I believe my “awkward” thing has been holding onto “childish” interests that many people around me have outgrown. When I was younger I remember many of my peers and classmates moving onto mature shows or trends, while I was still intrigued by cartoons, animated movies, playing with toys, and playing imaginative and developmental games. Even being older now, I still find myself drawn to those shows and media that may be considered too young or childish for my age. Because of those things, naturally I was teased, babied, and felt as if I'm immature because I did not consume mature trends naturally. I can recall feeling out of place when my classmates talked of popular shows or trends everyone seems to know. Regardless, I had still gained excitement from animated series or just channels such as Disney Jr or Nick Jr, which contained more colorful cartoons and lighthearted storytelling. In middle school, I became more secretive of my interests. I even created videos and animations using childlike games like Gacha Life. People online enjoyed what I created, but I never admitted to people in my close circle that I was a creator of these things, since I felt that I would only continue to be ridiculed for using such a childish thing in my spare time. For the longest time, I thought being fixated on these interests for so long made me less mature. Being older I realized these interests and creative hobbies helped me stay grounded and shaped me into the person I am now. These things catered and nurtured my animation, and have been huge inspirations for my passions in art and animation, encouraging my creative will and different stories of my own. Something that I saw as embarrassing became the very things to help and inspire me for all of my creative goals and insights. I could also recognize that these interests have been sources of comfort during difficult moments. If life felt overwhelming, I'd return to the activities or media that brought me as a child, whether it be binging shows like My Little Pony, roller skating, drawing with sidewalk chalk, or playing board games with friends. These moments allowed me to be reminded that growing up doesn’t mean abandoning the things that brought wonder, kindness, and curiosity. To this day I still consume media from my childhood, and my room reflects it–still being full of stuffed animals, art supplies, and reminders of things I loved when younger. Some people may see my love of childish things as weird, but I see them as reflections that I never lost the most important parts of myself. If I continue holding onto those parts that keep me curious, whimsical, and with a clear hearted energy, I can continue connecting with others, expressing myself freely, and using those parts to help pursue my future in animation and storytelling. My interests, though seen as childish, have shaped me to know maturity is not based on what you enjoy, but how you treat others, grow and even embrace who you are individually.

Living in a single-parent, low income household demonstrated that my success doesn't have to be defined by financial upbringing, rather resilience, sacrifice, and perseverance. Despite my mother being the main provider, sometimes struggling financially, she never let me feel limited by things we lacked. I was helped raising by my grandmother, and they both cultivated a home full of love, and support of all of my goals. Half of my childhood, I attended a private Christian school alongside students from wealthier families. Sometimes I felt different , especially being in a predominately white space as a black girl. However my mother worked, enduring unfair conditions ensuring I had access to any opportunities I deserved. Whether it be art supplies, basketball shoes, tutoring, or academic coaching, she invested in my dreams and education while simultaneously paying the debt of her own. The COVID-19 pandemic had shifted my understanding of our situation. I saw my mother struggle in ways I'd never seen. Sometimes relying on loose change or gift cards to afford meals. Watching my mother's sacrifices, while still funding my dreams, made me determined to stay successful in every aspect. I honor her sacrifices through my commitment to opportunities and education. I graduated near the top of my high school class with honors, and my first year of college maintained a 4.00 GPA. I pursue scholarships, seek mentorship, and take advantage of any resources I have access, because I understand its value. I want all she's poured into me to to flourish. I want my success and experiences to encourage anyone who comes from similar backgrounds. By showing that financial hardship and nontraditional family structure does not define an individuals potential, my story will be an example of having determination and perseverance against all odds will being fruitful success.

From as long as I can remember, my escape from reality was always on paper. Art is something that I have spent every free moment, drawing, sketching, and experimenting with different mediums. My imagination was inspired and influenced on the entertainment I consumed, but also the experiences I faced. Making art became something more than a simple hobby, but an act that often made me feel safe. Growing up I was one of the only Black kid's in my grade attending a predominantly white private Christian school, leading to consistent feelings of alienation. Experiencing subtle racism, micro aggressions, and bullying so young affected my self image, so much it manifested into my artwork. I created characters representing versions of myself, in a way that seemed more accepted-- having lighter skin, straighter hair, a popular personality, and being unrealistically admired by others. Looking back at most my old artwork, if I didn't know I made the art, I wouldn't recognize the girl on paper as me. She's only a reflection of who I thought I needed to become to earn love, respect, and a sense of belonging. Over time, I have seen my perspective and art evolve, pieces becoming more emotional and complex not hiding my insecurities. I expanded more difficult topics of self worth, mental health, and acceptance in ones identity. The art I make intentionally are diverse in complexion, physical features, and personalities. None meaning to fit in a standard of beauty, seeing beauty within difference and individuality. I hope to continue using my creation to help others feel seen, in ways I felt I once was not. In a world pressing people to fit into narrow molds, I want my work to celebrate everyones uniqueness. Wether that being explorations of topics and cultures-- that even I am unfamiliar to, as long as it means someone feel seen and represented. Even if it means stepping out of my comfort zone to understand another's perspective. And finally even if it means touching on difficult topics that doesn't always mean it has a happy ending. With what I want to illustrate with my artwork and storytelling-- I want to make for me the escape that used to be on paper, to now become realities of others.

From as long as I can remember, my escape from reality was always on paper. Art is something that I have spent every free moment, drawing, sketching, and experimenting with different mediums. My imagination was inspired and influenced on the entertainment I consumed, but also the experiences I faced. Making art became something more than a simple hobby, but an act that often made me feel safe. Growing up I was one of the only Black kid's in my grade attending a predominantly white private Christian school, leading to consistent feelings of alienation. Experiencing subtle racism, micro aggressions, and bullying so young affected my self image, so much it manifested into my artwork. I created characters representing versions of myself, in a way that seemed more accepted-- having lighter skin, straighter hair, a popular personality, and being unrealistically admired by others. Looking back at most my old artwork, if I didn't know I made the art, I wouldn't recognize the girl on paper as me. She's only a reflection of who I thought I needed to become to earn love, respect, and a sense of belonging. Over time, I have seen my perspective and art evolve, pieces becoming more emotional and complex not hiding my insecurities. I expanded more difficult topics of self worth, mental health, and acceptance in ones identity. The art I make intentionally are diverse in complexion, physical features, and personalities. None meaning to fit in a standard of beauty, seeing beauty within difference and individuality. I hope to continue using my creation to help others feel seen, in ways I felt I once was not. In a world pressing people to fit into narrow molds, I want my work to celebrate everyones uniqueness. What used to be on paper, can now become realities of others.

The show Love Island is branded to be entertainment that brings strangers together to find love, and potentially building genuine relationships to find their soulmate. However, there is a bit of irony that some of the challenges on the show reflects lust, or physical attraction to their fellow islanders-- rather than focusing on emotional intimacy and connection. Challenges like the "Heart Rate" challenge require the islanders to seduce one another in hopes of raising their heart rates; or even some of the messy food related games, which would require games of spitting milk into another's mouth, which seems less about connection and more so shocking sexual attraction. The argument could be made that the islanders on the show have only a short amount of time to explore connections, and naturally they would be more physically attracted rather than emotionally. However I believe if the challenges weren't so sexual and physical, they can assist with revealing each islanders true personalities and help them build deeper connections with each other, for those who are truly interested in one another. I would introduce a challenge called "Pen Pals", a challenge that can highlight which islanders are truly there for deep connections, rather than surface level attractions. The challenge consists of islanders writing anonymous letters to the person they feel most connected to-- reflecting the conversation that were had in the villa. It would show how much that person pays attentions to the details of the other person-- their personalities, values, ambitions, and other factors about them that makes them so unique. These thoughtful comments, and the general appreciation with their reflection would help islanders show how this person would make a good potential partner. I believe that this challenge would create a more wholesome and healthier atmosphere within the villa. Love Island is typically messy as it is influenced and motivated by gossip, drama, and spreading negative opinions on the other couples of the island. A more positive and less physical approach to the challenges would allow for the islanders to feel appreciated, or emotionally seen past just their physical appearances. This also encourages positive reinforcement, and for the cast to be more open-minded towards others by hearing the multitude of kind and sincere perspectives about them. Lastly the challenge can allow for viewers to see more chemistry and its authenticity, a true representation of what falling in love can look like despite physical attraction. Instead of relying on simply physical chemistry, it can highlight the importance of emotional intimacy and communication being just as important qualities to building long lasting and meaningful connections. Since Love Island is about finding love, I believe having challenges like "Pen Pals" will allow for a better perspective of the show and having the outcomes of couples leaving the show with long lasting and meaningful relationships. Love that doesn't have to just be romantic, but love that can be bonded and shared in friendship with other islanders.