Art has been a cornerstone of my life, shaping my identity and aspirations in profound ways. While my journey with art has always been personal, a pivotal moment came when I realized the joy and fulfillment I found in helping others grow. This realization solidified my dream of becoming an art professor, where I can inspire, mentor, and guide others to find their voices through art. My experiences have shown me that art is not only a tool for self-expression but also a way to foster connection and understanding—values I am passionate about sharing with future students. From a young age, I grappled with mental health challenges, including depression, social anxiety, and the stress of my parents’ divorce. Middle school and early high school were particularly difficult, as I navigated toxic friendships and often felt isolated. Initially, I turned to therapy, hoping for easy solutions to my struggles, but I found it challenging to open up and commit to the healing process. However, art became my sanctuary. It gave me a way to process my emotions and express what I couldn’t put into words. Creating art allowed me to transform my pain into something tangible, helping me heal while also resonating with others who faced similar struggles. As I grew older, I began to share my passion for art with those around me. A turning point came when I realized how many of my peers sought out my help on their own art projects. I noticed that often they would come to me for help with color, or composition; or even to expand on their own ideas. I guided them through projects, taught techniques, and encouraged them to express themselves freely. I realized I had quite the knack for helping my peers succeed, and seeing their excitement and growth as they created something uniquely their own was incredibly rewarding. That moment made me realize the profound impact I could have as a mentor and educator. It was then that I knew I wanted to become an art professor, helping students not only hone their skills but also discover the transformative power of art. Over the past two years, I have fully embraced my passion for art, participating in school clubs and competitions such as the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE). Many of my pieces explore themes of mental health, drawing from my personal experiences. One work, “Through the Looking Glass,” reflects my journey with astigmatism, using color and light to depict the way I see the world—a kaleidoscope of refracted beauty that others might label as “flawed.” This philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection is a core principle of my art and something I strive to instill in others. My art has not only been a means of self-expression but also a way to connect with others, destigmatize mental health, and foster a sense of community. Looking ahead, I am determined to use my experiences to inspire and educate the next generation of artists. I plan to obtain a master’s degree in Studio Art and teach at the college level, where I can create an environment that nurtures creativity and self-discovery. My goal as an art professor is not only to teach technical skills but also to help students find their unique voices and share their stories with the world. I want to provide them with the support and encouragement that I once needed, showing them that their perspectives and experiences matter. Becoming an art professor is not just a career aspiration but a mission to make the world a more compassionate and creative place, one student at a time.

My favorite and most skillful piece I have ever created is called "Detached Dissonance." This piece, which is attached below, features dappled sunlight on grass, as well as my hands and face coming out of vibrant blue waters. This work is a combination of 2D and 3D elements to create a cohesive artwork that feels like it is reaching out to the viewer. I pushed myself farther with my creativity and artist ability than I ever have before to create this original and unique composition. The grass area and the water are made on two separate pieces of plywood, creating an open space to look inside of underneath. I created 3D ripples on the water around the hands, and then did a resin pour over all of the water areas to achieve a water-like effect. I love this work so much partially because of the aesthetics, but also because it shares my experiences of depression with the viewer. The work explores how people, myself included, often put up a mask around others to hide what is going on underneath. The sunny grass represents this mask, while underneath you may feel like you're drowning in your thoughts, anxieties, or responsibilities. I wanted to create this work to share that feeling with others, and to destigmatize these mental health struggles. Through much of my work I strive to share my own experiences and struggles with others to create a safe space, and to give people something to relate to.

Art has been a cornerstone of my life, shaping my identity and aspirations in profound ways. While my journey with art has always been personal, a pivotal moment came when I realized the joy and fulfillment I found in helping others grow. This realization solidified my dream of becoming an art professor, where I can inspire, mentor, and guide others to find their voices through art. My experiences have shown me that art is not only a tool for self-expression but also a way to foster connection and understanding—values I am passionate about sharing with future students. From a young age, I grappled with mental health challenges, including depression, social anxiety, and the stress of my parents’ divorce. Middle school and early high school were particularly difficult, as I navigated toxic friendships and often felt isolated. Initially, I turned to therapy, hoping for easy solutions to my struggles, but I found it challenging to open up and commit to the healing process. However, art became my sanctuary. It gave me a way to process my emotions and express what I couldn’t put into words. Creating art allowed me to transform my pain into something tangible, helping me heal while also resonating with others who faced similar struggles. As I grew older, I began to share my passion for art with those around me. A turning point came when I realized how many of my peers sought out my help on their own art projects. I noticed that often they would come to me for help with color, or composition; or even to expand on their own ideas. I guided them through projects, taught techniques, and encouraged them to express themselves freely. I realized I had quite the knack for helping my peers succeed, and seeing their excitement and growth as they created something uniquely their own was incredibly rewarding. That moment made me realize the profound impact I could have as a mentor and educator. It was then that I knew I wanted to become an art professor, helping students not only hone their skills but also discover the transformative power of art. Over the past two years, I have fully embraced my passion for art, participating in school clubs and competitions such as the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE). Many of my pieces explore themes of mental health, drawing from my personal experiences. One work, “Through the Looking Glass,” reflects my journey with astigmatism, using color and light to depict the way I see the world—a kaleidoscope of refracted beauty that others might label as “flawed.” This philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection is a core principal of my art and something I strive to instill in others. My art has not only been a means of self-expression but also a way to connect with others, destigmatize mental health, and foster a sense of community. Looking ahead, I am determined to use my experiences to inspire and educate the next generation of artists. I plan to obtain a master’s degree in Studio Art and teach at the college level, where I can create an environment that nurtures creativity and self-discovery. My goal as an art professor is not only to teach technical skills but also to help students find their unique voices and share their stories with the world. I want to provide them with the support and encouragement that I once needed, showing them that their perspectives and experiences matter. Becoming an art professor is not just a career aspiration but a mission to make the world a more compassionate and creative place, one student at a time.

Mental health has profoundly influenced my life, shaping my identity and aspirations, particularly in my passion for art. From my experiences in middle school, I faced significant challenges, including depression, social anxiety, and the stress of my parents' divorce. During those turbulent years, I struggled with toxic friendships that only added to my emotional burden. Despite my struggles, I discovered that art could be a powerful outlet for my feelings. I initially went to therapy to help navigate my mental health challenges, but I found it difficult to express myself and felt my problems were insignificant. I wanted quick fixes and "how-tos" rather than committing to long-term solutions. However, I realized that art offered me a way to express my inner turmoil and connect with others who faced similar battles. Over time, as I distanced myself from toxic relationships, I found supportive friends who encouraged my creativity. These connections helped me understand the importance of healthy relationships, allowing me to grow both emotionally and artistically. In the past two years, I have fully embraced my passion for art, getting involved in school clubs and entering art competitions, such as the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE). Each piece I create reflects a part of my mental health journey, telling stories that resonate with others and fostering a sense of community and understanding. Art has been my way of coping and healing, transforming my struggles into something beautiful. I aspire to inspire others through my work, sharing my experiences to help them feel less alone. I want to advocate for mental health awareness through my art, emphasizing the importance of self-expression in healing. This scholarship will significantly impact my future by providing the resources I need to further develop my artistic skills and pursue a career in art education as well as mental health advocacy. It will allow me to focus on my education and refine my craft, empowering me to reach a wider audience with my message. I plan to obtain my master's in Studio Art so that I can teach others at the college level. I want to help others who are passionate about art share their message with the world as well. A pivotal moment in my life occurred when I faced emotional weakness after losing friends who were once close to me. I felt lost and uncertain about my future. In that vulnerable time, I turned to my art for solace. I poured my emotions into my work, creating pieces that reflected my pain and resilience. This process helped me heal and build a new support system, encouraging me to engage with others who shared similar struggles. Now, with a clearer understanding of my worth and the impact I can have, I am excited to contribute to the world through my art. This scholarship will not only aid my academic journey but also enable me to inspire others, fostering a greater understanding of mental health and the healing power of creativity.

Art has always been more than just a creative outlet for me; it has been a refuge, a means of survival, and a way to process the complexities of my mental health. Since middle school, I have faced challenges such as depression, social anxiety, and the overwhelming stress of my parents' divorce. In those years, I struggled to find a voice, to express what was weighing on me. Therapy was an option I explored, but I often felt disconnected, unable to articulate my emotions in words. Instead, art became my sanctuary—a place where I could translate my feelings into colors, lines, and forms. Creating art allowed me to externalize my emotions in a way that words never could. I poured my frustrations, fears, and hopes into my work, finding comfort in the process. Each brushstroke, sketch, or sculpted form became a silent testament to my experiences, a tangible representation of what I was feeling. When words failed, my artwork spoke for me. One of my most personal pieces, "Through the Looking Glass," illustrates my journey with astigmatism, using distorted light and color to depict how I see the world. Beyond its visual representation of my vision, the piece also reflects my philosophy that imperfections can hold beauty, a concept deeply tied to my mental health journey. Over time, I noticed that my art was not only healing for me but also resonated with others. Friends and classmates would approach me, drawn to the emotion behind my work. They saw parts of their own struggles reflected in my pieces, and in those moments, I realized that art was not just personal—it was connective. It fostered a sense of community and understanding. Recognizing this, I became passionate about helping others explore their emotions through art. I began assisting peers with their projects, guiding them through creative expression, and encouraging them to channel their emotions into their work. This experience ignited my aspiration to become an art professor, where I can mentor students in using art as a tool for self-discovery and healing. The pieces I have submitted showcase my passion for art as a means of emotional exploration. Each one tells a story of resilience, of navigating pain and emerging stronger. My work often incorporates themes of mental health, using symbolism and color theory to evoke deep emotional responses. Through my art, I hope to break the stigma surrounding mental health, opening conversations that encourage self-expression and understanding. Art has the power to transform pain into something beautiful, to give form to emotions that feel overwhelming. It has helped me process my past, build resilience, and connect with others who share similar experiences. I believe that art can serve as a lifeline for anyone struggling with their mental health, offering a safe space to explore emotions without judgment. Whether through creating or experiencing art, people can find solace, strength, and a sense of belonging. Looking ahead, I want to continue using my experiences to inspire and educate future artists. I plan to pursue a master’s degree in Studio Art and teach at the college level, fostering an environment where students can freely express themselves and find healing through their creativity. Art has given me purpose, and I am determined to pass that gift on to others, helping them see that their voices matter and that their struggles can be transformed into something meaningful. Through art, we can heal, express, and ultimately, connect.

Art has been a cornerstone of my life, shaping my identity and aspirations in profound ways. While my journey with art has always been personal, a pivotal moment came when I realized the joy and fulfillment I found in helping others grow. This realization solidified my dream of becoming an art professor, where I can inspire, mentor, and guide others to find their voices through art. My experiences have shown me that art is not only a tool for self-expression but also a way to foster connection and understanding—values I am passionate about sharing with future students. From a young age, I grappled with mental health challenges, including depression, social anxiety, and the stress of my parents’ divorce. Middle school and early high school were particularly difficult, as I navigated toxic friendships and often felt isolated. Initially, I turned to therapy, hoping for easy solutions to my struggles, but I found it challenging to open up and commit to the healing process. However, art became my sanctuary. It gave me a way to process my emotions and express what I couldn’t put into words. Creating art allowed me to transform my pain into something tangible, helping me heal while also resonating with others who faced similar struggles. As I grew older, I began to share my passion for art with those around me. A turning point came when I realized how many of my peers sought out my help on their own art projects. I noticed that often they would come to me for help with color, or composition; or even to expand on their own ideas. I guided them through projects, taught techniques, and encouraged them to express themselves freely. I realized I had quite the knack for helping my peers succeed, and seeing their excitement and growth as they created something uniquely their own was incredibly rewarding. That moment made me realize the profound impact I could have as a mentor and educator. It was then that I knew I wanted to become an art professor, helping students not only hone their skills but also discover the transformative power of art. Over the past two years, I have fully embraced my passion for art, participating in school clubs and competitions such as the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE). Many of my pieces explore themes of mental health, drawing from my personal experiences. One work, “Through the Looking Glass,” reflects my journey with astigmatism, using color and light to depict the way I see the world—a kaleidoscope of refracted beauty that others might label as “flawed.” This philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection is a core principal of my art and something I strive to instill in others. My art has not only been a means of self-expression but also a way to connect with others, destigmatize mental health, and foster a sense of community. Looking ahead, I am determined to use my experiences to inspire and educate the next generation of artists. I plan to obtain a master’s degree in Studio Art and teach at the college level, where I can create an environment that nurtures creativity and self-discovery. My goal as an art professor is not only to teach technical skills but also to help students find their unique voices and share their stories with the world. I want to provide them with the support and encouragement that I once needed, showing them that their perspectives and experiences matter. Becoming an art professor is not just a career aspiration but a mission to make the world a more compassionate and creative place, one student at a time.

The world around me, as well as my experiences in life have heavily influenced my art. I strive to create meaningful art that reflects my perspective on the world. One of my works, "Through the Looking Glass," focuses on my experiences with astigmatism. I manipulated the color and light in the piece to represent how my eyes see the world, and how beautiful it can be seeing all these weird refractions of light. It aims to highlight the hidden beauty of something society considers "broken." Many of my other works include certain plants and objects to symbolize parts of my life or add depth to the work. The work below with the hand incorporates the gladiolus flower, as well as some marigolds to represent birth and prosperity. The Gladiolus flower is the flower of my birth month, August. Another work I created, "Peering Aspen," as shown below was heavily inspired by nature. When I was in Lake City, Colorado, I was mesmerized by the aspen trees eyeing me as I went by. The texture on each tree looked like an eyeball peering into your soul. I was motivated to create a work that highlighted the interesting pattern, paired with an eerie murder scene. Things like this in life and nature are an important part of every artists journey. We cannot begin to create without first being inspired by something we have seen, such as a color, shape, texture, or person. Even when not attempting to replicate something I have seen in the real world, my work shows bits and pieces of my life throughout it. That is what truly gives my art meaning.

Mental health has profoundly influenced my life, shaping my identity and aspirations, particularly in my passion for art. From my experiences in middle school, I faced significant challenges, including depression, social anxiety, and the stress of my parents' divorce. During those turbulent years, I struggled with toxic friendships that only added to my emotional burden. Despite my struggles, I discovered that art could be a powerful outlet for my feelings. I initially went to therapy to help navigate my mental health challenges, but I found it difficult to express myself and felt my problems were insignificant. I wanted quick fixes and "how-tos" rather than committing to long-term solutions. However, I realized that art offered me a way to express my inner turmoil and connect with others who faced similar battles. Over time, as I distanced myself from toxic relationships, I found supportive friends who encouraged my creativity. These connections helped me understand the importance of healthy relationships, allowing me to grow both emotionally and artistically. In the past two years, I have fully embraced my passion for art, getting involved in school clubs and entering art competitions, such as the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE). Each piece I create reflects a part of my mental health journey, telling stories that resonate with others and fostering a sense of community and understanding. Art has been my way of coping and healing, transforming my struggles into something beautiful. I aspire to inspire others through my work, sharing my experiences to help them feel less alone. I want to advocate for mental health awareness through my art, emphasizing the importance of self-expression in healing. This scholarship will significantly impact my future by providing the resources I need to further develop my artistic skills and pursue a career in art education as well as mental health advocacy. It will allow me to focus on my education and refine my craft, empowering me to reach a wider audience with my message. I plan to obtain my master's in Studio Art so that I can teach others at the college level. I want to help others who are passionate about art share their message with the world as well. A pivotal moment in my life occurred when I faced emotional weakness after losing friends who were once close to me. I felt lost and uncertain about my future. In that vulnerable time, I turned to my art for solace. I poured my emotions into my work, creating pieces that reflected my pain and resilience. This process helped me heal and build a new support system, encouraging me to engage with others who shared similar struggles. Now, with a clearer understanding of my worth and the impact I can have, I am excited to contribute to the world through my art. This scholarship will not only aid my academic journey but also enable me to inspire others, fostering a greater understanding of mental health and the healing power of creativity.

Mental health has been a very significant factor in my life for several years. Since I was about a 7th grader, I can remember having some pretty severe bouts of depression, social anxiety, and large amounts of stress due to my divorced parents' court disputes about my custody. And I will admit, my stress as a middle schooler and early high schooler made me not the best person. I had friends, but I realized over time many of my relationships were toxic and dependent, which was even worse for my emotional well-being. It didn't help that my mom was an unbeliever of mental health and deemed it as one of those things where you didn't have enough faith in God, or needed to pray more to make those damned demons go away. I felt for a long time I had nobody to talk to who would understand or help me. I eventually tried out therapy after convincing my mom to take me, but it didn't work out how I thought it would go in my mind. I felt uncomfortable talking to a stranger about problems I felt were insignificant in the big picture despite how much they were affecting me. I didn't get diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or even ADHD like I wanted to so I could feel like I had a proper reason to be feeling bad. I wanted easy fixes to my problems, like a 5-minute craft to make school less scary and easier to talk to people. I didn't want to, even refused to put in the effort to improve my mental wellness by using proven techniques and coping methods. It was almost like I wanted to stay depressed, with few friends, and zero plans for the future. I tried to idle in the comfort of my problems. It felt too demanding to attempt to fix my brain, rearrange my thoughts, and make sure I was kinder to myself. Eventually, though, old friends who brought toxicity to my life moved away or pushed me out, and I met other people who were genuinely understanding. Some of my closest friends now I met just after one of the worst emotional periods of my life. It's because I realized how I treated others, how to set boundaries, and how to maintain healthy relationships that aren't built on absolute dependence on each other. In the last two years, I feel that I have significantly grown as a person in both ability and mentality. I started pursuing my passions, getting involved in school, and entering into art competitions. I did extremely well because many of my artworks depicted parts of my mental health that others could relate to. I've used art to cope over the years to express my struggles, experiences, and curiosities. In the last couple of years, my relationship with my mom has also improved with my newfound understanding of myself. I stopped being resentful and rebellious toward her, and we finally had a bit of peace in our household. Partially credited to her trying to understand me and accept me for who I am, despite her beliefs. I finally have a support system who I can talk about what I'm going through; my friends keep an eye on me and encourage me to talk nice to myself, and give me helpful techniques to get through my day, weeks, and years. I aspire to inspire others through my art, fostering a sense of community, understanding, and awe. And I strive to keep learning about myself and improving my abilities no matter how much effort it takes.

Mental health has been a very significant factor in my life for several years. Since I was about a 7th grader, I can remember having some pretty severe bouts of depression, social anxiety, and large amounts of stress due to my divorced parents' court disputes about my custody. And I will admit, my stress as a middle schooler and early high schooler made me not the best person. I had friends, but I realized over time many of my relationships were toxic and dependent, which was even worse for my emotional well-being. It didn't help that my mom was an unbeliever of mental health and deemed it as one of those things where you didn't have enough faith in God, or needed to pray more to make those damned demons go away. I felt for a long time I had nobody to talk to who would understand or help me.  I eventually tried out therapy after convincing my mom to take me, but it didn't work out how I thought it would go in my mind. I felt uncomfortable talking to a stranger about problems I felt were insignificant in the big picture despite how much they were affecting me. I didn't get diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or even ADHD like I wanted to so I could feel like I had a proper reason to be feeling bad. I wanted easy fixes to my problems, like a 5-minute craft to make school less scary and easier to talk to people. I didn't want to, even refused to put in the effort to improve my mental wellness by using proven techniques and coping methods. It was almost like I wanted to stay depressed, I wanted to have a reason to have no life, little friends, and zero plans for the future. I tried to idle in the comfort of my problems. It felt too demanding to attempt to fix my brain, rearrange my thoughts, and make sure I was kinder to myself.  Eventually, though, old friends who brought toxicity to my life moved away or pushed me out, and I met other people who were genuinely understanding. Some of my closest friends now I met just after one of the worst emotional periods of my life. It's because I realized how I treated others, how to set boundaries, and how to maintain healthy relationships that aren't built on absolute dependence on each other. In the last two years, I feel that I have significantly grown as a person in both ability and mentality. I started truly pursuing my passions, getting involved in school, and entering into art competitions. I did extremely well because I put my whole heart into them to create a story people could relate to. Many of my artworks depict parts of my mental health, as I've used art to express my struggles, experiences, and curiosities to cope throughout the years. I've made countless vent artworks and generally deep work, and I want to share those feelings with others. I hope that people can realize that others deal with the same problems they do and feel a bit more sense of normalcy for what they are going through.  In the last couple of years, my relationship with my mom has also improved with my newfound understanding of myself. I stopped being resentful and rebellious toward her, and we finally had a bit of peace in our household. Partially credited to her trying to understand me and accept me for who I am, despite her beliefs. I finally have a support system to whom I can talk about what I'm going through; my closest friend on the planet, who has also had severe psychological struggles, helps me every single day with it. They keep an eye on me and encourage me to talk nice to myself, and give me helpful techniques to get through my day, weeks, and years.  I aspire to inspire others through my art, fostering a sense of community, understanding, and awe. I know I want to advocate for mental health issues in the future, as there is still so much to learn about it and how to help others. I also know my worth now and the contributions I can make to this world through my words, relationships, and artwork.

Taylor's music has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. My sister absolutely adored her, and still does, and since childhood that has influenced me to also be a huge Swiftie. 1989 was one of the most memorable albums from my childhood, and now it brings me so much nostalgia to listen to songs like 'Shake it Off' and 'Bad Blood.' The entire album just makes me have joyful memories of when my sister and I would go on long drives together and scream, "Shake it off, shake it off," at the top of our lungs. As I got older and my siblings moved out, I kind of lost interest in Taylor's music for a while, but I specifically remember when I was getting back into it listening to 'Wildest Dreams' and just daydreaming about some sort of future love as the silly 12-year-old I was. Now, If this year so far were to have a soundtrack of songs from 1989, I would have to place 'Welcome to New York' at the top of the list. I can remember jamming out to this one a number of times years ago, and it just gave me such confidence and a good vibe all around. I feel like for me, this song is a good way for me to signify the new opportunity I have coming to me this year. There are many things I've been working towards through school and my passions, and I have so many chances to do great things this year and I'm so excited for them. I truly feel like that song emanates that feeling of bursting opportunity, confidence, creativity, and self-flourishing. The other song I want to add right up there with 'Welcome to New York', is 'New Romantics'. Even though this song rings of romance and heartbreak on the surface, Taylor also mentions that "the best people in life are free," that's the other thing I have been trying to focus on so far this year. I'm going to try harder than ever to stand out and be my own person. I don't want to let anybody else direct my life, I want to take it my way and, as Tayor says, be free. I feel I am already a fairly unique person who guides themselves, but I'm going to do everything in my power this go around to truly live for myself, and not others.