave together complex stories that connects with viewers on various levels. By highlighting the diversity and resilience of black women, I aim to challenge societal norms and redefine beauty standards. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to embrace their unique identities, celebrate their heritage, and see themselves as part of a larger, inclusive artistic landscape.

Environmental pollution and promoting sustainability is one of the primary social issues in society. The unsustainable consumption and overproduction of products are pushing us towards a future where Earth's livability will be increasingly compromised. While there might not be a single solution to this problem, taking steps to limit our waste is a crucial starting point. My particular passion lies in the creation of more biodegradable products, and I see the fields of materials engineering and product design as ways to make our society more sustainable as a whole As a young person, I recognize that it is my generation that has to deal with the consequences of our overconsumption and pollution. The course that we are on as a society will ultimately lead to our destruction. My passion for this issue lies in my desire for a future where I don’t have to worry about global warming and the environmental issues that accompany it. I don’t want to worry whether my family or my future children will even have an Earth to live on. I have already seen parts of my neighborhood transform from clean, strong architecture to crumbling buildings littered with waste. My desire to see the discontinuation of destruction in my community and the continuation of humanity’s legacy, inspires me to do my part—however small—in reducing humanity’s environmental impact. With my interests in engineering and product design I believe that I create solutions for our problems with the degradation of waste. One solution I have a desire to pursue is creating more biodegradable materials that could replace plastics in our society, resulting in less waste that is unable to decompose in our environment. I envision a future where everyday items are not just functional but also contribute to the well-being of our planet. From packaging materials to consumer goods, the possibilities for biodegradable products are limitless, and their impact on reducing pollution could be the key to solving our environmental dilemma. This approach aligns with the urgent need to transition towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. One of the goals for my study in materials engineering is to understand the chemistry behind biodegradable materials, using this knowledge to discover how to develop products that not only serve their intended purpose but also have a minimal environmental impact. It involves exploring innovative materials that can break down naturally, lessening the long-lasting consequences of traditional, non-biodegradable materials. My studies in this field will allow me to contribute to the development of sustainable alternatives that will help create a more sustainable economy. Moreover, in the field of product design, I hope to learn how to design and implement biodegradable products while involving a combination of different approaches. These approaches include considerations for functionality, aesthetics, and, most importantly, ecological impact. Through this process, I seek to create products that can be seamlessly integrated into our lives while actively reducing our environmental footprint. In conclusion, the combination of materials engineering and product design is my chosen pathway to contribute meaningfully to the environmental cause. By exploring biodegradable materials and designing sustainable products, I aspire to be part of the change needed for a more sustainable and harmonious coexistence with our planet.