Since I was seven years old, I have been fascinated by the world of luxury fashion and the immense creativity of my favorite designers, Marc Jacobs and John Galliano. I was deeply moved by their originality and the fearless honesty that defined their work. I remember vividly waiting at my computer to watch the Fall 2009 Dior show, mesmerized by the theatrics of the snow-drenched runway. That was the moment I knew I would pursue a career in fashion. Fashion has always been a platform to express my personality and creativity to the world. What drives me to build a lasting career in this industry is seeing the positive impact you can have on others through storytelling, made tangible through objects. When creating my brand, “CURRUS,” I was passionate about how our events, which combine automotive culture and fashion, could bring together a diverse group of people and foster new insights, learning, and genuine connections. I have faced many adversities, especially as a young child when I was diagnosed with a grand mal seizure disorder. During my seizures, I experienced both frightening and inspiring visualizations. At one point, I came close to losing my life. I would see fast-paced numbers flying through the air and experience a blending of senses, such as being able to smell colors. This has been an essential influence on my work and ambitions in the creative arts. In many ways, I felt misunderstood at school by my teachers and classmates, which gave me a great deal of freedom to spend time alone, immersed in my passion for art and design. This time to develop and hone who I am as a fashion designer led me to a full scholarship at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where I focused on leather goods. I then had the privilege of working as the Head Accessories Designer for Russell Westbrook and his brand, Honor The Gift, which focuses on clothing and charitable causes that support the inner city of Los Angeles. I truly believed in Russell’s vision of honoring the gift you were given, and I have come to view my own adversities as a gift that has guided me toward exciting opportunities. Alongside this, I also spend my time mentoring the youth who have experienced childhood epilepsy. I find great joy in sharing my experiences and uplifting young talent to hone their creativity and build confidence in themselves. As I prepare for my upcoming experiences as a graduate student, I am excited to further focus on my craft and build a venture that combines fashion, community, and hands-on charity, while continuing to motivate youth to follow their dreams. At times, epilepsy has made me feel different from others and disconnected, but it has also shaped my motivation to proudly show young creatives that difficult and traumatic experiences can lead to fearless ambition. I want to demonstrate that embracing what makes you different can ultimately guide you toward becoming your most authentic self and building a meaningful life.