Before my family sat down to dinner every night, my mom would get everyone's medications. She would take medicine for both her anxiety and her stomach issues, my oldest brother would take medicine for his Tourette’s Syndrome, and my other brother often would take medicine for his anxiety. Dad was on and off medicines for different reasons that I never really knew of, but early on I realized that I was the only one who didn't need to take any medicine. Something about that made me so proud of myself. I was the easy one. Sure I was extremely hyper and loud; I would never stop talking or bouncing off walls. I would record myself talking to my ipod or dancing whenever I was alone. I was non stop. But then Covid-19 hit. Everything around me stopped and I was forced to stop with it. I remember sitting in my room and for the first time in my life, everything was quiet and I could hear myself think. I hated it. There was this little voice in my head that had gotten so loud that I felt like my brain was going to explode. I didn't know what to do, so I pushed it down and ignored it. I started losing sleep, and on one of those sleepless nights I decided to take a shower. I was upset because my brother was preparing to go off to college and I felt I had missed the chance to become as close to him as I thought a sibling should. Tears began falling down my face and I began struggling for breath. Before I knew it I was on the floor of my shower. A few days later I told my mom about it and we figured out that I had an anxiety attack. After that day I was always on edge. I was no longer that same happy little kid who would dance in her room whenever she felt like it. Now I was lashing out at my mom over any conversation. I was also punching my leg as hard as I could whenever I was upset with myself. There were times when I hit myself so hard that I couldn't walk the next day. I confessed to my mom what was happening and we knew that I needed to start therapy. I found out that I have severe anxiety and ADHD. I started taking medicine for my anxiety and was learning new ways to handle my ADHD. I learned that going outside and practicing for my Color Guard team was a great outlet for me to get some of my energy and anger out. Learning to deal with my anxiety was probably the hardest thing I ever had to do. But when we were able to go back to practice and start performing, I was able to lose myself in the music. Competing brought a new type of anxiety, but I learned to embrace it. The next year, I became a team captain and had to take on more responsibility. I learned how to balance school, practice, and performing, while being there for my teammates. Before performances they would often get the same anxiety that I worked through, so sitting down with them and helping them became my favorite part of being a captain. Now that my time on Color Guard is done and i'm graduating high school, i'm looking for new ways to help others. Going into college I want more people in the queer community to be comfortable with who they are. It took me a long time to be comfortable with my sexuality even though my family is extremely supportive so I cant imagine how hard it must be for others who don't have that same support. If I can help even one other person feel comfortable being themselves, I will feel accomplished in my goal. Through the struggle of my anxiety and going through therapy, I matured greatly. My experiences taught me how to help my friends when they are feeling the way I used to feel. I have earned an independence that wasn't there before. Now when we sit down for dinner and my mom hands me my little white pill, I accept it proudly knowing that without it, I cannot be the person I strive to be.

In January of 2020, the animated series The Owl House was released. This show started off as a silly cartoon show aimed at a young audience about a teenage girl who was transported to a magical realm and set out on the quest to be the first human to learn magic. Not only did the show do an amazing job fulfilling this story line, but it helped the LGBTQ+ community in many ways through the sub-plots added into the storyline. There have been many shows in the past on Disney Channel where fans suspected that either a main character or side character was a part of the LGBTQ+ community, but The Owl House openly portrayed their main character, Luz Noceda, as having a crush and later dating her girlfriend, Amity Blight. There were also many other side characters in LGBTQ relationships such as some of Luz’s friends and some of her friends’ parents. I still remember sitting in my room in 2020 trying to come to terms with my own sexuality. Although I'm lucky enough to have an extremely supportive family, I was still terrified of what others would think since being gay was not considered normal. But Dana Terrace and the animators who created The Owl House never once portrayed the LGBTQ+ community as anything other than normal. Not one character blinked an eye when Luz had a girlfriend rather than a boyfriend. The show made it extremely obvious that there was not one person, no matter if they were a villain or a hero, who had any homophobic tendencies. Not only does this series show other people in the LGBTQ+ community that they are seen, but it can also open the minds of people outside the community. They need to know that people who are gay, non-binary, trans, or anything in between are no different than someone who is straight or cis-gendered. Seeing how nonchalant and accepting every character in the show was when it came to being part of the LGBTQ+ community has given me so much hope for not only my future, but the future of other gay kids who don't get the privilege of coming from the same accepting home that I have. I will strive to make a difference through my art to help others be comfortable with who they are ment to be in this world.

Before my family sat down to dinner every night, my mom would get everyone's medications. She would take medicine for both her anxiety and her stomach issues, my oldest brother would take medicine for his Tourette’s Syndrome, and my other brother often would take medicine for his anxiety. Dad was on and off medicines for different reasons that I never really knew of, but early on I realized that I was the only one who didn't need to take any medicine. Something about that made me so proud of myself. I was the easy one. Sure I was extremely hyper and loud; I would never stop talking or bouncing off walls. I would record myself talking to my ipod or dancing whenever I was alone. I was non stop. But then Covid-19 hit. Everything around me stopped and I was forced to stop with it. I remember sitting in my room and for the first time in my life, everything was quiet and I could hear myself think. There was this little voice in my head that had gotten so loud that I felt like my brain was going to explode. I didn't know what to do, so I pushed it down and ignored it. I started losing sleep, and on one of those sleepless nights I decided to take a shower. I was upset because my brother was preparing to go off to college and I felt I had missed the chance to become as close to him as I thought a sibling should. Tears began falling down my face and I began struggling for breath. Then I was on the floor of my shower. A few days later I told my mom about it and we figured out that I had an anxiety attack. After that day I was always on edge. I was no longer that same happy little kid who would dance in her room whenever she felt like it. Now I was lashing out at my mom over any conversation. I was also punching my leg as hard as I could whenever I was upset with myself. There were times when I hit myself so hard that I couldn't walk the next day. I confessed to my mom what was happening and we knew that I needed to start therapy. I found out that I have severe anxiety and ADHD. I started taking medicine for my anxiety and was learning new ways to handle my ADHD. I learned that going outside and practicing for my Color Guard team was a great outlet for me to get some of my energy and anger out. Learning to deal with my anxiety was probably the hardest thing I ever had to do. But when we were able to go back to practice and start performing, I was able to lose myself in the music. Competing brought a new type of anxiety, but I learned to embrace it. The next year, I became a team captain and had to take on more responsibility. I learned how to balance school, practice, and performing, while being there for my teammates. Before performances they would often get the same anxiety that I worked through, so sitting down with them and helping them became my favorite part of being a captain. My experiences taught me how to help my friends when they are feeling the way I used to feel. Now when we sit down for dinner and my mom hands me my little white pill, I accept it proudly knowing that without it, I cannot be the person I strive to be.

Before my family sat down to dinner every night, my mom would get everyone's medications. She would take medicine for both her anxiety and her stomach issues, my oldest brother would take medicine for his Tourette’s Syndrome, and my other brother often would take medicine for his anxiety. Dad was on and off medicines for different reasons that I never really knew of, but early on I realized that I was the only one who didn't need to take any medicine. Something about that made me so proud of myself. I was the easy one. Sure I was extremely hyper and loud; I would never stop talking or bouncing off walls. I would record myself talking to my ipod or dancing whenever I was alone. But then Covid-19 hit. Everything around me stopped and I was forced to stop with it. I remember sitting in my room and for the first time in my life, everything was quiet and I could hear myself think. There was this little voice in my head that had gotten so loud that I felt like my brain was going to explode. I didn't know what to do, so I pushed it down and ignored it. I started losing sleep, and on one of those sleepless nights I decided to take a shower. I was upset because my brother was preparing to go off to college and I felt I had missed the chance to become as close to him as I thought a sibling should. Tears began falling down my face and I began struggling for breath. Before I knew it I was on the floor of my shower. A few days later I told my mom about it and we figured out that I had an anxiety attack. After that day I was always on edge. I was no longer that same happy little kid who would dance in her room whenever she felt like it. Now I was lashing out at my mom over any conversation. I was also punching my leg as hard as I could whenever I was upset with myself. There were times when I hit myself so hard that I couldn't walk the next day. I confessed to my mom what was happening and we knew that I needed to start therapy. I found out that I have severe anxiety and ADHD. I started taking medicine for my anxiety and was learning new ways to handle my ADHD. I learned that going outside and practicing for my Color Guard team was a great outlet for me to get some of my energy and anger out. Learning to deal with my anxiety was probably the hardest thing I ever had to do. But when we were able to go back to practice and start performing, I was able to lose myself in the music. Competing brought a new type of anxiety, but I learned to embrace it. The next year, I became a team captain and had to take on more responsibility. I learned how to balance school, practice, and performing, while being there for my teammates. Before performances they would often get the same anxiety that I worked through, so sitting down with them and helping them became my favorite part of being a captain. Through the struggle of my anxiety and going through therapy, I matured greatly. I have earned an independence that wasn't there before. Now when we sit down for dinner and my mom hands me my little white pill, I accept it proudly, I cannot be the person I strive to be.

In January of 2020, the animated series The Owl House was released. This show started off as a silly cartoon show aimed at a young audience about a teenage girl who was transported to a magical realm and set out on the quest to be the first human to learn magic. Not only did the show do an amazing job fulfilling this story line, but it helped the LGBTQ+ community in many ways through the sub-plots added into the storyline. There have been many shows in the past on Disney Channel where fans suspected that either a main character or side character was a part of the LGBTQ+ community, but The Owl House openly portrayed their main character, Luz Noceda, as having a crush and later dating her girlfriend, Amity Blight. There were also many other side characters in LGBTQ relationships such as some of Luz’s friends and some of her friends’ parents. I still remember sitting in my room in 2020 trying to come to terms with my own sexuality. Although I'm lucky enough to have an extremely supportive family, I was still terrified of what others would think since being gay was not considered normal. But Dana Terrace and the animators who created The Owl House never once portrayed the LGBTQ+ community as anything other than normal. Not one character blinked an eye when Luz had a girlfriend rather than a boyfriend. The show made it extremely obvious that there was not one person,no matter if they were a villain or a hero, who had any homophobic tendencies. Not only does this series show other people in the LGBTQ+ community that they are seen, but it can also open the minds of people outside the community. They need to know that people who are gay, non-binary, trans, or anything in between are no different than someone who is straight or cis-gendered. Seeing how nonchalant and accepting every character in the show was when it came to being part of the LGBTQ+ community has given me so much hope for not only my future, but the future of other gay kids who don't get the privilege of coming from the same accepting home that I have. Experiencing the huge positive impact this show made not only on me, but other people in the LGBTQ+ community, has motivated me to strive to do the same. Not only do I want to be an animator and make shows and films that will entertain people, but those that will make a difference in this world.

When I was accepted into my dream school, Chapman University, I finally felt as if it was my chance to achieve my goals. I could pursue art while minoring in Production Design in Media and combine the two to help create shows that will open other people in the LGTBQ+ community to the others that know it's ok to be who we really are. But I soon realized that I didn't earn any scholarship making my dream school near impossible to pay for. I honestly didn't know what to do, but i'm lucky enough to have amazing parents who told me that they would support me in any decision I made. I know that they don't want me to worry about the money side of college, but I also know that when I committed to Chapman, I also committed my parents to years more of work and stress. My dad owns his own small business that causes him loads of stress. Every day for as long as I could remember he has talked about how much he wants to retire, but now he will have to wait longer. My mom works for Triple A and often enjoys her job, but I know she would like to retire as well. I am applying to this scholarship so that I could not only go to college to pursue my dream but do it without burdening my family. I would not only be in charge of my own future, but I could do it without the extra stress.

In January of 2020, the animated series The Owl House was released. This show started off as a silly cartoon show aimed at a young audience about a teenage girl who was transported to a magical realm and set out on the quest to be the first human to learn magic. Not only did the show do an amazing job fulfilling this story line, but it helped the LGBTQ+ community in many ways through the sub-plots added into the storyline. There have been many shows in the past on Disney Channel where fans suspected that either a main character or side character was a part of the LGBTQ+ community, but The Owl House openly portrayed their main character, Luz Noceda, as having a crush and later dating her girlfriend, Amity Blight. There were also many other side characters in LGBTQ relationships such as some of Luz’s friends and some of her friends’ parents. I still remember sitting in my room in 2020 trying to come to terms with my own sexuality. Although I'm lucky enough to have an extremely supportive family, I was still terrified of what others would think since being gay was not considered normal. But Dana Terrace and the animators who created The Owl House never once portrayed the LGBTQ+ community as anything other than normal. Not one character blinked an eye when Luz had a girlfriend rather than a boyfriend. The show made it extremely obvious that there was not one person,no matter if they were a villain or a hero, who had any homophobic tendencies. Not only does this series show other people in the LGBTQ+ community that they are seen, but it can also open the minds of people outside the community. They need to know that people who are gay, non-binary, trans, or anything in between are no different than someone who is straight or cis-gendered. Seeing how nonchalant and accepting every character in the show was when it came to being part of the LGBTQ+ community has given me so much hope for not only my future, but the future of other gay kids who don't get the privilege of coming from the same accepting home that I have. Experiencing the huge positive impact this show made not only on me, but other people in the LGBTQ+ community, has motivated me to strive to do the same. Not only do I want to be an animator and make shows and films that will entertain people, but those that will make a difference in this world.

In January of 2020, the animated series The Owl House was released. This show started off as a silly cartoon show aimed at a young audience about a teenage girl who was transported to a magical realm and set out on the quest to be the first human to learn magic. Not only did the show do an amazing job fulfilling this story line, but it helped the LGBTQ+ community in many ways through the sub-plots added into the storyline. There have been many shows in the past on Disney Channel where fans suspected that either a main character or side character was a part of the LGBTQ+ community, but The Owl House openly portrayed their main character, Luz Noceda, as having a crush and later dating her girlfriend, Amity Blight. There were also many other side characters in LGBTQ relationships such as some of Luz’s friends and some of her friends’ parents. I still remember sitting in my room in 2020 trying to come to terms with my own sexuality. Although I'm lucky enough to have an extremely supportive family, I was still terrified of what others would think since being gay was not considered normal. But Dana Terrace and the animators who created The Owl House never once portrayed the LGBTQ+ community as anything other than normal. Not one character blinked an eye when Luz had a girlfriend rather than a boyfriend. The show made it extremely obvious that there was not one person,no matter if they were a villain or a hero, who had any homophobic tendencies. Not only does this series show other people in the LGBTQ+ community that they are seen, but it can also open the minds of people outside the community. They need to know that people who are gay, non-binary, trans, or anything in between are no different than someone who is straight or cis-gendered. Seeing how nonchalant and accepting every character in the show was when it came to being part of the LGBTQ+ community has given me so much hope for not only my future, but the future of other gay kids who don't get the privilege of coming from the same accepting home that I have. Experiencing the huge positive impact this show made not only on me, but other people in the LGBTQ+ community, has motivated me to strive to do the same. Not only do I want to be an animator and make shows and films that will entertain people, but those that will make a difference in this world.

In January of 2020, the animated series The Owl House was released. This show started off as a silly cartoon show aimed at a young audience about a teenage girl who was transported to a magical realm and set out on the quest to be the first human to learn magic. Not only did the show do an amazing job fulfilling this story line, but it helped the LGBTQ+ community in many ways through the sub-plots added into the storyline. There have been many shows in the past on Disney Channel where fans suspected that either a main character or side character was a part of the LGBTQ+ community, but The Owl House openly portrayed their main character, Luz Noceda, as having a crush and later dating her girlfriend, Amity Blight. There were also many other side characters in LGBTQ relationships such as some of Luz’s friends and some of her friends’ parents. I still remember sitting in my room in 2020 trying to come to terms with my own sexuality. Although I'm lucky enough to have an extremely supportive family, I was still terrified of what others would think since being gay was not considered normal. But Dana Terrace and the animators who created The Owl House never once portrayed the LGBTQ+ community as anything other than normal. Not one character blinked an eye when Luz had a girlfriend rather than a boyfriend. The show made it extremely obvious that there was not one person,no matter if they were a villain or a hero, who had any homophobic tendencies. Not only does this series show other people in the LGBTQ+ community that they are seen, but it can also open the minds of people outside the community. They need to know that people who are gay, non-binary, trans, or anything in between are no different than someone who is straight or cis-gendered. Seeing how nonchalant and accepting every character in the show was when it came to being part of the LGBTQ+ community has given me so much hope for not only my future, but the future of other gay kids who don't get the privilege of coming from the same accepting home that I have. Experiencing the huge positive impact this show made not only on me, but other people in the LGBTQ+ community, has motivated me to strive to do the same. Not only do I want to be an animator and make shows and films that will entertain people, but those that will make a difference in this world.

In January of 2020, the animated series The Owl House was released. This show started off as a silly cartoon show aimed at a young audience about a teenage girl who was transported to a magical realm and set out on the quest to be the first human to learn magic. Not only did the show do an amazing job fulfilling this story line, but it helped the LGBTQ+ community in many ways through the sub-plots added into the storyline. There have been many shows in the past on Disney Channel where fans suspected that either a main character or side character was a part of the LGBTQ+ community, but The Owl House openly portrayed their main character, Luz Noceda, as having a crush and later dating her girlfriend, Amity Blight. There were also many other side characters in LGBTQ relationships such as some of Luz’s friends and some of her friends’ parents. I still remember sitting in my room in 2020 trying to come to terms with my own sexuality. Although I'm lucky enough to have an extremely supportive family, I was still terrified of what others would think since being gay was not considered normal. But Dana Terrace and the animators who created The Owl House never once portrayed the LGBTQ+ community as anything other than normal. Not one character blinked an eye when Luz had a girlfriend rather than a boyfriend. The show made it extremely obvious that there was not one person,no matter if they were a villain or a hero, who had any homophobic tendencies. Not only does this series show other people in the LGBTQ+ community that they are seen, but it can also open the minds of people outside the community. They need to know that people who are gay, non-binary, trans, or anything in between are no different than someone who is straight or cis-gendered. Seeing how nonchalant and accepting every character in the show was when it came to being part of the LGBTQ+ community has given me so much hope for not only my future, but the future of other gay kids who don't get the privilege of coming from the same accepting home that I have. Experiencing the huge positive impact this show made not only on me, but other people in the LGBTQ+ community, has motivated me to strive to do the same. Not only do I want to be an animator and make shows and films that will entertain people, but those that will make a difference in this world.

In January of 2020, the animated series The Owl House was released. This show started off as a silly cartoon show aimed at a young audience about a teenage girl who was transported to a magical realm and set out on the quest to be the first human to learn magic. Not only did the show do an amazing job fulfilling this story line, but it helped the LGBTQ+ community in many ways through the sub-plots added into the storyline. There have been many shows in the past on Disney Channel where fans suspected that either a main character or side character was a part of the LGBTQ+ community, but The Owl House openly portrayed their main character, Luz Noceda, as having a crush and later dating her girlfriend, Amity Blight. There were also many other side characters in LGBTQ relationships such as some of Luz’s friends and some of her friends’ parents. I still remember sitting in my room in 2020 trying to come to terms with my own sexuality. Although I'm lucky enough to have an extremely supportive family, I was still terrified of what others would think since being gay was not considered normal. But Dana Terrace and the animators who created The Owl House never once portrayed the LGBTQ+ community as anything other than normal. Not one character blinked an eye when Luz had a girlfriend rather than a boyfriend. The show made it extremely obvious that there was not one person,no matter if they were a villain or a hero, who had any homophobic tendencies. Not only does this series show other people in the LGBTQ+ community that they are seen, but it can also open the minds of people outside the community. They need to know that people who are gay, non-binary, trans, or anything in between are no different than someone who is straight or cis-gendered. Seeing how nonchalant and accepting every character in the show was when it came to being part of the LGBTQ+ community has given me so much hope for not only my future, but the future of other gay kids who don't get the privilege of coming from the same accepting home that I have. Experiencing the huge positive impact this show made not only on me, but other people in the LGBTQ+ community, has motivated me to strive to do the same. Not only do I want to be an animator and make shows and films that will entertain people, but those that will make a difference in this world.

My sport has shown me a community where I have been welcome from day one for who I am. It doesn't matter who I love or what my beliefs are because I have a community and family I can call home. I was able to come out without being worried what others would think of me, and ive been able to advocate for others who aren't seen as fitting to the social norm. Without Colorguard I can honestly say that I would be lost. Ive always wanted to be able to reach more people on a bigger scale so that I can help more and within these past two years I have come to the realization that my dream is to pursue art. I will to strive to create a community and sense of welcome just as Color Guard did for me through my art. When I was accepted into my dream school, Chapman University, I finally felt as if it was my chance to achieve my goals. I could pursue art while minoring in Production Design in Media and combine the two to help create shows that will open other people in the LGTBQ+ community to the others that know it's ok to be who we really are. But I soon realized that I didn't earn any scholarship making my dream school near impossible to pay for. I honestly didn't know what to do, but i'm lucky enough to have amazing parents who told me that they would support me in any decision I made. I know that they don't want me to worry about the money side of college, but I also know that when I committed to Chapman, I also committed my parents to years more of work and stress. My dad owns his own small business that causes him loads of stress. Every day for as long as I could remember he has talked about how much he wants to retire, but now he will have to wait longer. My mom works for Triple A and often enjoys her job, but I know she would like to retire as well. I am applying to this scholarship so that I could not only go to college to pursue my dream but do it without burdening my family. I would not only be in charge of my own future, but I could do it without the extra stress.

My sport has shown me a community where I have been welcome from day one for who I am. It doesn't matter who I love or what my beliefs are because I have a community and family I can call home. I was able to come out without being worried what others would think of me, and ive been able to advocate for others who aren't seen as fitting to the social norm. Without Colorguard I can honestly say that I would be lost. Ive always wanted to be able to reach more people on a bigger scale so that I can help more and within these past two years I have come to the realization that my dream is to pursue art. I will to strive to create a community and sense of welcome just as Color Guard did for me through my art. When I was accepted into my dream school, Chapman University, I finally felt as if it was my chance to achieve my goals. I could pursue art while minoring in Production Design in Media and combine the two to help create shows that will open other people in the LGTBQ+ community to the others that know it's ok to be who we really are. But I soon realized that I didn't earn any scholarship making my dream school near impossible to pay for. I honestly didn't know what to do, but i'm lucky enough to have amazing parents who told me that they would support me in any decision I made. I know that they don't want me to worry about the money side of college, but I also know that when I committed to Chapman, I also committed my parents to years more of work and stress. My dad owns his own small business that causes him loads of stress. Every day for as long as I could remember he has talked about how much he wants to retire, but now he will have to wait longer. My mom works for Triple A and often enjoys her job, but I know she would like to retire as well. I am applying to this scholarship so that I could not only go to college to pursue my dream but do it without burdening my family. I would not only be in charge of my own future, but I could do it without the extra stress.

Covid-19 hit. Everything around me stopped and I was forced to stop with it. I remember sitting in my room and for the first time in my life, everything was quiet and I could hear myself think. There was this little voice in my head that had gotten so loud that I felt like my brain was going to explode. I didn't know what to do, so I pushed it down and ignored it. I started losing sleep, and on one of those sleepless nights I decided to take a shower. I was upset because my brother was preparing to go off to college and I felt I had missed the chance to become as close to him as I thought a sibling should. Tears began falling down my face and I began struggling for breath. Then I was on the floor of my shower. A few days later I told my mom about it and we figured out that I had an anxiety attack. After that day I was always on edge. Overnight I had changed. I was lashing out at my mom over any conversation. I was also punching my leg as hard as I could whenever I was upset with myself. There were times when I hit myself so hard that I couldn't walk the next day. I confessed to my mom what was happening and we knew that I needed to start therapy. I found out that I have severe anxiety and ADHD. I started taking medicine for my anxiety and was learning new ways to handle my ADHD. I learned that going outside and practicing for my Color Guard team was a great outlet for me to get some of my energy and anger out. Learning to deal with my anxiety was probably the hardest thing I ever had to do. But when we were able to go back to practice and start performing, I was able to lose myself in the music. Competing brought a new type of anxiety, but I learned to embrace it. The next year, I became a team captain and had to take on more responsibility. I learned how to balance school, practice, and performing, while being there for my teammates. Before performances they would often get the same anxiety that I worked through, so sitting down with them and helping them became my favorite part of being a captain.

In January of 2020, the animated series The Owl House was released. This show started off as a silly cartoon show aimed at a young audience about a teenage girl who was transported to a magical realm and set out on the quest to be the first human to learn magic. Not only did the show do an amazing job fulfilling this story line, but it helped the LGBTQ+ community in many ways through the sub-plots added into the storyline. There have been many shows in the past on Disney Channel where fans suspected that either a main character or side character was a part of the LGBTQ+ community, but The Owl House openly portrayed their main character, Luz Noceda, as having a crush and later dating her girlfriend, Amity Blight. There were also many other side characters in LGBTQ relationships such as some of Luz’s friends and some of her friends’ parents. I still remember sitting in my room in 2020 trying to come to terms with my own sexuality. Although I'm lucky enough to have an extremely supportive family, I was still terrified of what others would think since being gay was not considered normal. But Dana Terrace and the animators who created The Owl House never once portrayed the LGBTQ+ community as anything other than normal. Not one character blinked an eye when Luz had a girlfriend rather than a boyfriend. The show made it extremely obvious that there was not one person,no matter if they were a villain or a hero, who had any homophobic tendencies. Not only does this series show other people in the LGBTQ+ community that they are seen, but it can also open the minds of people outside the community. They need to know that people who are gay, non-binary, trans, or anything in between are no different than someone who is straight or cis-gendered. Seeing how nonchalant and accepting every character in the show was when it came to being part of the LGBTQ+ community has given me so much hope for not only my future, but the future of other gay kids who don't get the privilege of coming from the same accepting home that I have. Experiencing the huge positive impact this show made not only on me, but other people in the LGBTQ+ community, has motivated me to strive to do the same. Not only do I want to be an animator and make shows and films that will entertain people, but those that will make a difference in this world.

In January of 2020, the animated series The Owl House was released. This show started off as a silly cartoon show aimed at a young audience about a teenage girl who was transported to a magical realm and set out on the quest to be the first human to learn magic. Not only did the show do an amazing job fulfilling this story line, but it helped the LGBTQ+ community in many ways through the sub-plots added into the storyline. There have been many shows in the past on Disney Channel where fans suspected that either a main character or side character was a part of the LGBTQ+ community, but The Owl House openly portrayed their main character, Luz Noceda, as having a crush and later dating her girlfriend, Amity Blight. There were also many other side characters in LGBTQ relationships such as some of Luz’s friends and some of her friends’ parents. I still remember sitting in my room in 2020 trying to come to terms with my own sexuality. Although I'm lucky enough to have an extremely supportive family, I was still terrified of what others would think since being gay was not considered normal. But Dana Terrace and the animators who created The Owl House never once portrayed the LGBTQ+ community as anything other than normal. Not one character blinked an eye when Luz had a girlfriend rather than a boyfriend. The show made it extremely obvious that there was not one person,no matter if they were a villain or a hero, who had any homophobic tendencies. Not only does this series show other people in the LGBTQ+ community that they are seen, but it can also open the minds of people outside the community. They need to know that people who are gay, non-binary, trans, or anything in between are no different than someone who is straight or cis-gendered. Seeing how nonchalant and accepting every character in the show was when it came to being part of the LGBTQ+ community has given me so much hope for not only my future, but the future of other gay kids who don't get the privilege of coming from the same accepting home that I have. Experiencing the huge positive impact this show made not only on me, but other people in the LGBTQ+ community, has motivated me to strive to do the same. Not only do I want to be an animator and make shows and films that will entertain people, but those that will make a difference in this world.

Before my family sat down to dinner every night, my mom would get everyone's medications. She would take medicine for both her anxiety and her stomach issues, my oldest brother would take medicine for his Tourette’s Syndrome, and my other brother often would take medicine for his anxiety. Dad was on and off medicines for different reasons that I never really knew of, but early on I realized that I was the only one who didn't need to take any medicine. Something about that made me so proud of myself. I was the easy one. Sure I was extremely hyper and loud; I would never stop talking or bouncing off walls. I would record myself talking to my ipod or dancing whenever I was alone. I was non stop. But then Covid-19 hit. Everything around me stopped and I was forced to stop with it. I remember sitting in my room and for the first time in my life, everything was quiet and I could hear myself think. There was this little voice in my head that had gotten so loud that I felt like my brain was going to explode. I didn't know what to do, so I pushed it down and ignored it. I started losing sleep, and on one of those sleepless nights I decided to take a shower. I was upset because my brother was preparing to go off to college and I felt I had missed the chance to become as close to him as I thought a sibling should. Tears began falling down my face and I began struggling for breath. Then I was on the floor of my shower. A few days later I told my mom about it and we figured out that I had an anxiety attack. After that day I was always on edge. I was no longer that same happy little kid who would dance in her room whenever she felt like it. Now I was lashing out at my mom over any conversation. I was also punching my leg as hard as I could whenever I was upset with myself. There were times when I hit myself so hard that I couldn't walk the next day. I confessed to my mom what was happening and we knew that I needed to start therapy. I found out that I have severe anxiety and ADHD. I started taking medicine for my anxiety and was learning new ways to handle my ADHD. I learned that going outside and practicing for my Color Guard team was a great outlet for me to get some of my energy and anger out. Learning to deal with my anxiety was probably the hardest thing I ever had to do. But when we were able to go back to practice and start performing, I was able to lose myself in the music. Competing brought a new type of anxiety, but I learned to embrace it. The next year, I became a team captain and had to take on more responsibility. I learned how to balance school, practice, and performing, while being there for my teammates. Before performances they would often get the same anxiety that I worked through, so sitting down with them and helping them became my favorite part of being a captain. My experiences taught me how to help my friends when they are feeling the way I used to feel. Now when we sit down for dinner and my mom hands me my little white pill, I accept it proudly knowing that without it, I cannot be the person I strive to be.

Before my family sat down to dinner every night, my mom would get everyone's medications. She would take medicine for both her anxiety and her stomach issues, my oldest brother would take medicine for his Tourette’s Syndrome, and my other brother often would take medicine for his anxiety. Dad was on and off medicines for different reasons that I never really knew of, but early on I realized that I was the only one who didn't need to take any medicine. Something about that made me so proud of myself. I was the easy one. Sure I was extremely hyper and loud; I would never stop talking or bouncing off walls. I would record myself talking to my ipod or dancing whenever I was alone. I was non stop. But then Covid-19 hit. Everything around me stopped and I was forced to stop with it. I remember sitting in my room and for the first time in my life, everything was quiet and I could hear myself think. I hated it. There was this little voice in my head that had gotten so loud that I felt like my brain was going to explode. I didn't know what to do, so I pushed it down and ignored it. I started losing sleep, and on one of those sleepless nights I decided to take a shower. I was upset because my brother was preparing to go off to college and I felt I had missed the chance to become as close to him as I thought a sibling should. Tears began falling down my face and I began struggling for breath. Before I knew it I was on the floor of my shower. A few days later I told my mom about it and we figured out that I had an anxiety attack. After that day I was always on edge. I was no longer that same happy little kid who would dance in her room whenever she felt like it. Now I was lashing out at my mom over any conversation. I was also punching my leg as hard as I could whenever I was upset with myself. There were times when I hit myself so hard that I couldn't walk the next day. I confessed to my mom what was happening and we knew that I needed to start therapy. I found out that I have severe anxiety and ADHD. I started taking medicine for my anxiety and was learning new ways to handle my ADHD. I learned that going outside and practicing for my Color Guard team was a great outlet for me to get some of my energy and anger out. Learning to deal with my anxiety was probably the hardest thing I ever had to do. But when we were able to go back to practice and start performing, I was able to lose myself in the music. Competing brought a new type of anxiety, but I learned to embrace it. The next year, I became a team captain and had to take on more responsibility. I learned how to balance school, practice, and performing, while being there for my teammates. Before performances they would often get the same anxiety that I worked through, so sitting down with them and helping them became my favorite part of being a captain. Through the struggle of my anxiety and going through therapy, I matured greatly. My experiences taught me how to help my friends when they are feeling the way I used to feel. I have earned an independence that wasn't there before. Now when we sit down for dinner and my mom hands me my little white pill, I accept it proudly knowing that without it, I cannot be the person I strive to be.

In January of 2020, the animated series The Owl House was released. This show started off as a silly cartoon show aimed at a young audience about a teenage girl who was transported to a magical realm and set out on the quest to be the first human to learn magic. Not only did the show do an amazing job fulfilling this story line, but it helped the LGBTQ+ community in many ways through the sub-plots added into the storyline. There have been many shows in the past on Disney Channel where fans suspected that either a main character or side character was a part of the LGBTQ+ community, but The Owl House openly portrayed their main character, Luz Noceda, as having a crush and later dating her girlfriend, Amity Blight. There were also many other side characters in LGBTQ relationships such as some of Luz’s friends and some of her friends’ parents. I still remember sitting in my room in 2020 trying to come to terms with my own sexuality. Although I'm lucky enough to have an extremely supportive family, I was still terrified of what others would think since being gay was not considered normal. But Dana Terrace and the animators who created The Owl House never once portrayed the LGBTQ+ community as anything other than normal. Not one character blinked an eye when Luz had a girlfriend rather than a boyfriend. The show made it extremely obvious that there was not one person,no matter if they were a villain or a hero, who had any homophobic tendencies. Not only does this series show other people in the LGBTQ+ community that they are seen, but it can also open the minds of people outside the community. They need to know that people who are gay, non-binary, trans, or anything in between are no different than someone who is straight or cis-gendered. Seeing how nonchalant and accepting every character in the show was when it came to being part of the LGBTQ+ community has given me so much hope for not only my future, but the future of other gay kids who don't get the privilege of coming from the same accepting home that I have. Experiencing the huge positive impact this show made not only on me, but other people in the LGBTQ+ community, has motivated me to strive to do the same. Not only do I want to be an animator and make shows and films that will entertain people, but those that will make a difference in this world.

Before my family sat down to dinner every night, my mom would get everyone's medications. She would take medicine for both her anxiety and her stomach issues, my oldest brother would take medicine for his Tourette’s Syndrome, and my other brother often would take medicine for his anxiety. Dad was on and off medicines for different reasons that I never really knew of, but early on I realized that I was the only one who didn't need to take any medicine. Something about that made me so proud of myself. I was the easy one. Sure I was extremely hyper and loud; I would never stop talking or bouncing off walls. I would record myself talking to my ipod or dancing whenever I was alone. I was non stop. But then Covid-19 hit. Everything around me stopped and I was forced to stop with it. I remember sitting in my room and for the first time in my life, everything was quiet and I could hear myself think. There was this little voice in my head that had gotten so loud that I felt like my brain was going to explode. I didn't know what to do, so I pushed it down and ignored it. I started losing sleep, and on one of those sleepless nights I decided to take a shower. I was upset because my brother was preparing to go off to college and I felt I had missed the chance to become as close to him as I thought a sibling should. Tears began falling down my face and I began struggling for breath. Then I was on the floor of my shower. A few days later I told my mom about it and we figured out that I had an anxiety attack. After that day I was always on edge. I was no longer that same happy little kid who would dance in her room whenever she felt like it. Now I was lashing out at my mom over any conversation. I was also punching my leg as hard as I could whenever I was upset with myself. There were times when I hit myself so hard that I couldn't walk the next day. I confessed to my mom what was happening and we knew that I needed to start therapy. I found out that I have severe anxiety and ADHD. I started taking medicine for my anxiety and was learning new ways to handle my ADHD. I learned that going outside and practicing for my Color Guard team was a great outlet for me to get some of my energy and anger out. Learning to deal with my anxiety was probably the hardest thing I ever had to do. But when we were able to go back to practice and start performing, I was able to lose myself in the music. Competing brought a new type of anxiety, but I learned to embrace it. The next year, I became a team captain and had to take on more responsibility. I learned how to balance school, practice, and performing, while being there for my teammates. Before performances they would often get the same anxiety that I worked through, so sitting down with them and helping them became my favorite part of being a captain. My experiences taught me how to help my friends when they are feeling the way I used to feel. Now when we sit down for dinner and my mom hands me my little white pill, I accept it proudly knowing that without it, I cannot be the person I strive to be.

Before my family sat down to dinner every night, my mom would get everyone's medications. She would take medicine for both her anxiety and her stomach issues, my oldest brother would take medicine for his Tourette’s Syndrome, and my other brother often would take medicine for his anxiety. Dad was on and off medicines for different reasons that I never really knew of, but early on I realized that I was the only one who didn't need to take any medicine. Something about that made me so proud of myself. I was the easy one. Sure I was extremely hyper and loud; I would never stop talking or bouncing off walls. I would record myself talking to my ipod or dancing whenever I was alone. I was non stop. But then Covid-19 hit. Everything around me stopped and I was forced to stop with it. I remember sitting in my room and for the first time in my life, everything was quiet and I could hear myself think. There was this little voice in my head that had gotten so loud that I felt like my brain was going to explode. I didn't know what to do, so I pushed it down and ignored it. I started losing sleep, and on one of those sleepless nights I decided to take a shower. I was upset because my brother was preparing to go off to college and I felt I had missed the chance to become as close to him as I thought a sibling should. Tears began falling down my face and I began struggling for breath. Then I was on the floor of my shower. A few days later I told my mom about it and we figured out that I had an anxiety attack. After that day I was always on edge. I was no longer that same happy little kid who would dance in her room whenever she felt like it. Now I was lashing out at my mom over any conversation. I was also punching my leg as hard as I could whenever I was upset with myself. There were times when I hit myself so hard that I couldn't walk the next day. I confessed to my mom what was happening and we knew that I needed to start therapy. I found out that I have severe anxiety and ADHD. I started taking medicine for my anxiety and was learning new ways to handle my ADHD. I learned that going outside and practicing for my Color Guard team was a great outlet for me to get some of my energy and anger out. Learning to deal with my anxiety was probably the hardest thing I ever had to do. But when we were able to go back to practice and start performing, I was able to lose myself in the music. Competing brought a new type of anxiety, but I learned to embrace it. The next year, I became a team captain and had to take on more responsibility. I learned how to balance school, practice, and performing, while being there for my teammates. Before performances they would often get the same anxiety that I worked through, so sitting down with them and helping them became my favorite part of being a captain. My experiences taught me how to help my friends when they are feeling the way I used to feel. Now when we sit down for dinner and my mom hands me my little white pill, I accept it proudly knowing that without it, I cannot be the person I strive to be.

Before my family sat down to dinner every night, my mom would get everyone's medications. She would take medicine for both her anxiety and her stomach issues, my oldest brother would take medicine for his Tourette’s Syndrome, and my other brother often would take medicine for his anxiety. Dad was on and off medicines for different reasons that I never really knew of, but early on I realized that I was the only one who didn't need to take any medicine. Something about that made me so proud of myself. I was the easy one. Sure I was extremely hyper and loud; I would never stop talking or bouncing off walls. I would record myself talking to my ipod or dancing whenever I was alone. I was non stop. But then Covid-19 hit. Everything around me stopped and I was forced to stop with it. I remember sitting in my room and for the first time in my life, everything was quiet and I could hear myself think. There was this little voice in my head that had gotten so loud that I felt like my brain was going to explode. I didn't know what to do, so I pushed it down and ignored it. I started losing sleep, and on one of those sleepless nights I decided to take a shower. I was upset because my brother was preparing to go off to college and I felt I had missed the chance to become as close to him as I thought a sibling should. Tears began falling down my face and I began struggling for breath. Then I was on the floor of my shower. A few days later I told my mom about it and we figured out that I had an anxiety attack. After that day I was always on edge. I was no longer that same happy little kid who would dance in her room whenever she felt like it. Now I was lashing out at my mom over any conversation. I was also punching my leg as hard as I could whenever I was upset with myself. There were times when I hit myself so hard that I couldn't walk the next day. I confessed to my mom what was happening and we knew that I needed to start therapy. I found out that I have severe anxiety and ADHD. I started taking medicine for my anxiety and was learning new ways to handle my ADHD. I learned that going outside and practicing for my Color Guard team was a great outlet for me to get some of my energy and anger out. Learning to deal with my anxiety was probably the hardest thing I ever had to do. But when we were able to go back to practice and start performing, I was able to lose myself in the music. Competing brought a new type of anxiety, but I learned to embrace it. The next year, I became a team captain and had to take on more responsibility. I learned how to balance school, practice, and performing, while being there for my teammates. Before performances they would often get the same anxiety that I worked through, so sitting down with them and helping them became my favorite part of being a captain. My experiences taught me how to help my friends when they are feeling the way I used to feel. Now when we sit down for dinner and my mom hands me my little white pill, I accept it proudly knowing that without it, I cannot be the person I strive to be.

Before my family sat down to dinner every night, my mom would get everyone's medications. She would take medicine for both her anxiety and her stomach issues, my oldest brother would take medicine for his Tourette’s Syndrome, and my other brother often would take medicine for his anxiety. Dad was on and off medicines for different reasons that I never really knew of, but early on I realized that I was the only one who didn't need to take any medicine. Something about that made me so proud of myself. I was the easy one. Sure I was extremely hyper and loud; I would never stop talking or bouncing off walls. I would record myself talking to my ipod or dancing whenever I was alone. I was non stop. But then Covid-19 hit. Everything around me stopped and I was forced to stop with it. I remember sitting in my room and for the first time in my life, everything was quiet and I could hear myself think. There was this little voice in my head that had gotten so loud that I felt like my brain was going to explode. I didn't know what to do, so I pushed it down and ignored it. I started losing sleep, and on one of those sleepless nights I decided to take a shower. I was upset because my brother was preparing to go off to college and I felt I had missed the chance to become as close to him as I thought a sibling should. Tears began falling down my face and I began struggling for breath. Then I was on the floor of my shower. A few days later I told my mom about it and we figured out that I had an anxiety attack. After that day I was always on edge. I was no longer that same happy little kid who would dance in her room whenever she felt like it. Now I was lashing out at my mom over any conversation. I was also punching my leg as hard as I could whenever I was upset with myself. There were times when I hit myself so hard that I couldn't walk the next day. I confessed to my mom what was happening and we knew that I needed to start therapy. I found out that I have severe anxiety and ADHD. I started taking medicine for my anxiety and was learning new ways to handle my ADHD. I learned that going outside and practicing for my Color Guard team was a great outlet for me to get some of my energy and anger out. Learning to deal with my anxiety was probably the hardest thing I ever had to do. But when we were able to go back to practice and start performing, I was able to lose myself in the music. Competing brought a new type of anxiety, but I learned to embrace it. The next year, I became a team captain and had to take on more responsibility. I learned how to balance school, practice, and performing, while being there for my teammates. Before performances they would often get the same anxiety that I worked through, so sitting down with them and helping them became my favorite part of being a captain. My experiences taught me how to help my friends when they are feeling the way I used to feel. Now when we sit down for dinner and my mom hands me my little white pill, I accept it proudly knowing that without it, I cannot be the person I strive to be.

My great grandma, Bubbie, has always been one of my favorite people. She meant everything to me and my family. She was the reason why I learned more about my Jewish heritage and why I ultimately decided to have my Bat mitzvah. When she was 97, she started to get sick. My family knew that she wouldn't be with us for much longer, but I was having a really hard time coming to terms with that fact. It's not like I was a little kid who didn't understand death, I was 14 years old. I knew what death meant and what it was going to do to my family, but I ignored it. I wanted to believe that I could pretend it wasn't there so maybe I could avoid it. I could avoid the heartbreak and the unbelievable pain. I could avoid saying goodbye to the person I admire most in this messed up world. Ever since I could remember, I had my 16th birthday planned to a T. I would wake up that day to my parents wishing me a happy birthday and my phone would flood with Happy Birthday wishes. I would get dressed in my favorite outfit and go get my drivers license. Of course I would pass on the first try and I would immediately take a drive to my Bubbies house. I'd sing Paul Simon the entire drive down, park in the driveway of the house I grew up visiting, and I'd make my way to the side gate. I would walk through the door to my Bubbie showering me with love and when she would ask me where my parents were, I'd surprise her with my brand new driver's license. She would be so happy for me and after that day I would visit her regularly simply because I could and because I wanted to. That day never came to fruition. On August 19th 2021, only 10 days before my 15th birthday, she passed away in her sleep. I had seen her a few days before she passed away and I knew she wasn't going to make it much longer. She was on hospice and she was quiet. Me and my dad had gone to the store to get her groceries and I bought her a Mr Goodbar since it was her all time favorite, but she wasn't up to eating it. She told me to put it in the refrigerator and she would have it later as dessert. When it was time to go I could barely look at her. I knew it was probably the last time I would see her and I didnt want to say goodbye. So I did what any teenager would do and gave her an awkward side hug, told her I loved her and we left. I regret that side hug so much. I should have given her a real hug and held her for as long as I could have, but I didn't. When she passed away. The world came to a stop. Everything froze and I could breathe. That was the worst day of my life and I remember every moment of it. I remember my dad picking me up and the look on his face when he told me. I remember sobbing on the drive down to her house to meet with our family. I remember opening her refrigerator and seeing the untouched Mr Goodbar. I remember a year later crying my eyes out on my sixteenth birthday. I had lost family members in my life. I lost my Zadie when I was nine, and I lost my first dog around the same time. But something about losing Bubbie was different. I was older and had more of an understanding, but I also had more time with her. She told me stories of her life and what it was like when my Zadie was still alive. She told me crazy tales about the two of them and adventures they went on when they were younger. She had told me and my parents about how she was sure that she could still do the splits. My dad had to stop her from getting up from the dinner table and actually trying it. That's still to this day one of my favorite memories. I'm so grateful for all the time I got to spend with her, but those memories also make me miss her so much more. But even in her death, she is still inspiring me to live life to its fullest. I want my life to be as happy and full of adventure as her life was. I'm going to fight to live and be able to look back on my life with no regrets.

My great grandma, Bubbie, has always been one of my favorite people. She meant everything to me and my family. She was the reason why I learned more about my Jewish heritage and why I ultimately decided to have my Bat mitzvah. When she was 97, she started to get sick. My family knew that she wouldn't be with us for much longer, but I was having a really hard time coming to terms with that fact. It's not like I was a little kid who didn't understand death, I was 14 years old. I knew what death meant and what it was going to do to my family, but I ignored it. I wanted to believe that I could pretend it wasn't there so maybe I could avoid it. I could avoid the heartbreak and the unbelievable pain. I could avoid saying goodbye to the person I admire most in this messed up world. Ever since I could remember, I had my 16th birthday planned to a T. I would wake up that day to my parents wishing me a happy birthday and my phone would flood with Happy Birthday wishes. I would get dressed in my favorite outfit and go get my drivers license. Of course I would pass on the first try and I would immediately take a drive to my Bubbies house. I'd sing Paul Simon the entire drive down, park in the driveway of the house I grew up visiting, and I'd make my way to the side gate. I would walk through the door to my Bubbie showering me with love and when she would ask me where my parents were, I'd surprise her with my brand new driver's license. She would be so happy for me and after that day I would visit her regularly simply because I could and because I wanted to. That day never came to fruition. On August 19th 2021, only 10 days before my 15th birthday, she passed away in her sleep. I had seen her a few days before she passed away and I knew she wasn't going to make it much longer. She was on hospice and she was quiet. Me and my dad had gone to the store to get her groceries and I bought her a Mr Goodbar since it was her all time favorite, but she wasn't up to eating it. She told me to put it in the refrigerator and she would have it later as dessert. When it was time to go I could barely look at her. I knew it was probably the last time I would see her and I didnt want to say goodbye. So I did what any teenager would do and gave her an awkward side hug, told her I loved her and we left. I regret that side hug so much. I should have given her a real hug and held her for as long as I could have, but I didn't. When she passed away. The world came to a stop. Everything froze and I could breathe. That was the worst day of my life and I remember every moment of it. I remember my dad picking me up and the look on his face when he told me. I remember sobbing on the drive down to her house to meet with our family. I remember opening her refrigerator and seeing the untouched Mr Goodbar. I remember a year later crying my eyes out on my sixteenth birthday.

Before my family sat down to dinner every night, my mom would get everyone's medications. She would take medicine for both her anxiety and her stomach issues, my oldest brother would take medicine for his Tourette’s Syndrome, and my other brother often would take medicine for his anxiety. Dad was on and off medicines for different reasons that I never really knew of, but early on I realized that I was the only one who didn't need to take any medicine. Something about that made me so proud of myself. I was the easy one. Sure I was extremely hyper and loud; I would never stop talking or bouncing off walls. I would record myself talking to my ipod or dancing whenever I was alone. I was non stop. But then Covid-19 hit. Everything around me stopped and I was forced to stop with it. I remember sitting in my room and for the first time in my life, everything was quiet and I could hear myself think. There was this little voice in my head that had gotten so loud that I felt like my brain was going to explode. I didn't know what to do, so I pushed it down and ignored it. I started losing sleep, and on one of those sleepless nights I decided to take a shower. I was upset because my brother was preparing to go off to college and I felt I had missed the chance to become as close to him as I thought a sibling should. Tears began falling down my face and I began struggling for breath. Then I was on the floor of my shower. A few days later I told my mom about it and we figured out that I had an anxiety attack. After that day I was always on edge. I was no longer that same happy little kid who would dance in her room whenever she felt like it. Now I was lashing out at my mom over any conversation. I was also punching my leg as hard as I could whenever I was upset with myself. There were times when I hit myself so hard that I couldn't walk the next day. I confessed to my mom what was happening and we knew that I needed to start therapy. I found out that I have severe anxiety and ADHD. I started taking medicine for my anxiety and was learning new ways to handle my ADHD. I learned that going outside and practicing for my Color Guard team was a great outlet for me to get some of my energy and anger out. Learning to deal with my anxiety was probably the hardest thing I ever had to do. But when we were able to go back to practice and start performing, I was able to lose myself in the music. Competing brought a new type of anxiety, but I learned to embrace it. The next year, I became a team captain and had to take on more responsibility. I learned how to balance school, practice, and performing, while being there for my teammates. Before performances they would often get the same anxiety that I worked through, so sitting down with them and helping them became my favorite part of being a captain. My experiences taught me how to help my friends when they are feeling the way I used to feel. Now when we sit down for dinner and my mom hands me my little white pill, I accept it proudly knowing that without it, I cannot be the person I strive to be.

Before my family sat down to dinner every night, my mom would get everyone's medications. She would take medicine for both her anxiety and her stomach issues, my oldest brother would take medicine for his Tourette’s Syndrome, and my other brother often would take medicine for his anxiety. Dad was on and off medicines for different reasons that I never really knew of, but early on I realized that I was the only one who didn't need to take any medicine. Something about that made me so proud of myself. I was the easy one. Sure I was extremely hyper and loud; I would never stop talking or bouncing off walls. I would record myself talking to my ipod or dancing whenever I was alone. I was non stop. But then Covid-19 hit. Everything around me stopped and I was forced to stop with it. I remember sitting in my room and for the first time in my life, everything was quiet and I could hear myself think. There was this little voice in my head that had gotten so loud that I felt like my brain was going to explode. I didn't know what to do, so I pushed it down and ignored it. I started losing sleep, and on one of those sleepless nights I decided to take a shower. I was upset because my brother was preparing to go off to college and I felt I had missed the chance to become as close to him as I thought a sibling should. Tears began falling down my face and I began struggling for breath. Then I was on the floor of my shower. A few days later I told my mom about it and we figured out that I had an anxiety attack. After that day I was always on edge. I was no longer that same happy little kid who would dance in her room whenever she felt like it. Now I was lashing out at my mom over any conversation. I was also punching my leg as hard as I could whenever I was upset with myself. There were times when I hit myself so hard that I couldn't walk the next day. I confessed to my mom what was happening and we knew that I needed to start therapy. I found out that I have severe anxiety and ADHD. I started taking medicine for my anxiety and was learning new ways to handle my ADHD. I learned that going outside and practicing for my Color Guard team was a great outlet for me to get some of my energy and anger out. Learning to deal with my anxiety was probably the hardest thing I ever had to do. But when we were able to go back to practice and start performing, I was able to lose myself in the music. Competing brought a new type of anxiety, but I learned to embrace it. The next year, I became a team captain and had to take on more responsibility. I learned how to balance school, practice, and performing, while being there for my teammates. Before performances they would often get the same anxiety that I worked through, so sitting down with them and helping them became my favorite part of being a captain. My experiences taught me how to help my friends when they are feeling the way I used to feel. Now when we sit down for dinner and my mom hands me my little white pill, I accept it proudly knowing that without it, I cannot be the person I strive to be.

Before my family sat down to dinner every night, my mom would get everyone's medications. She would take medicine for both her anxiety and her stomach issues, my oldest brother would take medicine for his Tourette’s Syndrome, and my other brother often would take medicine for his anxiety. Dad was on and off medicines for different reasons that I never really knew of, but early on I realized that I was the only one who didn't need to take any medicine. Something about that made me so proud of myself. I was the easy one. Sure I was extremely hyper and loud; I would never stop talking or bouncing off walls. I would record myself talking to my ipod or dancing whenever I was alone. I was non stop. But then Covid-19 hit. Everything around me stopped and I was forced to stop with it. I remember sitting in my room and for the first time in my life, everything was quiet and I could hear myself think. There was this little voice in my head that had gotten so loud that I felt like my brain was going to explode. I didn't know what to do, so I pushed it down and ignored it. I started losing sleep, and on one of those sleepless nights I decided to take a shower. I was upset because my brother was preparing to go off to college and I felt I had missed the chance to become as close to him as I thought a sibling should. Tears began falling down my face and I began struggling for breath. Then I was on the floor of my shower. A few days later I told my mom about it and we figured out that I had an anxiety attack. After that day I was always on edge. I was no longer that same happy little kid who would dance in her room whenever she felt like it. Now I was lashing out at my mom over any conversation. I was also punching my leg as hard as I could whenever I was upset with myself. There were times when I hit myself so hard that I couldn't walk the next day. I confessed to my mom what was happening and we knew that I needed to start therapy. I found out that I have severe anxiety and ADHD. I started taking medicine for my anxiety and was learning new ways to handle my ADHD. I learned that going outside and practicing for my Color Guard team was a great outlet for me to get some of my energy and anger out. Learning to deal with my anxiety was probably the hardest thing I ever had to do. But when we were able to go back to practice and start performing, I was able to lose myself in the music. Competing brought a new type of anxiety, but I learned to embrace it. The next year, I became a team captain and had to take on more responsibility. I learned how to balance school, practice, and performing, while being there for my teammates. Before performances they would often get the same anxiety that I worked through, so sitting down with them and helping them became my favorite part of being a captain. My experiences taught me how to help my friends when they are feeling the way I used to feel. Now when we sit down for dinner and my mom hands me my little white pill, I accept it proudly knowing that without it, I cannot be the person I strive to be.

Before my family sat down to dinner every night, my mom would get everyone's medications. She would take medicine for both her anxiety and her stomach issues, my oldest brother would take medicine for his Tourette’s Syndrome, and my other brother often would take medicine for his anxiety. Dad was on and off medicines for different reasons that I never really knew of, but early on I realized that I was the only one who didn't need to take any medicine. Something about that made me so proud of myself. I was the easy one. Sure I was extremely hyper and loud; I would never stop talking or bouncing off walls. I would record myself talking to my ipod or dancing whenever I was alone. I was non stop. But then Covid-19 hit. Everything around me stopped and I was forced to stop with it. I remember sitting in my room and for the first time in my life, everything was quiet and I could hear myself think. There was this little voice in my head that had gotten so loud that I felt like my brain was going to explode. I didn't know what to do, so I pushed it down and ignored it. I started losing sleep, and on one of those sleepless nights I decided to take a shower. I was upset because my brother was preparing to go off to college and I felt I had missed the chance to become as close to him as I thought a sibling should. Tears began falling down my face and I began struggling for breath. Then I was on the floor of my shower. A few days later I told my mom about it and we figured out that I had an anxiety attack. After that day I was always on edge. I was no longer that same happy little kid who would dance in her room whenever she felt like it. Now I was lashing out at my mom over any conversation. I was also punching my leg as hard as I could whenever I was upset with myself. There were times when I hit myself so hard that I couldn't walk the next day. I confessed to my mom what was happening and we knew that I needed to start therapy. I found out that I have severe anxiety and ADHD. I started taking medicine for my anxiety and was learning new ways to handle my ADHD. I learned that going outside and practicing for my Color Guard team was a great outlet for me to get some of my energy and anger out. Learning to deal with my anxiety was probably the hardest thing I ever had to do. But when we were able to go back to practice and start performing, I was able to lose myself in the music. Competing brought a new type of anxiety, but I learned to embrace it. The next year, I became a team captain and had to take on more responsibility. I learned how to balance school, practice, and performing, while being there for my teammates. Before performances they would often get the same anxiety that I worked through, so sitting down with them and helping them became my favorite part of being a captain. My experiences taught me how to help my friends when they are feeling the way I used to feel. Now when we sit down for dinner and my mom hands me my little white pill, I accept it proudly knowing that without it, I cannot be the person I strive to be.

In January of 2020, the animated series The Owl House was released. This show started off as a silly cartoon show aimed at a young audience about a teenage girl who was transported to a magical realm and set out on the quest to be the first human to learn magic. Not only did the show do an amazing job fulfilling this story line, but it helped the LGBTQ+ community in many ways through the sub-plots added into the storyline. There have been many shows in the past on Disney Channel where fans suspected that either a main character or side character was a part of the LGBTQ+ community, but The Owl House openly portrayed their main character, Luz Noceda, as having a crush and later dating her girlfriend, Amity Blight. There were also many other side characters in LGBTQ relationships such as some of Luz’s friends and some of her friends’ parents. I still remember sitting in my room in 2020 trying to come to terms with my own sexuality. Although I'm lucky enough to have an extremely supportive family, I was still terrified of what others would think since being gay was not considered normal. But Dana Terrace and the animators who created The Owl House never once portrayed the LGBTQ+ community as anything other than normal. Not one character blinked an eye when Luz had a girlfriend rather than a boyfriend. The show made it extremely obvious that there was not one person,no matter if they were a villain or a hero, who had any homophobic tendencies. Not only does this series show other people in the LGBTQ+ community that they are seen, but it can also open the minds of people outside the community. They need to know that people who are gay, non-binary, trans, or anything in between are no different than someone who is straight or cis-gendered. Seeing how nonchalant and accepting every character in the show was when it came to being part of the LGBTQ+ community has given me so much hope for not only my future, but the future of other gay kids who don't get the privilege of coming from the same accepting home that I have. Experiencing the huge positive impact this show made not only on me, but other people in the LGBTQ+ community, has motivated me to strive to do the same. Not only do I want to be an animator and make shows and films that will entertain people, but those that will make a difference in this world.

In January of 2020, the animated series The Owl House was released. This show started off as a silly cartoon show aimed at a young audience about a teenage girl who was transported to a magical realm and set out on the quest to be the first human to learn magic. Not only did the show do an amazing job fulfilling this story line, but it helped the LGBTQ+ community in many ways through the sub-plots added into the storyline. There have been many shows in the past on Disney Channel where fans suspected that either a main character or side character was a part of the LGBTQ+ community, but The Owl House openly portrayed their main character, Luz Noceda, as having a crush and later dating her girlfriend, Amity Blight. There were also many other side characters in LGBTQ relationships such as some of Luz’s friends and some of her friends’ parents. I still remember sitting in my room in 2020 trying to come to terms with my own sexuality. Although I'm lucky enough to have an extremely supportive family, I was still terrified of what others would think since being gay was not considered normal. But Dana Terrace and the animators who created The Owl House never once portrayed the LGBTQ+ community as anything other than normal. Not one character blinked an eye when Luz had a girlfriend rather than a boyfriend. The show made it extremely obvious that there was not one person,no matter if they were a villain or a hero, who had any homophobic tendencies. Not only does this series show other people in the LGBTQ+ community that they are seen, but it can also open the minds of people outside the community. They need to know that people who are gay, non-binary, trans, or anything in between are no different than someone who is straight or cis-gendered. Seeing how nonchalant and accepting every character in the show was when it came to being part of the LGBTQ+ community has given me so much hope for not only my future, but the future of other gay kids who don't get the privilege of coming from the same accepting home that I have. Experiencing the huge positive impact this show made not only on me, but other people in the LGBTQ+ community, has motivated me to strive to do the same. Not only do I want to be an animator and make shows and films that will entertain people, but those that will make a difference in this world.

In January of 2020, the animated series The Owl House was released. This show started off as a silly cartoon show aimed at a young audience about a teenage girl who was transported to a magical realm and set out on the quest to be the first human to learn magic. Not only did the show do an amazing job fulfilling this story line, but it helped the LGBTQ+ community in many ways through the sub-plots added into the storyline. There have been many shows in the past on Disney Channel where fans suspected that either a main character or side character was a part of the LGBTQ+ community, but The Owl House openly portrayed their main character, Luz Noceda, as having a crush and later dating her girlfriend, Amity Blight. There were also many other side characters in LGBTQ relationships such as some of Luz’s friends and some of her friends’ parents. I still remember sitting in my room in 2020 trying to come to terms with my own sexuality. Although I'm lucky enough to have an extremely supportive family, I was still terrified of what others would think since being gay was not considered normal. But Dana Terrace and the animators who created The Owl House never once portrayed the LGBTQ+ community as anything other than normal. Not one character blinked an eye when Luz had a girlfriend rather than a boyfriend. The show made it extremely obvious that there was not one person,no matter if they were a villain or a hero, who had any homophobic tendencies. Not only does this series show other people in the LGBTQ+ community that they are seen, but it can also open the minds of people outside the community. They need to know that people who are gay, non-binary, trans, or anything in between are no different than someone who is straight or cis-gendered. Seeing how nonchalant and accepting every character in the show was when it came to being part of the LGBTQ+ community has given me so much hope for not only my future, but the future of other gay kids who don't get the privilege of coming from the same accepting home that I have. Experiencing the huge positive impact this show made not only on me, but other people in the LGBTQ+ community, has motivated me to strive to do the same. Not only do I want to be an animator and make shows and films that will entertain people, but those that will make a difference in this world.

In January of 2020, the animated series The Owl House was released. This show started off as a silly cartoon show aimed at a young audience about a teenage girl who was transported to a magical realm and set out on the quest to be the first human to learn magic. Not only did the show do an amazing job fulfilling this story line, but it helped the LGBTQ+ community in many ways through the sub-plots added into the storyline. There have been many shows in the past on Disney Channel where fans suspected that either a main character or side character was a part of the LGBTQ+ community, but The Owl House openly portrayed their main character, Luz Noceda, as having a crush and later dating her girlfriend, Amity Blight. There were also many other side characters in LGBTQ relationships such as some of Luz’s friends and some of her friends’ parents. I still remember sitting in my room in 2020 trying to come to terms with my own sexuality. Although I'm lucky enough to have an extremely supportive family, I was still terrified of what others would think since being gay was not considered normal. But Dana Terrace and the animators who created The Owl House never once portrayed the LGBTQ+ community as anything other than normal. Not one character blinked an eye when Luz had a girlfriend rather than a boyfriend. The show made it extremely obvious that there was not one person,no matter if they were a villain or a hero, who had any homophobic tendencies. Not only does this series show other people in the LGBTQ+ community that they are seen, but it can also open the minds of people outside the community. They need to know that people who are gay, non-binary, trans, or anything in between are no different than someone who is straight or cis-gendered. Seeing how nonchalant and accepting every character in the show was when it came to being part of the LGBTQ+ community has given me so much hope for not only my future, but the future of other gay kids who don't get the privilege of coming from the same accepting home that I have. Experiencing the huge positive impact this show made not only on me, but other people in the LGBTQ+ community, has motivated me to strive to do the same. Not only do I want to be an animator and make shows and films that will entertain people, but those that will make a difference in this world.

In January of 2020, the animated series The Owl House was released. This show started off as a silly cartoon show aimed at a young audience about a teenage girl who was transported to a magical realm and set out on the quest to be the first human to learn magic. Not only did the show do an amazing job fulfilling this story line, but it helped the LGBTQ+ community in many ways through the sub-plots added into the storyline. There have been many shows in the past on Disney Channel where fans suspected that either a main character or side character was a part of the LGBTQ+ community, but The Owl House openly portrayed their main character, Luz Noceda, as having a crush and later dating her girlfriend, Amity Blight. There were also many other side characters in LGBTQ relationships such as some of Luz’s friends and some of her friends’ parents. I still remember sitting in my room in 2020 trying to come to terms with my own sexuality. Although I'm lucky enough to have an extremely supportive family, I was still terrified of what others would think since being gay was not considered normal. But Dana Terrace and the animators who created The Owl House never once portrayed the LGBTQ+ community as anything other than normal. Not one character blinked an eye when Luz had a girlfriend rather than a boyfriend. The show made it extremely obvious that there was not one person,no matter if they were a villain or a hero, who had any homophobic tendencies. Not only does this series show other people in the LGBTQ+ community that they are seen, but it can also open the minds of people outside the community. They need to know that people who are gay, non-binary, trans, or anything in between are no different than someone who is straight or cis-gendered. Seeing how nonchalant and accepting every character in the show was when it came to being part of the LGBTQ+ community has given me so much hope for not only my future, but the future of other gay kids who don't get the privilege of coming from the same accepting home that I have. Experiencing the huge positive impact this show made not only on me, but other people in the LGBTQ+ community, has motivated me to strive to do the same. Not only do I want to be an animator and make shows and films that will entertain people, but those that will make a difference in this world.

Before my family sat down to dinner every night, my mom would get everyone's medications. She would take medicine for both her anxiety and her stomach issues, my oldest brother would take medicine for his Tourette’s Syndrome, and my other brother often would take medicine for his anxiety. Dad was on and off medicines for different reasons that I never really knew of, but early on I realized that I was the only one who didn't need to take any medicine. Something about that made me so proud of myself. I was the easy one. Sure I was extremely hyper and loud; I would never stop talking or bouncing off walls. I would record myself talking to my ipod or dancing whenever I was alone. I was non stop. But then Covid-19 hit. Everything around me stopped and I was forced to stop with it. I remember sitting in my room and for the first time in my life, everything was quiet and I could hear myself think. There was this little voice in my head that had gotten so loud that I felt like my brain was going to explode. I didn't know what to do, so I pushed it down and ignored it. I started losing sleep, and on one of those sleepless nights I decided to take a shower. I was upset because my brother was preparing to go off to college and I felt I had missed the chance to become as close to him as I thought a sibling should. Tears began falling down my face and I began struggling for breath. Then I was on the floor of my shower. A few days later I told my mom about it and we figured out that I had an anxiety attack. After that day I was always on edge. I was no longer that same happy little kid who would dance in her room whenever she felt like it. Now I was lashing out at my mom over any conversation. I was also punching my leg as hard as I could whenever I was upset with myself. There were times when I hit myself so hard that I couldn't walk the next day. I confessed to my mom what was happening and we knew that I needed to start therapy. I found out that I have severe anxiety and ADHD. I started taking medicine for my anxiety and was learning new ways to handle my ADHD. I learned that going outside and practicing for my Color Guard team was a great outlet for me to get some of my energy and anger out. Learning to deal with my anxiety was probably the hardest thing I ever had to do. But when we were able to go back to practice and start performing, I was able to lose myself in the music. Competing brought a new type of anxiety, but I learned to embrace it. The next year, I became a team captain and had to take on more responsibility. I learned how to balance school, practice, and performing, while being there for my teammates. Before performances they would often get the same anxiety that I worked through, so sitting down with them and helping them became my favorite part of being a captain. My experiences taught me how to help my friends when they are feeling the way I used to feel. Now when we sit down for dinner and my mom hands me my little white pill, I accept it proudly knowing that without it, I cannot be the person I strive to be.

In January of 2020, the animated series The Owl House was released. This show started off as a silly cartoon show aimed at a young audience about a teenage girl who was transported to a magical realm and set out on the quest to be the first human to learn magic. Not only did the show do an amazing job fulfilling this story line, but it helped the LGBTQ+ community in many ways through the sub-plots added into the storyline. There have been many shows in the past on Disney Channel where fans suspected that either a main character or side character was a part of the LGBTQ+ community, but The Owl House openly portrayed their main character, Luz Noceda, as having a crush and later dating her girlfriend, Amity Blight. There were also many other side characters in LGBTQ relationships such as some of Luz’s friends and some of her friends’ parents. I still remember sitting in my room in 2020 trying to come to terms with my own sexuality. Although I'm lucky enough to have an extremely supportive family, I was still terrified of what others would think since being gay was not considered normal. But Dana Terrace and the animators who created The Owl House never once portrayed the LGBTQ+ community as anything other than normal. Not one character blinked an eye when Luz had a girlfriend rather than a boyfriend. The show made it extremely obvious that there was not one person,no matter if they were a villain or a hero, who had any homophobic tendencies. Not only does this series show other people in the LGBTQ+ community that they are seen, but it can also open the minds of people outside the community. They need to know that people who are gay, non-binary, trans, or anything in between are no different than someone who is straight or cis-gendered. Seeing how nonchalant and accepting every character in the show was when it came to being part of the LGBTQ+ community has given me so much hope for not only my future, but the future of other gay kids who don't get the privilege of coming from the same accepting home that I have. Experiencing the huge positive impact this show made not only on me, but other people in the LGBTQ+ community, has motivated me to strive to do the same. Not only do I want to be an animator and make shows and films that will entertain people, but those that will make a difference in this world.

Before my family sat down to dinner every night, my mom would get everyone's medications. She would take medicine for both her anxiety and her stomach issues, my oldest brother would take medicine for his Tourette’s Syndrome, and my other brother often would take medicine for his anxiety. Dad was on and off medicines for different reasons that I never really knew of, but early on I realized that I was the only one who didn't need to take any medicine. Something about that made me so proud of myself. I was the easy one. Sure I was extremely hyper and loud; I would never stop talking or bouncing off walls. I would record myself talking to my ipod or dancing whenever I was alone. I was non stop. But then Covid-19 hit. Everything around me stopped and I was forced to stop with it. I remember sitting in my room and for the first time in my life, everything was quiet and I could hear myself think. There was this little voice in my head that had gotten so loud that I felt like my brain was going to explode. I didn't know what to do, so I pushed it down and ignored it. I started losing sleep, and on one of those sleepless nights I decided to take a shower. I was upset because my brother was preparing to go off to college and I felt I had missed the chance to become as close to him as I thought a sibling should. Tears began falling down my face and I began struggling for breath. Then I was on the floor of my shower. A few days later I told my mom about it and we figured out that I had an anxiety attack. After that day I was always on edge. I was no longer that same happy little kid who would dance in her room whenever she felt like it. Now I was lashing out at my mom over any conversation. I was also punching my leg as hard as I could whenever I was upset with myself. There were times when I hit myself so hard that I couldn't walk the next day. I confessed to my mom what was happening and we knew that I needed to start therapy. I found out that I have severe anxiety and ADHD. I started taking medicine for my anxiety and was learning new ways to handle my ADHD. I learned that going outside and practicing for my Color Guard team was a great outlet for me to get some of my energy and anger out. Learning to deal with my anxiety was probably the hardest thing I ever had to do. But when we were able to go back to practice and start performing, I was able to lose myself in the music. Competing brought a new type of anxiety, but I learned to embrace it. The next year, I became a team captain and had to take on more responsibility. I learned how to balance school, practice, and performing, while being there for my teammates. Before performances they would often get the same anxiety that I worked through, so sitting down with them and helping them became my favorite part of being a captain. My experiences taught me how to help my friends when they are feeling the way I used to feel. Now when we sit down for dinner and my mom hands me my little white pill, I accept it proudly knowing that without it, I cannot be the person I strive to be.

Before my family sat down to dinner every night, my mom would get everyone's medications. She would take medicine for both her anxiety and her stomach issues, my oldest brother would take medicine for his Tourette’s Syndrome, and my other brother often would take medicine for his anxiety. Dad was on and off medicines for different reasons that I never really knew of, but early on I realized that I was the only one who didn't need to take any medicine. Something about that made me so proud of myself. I was the easy one. Sure I was extremely hyper and loud; I would never stop talking or bouncing off walls. I would record myself talking to my ipod or dancing whenever I was alone. I was non stop. But then Covid-19 hit. Everything around me stopped and I was forced to stop with it. I remember sitting in my room and for the first time in my life, everything was quiet and I could hear myself think. There was this little voice in my head that had gotten so loud that I felt like my brain was going to explode. I didn't know what to do, so I pushed it down and ignored it. I started losing sleep, and on one of those sleepless nights I decided to take a shower. I was upset because my brother was preparing to go off to college and I felt I had missed the chance to become as close to him as I thought a sibling should. Tears began falling down my face and I began struggling for breath. Then I was on the floor of my shower. A few days later I told my mom about it and we figured out that I had an anxiety attack. After that day I was always on edge. I was no longer that same happy little kid who would dance in her room whenever she felt like it. Now I was lashing out at my mom over any conversation. I was also punching my leg as hard as I could whenever I was upset with myself. There were times when I hit myself so hard that I couldn't walk the next day. I confessed to my mom what was happening and we knew that I needed to start therapy. I found out that I have severe anxiety and ADHD. I started taking medicine for my anxiety and was learning new ways to handle my ADHD. I learned that going outside and practicing for my Color Guard team was a great outlet for me to get some of my energy and anger out. Learning to deal with my anxiety was probably the hardest thing I ever had to do. But when we were able to go back to practice and start performing, I was able to lose myself in the music. Competing brought a new type of anxiety, but I learned to embrace it. The next year, I became a team captain and had to take on more responsibility. I learned how to balance school, practice, and performing, while being there for my teammates. Before performances they would often get the same anxiety that I worked through, so sitting down with them and helping them became my favorite part of being a captain. My experiences taught me how to help my friends when they are feeling the way I used to feel. Now when we sit down for dinner and my mom hands me my little white pill, I accept it proudly knowing that without it, I cannot be the person I strive to be.

Before my family sat down to dinner every night, my mom would get everyone's medications. She would take medicine for both her anxiety and her stomach issues, my oldest brother would take medicine for his Tourette’s Syndrome, and my other brother often would take medicine for his anxiety. Dad was on and off medicines for different reasons that I never really knew of, but early on I realized that I was the only one who didn't need to take any medicine. Something about that made me so proud of myself. I was the easy one. Sure I was extremely hyper and loud; I would never stop talking or bouncing off walls. I would record myself talking to my ipod or dancing whenever I was alone. I was non stop. But then Covid-19 hit. Everything around me stopped and I was forced to stop with it. I remember sitting in my room and for the first time in my life, everything was quiet and I could hear myself think. There was this little voice in my head that had gotten so loud that I felt like my brain was going to explode. I didn't know what to do, so I pushed it down and ignored it. I started losing sleep, and on one of those sleepless nights I decided to take a shower. I was upset because my brother was preparing to go off to college and I felt I had missed the chance to become as close to him as I thought a sibling should. Tears began falling down my face and I began struggling for breath. Then I was on the floor of my shower. A few days later I told my mom about it and we figured out that I had an anxiety attack. After that day I was always on edge. I was no longer that same happy little kid who would dance in her room whenever she felt like it. Now I was lashing out at my mom over any conversation. I was also punching my leg as hard as I could whenever I was upset with myself. There were times when I hit myself so hard that I couldn't walk the next day. I confessed to my mom what was happening and we knew that I needed to start therapy. I found out that I have severe anxiety and ADHD. I started taking medicine for my anxiety and was learning new ways to handle my ADHD. I learned that going outside and practicing for my Color Guard team was a great outlet for me to get some of my energy and anger out. Learning to deal with my anxiety was probably the hardest thing I ever had to do. But when we were able to go back to practice and start performing, I was able to lose myself in the music. Competing brought a new type of anxiety, but I learned to embrace it. The next year, I became a team captain and had to take on more responsibility. I learned how to balance school, practice, and performing, while being there for my teammates. Before performances they would often get the same anxiety that I worked through, so sitting down with them and helping them became my favorite part of being a captain. My experiences taught me how to help my friends when they are feeling the way I used to feel. Now when we sit down for dinner and my mom hands me my little white pill, I accept it proudly knowing that without it, I cannot be the person I strive to be.

Before my family sat down to dinner every night, my mom would get everyone's medications. She would take medicine for both her anxiety and her stomach issues, my oldest brother would take medicine for his Tourette’s Syndrome, and my other brother often would take medicine for his anxiety. Dad was on and off medicines for different reasons that I never really knew of, but early on I realized that I was the only one who didn't need to take any medicine. Something about that made me so proud of myself. I was the easy one. Sure I was extremely hyper and loud; I would never stop talking or bouncing off walls. I would record myself talking to my ipod or dancing whenever I was alone. I was non stop. But then Covid-19 hit. Everything around me stopped and I was forced to stop with it. I remember sitting in my room and for the first time in my life, everything was quiet and I could hear myself think. There was this little voice in my head that had gotten so loud that I felt like my brain was going to explode. I didn't know what to do, so I pushed it down and ignored it. I started losing sleep, and on one of those sleepless nights I decided to take a shower. I was upset because my brother was preparing to go off to college and I felt I had missed the chance to become as close to him as I thought a sibling should. Tears began falling down my face and I began struggling for breath. Then I was on the floor of my shower. A few days later I told my mom about it and we figured out that I had an anxiety attack. After that day I was always on edge. I was no longer that same happy little kid who would dance in her room whenever she felt like it. Now I was lashing out at my mom over any conversation. I was also punching my leg as hard as I could whenever I was upset with myself. There were times when I hit myself so hard that I couldn't walk the next day. I confessed to my mom what was happening and we knew that I needed to start therapy. I found out that I have severe anxiety and ADHD. I started taking medicine for my anxiety and was learning new ways to handle my ADHD. I learned that going outside and practicing for my Color Guard team was a great outlet for me to get some of my energy and anger out. Learning to deal with my anxiety was probably the hardest thing I ever had to do. But when we were able to go back to practice and start performing, I was able to lose myself in the music. Competing brought a new type of anxiety, but I learned to embrace it. The next year, I became a team captain and had to take on more responsibility. I learned how to balance school, practice, and performing, while being there for my teammates. Before performances they would often get the same anxiety that I worked through, so sitting down with them and helping them became my favorite part of being a captain. My experiences taught me how to help my friends when they are feeling the way I used to feel. Now when we sit down for dinner and my mom hands me my little white pill, I accept it proudly knowing that without it, I cannot be the person I strive to be.

In January of 2020, the animated series The Owl House was released. This show started off as a silly cartoon show aimed at a young audience about a teenage girl who was transported to a magical realm and set out on the quest to be the first human to learn magic. Not only did the show do an amazing job fulfilling this story line, but it helped the LGBTQ+ community in many ways through the sub-plots added into the storyline. There have been many shows in the past on Disney Channel where fans suspected that either a main character or side character was a part of the LGBTQ+ community, but The Owl House openly portrayed their main character, Luz Noceda, as having a crush and later dating her girlfriend, Amity Blight. There were also many other side characters in LGBTQ relationships such as some of Luz’s friends and some of her friends’ parents. I still remember sitting in my room in 2020 trying to come to terms with my own sexuality. Although I'm lucky enough to have an extremely supportive family, I was still terrified of what others would think since being gay was not considered normal. But Dana Terrace and the animators who created The Owl House never once portrayed the LGBTQ+ community as anything other than normal. Not one character blinked an eye when Luz had a girlfriend rather than a boyfriend. The show made it extremely obvious that there was not one person,no matter if they were a villain or a hero, who had any homophobic tendencies. Not only does this series show other people in the LGBTQ+ community that they are seen, but it can also open the minds of people outside the community. They need to know that people who are gay, non-binary, trans, or anything in between are no different than someone who is straight or cis-gendered. Seeing how nonchalant and accepting every character in the show was when it came to being part of the LGBTQ+ community has given me so much hope for not only my future, but the future of other gay kids who don't get the privilege of coming from the same accepting home that I have. Experiencing the huge positive impact this show made not only on me, but other people in the LGBTQ+ community, has motivated me to strive to do the same. Not only do I want to be an animator and make shows and films that will entertain people, but those that will make a difference in this world.

Before my family sat down to dinner every night, my mom would get everyone's medications. She would take medicine for both her anxiety and her stomach issues, my oldest brother would take medicine for his Tourette’s Syndrome, and my other brother often would take medicine for his anxiety. Dad was on and off medicines for different reasons that I never really knew of, but early on I realized that I was the only one who didn't need to take any medicine. Something about that made me so proud of myself. I was the easy one. Sure I was extremely hyper and loud; I would never stop talking or bouncing off walls. I would record myself talking to my ipod or dancing whenever I was alone. I was non stop. But then Covid-19 hit. Everything around me stopped and I was forced to stop with it. I remember sitting in my room and for the first time in my life, everything was quiet and I could hear myself think. There was this little voice in my head that had gotten so loud that I felt like my brain was going to explode. I didn't know what to do, so I pushed it down and ignored it. I started losing sleep, and on one of those sleepless nights I decided to take a shower. I was upset because my brother was preparing to go off to college and I felt I had missed the chance to become as close to him as I thought a sibling should. Tears began falling down my face and I began struggling for breath. Then I was on the floor of my shower. A few days later I told my mom about it and we figured out that I had an anxiety attack. After that day I was always on edge. I was no longer that same happy little kid who would dance in her room whenever she felt like it. Now I was lashing out at my mom over any conversation. I was also punching my leg as hard as I could whenever I was upset with myself. There were times when I hit myself so hard that I couldn't walk the next day. I confessed to my mom what was happening and we knew that I needed to start therapy. I found out that I have severe anxiety and ADHD. I started taking medicine for my anxiety and was learning new ways to handle my ADHD. I learned that going outside and practicing for my Color Guard team was a great outlet for me to get some of my energy and anger out. Learning to deal with my anxiety was probably the hardest thing I ever had to do. But when we were able to go back to practice and start performing, I was able to lose myself in the music. Competing brought a new type of anxiety, but I learned to embrace it. The next year, I became a team captain and had to take on more responsibility. I learned how to balance school, practice, and performing, while being there for my teammates. Before performances they would often get the same anxiety that I worked through, so sitting down with them and helping them became my favorite part of being a captain. My experiences taught me how to help my friends when they are feeling the way I used to feel. Now when we sit down for dinner and my mom hands me my little white pill, I accept it proudly knowing that without it, I cannot be the person I strive to be.

In January of 2020, the animated series The Owl House was released. This show started off as a silly cartoon show aimed at a young audience about a teenage girl who was transported to a magical realm and set out on the quest to be the first human to learn magic. Not only did the show do an amazing job fulfilling this story line, but it helped the LGBTQ+ community in many ways through the sub-plots added into the storyline. There have been many shows in the past on Disney Channel where fans suspected that either a main character or side character was a part of the LGBTQ+ community, but The Owl House openly portrayed their main character, Luz Noceda, as having a crush and later dating her girlfriend, Amity Blight. There were also many other side characters in LGBTQ relationships such as some of Luz’s friends and some of her friends’ parents. I still remember sitting in my room in 2020 trying to come to terms with my own sexuality. Although I'm lucky enough to have an extremely supportive family, I was still terrified of what others would think since being gay was not considered normal. But Dana Terrace and the animators who created The Owl House never once portrayed the LGBTQ+ community as anything other than normal. Not one character blinked an eye when Luz had a girlfriend rather than a boyfriend. The show made it extremely obvious that there was not one person,no matter if they were a villain or a hero, who had any homophobic tendencies. Not only does this series show other people in the LGBTQ+ community that they are seen, but it can also open the minds of people outside the community. They need to know that people who are gay, non-binary, trans, or anything in between are no different than someone who is straight or cis-gendered. Seeing how nonchalant and accepting every character in the show was when it came to being part of the LGBTQ+ community has given me so much hope for not only my future, but the future of other gay kids who don't get the privilege of coming from the same accepting home that I have. Experiencing the huge positive impact this show made not only on me, but other people in the LGBTQ+ community, has motivated me to strive to do the same. Not only do I want to be an animator and make shows and films that will entertain people, but those that will make a difference in this world.

In January of 2020, the animated series The Owl House was released. This show started off as a silly cartoon show aimed at a young audience about a teenage girl who was transported to a magical realm and set out on the quest to be the first human to learn magic. Not only did the show do an amazing job fulfilling this story line, but it helped the LGBTQ+ community in many ways through the sub-plots added into the storyline. There have been many shows in the past on Disney Channel where fans suspected that either a main character or side character was a part of the LGBTQ+ community, but The Owl House openly portrayed their main character, Luz Noceda, as having a crush and later dating her girlfriend, Amity Blight. There were also many other side characters in LGBTQ relationships such as some of Luz’s friends and some of her friends’ parents. I still remember sitting in my room in 2020 trying to come to terms with my own sexuality. Although I'm lucky enough to have an extremely supportive family, I was still terrified of what others would think since being gay was not considered normal. But Dana Terrace and the animators who created The Owl House never once portrayed the LGBTQ+ community as anything other than normal. Not one character blinked an eye when Luz had a girlfriend rather than a boyfriend. The show made it extremely obvious that there was not one person,no matter if they were a villain or a hero, who had any homophobic tendencies. Not only does this series show other people in the LGBTQ+ community that they are seen, but it can also open the minds of people outside the community. They need to know that people who are gay, non-binary, trans, or anything in between are no different than someone who is straight or cis-gendered. Seeing how nonchalant and accepting every character in the show was when it came to being part of the LGBTQ+ community has given me so much hope for not only my future, but the future of other gay kids who don't get the privilege of coming from the same accepting home that I have. Experiencing the huge positive impact this show made not only on me, but other people in the LGBTQ+ community, has motivated me to strive to do the same. Not only do I want to be an animator and make shows and films that will entertain people, but those that will make a difference in this world.

In January of 2020, the animated series The Owl House was released. This show started off as a silly cartoon show aimed at a young audience about a teenage girl who was transported to a magical realm and set out on the quest to be the first human to learn magic. Not only did the show do an amazing job fulfilling this story line, but it helped the LGBTQ+ community in many ways through the sub-plots added into the storyline. There have been many shows in the past on Disney Channel where fans suspected that either a main character or side character was a part of the LGBTQ+ community, but The Owl House openly portrayed their main character, Luz Noceda, as having a crush and later dating her girlfriend, Amity Blight. There were also many other side characters in LGBTQ relationships such as some of Luz’s friends and some of her friends’ parents. I still remember sitting in my room in 2020 trying to come to terms with my own sexuality. Although I'm lucky enough to have an extremely supportive family, I was still terrified of what others would think since being gay was not considered normal. But Dana Terrace and the animators who created The Owl House never once portrayed the LGBTQ+ community as anything other than normal. Not one character blinked an eye when Luz had a girlfriend rather than a boyfriend. The show made it extremely obvious that there was not one person,no matter if they were a villain or a hero, who had any homophobic tendencies. Not only does this series show other people in the LGBTQ+ community that they are seen, but it can also open the minds of people outside the community. They need to know that people who are gay, non-binary, trans, or anything in between are no different than someone who is straight or cis-gendered. Seeing how nonchalant and accepting every character in the show was when it came to being part of the LGBTQ+ community has given me so much hope for not only my future, but the future of other gay kids who don't get the privilege of coming from the same accepting home that I have. Experiencing the huge positive impact this show made not only on me, but other people in the LGBTQ+ community, has motivated me to strive to do the same. Not only do I want to be an animator and make shows and films that will entertain people, but those that will make a difference in this world.

Nature has inspired almost every art piece I have made. I find the contrast of beauty and danger so fascinating that I try my best to relay it to others through my art. Weather it be by basing the entire piece off of nature or just adding a few hints throughout, it plays a huge part in everything I make. It inspires me, therefore it’s only right for me to pay my respects back by dedicating my art to it.

In January of 2020, the animated series The Owl House was released. This show started off as a silly cartoon show aimed at a young audience about a teenage girl who was transported to a magical realm and set out on the quest to be the first human to learn magic. Not only did the show do an amazing job fulfilling this story line, but it helped the LGBTQ+ community in many ways through the sub-plots added into the storyline. There have been many shows in the past on Disney Channel where fans suspected that either a main character or side character was a part of the LGBTQ+ community, but The Owl House openly portrayed their main character, Luz Noceda, as having a crush and later dating her girlfriend, Amity Blight. There were also many other side characters in LGBTQ relationships such as some of Luz’s friends and some of her friends’ parents. I still remember sitting in my room in 2020 trying to come to terms with my own sexuality. Although I'm lucky enough to have an extremely supportive family, I was still terrified of what others would think since being gay was not considered normal. But Dana Terrace and the animators who created The Owl House never once portrayed the LGBTQ+ community as anything other than normal. Not one character blinked an eye when Luz had a girlfriend rather than a boyfriend. The show made it extremely obvious that there was not one person,no matter if they were a villain or a hero, who had any homophobic tendencies. Not only does this series show other people in the LGBTQ+ community that they are seen, but it can also open the minds of people outside the community. They need to know that people who are gay, non-binary, trans, or anything in between are no different than someone who is straight or cis-gendered. Seeing how nonchalant and accepting every character in the show was when it came to being part of the LGBTQ+ community has given me so much hope for not only my future, but the future of other gay kids who don't get the privilege of coming from the same accepting home that I have. Experiencing the huge positive impact this show made not only on me, but other people in the LGBTQ+ community, has motivated me to strive to do the same. Not only do I want to be an animator and make shows and films that will entertain people, but those that will make a difference in this world.

In January of 2020, the animated series The Owl House was released. This show started off as a silly cartoon show aimed at a young audience about a teenage girl who was transported to a magical realm and set out on the quest to be the first human to learn magic. Not only did the show do an amazing job fulfilling this story line, but it helped the LGBTQ+ community in many ways through the sub-plots added into the storyline. There have been many shows in the past on Disney Channel where fans suspected that either a main character or side character was a part of the LGBTQ+ community, but The Owl House openly portrayed their main character, Luz Noceda, as having a crush and later dating her girlfriend, Amity Blight. There were also many other side characters in LGBTQ relationships such as some of Luz’s friends and some of her friends’ parents. I still remember sitting in my room in 2020 trying to come to terms with my own sexuality. Although I'm lucky enough to have an extremely supportive family, I was still terrified of what others would think since being gay was not considered normal. But Dana Terrace and the animators who created The Owl House never once portrayed the LGBTQ+ community as anything other than normal. Not one character blinked an eye when Luz had a girlfriend rather than a boyfriend. The show made it extremely obvious that there was not one person,no matter if they were a villain or a hero, who had any homophobic tendencies. Not only does this series show other people in the LGBTQ+ community that they are seen, but it can also open the minds of people outside the community. They need to know that people who are gay, non-binary, trans, or anything in between are no different than someone who is straight or cis-gendered. Seeing how nonchalant and accepting every character in the show was when it came to being part of the LGBTQ+ community has given me so much hope for not only my future, but the future of other gay kids who don't get the privilege of coming from the same accepting home that I have. Experiencing the huge positive impact this show made not only on me, but other people in the LGBTQ+ community, has motivated me to strive to do the same. Not only do I want to be an animator and make shows and films that will entertain people, but those that will make a difference in this world.