The T-Rex, a fearsome predator of the Jurassic Period who can tear anyone at whim. The Brontosaurus, a monstrous herbivore who reaches into the stars. And... The Nothronychus? What even is a Nothronychus? I believe this dinosaur is a hidden gem within the Cretaceous Period. I depicted my reptile (his name is Ronny) with graphite and paper, using features from my favorite art movement: Art Noveau, a western movement known for its graphic patterns and flowing lines. I love this dinosaur for it's mythical appearance, interesting adaptation, and seemingly kind nature. I believe the Nothronychus is the griffin of the Cretaceous period. Ronny's scientific name translates to slothful claw, after the long sloth-like talons on his arms. Despite being named after a sloth, I can pick out various animal features. For example, I see an ostrich body, sloth fur, chicken feathers, and colorful skin, depending on the depiction. He's like a griffin, where many animals are combined to make a hybrid; it's more magical than your average ancient beast. Remarkably, sloths and ostriches didn't evolve from this dinosaur. In fact, the Nothronychus evolved from carnivorous theropods like velociraptors. This is an unusual circumstance because they are herbivores, rebelling against their ancestor's diet. It inspires me to make progress on the things I struggle with; if a dinosaur persevered through its hardships, so can I. Along with the determined nature of Ronny, I like to believe they are very kind creatures. Their claws are used to pull down branches for food, but they could also clear the way for bigger dinosaurs who may get snagged by the branches. Additionally, their arms get wider at the hand. Not only would this help with the tree limbs, but they would likely give great hugs. Their familiarity to other animals eases my anxiousness. Another point of inspiration, I want to be as kind as Ronny. It's unfortunate the Nothronychus gets overlooked by other beasts, especially since people don't know much about their social habits. I think they would enjoy Ronny's complexion, evolution, and nature like I do. Yet, Ronny doesn't worry about the opinions of other people; just another thing to admire about the Nothronychus.

Art, it makes me feral. To see these beautiful shapes contorting into something I can conceive, there is no greater joy than to create. Beyond art, I struggle to comprehend the world, especially friendship. Most people drift away from me; I have not experienced a relationship longer than two to three years. If I were too annoying, boring, or crude, I do not blame them for leaving. But my chest physically hurts, to think about these people who used to know me. I wonder if I’ll ever be worthy of friendship, or if I’m doomed to isolation. The stories created through art, especially my own, helps me grieve the friends who left. By seeing into characters’ minds using visual metaphors and analyzing their actions, I can make some sense of why they go. My biggest exploration of friendships is Moonbound, my story project of eight years. Moonbound unfolds with the friendship between a hostage’s guards, torn to the brink of death as they work to capture her cellmate. This narrative has become my greatest passion and (pseudo)best friend, giving me a reason to keep living. I aim to make Moonbound into a published trilogy of movies; going to college will give me invaluable resources for it. Paying for college will be no easy feat. Amongst my work for Moonbound and classes, I plan to take on a part time job to deal with funding. While my father opted to pay for my college, I don’t want him to over stress as he balances his work, household duties, and caring for my terminally ill mother. This scholarship will ease a bit of his workload, while granting me time to work on my goals. And maybe, my time in college will help me learn what it means to be a friend.