It's ironic that those who struggle to find inspiration are the ones who are the most creative. As an artist, it is often difficult to find new ideas that express my thoughts or feelings. I know how I am feeling, but how do I bring it to life to show others? Not only that but, there's a chance other people will relate to this feeling. My passion for art comes from the hope that I can make people feel recognized. When looking at a piece of art, there is no better feeling than the connection of familiarity. This could mean the subject looks somewhat like you, struggles with similar emotions/situations, or from the same culture. It gives a sense of appreciation and understanding. I currently work as a Substitute at an elementary school. On rainy days we watch movies on Disney Plus. Seeing kids from ages 5-13 years old smile at a character on screen because it looks like them, or celebrate holidays like them, brings me a different type of happiness. I strive to give that, with each piece of art I create. Lately it has been difficult to accurately create my ideas, or form ideas at all. Hitting a rut is what most artists deal with and this is called Artist’s Block. This is when the motivation has run dry and you feel stuck. I have tried new things to try and spark new ideas but it hasn’t quite worked yet. I started reading more books, watching different types of tv shows I wouldn’t have watched before, and even listening to new music. However, I am still stuck. I have come to the conclusion that the reason I feel stuck is because of the lack of inspiration that surrounds me. Things around me are not striking or new. I looked around my state of Texas and did not find a college that suited me best. I then began to look out the outer states and have found a nice college in Colorado. After lots of researching and planning, I got to tour and meet professors at the college. Colorado gave me a feeling I have not felt in a long time. It was something striking, and it was something new. It excites me more than I can explain. The only issue now is the cost. How can I afford to get this place and be surrounded by new ideas and people? By sharing my passions and struggles, I hope to receive scholarships that will help me to get to my dream. These scholarships will help pay for things I cannot afford on my own as a first generation college student. I want to create animations that recognize the differences between different people, or bring ideas to life. I want to make viewers feel a connection, and really feel that sense of familiarity. This is something that is important to the youth, younger generations and me. My passion for art is driven by the hope that someday, my creations will be the ones that make those 5-13 year olds smile, feel recognized and appreciated.