My name is Deshawn Hocker. I am 18 years old and a graduate of Riverbend High School in Fredericksburg, Virginia. I believe this scholarship would help me on my journey of self-discovery and passion for the arts. In my childhood, reading was an escape for me. I was introduced to the concept of "a hero journey" at an early age. Where the main characters have to discover themselves and embrace the changes they're going through. It was the start of dedicating myself to push myself to live the life I want to live. When I started creating for myself, it was difficult, even more than I thought it would be. So, I knew I needed to start setting goals to work towards. I am very motivated to get something I know I deserve. I am willing to admit my flaws and fight for the values, and ideals I know are right. I know that's why giving everything your all is important; you only live once. I am very much introverted and have trouble socializing so I often go to events that will push me out of my comfort zone and meet new people. I was always curious about finding a community to feel safe and secure. Friends and family are the only things you have and maybe all you will have. I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree to become a freelance artist, producing my own creative works and doing commissions for a living and be accomplished. I often dream of making an animated series that could inspire so many people. I will be studying fine arts/graphic design and working my way to make long-term connections with people I could call friends. I know I could do all I can to balance being an artist and developing socially. My passion and aspirations are for me to find success in the future. Richmond is nationally known for the true taste of the American dream. So many opportunities to find here, I'd be a sucker not to take them all. As a freshman at Virginia Commonwealth University with a 4.0 GPA, I am committed to graduating and sharing my ideas with the world. My higher education is not just about learning the challenges of the real world but about using that knowledge to accept the changes that happen in life and embracing the little joys one can find just by being alive.

My name is Deshawn Hocker and currently 18 years old. I am a graduate of Riverbend High School in Fredericksburg, Virginia. As a queer, I believe this scholarship would help me on my journey of self-discovery and passion for the arts. In my childhood, reading was an escape for me. I was introduced to the concept of "a hero journey" at an early age. Where the main character has to discover themselves to embrace the changes they're going through. It was the start of dedicating myself to push myself to live the life I want to live. When I started creating for myself, it was difficult, even more than I thought it would be. So, I knew I needed to start setting goals to work towards. I am very motivated to get something I know I deserve. I am willing to admit my flaws and fight for the values, and ideals I know are right. I know that's why it's always important to give everything your all; you only live once. I am very much introverted and have trouble socializing so I often go to events that will push me out of my comfort zone and meet new people. I was always curious about finding a community to feel safe and secure. Friends and family are the only things you have and maybe all you will have. I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree to become a freelance artist, producing my own creative works and doing commissions for a living and be accomplished. I often dream of making an animated series that could inspire so many people. I will be studying fine arts/graphic design and working my way to make long-term connections with people I could call friends. I know I could do all I can to balance being an artist and developing socially. My passion and aspirations are for me to find success in the future. Richmond is nationally known for the true taste of the American dream. So many opportunities to find here, I'd be a sucker not to take them all. As a freshman at Virginia Commonwealth University with a 4.0 GPA, I am committed to graduating and sharing my ideas with the world. My higher education is not just about learning the challenges of the real world but about using that knowledge to accept the changes that happen in life and embracing the little joys one can find just by being alive.

My name is Deshawn Hocker and currently 18 years old. I am a graduate of Riverbend High School in Fredericksburg, Virginia. I believe this scholarship would help me on my journey of self-discovery and passion for the arts. In my childhood, reading was an escape for me. I was introduced to the concept of "a hero journey" at an early age. Where the main character has to discover themselves to embrace the changes they're going through. It was the start of dedicating myself to push myself to live the life I want to live. When I started creating for myself, it was difficult, even more than I thought it would be. So, I knew I needed to start setting goals to work towards. I am very motivated to get something I know I deserve. I am willing to admit my flaws and fight for the values, and ideals I know are right. I know that's why it's always important to give everything your all; you only live once. I am very much introverted and have trouble socializing so I often go to events that will push me out of my comfort zone and meet new people. I was always curious about finding a community to feel safe and secure. Friends and family are the only things you have and maybe all you will have. I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree to become a freelance artist, producing my own creative works and doing commissions for a living and be accomplished. I often dream of making an animated series that could inspire so many people. I will be studying fine arts/graphic design and working my way to make long-term connections with people I could call friends. I know I could do all I can to balance being an artist and developing socially. My passion and aspirations are for me to find success in the future. Richmond is nationally known for the true taste of the American dream. So many opportunities to find here, I'd be a sucker not to take them all. As a freshman at Virginia Commonwealth University with a 4.0 GPA, I am committed to graduating and sharing my ideas with the world. My higher education is not just about learning the challenges of the real world but about using that knowledge to accept the changes that happen in life and embracing the little joys one can find just by being alive.

I have difficulty accepting reality. Being on the spectrum doesn't help. I'm experiencing all these changes that I was never mentally prepared for and I regret distracting myself with online spaces because I couldn't process things properly. I saw all these people doing amazing things, going to incredible places, meeting famous celebrities, and just living the life they wanted to. It was like the movies and shows I spent so much time watching where characters can go on adventurous quests to challenge themselves and just be somebody. Everyone on the internet was making success seem like the ideal, perfect life everyone should strive for. So I wanted to be successful, somehow. I was thinking about what I loved in the whole world. It's a hard thing to apply to real life when you don't have friends so I thought fictional and realized I wanted to create. I wanted to live and be remembered for a personal hobby that started off drawing terrible comics because if you work loving what you do you'll never work a day in your life. I could tell my father hated working. He'd have a lot of bad days and come home straight to his office with all the lottery tickets he'd bought. He tells me to fetch him some quarters for his stack of weekly tickets. He would lose a lot and curse loudly throughout the house and yet kept buying more. The money he did win would usually go straight into the local convince store's machine, he could always just quit. All of those "a million dollar winner was sold here!" was just too tempting for him. He told me if he ever won big he would buy a farm upstate away from the public. My communication skills never got easier, even when I got my first job with barely any training, I felt awkward with customers that I knew I couldn't help. It was just like at school, and the gym, or anywhere on the outside. Being social was agonizing and the only comfort I had was food. I spent a lot of money on any restaurant that caught my eye that day. I started gaining pounds noticeably but didn't want to do anything about it because I could just go on a diet tomorrow, next week, or month, or year. Whenever I try to reach out and talk to them about how scared I am for the future what I'm doing to myself and how I let this control me nothing changes. We often deflect our addictions with humor but still do it because the chances of actually working on ourselves are very low. So now I have a habit of keeping my walls up because I feel like there's no way over them and no one cares in the first place. It's easy to believe that if everyone's miserable you won't feel so alone anymore. But all that's doing is hurting the people around you. Friends and family are the only things you have and maybe all you will have. I am still struggling with socializing, dissociation, anxiety, and depression. But I want to reach my dreams and feel accomplished. I am going to work on my problems by not waiting for a time to break out of my comfort zone. I know there's a whole world out there to see and all I want to do on this earth is live a fulfilling life. I am currently a freshman at Virginia Commonwealth University majoring in arts and I using my time in college to face my struggles with addiction.

"Bursera Microphylla" The elephant was chewing mindlessly a little too loud for comfort but was nonetheless bothered by the trees growing out of its skin. The combined image of nature and organic life was such a surreal sight to me. I was keeping my distance like I was told, but from across the savanna, I could almost make out the type of apple it had plucked from itself. I think I assumed it was red but it wasn't clear. On the ten-day journey, I was supposed to photograph it from afar and observe it naturally. Its behavior was so gentle when walking from dusk to dawn. It was bigger compared to others of its kind, and the nurturing environment, despite its fleshy origins, seemed to weigh it down rather than give stability or support. I couldn't get a good guess on its gender and there's no feminine or masculine for the word elephant anyway so I decided to leave it be. After I saw it had found a large rock formation to rest in, I took the cue to make camp for the night; it was getting late anyway. I began to ponder the bizarre implications of its existence. Herbivores could climb on it, munching on the moss, or fungus could infect the living trees. Its biology could infect the elephant, making it sick and slowing it down, and carnivores could take their opportunity to consume the flesh while it’s still alive. Maybe it wasn't supposed to be born like this, it could be in pain. The elephant trunk rose without moving its gaze, it moved through the branches and leaves of the flesh plant. It picked a fruit that almost looked green from where I was.

When the world feels like too much and I need to breathe a little, I want to create. I've been emotionally unbalanced for a large part of my life. Escapism is what gets me out of bed in the morning. I love being surrounded by nature or traveling to new worlds or places. As for life experiences and identities in my artwork, I reference personal experiences, emotions, and outer influences to create pieces that feel surreal, authentic, and meaningful to me. I remember the good, joyful memories with the people I care about, the bad, painful experiences of things I did wrong, the people I dislike and strongly want to avoid, the places I've gone to and probably will never go again, and the emotions, opportunities, and accomplishments I was proud of. I use all these to start a creative thought process and then look for physical inspiration. I gather ideas for my work from fictional films and television series. I prefer watching animated projects and seeing the behind-the-scenes to inspire me even more. The way directors and writers talk about the process of their work is exciting. I feel the work animators and artists do is often unapprenticed severely, even in uncomfortable or toxic working conditions, they produce amazing entertainment that makes you laugh, cry, and think about yourself and the world. Afterward, I pull my journal from my bag and write down any ideas that come to mind. Then, I get to the exciting part. I organize my special place: the drawing table. I have my pencils on the side of my sketchbook. I have my references written down and on my laptop. I have my music playlist saved on my phone. Finally, in the middle is the most important: the blank white piece of fine tooth, acid-free, sheet paper. The dread is the first feeling. I want to fill that emptiness with a beautiful piece of work made of blood, sweat, and tears, to put all other sketches to shame. I'm not gonna lie this part is terrifying for me. Overthinking about the quality and what it's going to look like compared to more experienced and accomplished artists. I might get into it right away or just think and stare at the paper for hours. Maybe I'll just give up. But then I remember that staying in the comfort of not knowing my limits is the most terrifying thing of all. The fear of not living up to my full potential is what breaks me out of those thoughts and eventually find myself in a state of passion from productiveness through doing what I love. I can make bad art or good art and just be proud of the progress I'm making. Whenever I get frustrated I take a break, come back and look at what I'm making, and add even more to my work. The fulfillment I get from creating is the best feeling in the world and all I want to do is explore where I can go with my creativeness.

Growing up, I realized that I was different from other children around me. I didn't start talking until I was four years old, which made it challenging for me to make friends. This often made me feel like an outcast, and I struggled with anxiety and introverted behavior. My parents tried their best to help me, taking me to doctors, psychiatrists, and group therapy, but nothing seemed to work. This made me even more depressed and anxious, fearing that I wouldn't be able to accomplish anything in life at such a young age. My struggles with stress and anxiety only worsened when I started school. However, my family has always supported me, and I have always aspired to do the best for myself. So, I started coping with my challenges and remaining optimistic about my future. Despite my struggles, I have a deep passion for fantasy and sci-fi genres. I spend most of my free time reading books, watching movies, and playing games, as they provide a temporary escape from reality and allow me to explore new worlds and characters. I love art. There is something incredibly satisfying about creating something beautiful and meaningful, whether it's a painting, a sculpture, or even just a doodle in my notebook. I enjoy getting lost in the creative process and the sense of accomplishment I feel when I finish a piece. As a person, I am quite introverted and find it challenging to make friends. However, I cherish the few close relationships I have and value their support and understanding. I have sought help for my mental health and continue to hope to overcome my anxieties and live a more fulfilling life. Over time, I have come to realize that I am not as mature as I would like to be. However, I have also noticed that there has been some improvement in my level of maturity. I have learned how to approach and cope with challenging situations more effectively, which has helped me become a calmer and more level-headed individual. As a result of my increased maturity, I am better equipped to find good solutions to problems and to avoid getting overly emotional and stressed when faced with difficult situations. All in all, I am proud of the progress I have made and am committed to continuing to work on myself so that I can become an even more mature and well-rounded person. I believe that college could help me hone my skills in the arts and channel them into becoming the best version of myself. I'm tired of living in a bubble, and I'm confident that my skills will continue to grow. I aspire to do the same as the great artists before me and showcase my views on life using this creative and innovative medium. Currently, I am working on expanding my skill set, including good art talent, communication skills with a team, creativity, computer software knowledge, and time management, to pursue my dream career. I am determined to work hard and become a successful artist while also developing my abilities in other areas that will help me lead a more fulfilling life.

I am the first in my family to go to college and pursue a bachelor's degree, so the expectations and the groundwork for shaping my future are high. I had a pretty rough childhood. I struggled to find myself and make friends because I wasn't good at communicating. Stress has been a constant issue for me, and balancing school and work made it even worse for both my mental and physical well-being. To channel my stress into something positive and productive, I turned to sketching. At first, my drawings were less than stellar, and I began to doubt whether I would ever improve and become a skillful artist. Despite the discouragement, I was determined not to give up and continued to put in hours of practice. To enhance my abilities, I started studying drawings by other artists and attempted to recreate them. I found myself drawing the same image repeatedly, unwittingly training my hands to become more adept at capturing the intricate details. My passion for drawing characters and creatures inspired by my favorite comics and cartoons only grew stronger. Before long, I found myself coming up with ideas for original pieces. I could take existing things and make something new and creative out of them. I loved talking about these aspects and wanted to share them with others. I started talking to people more easily by just being myself. Although I faced some creative blocks during my freshman year in high school, which caused my passion for drawing to diminish, I refused to give up. I decided to enroll in a university art class to further improve my skills. I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the class, and I am excited to learn from a professional instructor. I am confident that my skills will continue to grow, and I will create amazing pieces of art that will inspire others. I aspire to do the same as those before me. I want to express my perspective on life using this creative and innovative platform. I am enhancing my skills, such as artistic talent, teamwork, creativity, computer software proficiency, and time management, to pursue my dream career. It's as if something deep inside me wants to be showcased to the world, to demonstrate what I am capable of and what I could have achieved if I had stepped out of my comfort zone years ago. I aim to use my skills to inspire others and help them believe everything will turn out fine. I am determined not to waste this opportunity.

I am the first in my family to go to college and pursue a bachelor's degree, so the expectations and the groundwork for shaping my future are high. I had a pretty rough childhood, to say the least. I didn't start talking until I was four years old, which made it challenging for me to make friends. As if I didn't quite fit in with those around me. I had an introverted nature and constant anxiety only added to this feeling of isolation. It was a tough place to be in, and I felt very lost and alone. I believed that there was a difference between life and living. I used to see my life story as something that was constantly ahead of me. Like I was standing still at a point of time alone with nothing surrounding it. A developing chapter being written for me by an unpredictable, but mostly biased writer. I think everyone can feel that way. When I finished high school, I still felt a little unprepared for the future. Now that I'm actually in university, it still feels so surreal. I thought this was the end of something I would never properly experience, even though I was still young - being normal. After a few weeks of adjusting to the independence of college life, I realized that it was time to shift my focus from dwelling on the past to actively building a foundation for both the present and the future. This transition allowed me to embrace new opportunities and take charge of my own path. Experiencing living for myself made me question how I view things. A purpose-driven life to achieve something out of the norm is the formality. I never appreciated just the day-to-day experience, like every other small experience. But it’s the one thing I could see play out. It inspired me to learn new things and left me eagerly anticipating my next challenge. I couldn’t see that while analyzing my life and where it could go because of certain events. It's as if there is something deep inside me that wants to come out and show the world what I can do, what I could have done if I had stepped out of my shell years ago. I want to use my skills to inspire others and help them believe that everything will be okay. I am going to make sure I don't waste this opportunity.

After the tragic 9/11 attacks, my father chose to enlist himself in the military in response to the event. With the horrible images of destruction and the stories of heroism, he felt a calling to contribute to the defense of our nation. His decision to join the military was driven by a profound sense of patriotism and a desire to protect the freedoms we often take for granted. A veteran wanting to serve his country and what it stood for. Even after his work in the force was done, he took on government roles to help out, influencing me in ways that extend far beyond his military service. My parents eventually started a family, and I was born in Houston, Texas. Later, we moved to Virginia, where the pace of life seemed to slow down, and the natural beauty of the state was simply breathtaking. As my father embarked on his new journey, he would often share with me the deeply held values and principles that fueled his unwavering commitment to serving America. His stories painted a vivid picture of his dedication and the importance of service to others. The influence of those stories was profound. His experiences taught me the significance of commitment, integrity, sacrifice, responsibility, teamwork, and leadership. In the military, he took on roles that demanded leading by example, inspiring others, and working collaboratively towards common goals. He was always at the forefront of my thoughts, whether I was sitting in the classroom, participating in extracurricular activities, or dedicating time to my part-time job. I make a conscious effort to mirror his attitude by promoting a culture of collaboration and taking a community role with empathy and reverence. My father's unwavering commitment to his nation serves as a constant well of inspiration for me to create a substantial impact on society through my artistic endeavors. I am dedicated to positively impacting the world, drawing inspiration from my father's selfless dedication and resilience. His courage, discipline, and commitment have been a constant source of inspiration for me, guiding me through challenges and shaping my personal and professional aspirations. As I pursue further education and seek to contribute to my community, I carry with me the valuable lessons learned from his remarkable service. His legacy of resilience and dedication continues to inspire me, and I am dedicated to upholding these values as I work towards positively impacting the world around me. So, my father knows how much he means to me.

At an early age, I knew I was different. Didn't talk until I was 4 years old. I couldn't make friends because everyone thought I was weird, I had constant anxiety and was very introverted. I was seeing doctors, psychiatrists, and numerous groups but nothing felt like it was working and I became depressed. I was worried I'd never accomplished anything in my life at such a young age and my family kept getting more and more worried for me. Stress had been a constant issue for me, and balancing school with it made it even worse for both my mental and physical well-being. So I created an escape for myself and did something productive, I started sketching. Initially, my drawings were terrible, and I felt as though I would never become a good artist. Despite this, I refused to give up and kept practicing hard. To hone my skills, I began looking at drawings by other artists and tried to replicate them. I would draw the same picture multiple times, unknowingly training my hands to get familiar with the details. I loved drawing characters and creatures inspired by comics and cartoons that I adored. Soon, I began getting ideas for original pieces and imaginary worlds. My family noticed this, supported me, and supplied me with anything they thought I would need. I had an IEP meeting with my school one day, and that was where I learned about autism and how it made me unique. I could take existing things and make something new and creative out of them. I loved talking about these aspects and wanted to share them with others. I started talking to people more easily by just being myself. Although I faced some creative blocks during my freshman year in high school, which caused my passion for drawing to diminish, I refused to give up. I felt frustrated when I couldn't think of anything to draw, and the pressure of not being a good artist weighed heavily on me. However, during my senior year, my passion for drawing returned, and I decided to enroll in a university art class to further improve my skills. I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the class, and I am excited to learn from a professional instructor. I am confident that my skills will continue to grow, and I will create amazing pieces of art that will inspire others. I aspire to do the same as those before me. I want to showcase my views on life using this creative and innovative medium. I am working on expanding my set of skills, including good art talent, communication skills with a team, creativity, computer software knowledge, and time management, to pursue my dream career.

I have often felt like a loner as if I didn't quite fit in with those around me. I had an introverted nature and constant anxiety only added to this feeling of isolation. I saw doctors and psychiatrists and even attended various support groups, but nothing seemed to make things better for me. As time went on, my mental health got worse, and I began to feel a deep sense of hopelessness and despair. I was worried that I would never be able to accomplish anything in my life, and my family grew increasingly concerned for my well-being. It was a difficult and trying time for me, and I often felt like there was no light at the end of the tunnel. I burned many bridges over the years and made too many mistakes, and I wasn't sure if I'd ever be able to repair those relationships or make amends. It was a tough place to be in, and I felt very lost and alone. I believed that there was a difference between life and living. I used to see my life story as something that was constantly ahead of me. Like I was standing still at a point of time alone with nothing surrounding it. A developing chapter being written for me by an unpredictable, but mostly biased writer. I think everyone can feel that way. But experiencing living for myself made me question how I view things. A purpose-driven life to achieve something out of the norm is the formality. I never appreciated just the day-to-day experience, like every other small experience. But it’s the one thing I could see play out. It inspired me to learn new things and left me eagerly anticipating my next challenge. I couldn’t see that while analyzing my life and where it could go because of certain events. I eventually found a source of comfort and a way to be productive through sketching. Although my first attempts were not up to par, I refused to give up and kept practicing. To improve my skills, I studied the work of other artists and sought to replicate their drawings. Repeatedly drawing the same image, I unknowingly trained my hands to become familiar with the details. There is this, something, deep inside that wants to come out to show the world the real me what I could do, what I could've done had I stepped out of my shell years ago. I want to use my skills to inspire others. Winners a

Growing up, I realized that I was different from other children around me. I didn't start talking until I was four years old, which made it challenging for me to make friends. This often made me feel like an outcast, and I struggled with anxiety and introverted behavior. My parents tried their best to help me, taking me to doctors, psychiatrists, and group therapy, but nothing seemed to work. This made me even more depressed and anxious, fearing that I wouldn't be able to accomplish anything in life at such a young age. My struggles with stress and anxiety only worsened when I started school. However, my family has always supported me, and I have always aspired to do the best for myself. So, I started coping with my challenges and remaining optimistic about my future. Despite my struggles, I have a deep passion for fantasy and sci-fi. I spend most of my free time reading books, watching movies, and playing games, as they provide a temporary escape from reality and allow me to explore new worlds and characters. There is something incredibly satisfying about creating something beautiful and meaningful, whether it's a painting, a sculpture, or even just a doodle in my notebook. I enjoy getting lost in the creative process and the sense of accomplishment I feel when I finish a piece. As a person, I am quite introverted and find it challenging to make friends. However, I cherish my few close relationships and value their support and understanding. I have sought help for my mental health and continue to hope to overcome my anxieties and live a more fulfilling life. Over time, I have realized that I am not as mature as I would like to be. However, I have also noticed that there has been some improvement in my level of maturity. I have learned how to approach and cope with challenging situations more effectively, which has helped me become a calmer and more level-headed individual. As a result of my increased maturity, I am better equipped to find good solutions to problems and to avoid getting overly emotional and stressed when faced with difficult situations. All in all, I am proud of the progress I have made and am committed to continuing to work on myself so that I can become an even more mature and well-rounded person. I believe that college could help me hone my skills in the arts and channel them into becoming the best version of myself. I'm tired of living in a bubble, and I'm confident that my skills will continue to grow. I aspire to do the same as the great artists before me and showcase my views on life using this creative and innovative medium. Currently, I am working on expanding my skill set, including good art talent, communication skills with a team, creativity, computer software knowledge, and time management, to pursue my dream career. I am determined to work hard and become a successful artist while also developing my abilities in other areas that will help me lead a more fulfilling life.

I always felt like I was nobody. I didn't have any close friends or a significant other, and I hadn't achieved anything remarkable in my life. My introverted nature and constant anxiety only added to this feeling of isolation. I sought help from doctors and psychiatrists and even attended various support groups, but nothing seemed to alleviate my struggles. I was worried I wouldn't be able to do anything with my life and kept drifting aimlessly. I had burned many bridges over the years and made too many mistakes, and I was unsure if I'd ever be able to repair those relationships or make amends. It was a tough place, and I felt very lost and alone. Sometimes I still am. I believe that there's a difference between life and living. I used to see my life story as something constantly ahead of me. It's like I'm standing still at a point of time alone with nothing surrounding it. A developing chapter is written for me by an unpredictable but mostly biased writer. I think everyone can feel that way. But experiencing living for yourself made me question how I view things. My dad was looking at old family pictures and wanted to show me something. It was a video of me riding a bike for the first time. I wasn't good at it, even though I wanted to be. I was constantly falling, crashing into stuff, and mostly pouting. I couldn't understand what I was doing wrong. I was familiar with pedaling and steering but couldn't understand. I thought I would never be able to do it. So, I failed repeatedly until I did it one day. It was right out of the blue. I was experiencing bike riding properly for the first time. I was cheering. My dad was cheering. I was excited about this achievement and how big I thought it was. Honestly, that was the last time I remember being happy about something. When I realized that, I wondered why until it clicked on me: that's what living is. The bike was a small part of my life, something not that remarkable. It is just a part of a day-to-day experience, like every other small experience. But it's the one thing I could see play out. It inspired me to learn new things and left me eagerly anticipating my next challenge. From the act of sketching, I found solace and a means to be productive. While my initial efforts were subpar, I persisted in practicing and refused to give up. To enhance my abilities, I closely examined the work of other artists and endeavored to replicate their sketches. By repeatedly drawing the same subject, I unintentionally honed my dexterity to recognize intricate details. Deep within me, there is a desire to reveal the real me to the world and demonstrate my capabilities - something I could have achieved had I broken out of my shell earlier. I aspire to utilize my skills to motivate and inspire others.

I had a deep sense of hopelessness and despair. I was worried that I would never be able to accomplish anything in my life, and my family grew increasingly concerned for my well-being. It was a difficult and trying time for me, and I often felt like there was no light at the end of the tunnel. I burned many bridges over the years and made too many mistakes, and I wasn't sure if I'd ever be able to repair those relationships or make amends. It was a tough place to be in, and I felt very lost and alone. I believed that there was a difference between life and living. I used to see my life story as something that was constantly ahead of me. Like I was standing still at a point of time alone with nothing surrounding it. A developing chapter being written for me by an unpredictable, but mostly biased writer. But it’s the one thing I could see play out. It inspired me to learn new things and left me eagerly anticipating my next challenge. I couldn’t see that while analyzing my life and where it could go because of certain events. I want to come out to show the world the real me what I could do, what I could've done had I stepped out of my shell years ago. I want to use my artwork and my art skills to inspire others and have them believe everything will be okay.

As a black young man, I have trouble adhering to society's expectations of traditional masculinity. I tend to have doubts about the skin color I was born with. I get extremely sensitive about being asked to participate in stereotypical activities with communities I'm not comfortable with. I don't know how to make connections with people, let alone long-lasting ones. I've been called a schoolgirl, a wuss, a loser, a nobody and I always agree with them. I used to think maybe if I was white I could control my emotions be tough, make friends, and be normal. I saw doctors and psychiatrists and even attended various support groups, but nothing seemed to make things better for me. As time went on, my mental health got worse, and I began to feel a deep sense of hopelessness and despair. I was worried that I would never be able to accomplish anything in my life. So, not knowing what else to do I distracted myself with hobbies. When I was being creative, I was away from my problems somewhere else. I loved making worlds to which I felt part and could relate. Unlike other biographical stories, what I experienced didn't have to do with my skin color or who was in the real world. Using my stress into something productive was worth it and I discovered other communities online that could understand. I got tips on how to do better and used them to improve. There is something incredibly satisfying about creating something beautiful and meaningful, whether it's a painting, a sculpture, or even a doodle in my notebook. I enjoy getting lost in the creative process and the sense of accomplishment I feel when I finish a piece. As I work toward pursuing a career in this field, I am constantly striving to improve my abilities by honing my skills in various areas such as art, communication, creativity, software knowledge, and time management. I am confident that with hard work and dedication, I can achieve my dream of positively impacting the world through creativity and innovation. Something deep inside me wants to come out to show the world the real me, what I could do, what I could have done had I stepped out of my shell years ago. I want to use my skills to inspire others. I want people to know that their uniqueness is the absolute best thing about them.

I have often felt like a loner as if I didn't quite fit in with those around me. I had an introverted nature and constant anxiety only added to this feeling of isolation. I saw doctors and psychiatrists and even attended various support groups, but nothing seemed to make things better for me. As time went on, my mental health got worse, and I began to feel a deep sense of hopelessness and despair. I was worried that I would never be able to accomplish anything in my life, and my family grew increasingly concerned for my well-being. It was a difficult and trying time for me, and I often felt like there was no light at the end of the tunnel. I burned many bridges over the years and made too many mistakes, and I wasn't sure if I'd ever be able to repair those relationships or make amends. It was a tough place to be in, and I felt very lost and alone. I believed that there was a difference between life and living. I used to see my life story as something that was constantly ahead of me. Like I was standing still at a point of time alone with nothing surrounding it. A developing chapter being written for me by an unpredictable, but mostly biased writer. I think everyone can feel that way. But experiencing living for myself made me question how I view things. A purpose-driven life to achieve something out of the norm is the formality. I never appreciated just the day-to-day experience, like every other small experience. But it’s the one thing I could see play out. It inspired me to learn new things and left me eagerly anticipating my next challenge. I couldn’t see that while analyzing my life and where it could go because of certain events. I eventually found a source of comfort and a way to be productive through sketching. Although my first attempts were not up to par, I refused to give up and kept practicing. To improve my skills, I studied the work of other artists and sought to replicate their drawings. Repeatedly drawing the same image, I unknowingly trained my hands to become familiar with the details. There is this, something, deep inside that wants to come out to show the world what I could do, what I could've done had I stepped out of my shell years ago. I want to use my skills to inspire others and have them believe everything will be okay.

After the tragic 9/11 attacks, my father chose to enlist himself in the military in response to the event. With the horrible images of destruction and the stories of heroism, he felt a calling to contribute to the defense of our nation. His decision to join the military was driven by a profound sense of patriotism and a desire to protect the freedoms we often take for granted. A veteran wanting to serve his country and what it stood for. Even after his work in the force was done he took on government roles to help out, influencing me in ways that extend far beyond his military service. My parents eventually started a family, and I was born in Houston, Texas. Later, we moved to Virginia, where the pace of life seemed to slow down, and the natural beauty of the state was simply breathtaking. As my father embarked on his new journey, he would often share with me the deeply held values and principles that fueled his unwavering commitment to serving America. His stories painted a vivid picture of his dedication and the importance of service to others. The influence of those stories was profound. His experiences taught me the significance of commitment, integrity, sacrifice, responsibility, teamwork, and leadership. In the military, he took on roles that demanded leading by example, inspiring others, and working collaboratively towards common goals. He was always at the forefront of my thoughts, whether I was sitting in the classroom, participating in extracurricular activities, or dedicating time to my part-time job. I make a conscious effort to mirror his attitude by promoting a culture of collaboration and taking a community role with empathy and reverence. My father's unwavering commitment to his nation serves as a constant well of inspiration for me to create a substantial impact on society through my artistic endeavors. I am dedicated to positively impacting the world, drawing inspiration from my father's selfless dedication and resilience. His courage, discipline, and commitment have been a constant source of inspiration for me, guiding me through challenges and shaping my personal and professional aspirations. As I pursue further education and seek to contribute to my community, I carry with me the valuable lessons learned from his remarkable service. His legacy of resilience and dedication continues to inspire me, and I am dedicated to upholding these values as I work towards positively impacting the world around me. So, my father knows how much he means to me.

At an early age, I knew I was different. Didn't talk until I was 4 years old. I couldn't make friends because everyone thought I was weird, I had constant anxiety and was very introverted. I was seeing doctors, psychiatrists, and numerous groups but nothing felt like it was working and I became depressed. I was worried I'd never accomplished anything in my life at such a young age and my family kept getting more and more worried for me. Stress had been a constant issue for me, and balancing school with it made it even worse for both my mental and physical well-being. So I created an escape for myself and did something productive, I started sketching. Initially, my drawings were terrible, and I felt as though I would never become a good artist. Despite this, I refused to give up and kept practicing hard. To hone my skills, I began looking at drawings by other artists and tried to replicate them. I would draw the same picture multiple times, unknowingly training my hands to get familiar with the details. I loved drawing characters and creatures inspired by comics and cartoons that I adored. Soon, I began getting ideas for original pieces and imaginary worlds. My family noticed this, supported me, and supplied me with anything they thought I would need. I had an IP meeting with my school and that was where I learned of autism and how it made me unique. I could take existing things and make something new and creative out of them. I loved talking about these aspects and wanted to share them with others. I started talking to people more easily by just being myself. Although I faced some creative blocks during my freshman year in high school, which caused my passion for drawing to diminish, I refused to give up. I felt frustrated when I couldn't think of anything to draw, and the pressure of not being a good artist weighed heavily on me. However, during my senior year, my passion for drawing returned, and I decided to enroll in a university art class to further improve my skills. I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the class, and I am excited to learn from a professional instructor. I am confident that my skills will continue to grow, and I will create amazing pieces of art that will inspire others. I aspire to do the same as those before me. I want to showcase my views on life using this creative and innovative medium. I am working on expanding my set of skills, including good art talent, communication skills with a team, creativity, computer software knowledge, and time management, to pursue my dream career.

After the tragic 9/11 attacks, my father chose to enlist himself in the military in response to the event. With the horrible images of destruction and the stories of heroism, he felt a calling to contribute to the defense of our nation. His decision to join the military was driven by a profound sense of patriotism and a desire to protect the freedoms we often take for granted. A veteran wanting to serve his country and what it stood for. Even after his work in the force was done he took on government roles to help out, influencing me in ways that extend far beyond his military service. My parents eventually started a family, and I was born in Houston, Texas. Later, we moved to Virginia, where the pace of life seemed to slow down, and the natural beauty of the state was simply breathtaking. As my father embarked on his new journey, he would often share with me the deeply held values and principles that fueled his unwavering commitment to serving America. His stories painted a vivid picture of his dedication and the importance of service to others. The influence of those stories was profound and transformational. His experiences taught me the significance of commitment, integrity, sacrifice, responsibility, teamwork, and leadership. In the military, he took on roles that demanded leading by example, inspiring others, and working collaboratively towards common goals. He was always on my mind, whether I was at school, in extracurricular activities, or working part-time. I strive to emulate his approach by fostering a spirit of cooperation and leading with empathy and respect. My father's dedication to his country has inspired me to make a meaningful contribution to society through my art. This realization has motivated me to pursue a path that reflects my values of service and leadership. I am dedicated to positively impacting the world, drawing inspiration from my father's selfless dedication and resilience. His courage, discipline, and commitment have been a constant source of inspiration for me, guiding me through challenges and shaping my personal and professional aspirations. As I pursue further education and seek to contribute to my community, I carry with me the valuable lessons learned from his remarkable service. His legacy of resilience and dedication continues to inspire me, and I am dedicated to upholding these values as I work towards positively impacting the world around me. So, my father knows how much he means to me.

One of the most cherished memories of my life revolves around playing Mario games with my family. I spent countless hours playing New Super Mario Bros 2 on the 3DS, Mario Kart 8 with my sisters and dad, and Super Mario Odyssey with my cousins. I loved having fun with other people and miss those times I could have whenever I wanted. I used to always laugh when I beat my dad in a race, even though he had come in first place the first two times in the same cup tournament and was trying to collect all the golden stars. He would get frustrated and stop playing, but I would keep going on my own. It was still a lot of fun—I played Mario Kart 8 all the time! Mario was an iconic part of my childhood, and I'm sure it was for many others as well. Nostalgia from the good times of gaming reminds me of how good I had it and how much I never appreciated it. I want to recreate some of those memories in the present so I can feel that excitement again. I want to let all the Mario players know how great these games are and what kind of emotions in memories they evoke that you'd never expect.

I wish I had been born in the 80s. The vibes, aesthetics, and cartoons seemed amazing. Stranger Things is the closest thing to a time machine for me. The first season pulls you into its mystery and slowly reveals itself, which is extraordinary. The characters are funny, charming, and battle-ready. So, if I had to pick three to fight monsters with, I'd choose Nancy, Steve, and Hopper. Nancy is determined. Like many girls in her school, Nancy is often sassy. However, she is also smart, skilled, and perceptive, which are traits she uses to help her navigate through adulthood. These qualities are useful if we're stuck in the upside-down or have to think under pressure. Steve is the most lovable character in television I know of. Sometimes I kinda wish Stranger Things had one season like originally planned, but then we would've been stuck with a douchebag. He was always the saving grace in the show for me and he's always willing to help out his friends and protect them. Hopper is so badass and cynical at the same time. He's the first to be assertive when no one else can. As long as I'm on his good side, I know he'll defend me and my group, no matter what.

After the tragic 9/11 attacks, my father chose to enlist himself in the military in response to the event. With the horrible images of destruction and the stories of heroism, he felt a calling to contribute to the defense of our nation. His decision to join the military was driven by a profound sense of patriotism and a desire to protect the freedoms we often take for granted. A veteran wanting to serve his country and what it stood for. Even after his work in the force was done he took on government roles to help out, influencing me in ways that extend far beyond his military service. My parents eventually started a family, and I was born in Houston, Texas. Later, we moved to Virginia, where the pace of life seemed to slow down, and the natural beauty of the state was simply breathtaking. As my father embarked on his new journey, he would often share with me the deeply held values and principles that fueled his unwavering commitment to serving America. His stories painted a vivid picture of his dedication and the importance of service to others. The influence of those stories was profound and transformational. His experiences taught me the significance of commitment, integrity, sacrifice, responsibility, teamwork, and leadership. In the military, he took on roles that demanded leading by example, inspiring others, and working collaboratively towards common goals. He was always on my mind, whether I was at school, in extracurricular activities, or working part-time. I strive to emulate his approach by fostering a spirit of cooperation and leading with empathy and respect. The dedication my father has shown to his country has inspired me to make a meaningful contribution to society through my artwork. This realization has motivated me to pursue a path that reflects my values of service and leadership. I am dedicated to making a positive impact on the world, drawing inspiration from my father's selfless dedication and resilience. His courage, discipline, and commitment have been a constant source of inspiration for me, guiding me through challenges and shaping my personal and professional aspirations. As I pursue further education and seek to contribute to my community, I carry with me the valuable lessons learned from his remarkable service. His legacy of resilience and dedication continues to inspire me, and I am dedicated to upholding these values as I work towards making a positive impact on the world around me.

Art has always been my sanctuary. In the past, I struggled with self-identity and making friends due to my poor communication skills. Stress was a constant companion, exacerbated by juggling school and work, impacting my mental and physical health. To transform my stress into something constructive, I took up sketching. My initial attempts were not perfect, but I persisted and practiced as often as I could. I improved by studying and emulating the works of other artists, which also trained my hand to capture intricate details. My passion for drawing characters and creatures from beloved comics and cartoons flourished, leading to ideas for original creations. I sought guidance from online tutorials and the experiences of artists like Aaron Blaise, deepening my engagement with the art community. He is an American painter, animator, film director, and art instructor. He is best known for his work on Disney classics such as the original Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Brother Bear, the latter of which he co-directed and for which he was nominated. It is my absolute favorite movie ever. In addition to his work in animation, Aaron Blaise offers online courses, workshops, and tutorials on animation, illustration, and digital painting through his website I was very interested in and it has helped me over the years. My family's unwavering support fueled my dream. Despite experiencing creative blocks in my freshman year of high school, which dampened my enthusiasm for drawing, I never gave up. I chose to advance my skills by enrolling in a university art class and was thrilled to be accepted. I'm eager to learn from a professional instructor, confident that my abilities will grow, allowing me to craft inspiring art. Animation and art hold a dear place in my heart; I'm in awe of the countless hours dedicated to enriching visual media's narrative and emotional depth, offering audiences a captivating experience. My ambition is to contribute to this legacy, expressing my perspective on life through this expressive and inventive medium. There is, something deep inside me that wants to come out and show the world the real me—what I could do, what I could have done if I had stepped out of my shell years ago. I want to use my skills to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness. Virginia Commonwealth University, the college I'm going to, would greatly help me understand my passions and how to pursue my dreams.

Art has always been my sanctuary. In the past, I struggled with self-identity and making friends due to my poor communication skills. Stress was a constant companion, exacerbated by juggling school and work, impacting my mental and physical health. To transform my stress into something constructive, I took up sketching. My initial attempts were not as perfect, but I persisted and practiced as often as I could. I improved by studying and emulating the works of other artists, which also trained my hand to capture intricate details. My passion for drawing characters and creatures from beloved comics and cartoons flourished, leading to ideas for original creations. I sought guidance from online tutorials and the experiences of artists like Aaron Blaise, deepening my engagement with the art community. He is an American painter, animator, film director, and art instructor. He is best known for his work on Disney classics such as the original Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Brother Bear, the latter of which he co-directed and for which he was nominated. It is my absolute favorite movie ever. In addition to his work in animation, he offers online courses, workshops, and tutorials on animation, illustration, and digital painting through his website I was very interested in and it has helped me over the years. A purpose-driven life to achieve something out of the norm is the formality. I never appreciated just the day-to-day experience, like every other small experience. But it’s the one thing I could see play out. It inspired me to learn new things and left me eagerly anticipating my next challenge. I couldn’t see that while analyzing my life and where it could go because of certain events. I eventually found a source of comfort and a way to be productive through sketching. Although my first attempts were not up to par, I refused to give up and kept practicing. To improve my skills, I studied the work of other artists and sought to replicate their drawings. Repeatedly drawing the same image, I unknowingly trained my hands to become familiar with the details. There is this, something, deep inside that wants to come out to show the world the real me what I could do, what I could've done had I stepped out of my shell years ago. I want to use my skills to inspire others and let people know the joys of a life worth living.

I have frequently experienced a sense of isolation, feeling like I didn't quite belong among my peers. My introverted tendencies, coupled with persistent anxiety, intensified this feeling of being alone. Despite seeking help from doctors and psychiatrists and attending numerous support groups, I have not found anything that genuinely alleviates my struggles. As time passed, my mental health deteriorated, and I started feeling deep hopelessness and despair. I worried that I would never accomplish anything, and my family became increasingly concerned about my well-being. It was a tough time for me, and I often felt like there was no light at the end of the tunnel. Balancing school and stress was challenging, and I felt that my mental and physical well-being were affected. Engaging in sketching gradually turned into a soothing and meaningful activity for me. Despite feeling dissatisfied with my initial efforts, I was determined not to abandon this newfound interest and instead committed myself to regular practice. I invested time in scrutinizing the creations of established artists, making deliberate attempts to recreate their artwork, and persisting until I gained a comprehensive understanding of their techniques. My love for drawing characters and creatures inspired by comics and cartoons has led me to create original pieces and imagine new worlds. My unwavering dedication and perseverance eventually led to a noticeable enhancement in my abilities, allowing me to attain the objectives I had set for myself successfully. With the support of my family, I have been able to nurture my talent. During an Individualized Plan (IP) meeting at school, I first learned about Autism, which has allowed me to see the world from a different perspective and develop a strong sense of creativity and innovation. I have realized that I am passionate about transforming existing ideas into fresh and innovative concepts. I am deeply committed to communicating my thoughts and ideas through my chosen creative outlet, and my goal is to leverage my skills to encourage others to celebrate their individuality. With my sights set on establishing a career in this realm, I am continuously enhancing my expertise by refining my capabilities across multiple disciplines, including art, communication, creativity, software proficiency, and time management. I am sure that through unwavering determination, continuous hard work, and unrelenting dedication, I have the ability to turn my dream of making a positive impact on the world through my creativity and innovation into a reality.

As a black young man, I have trouble adhering to society's expectations of traditional masculinity. I tend to have doubts about the skin color I was born with. I get extremely sensitive about being asked to participate in stereotypical activities with communities I'm not comfortable with. I don't know how to make connections with people, let alone long-lasting ones. I've been called a schoolgirl, a wuss, a loser, a nobody and I always agree with them. I used to think maybe if I was white I could control my emotions be tough, make friends, and be normal. I saw doctors and psychiatrists and even attended various support groups, but nothing seemed to make things better for me. As time went on, my mental health got worse, and I began to feel a deep sense of hopelessness and despair. I was worried that I would never be able to accomplish anything in my life. So, not knowing what else to do I distracted myself with hobbies. When I was being creative, I was away from my problems somewhere else. I loved making worlds to which I felt part and could relate. Unlike other biographical stories, what I experienced didn't have to do with my skin color or who was in the real world. Using my stress into something productive was worth it and I discovered other communities online that could understand. I got tips on how to do better and used them to improve. There is something incredibly satisfying about creating something beautiful and meaningful, whether it's a painting, a sculpture, or even a doodle in my notebook. I enjoy getting lost in the creative process and the sense of accomplishment I feel when I finish a piece. As I work toward pursuing a career in this field, I am constantly striving to improve my abilities by honing my skills in various areas such as art, communication, creativity, software knowledge, and time management. I am confident that with hard work and dedication, I can achieve my dream of positively impacting the world through my creativity and innovation. Something deep inside me wants to come out to show the world the real me, what I could do, what I could have done had I stepped out of my shell years ago. I want to use my skills to inspire others. I want people to know that their uniqueness is the absolute best thing about them.

As a black young man, I have trouble adhering to society's expectations of traditional masculinity. I tend to have doubts about the skin color I was born with. I get extremely sensitive about being asked to participate in stereotypical activities with communities I'm not comfortable with. I don't know how to make connections with people, let alone long-lasting ones. I've been called a schoolgirl, a wuss, a loser, a nobody and I always agree with them. I used to think maybe if I was white I could control my emotions be tough, make friends, and be normal. I saw doctors and psychiatrists and even attended various support groups, but nothing seemed to make things better for me. As time went on, my mental health got worse, and I began to feel a deep sense of hopelessness and despair. I was worried that I would never be able to accomplish anything in my life. So, not knowing what else to do I distracted myself with hobbies. When I was being creative, I was away from my problems somewhere else. I loved making worlds to which I felt part and could relate. Unlike other biographical stories, what I experienced didn't have to do with my skin color or who was in the real world. Using my stress into something productive was worth it and I discovered other communities online that could understand. I got tips on how to do better and used them to improve. There is something incredibly satisfying about creating something beautiful and meaningful, whether it's a painting, a sculpture, or even a doodle in my notebook. I enjoy getting lost in the creative process and the sense of accomplishment I feel when I finish a piece. As I work toward pursuing a career in this field, I am constantly striving to improve my abilities by honing my skills in various areas such as art, communication, creativity, software knowledge, and time management. I am confident that with hard work and dedication, I can achieve my dream of positively impacting the world through my creativity and innovation. Something deep inside me wants to come out to show the world the real me, what I could do, what I could have done had I stepped out of my shell years ago. I want to use my skills to inspire others. I want people to know that their uniqueness is the absolute best thing about them.

Art has always been my go-to escape, especially during my formative years. Back then, I struggled to find myself and make friends because I wasn't good at communicating. Stress has been a constant issue for me, and balancing school and work made it even worse for both my mental and physical well-being. However, to channel my stress into something productive, I started sketching. Initially, my drawings were terrible, and I felt I would never become a good artist. Despite this, I refused to give up and kept practicing hard. To hone my skills, I began looking at drawings by other artists and tried to replicate them. I would draw the same picture multiple times, unknowingly training my hands to get familiar with the details. I loved drawing characters and creatures inspired by comics and cartoons I adored. Soon, I began getting ideas for original pieces. I find it amazing how many hours are willingly spent to enhance a show or film's narrative and emotional impact, creating a more immersive and engaging experience for audiences. I aspire to do the same as those before me. I want to showcase my views on life using this creative and innovative medium.

The world can feel like a pretty awful place to live, but visuals can help us better understand it and keep growing, learning, and finding the hidden joys of life. That's why my ultimate passion lies in creating unique pieces of art that can inspire others. Art is the thing I hold very dear to my heart. It truly astounds me how much time and effort is willingly put into enhancing a show or film's narrative and emotional impact, all to create a more engaging and immersive experience for the audience. I am incredibly motivated by the legacy of individuals who have preceded me, and I aim to use this imaginative and creative medium to showcase my perspectives on life. I am working on expanding my skill set, including my talent for art, communication skills with a team, creativity, computer software knowledge, and time management to pursue my dream career.

At an early age, I knew I was different. I didn't talk until I was four years old. I couldn't make friends because everyone thought I was weird; I had constant anxiety, and I was very introverted. I was seeing doctors, psychiatrists, and numerous groups, but nothing felt like it was working, and I became depressed. I was worried I'd never accomplished anything at such a young age, and my family kept getting increasingly worried about me. Stress had been a constant issue for me, and balancing school with it made it even worse for both my mental and physical well-being. I fell into a deep depression. I felt myself talking to my family less and closing off the world in the bedroom, where I spent most of the day sleeping. So, to distract myself, I created an escape and did something productive; I started sketching. Initially, my drawings were terrible, but I refused to give up and kept practicing hard. To hone my skills, I began looking at drawings by other artists and tried to replicate them. I would draw the same picture multiple times, unknowingly training my hands to get familiar with the details. I loved drawing characters and creatures inspired by comics and cartoons I adored. Soon, I began getting ideas for original pieces and imaginary worlds. My family noticed this, supported me, and supplied me with anything they thought I would need. I had an IP meeting with my school, where I learned of Autism and how it made me unique. I could take existing things and make something new and creative out of them. During my freshman year in high school, I encountered a period of creative stagnation. The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on my passion for drawing, leading to a significant decline in my motivation. I found myself frequently frustrated by a lack of inspiration, struggling to generate new ideas for my artwork. This pressure to perform as an artist weighed heavily on me, adding to the difficulties I faced during that time. After seeking professional assistance and prioritizing self-care, my passion for drawing was reignited. As a result, I decided to take my skills to the next level by enrolling in an art class at the university to further enhance my abilities. I am truly grateful to have been accepted into this class, and I am eagerly looking forward to the opportunity to learn from a skilled and experienced instructor. I believe that this experience will not only help me to further develop my artistic skills but also allow me to create truly remarkable pieces of art that have the potential to inspire others. My goal is to follow in the footsteps of those who have come before me and use this artistic medium as a means to express my unique perspective on life. I am dedicated to expanding my skill set and am currently focusing on improving my artistic abilities, enhancing my communication skills within a team setting, nurturing my creativity, gaining proficiency in relevant computer software, and refining my time management capabilities, all with the ultimate aim of pursuing my dream career in the arts.

Art has always been my go-to escape, especially during my formative years. Back then, I struggled to find myself and make friends because I wasn't good at communicating. Stress has been a constant issue for me, and balancing school and work made it even worse for both my mental and physical well-being. However, to channel my stress into something productive, I started sketching. Initially, my drawings were terrible, and I felt I would never become a good artist. Despite this, I refused to give up and kept practicing hard. To hone my skills, I began looking at drawings by other artists and tried to replicate them. I would draw the same picture multiple times, unknowingly training my hands to get familiar with the details. I enjoyed drawing characters and creatures inspired by my favorite comics and cartoons. Soon, I started coming up with ideas for original pieces. I watched online tutorials and learned from the experiences of other artists, like Aaron Blaise, who works for Disney. I became increasingly involved in the art world, and my family supported my dream, helping me in every way possible. Although I faced some creative blocks during my first year of high school, COVID-19 was really tough and caused my passion for drawing to fade. However, I refused to give up. I felt frustrated when I couldn't think of anything to draw, and the pressure of not being a good artist weighed heavily on me. However, with some self-care and professional help, my passion for drawing returned during my senior year. I enrolled in a university art class to further improve my skills. Fortunately, I was accepted into the class and I am excited to learn from a professional instructor. I am confident that my skills will continue to grow and that I will create unique pieces of art that will inspire others. I have a special place in my heart for animation and art. I find it unique how many hours are willingly spent to enhance a show or film's narrative and emotional impact, creating a more immersive and engaging experience for audiences. I aspire to do the same as those before me. I want to showcase my views on life using this creative and innovative medium. I am working on expanding my set of skills, including sound art talent, communication skills with a team, creativity, computer software knowledge, and time management, to pursue my dream career.

I feel like I'm nobody. I don't have any close friends or a significant other, and I haven't achieved anything remarkable in my life. I'm really worried that I won't be able to do anything with my life and that I'll just keep drifting along aimlessly. I've burned a lot of bridges over the years and made too many mistakes, and now I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to repair those relationships or make amends. It's a tough place to be in, and I feel very lost and alone. I believe that there’s a difference between life and living. I used to see my life story as something that was constantly ahead of me. Like I’m standing still at a point of time alone with nothing surrounding it. A developing chapter being written for me by an unpredictable, but mostly biased writer. I think everyone can feel that way. But experiencing living for yourself made me question how I view things. My dad was looking at old pictures of our family and wanted to show me something. It was a video of me riding a bike for the first time. I wasn’t good at it, even though I wanted to be. I was falling constantly, crashing into stuff, and mostly pouting about it. I couldn't understand what I was doing wrong. I was familiar with pedaling and steering, but I couldn't understand it. I thought I would never be able to do it. So I failed again and again until I just did it one day. It was right out of the blue. I was experiencing bike riding properly for the first time. I was cheering. My dad was cheering. I was excited about this achievement and how big I thought it was. Honestly, that was the last time I remember being happy about something. When I realized that, I kept wondering why that was until it clicked on me, that’s what living is. The bike was such a small part of my life, something not that remarkable. Just a part of a day-to-day experience, like every other small experience. But it’s the one thing I could see play out. It inspired me to learn new things and left me eagerly anticipating my next challenge. I couldn’t see that while analyzing my life and where it could be going because of certain events. I found a new hobby, sketching, which gave me an escape and allowed me to be productive. Although my initial drawings were subpar, I refused to give up and continued practicing. To improve my skills, I studied the work of other artists and sought to replicate their drawings. Repeatedly drawing the same image, I unknowingly trained my hands to become familiar with the details. My passion for drawing characters and creatures inspired by comics and cartoons led me to develop ideas for original pieces and imaginary worlds. There is this, something, deep inside that wants to come out to show the world the real me what I could do, what I could've done had I stepped out of my shell years ago. I want to use my skills to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness. As I work towards pursuing a career in this field of the arts. College would help greatly in understanding my dreams and where to go with my life.

My name is Deshawn Hocker, and I was born in September 2006 in the picturesque state of Texas. However, my family and I moved to Virginia later, where we currently reside in a small yet cozy home with my parents and two younger sisters. Growing up, I realized that I was different from other children around me. I didn't start talking until I was four years old, which made it challenging for me to make friends. This often made me feel like an outcast, and I struggled with anxiety and introverted behavior. My parents tried their best to help me, taking me to doctors, psychiatrists, and group therapy, but nothing seemed to work. This made me even more depressed and anxious, fearing that I wouldn't be able to accomplish anything in life at such a young age. My struggles with stress and anxiety only worsened when I started school. However, my family has always supported me, and I have always aspired to do the best for myself. So, I started coping with my challenges and remaining optimistic about my future. Despite my struggles, I have a deep passion for fantasy and sci-fi genres. I spend most of my free time reading books, watching movies, and playing games, as they provide a temporary escape from reality and allow me to explore new worlds and characters. I love art. There is something incredibly satisfying about creating something beautiful and meaningful, whether it's a painting, a sculpture, or even just a doodle in my notebook. I enjoy getting lost in the creative process and the sense of accomplishment I feel when I finish a piece. As a person, I am quite introverted and find it challenging to make friends. However, I cherish the few close relationships I have and value their support and understanding. I have sought help for my mental health and continue to hope to overcome my anxieties and live a more fulfilling life. Over time, I have come to realize that I am not as mature as I would like to be. However, I have also noticed that there has been some improvement in my level of maturity. I have learned how to approach and cope with challenging situations more effectively, which has helped me become a calmer and more level-headed individual. As a result of my increased maturity, I am better equipped to find good solutions to problems and to avoid getting overly emotional and stressed when faced with difficult situations. All in all, I am proud of the progress I have made and am committed to continuing to work on myself so that I can become an even more mature and well-rounded person. I believe that college could help me hone my skills in the arts and channel them into becoming the best version of myself. I'm tired of living in a bubble, and I'm confident that my skills will continue to grow. I aspire to do the same as the great artists before me and showcase my views on life using this creative and innovative medium. Currently, I am working on expanding my skill set, including good art talent, communication skills with a team, creativity, computer software knowledge, and time management, to pursue my dream career. I am determined to work hard and become a successful artist while also developing my abilities in other areas that will help me lead a more fulfilling life.

Art has always been my go-to escape, especially during my formative years. Back then, I was struggling to find myself and struggling to make friends because I wasn't good at communicating. Stress has been a constant issue for me, and balancing school and work made it even worse for both my mental and physical well-being. However, to channel my stress into something productive, I started sketching. Initially, my drawings were terrible, and I felt as though I would never become a good artist. Despite this, I refused to give up and kept practicing hard. To hone my skills, I began looking at drawings by other artists and tried to replicate them. I would draw the same picture multiple times, unknowingly training my hands to get familiar with the details. I loved drawing characters and creatures inspired by comics and cartoons that I adored. Soon, I began getting ideas for original pieces. I watched online tutorials and learned from the experiences of other artists, such as Aaron Blaise, who works for Disney. I became more and more invested in the art world, and my family supported my dream and helped me in every way possible. Although I faced some creative blocks during my freshman year in high school, which caused my passion for drawing to diminish, I refused to give up. I felt frustrated when I couldn't think of anything to draw, and the pressure of not being a good artist weighed heavily on me. However, during my senior year, my passion for drawing returned, and I decided to enroll in a university art class to improve my skills further. I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the class, and I am excited to learn from a professional instructor. I am confident that my skills will continue to grow, and I will create amazing pieces of art that will inspire others. Animation and art have a special place in my heart. I find it truly amazing how many hours are willingly spent to enhance a show or film's narrative and emotional impact, creating a more immersive and engaging experience for audiences. I aspire to do the same as those before me. I want to showcase my views on life using this creative and innovative medium. I am working on expanding my set of skills, including good art talent, communication skills with a team, creativity, computer software knowledge, and time management, to pursue my dream career.

Art has always been my go-to escape, especially during my formative years. Back then, I was struggling to find myself and struggling to make friends because I wasn't good at communicating. Stress has been a constant issue for me, and balancing school and work made it even worse for both my mental and physical well-being. However, to channel my stress into something productive, I started sketching. Initially, my drawings were terrible, and I felt as though I would never become a good artist. Despite this, I refused to give up and kept practicing hard. To hone my skills, I began looking at drawings by other artists and tried to replicate them. I would draw the same picture multiple times, unknowingly training my hands to get familiar with the details. I loved drawing characters and creatures inspired by comics and cartoons that I adored. Soon, I began getting ideas for original pieces. I watched online tutorials and learned from the experiences of other artists, such as Aaron Blaise, who works for Disney. I became more and more invested in the art world, and my family supported my dream and helped me in every way possible. Although I faced some creative blocks during my freshman year in high school, which caused my passion for drawing to diminish, I refused to give up. I felt frustrated when I couldn't think of anything to draw, and the pressure of not being a good artist weighed heavily on me. However, during my senior year, my passion for drawing returned, and I decided to enroll in a university art class to further improve my skills. I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the class, and I am excited to learn from a professional instructor. I am confident that my skills will continue to grow, and I will create amazing pieces of art that will inspire others. Animation and art have a special place in my heart. I find it truly amazing how many hours are willingly spent to enhance the narrative and emotional impact of a show or film, creating a more immersive and engaging experience for audiences. I aspire to do the same as those before me. I want to showcase my views on life using this creative and innovative medium. I am working on expanding my set of skills, including good art talent, communication skills with a team, creativity, computer software knowledge, and time management, to pursue my dream career.

Art has always been my go-to escape, especially during my formative years. Back then, I was struggling to find myself and struggling to make friends because I wasn't good at communicating. Stress has been a constant issue for me, and balancing school and work made it even worse for both my mental and physical well-being. However, to channel my stress into something productive, I started sketching. Initially, my drawings were terrible, and I felt as though I would never become a good artist. Despite this, I refused to give up and kept practicing hard. To hone my skills, I began looking at drawings by other artists and tried to replicate them. I would draw the same picture multiple times, unknowingly training my hands to get familiar with the details. I loved drawing characters and creatures inspired by comics and cartoons that I adored. Soon, I began getting ideas for original pieces. I watched online tutorials and learned from the experiences of other artists, such as Aaron Blaise, who works for Disney. I became more and more invested in the art world, and my family supported my dream and helped me in every way possible. Although I faced some creative blocks during my freshman year in high school, which caused my passion for drawing to diminish, I refused to give up. I felt frustrated when I couldn't think of anything to draw, and the pressure of not being a good artist weighed heavily on me. However, during my senior year, my passion for drawing returned, and I decided to enroll in a university art class to further improve my skills. I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the class, and I am excited to learn from a professional instructor. I am confident that my skills will continue to grow, and I will create amazing pieces of art that will inspire others. Animation and art have a special place in my heart. I find it truly amazing how many hours are willingly spent to enhance the narrative and emotional impact of a show or film, creating a more immersive and engaging experience for audiences. I aspire to do the same as those before me. I want to showcase my views on life using this creative and innovative medium. I am working on expanding my set of skills, including good art talent, communication skills with a team, creativity, computer software knowledge, and time management, to pursue my dream career.

Art has always been my go-to escape, especially during my formative years. Back then, I was struggling to find myself and struggling to make friends because I wasn't good at communicating. Stress has been a constant issue for me, and balancing school and work made it even worse for both my mental and physical well-being. However, to channel my stress into something productive, I started sketching. Initially, my drawings were terrible, and I felt as though I would never become a good artist. Despite this, I refused to give up and kept practicing hard. To hone my skills, I began looking at drawings by other artists and tried to replicate them. I would draw the same picture multiple times, unknowingly training my hands to get familiar with the details. I loved drawing characters and creatures inspired by comics and cartoons that I adored. Soon, I began getting ideas for original pieces. I watched online tutorials and learned from the experiences of other artists, such as Aaron Blaise, who works for Disney. I became more and more invested in the art world, and my family supported my dream and helped me in every way possible. Although I faced some creative blocks during my freshman year in high school, which caused my passion for drawing to diminish, I refused to give up. I felt frustrated when I couldn't think of anything to draw, and the pressure of not being a good artist weighed heavily on me. However, during my senior year, my passion for drawing returned, and I decided to enroll in a university art class to further improve my skills. I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the class, and I am excited to learn from a professional instructor. I am confident that my skills will continue to grow, and I will create amazing pieces of art that will inspire others. Animation and art have a special place in my heart. I find it truly amazing how many hours are willingly spent to enhance the narrative and emotional impact of a show or film, creating a more immersive and engaging experience for audiences. I aspire to do the same as those before me. I want to showcase my views on life using this creative and innovative medium. I am working on expanding my set of skills, including good art talent, communication skills with a team, creativity, computer software knowledge, and time management, to pursue my dream career.

At an early age, I knew I was different. Didn't talk until I was 4 years old. I couldn't make friends because everyone thought I was weird, I had constant anxiety, and was very introverted. I was seeing doctors, psychiatrists, and numerous groups but nothing felt like it was working and I became depressed. I was worried I'd never accomplished anything in my life at such a young age and my family kept getting more and more worried for me. Stress had been a constant issue for me, and balancing school with it made it even worse for both my mental and physical well-being. So I created an escape for myself and did something productive, I started sketching. Initially, my drawings were terrible, and I felt as though I would never become a good artist. Despite this, I refused to give up and kept practicing hard. To hone my skills, I began looking at drawings by other artists and tried to replicate them. I would draw the same picture multiple times, unknowingly training my hands to get familiar with the details. I loved drawing characters and creatures inspired by comics and cartoons that I adored. Soon, I began getting ideas for original pieces and imaginary worlds. My family noticed this, supported me, and supplied me with anything they thought I would need. I had an IP meeting with my school and that was where I learned of autism and how it made me unique. I could take existing things and make something new and creative out of them. I loved talking about these aspects and wanted to share them with others. I started talking to people more easily by just being myself. Although I faced some creative blocks during my freshman year in high school, which caused my passion for drawing to diminish, I refused to give up. I felt frustrated when I couldn't think of anything to draw, and the pressure of not being a good artist weighed heavily on me. However, during my senior year, my passion for drawing returned, and I decided to enroll in a university art class to further improve my skills. I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the class, and I am excited to learn from a professional instructor. I am confident that my skills will continue to grow, and I will create amazing pieces of art that will inspire others. I aspire to do the same as those before me. I want to showcase my views on life using this creative and innovative medium. I am working on expanding my set of skills, including good art talent, communication skills with a team, creativity, computer software knowledge, and time management, to pursue my dream career.

Art has always been my go-to escape, especially during my formative years. Back then, I was struggling to find myself and struggling to make friends because I wasn't good at communicating. Stress has been a constant issue for me, and balancing school and work made it even worse for both my mental and physical well-being. However, to channel my stress into something productive, I started sketching. Initially, my drawings were terrible, and I felt as though I would never become a good artist. Despite this, I refused to give up and kept practicing hard. To hone my skills, I began looking at drawings by other artists and tried to replicate them. I would draw the same picture multiple times, unknowingly training my hands to get familiar with the details. I loved drawing characters and creatures inspired by comics and cartoons that I adored. Soon, I began getting ideas for original pieces. I watched online tutorials and learned from the experiences of other artists, such as Aaron Blaise, who works for Disney. I became more and more invested in the art world, and my family supported my dream and helped me in every way possible. Although I faced some creative blocks during my freshman year in high school, which caused my passion for drawing to diminish, I refused to give up. I felt frustrated when I couldn't think of anything to draw, and the pressure of not being a good artist weighed heavily on me. However, during my senior year, my passion for drawing returned, and I decided to enroll in a university art class to further improve my skills. I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the class, and I am excited to learn from a professional instructor. I am confident that my skills will continue to grow, and I will create amazing pieces of art that will inspire others. Animation and art have a special place in my heart. I find it truly amazing how many hours are willingly spent to enhance the narrative and emotional impact of a show or film, creating a more immersive and engaging experience for audiences. I aspire to do the same as those before me. I want to showcase my views on life using this creative and innovative medium. I am working on expanding my set of skills, including good art talent, communication skills with a team, creativity, computer software knowledge, and time management, to pursue my dream career.