I came to the United States just in time to start kindergarden. My early memories of art revolve around the innocent need to create and share happiness with my family. At the time, I wasn’t aware that the support from my parents when I drew came from the joy they felt that I was in an environment that encouraged creativity. Apparently, the school system back in Ecuador is different. As I got older, I learned that not everyone is given the same freedom to express themselves and why my parents' effort to contribute in nurturing this new environment was important to them. I began to understand that the role of the arts extended past personal expression and got an appreciation for its role in representing communities and in paving the way for social change. I have been captivated by its ability to shape, provoke, and transform society ever since. To make my contribution to the existing efforts driving progress, I am pursuing Arts Administration and Policy programs for my graduate studies. As an undergraduate student, my class: Art History: Methods and Research introduced me to the potential that arts administration has to bridge gaps and promote inclusivity. This drove me to seek an opportunity as a gallery assistant at The Fine Arts Center Gallery from my university. Its art exhibitions and cultural events feature students and local artists, serving as a space that shows work from underrepresented groups and promotes conversation around social issues. This gave me hands-on experience in planning, promotion, and management. The exposure to the intricate workings of the arts industry in a culturally diverse setting also showed me the impact that thoughtful administration has on a community. However, it was during an internship at Davis Square Park, a local nonprofit organization, that my commitment to this field truly solidified. Working alongside passionate individuals who were dedicated in making the arts accessible to underserved communities, I witnessed how well-crafted programs and initiatives could empower individuals from all walks of life, providing them with a platform to express themselves and engage in cross-cultural dialogue. This experience reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of art and solidified my resolve to pursue a career in Arts Administration. As I enter my graduate studies in Arts Administration at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, I am interested in advocacy and social justice within the art world. Growing up in this Chicago since the age of five, I have personally witnessed its diversity along with the imbalance of resources that limit representation and opportunities across varying neighborhoods in Chicago. My goal is to aid underrepresented communities and their creative expression like it once helped me. The program's emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and its strong connections to the arts community align with my aspirations to collaborate with artists, organizations, and policymakers in shaping the future of our society. Looking ahead, using my position as a leader within the arts administration, will help me provide opportunities to communities that are lacking in resources and create spaces for young children and artists to learn more about art. My journey into Arts Administration and Policy has been driven by a profound belief in the power of the arts to inspire, connect, and remodel communities. I am excited to become part of this field and continue to learn and grow. Pursuing my graduate studies at SAIC will give me the knowledge and experience to shape me into a leader in this field that can make a meaningful impact.