As president of the March for Our Lives chapter at Idyllwild Arts Academy, I've been at the forefront of a movement that has profoundly shaped my high school experience. March for Our Lives, a youth-led organization dedicated to preventing gun violence, became my platform to channel passion into action for social justice and community safety. My involvement began as a response to the tragic school shootings plaguing our nation. Learning about the devastating impact of gun violence across America compelled me to act. Leading our school's chapter allowed me to transform concern into concrete steps towards change. As president, I organized events to raise awareness about gun violence and promote safety. We held regular meetings to educate peers about gun safety laws and civic engagement. I coordinated peaceful demonstrations, including a school walkout that united hundreds of students in solidarity with gun violence victims. Our most impactful project was a letter-writing campaign to local and state representatives, urging support for common-sense gun legislation. This initiative amplified our voices and taught us valuable lessons about civic participation and the legislative process. My role extended beyond campus. I represented our chapter at regional March for Our Lives events, networking with other young activists and learning from experienced organizers. These experiences broadened my perspective and honed my leadership skills, teaching me to mobilize peers, communicate effectively with diverse audiences, and persevere through challenges. Leading this chapter has contributed immensely to my personal growth. It instilled a sense of community responsibility and belief in collective action. I've developed crucial skills in public speaking, event planning, and team management – abilities that will serve me well in future endeavors. This experience has solidified my commitment to public service and social justice. It's shown me that young people can effect meaningful change, and that persistent, organized efforts can address even the most complex societal issues. As I look ahead, I carry the lessons and inspiration from my time with March for Our Lives. Charles B. Brazelton's tragic story resonates deeply with our mission, reminding us of the urgent need to address gun violence. I'm more determined than ever to continue this important work, honor victims like Charles, and contribute to creating a safer world. The Charles B. Brazelton Memorial Scholarship would support my educational goals and affirm the importance of youth engagement in fighting gun violence. I'm committed to carrying forward this scholarship's spirit, using my education and experiences to work towards a future free from the fear of gun violence. Through my extracurricular leadership in March for Our Lives, I've not only contributed to a vital cause but also grown as a student, leader, and citizen. This experience has been integral to my success, shaping my values, skills, and aspirations. I'm eager to continue this journey of growth and positive impact in my future studies and beyond.

From tutoring elementary school students to mentoring high schoolers, I have found my life's passion in empowering others to unlock their abilities and achieve their dreams. This driving force has motivated me throughout years of volunteering and community service focused on nurturing the academic and personal growth of those around me. My first experience as a tutor came in high school when I started volunteering at a local elementary school. Working one-on-one with younger students, I saw firsthand how the right guidance, encouragement, and support could completely transform a child's academic trajectory. Many of the kids I tutored struggled not because they lacked intellect, but because they lacked foundational confidence in themselves. As I adapted my teaching style to their unique needs and learning preferences, I watched their self-assurance blossom week after week. One particularly memorable student, Jacob, began the year utterly dreading reading time. But by finding engaging books he could relate to and nurturing his budding interests, Jacob's perspective shifted. By the end of the school year, he had become an enthusiastic storyteller, eager to discuss the novels we read together. This experience crystallized that true mentorship extends far beyond just academic instruction. Helping others achieve their full potential requires incredible patience, an individualized approach that brings out their distinct strengths, and consistent positive reinforcement of even the smallest victories. I make it my mission to instill a growth mindset, reframing challenges as opportunities for cultivating resilience and perseverance. My role is to empower, not to lecture or impose – to inspire others to become self-motivated leaders themselves. In college, I had the opportunity to combine my passions for mentorship and community service by volunteering as an academic coach and tutor for underprivileged middle and high school students. Working closely with my mentee Grace over two years, I helped her map out her goals, develop productive study habits, manage intense academic pressures, and navigate the ambiguous complexities of the college application process. Watching Grace's time management abilities, self-confidence, and self-advocacy skills grow exponentially was one of my most proud accomplishments. It reinforced the catalytic impact just one dedicated mentor can have. Whether tutoring kindergarteners in reading, coaching high schoolers through college prep, or volunteering at community outreach programs, I have found profound purpose in playing a role in others' journeys of self-actualization. Empowering people to achieve their dreams has become my life's calling and a passion I aim to uphold through future career paths in education, counseling, and community leadership. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship and further my own journey of helping others become the best versions of themselves.

As an international film and media arts student from Hong Kong, I am driven to leverage the world-class education and cross-cultural perspectives I have gained studying in the United States to spark positive change through impactful storytelling back home. Hong Kong has undergone immense social and political turbulence, but I believe elevating the authentic narratives and creativity of globally-minded artists is vital for guiding the city towards a more equitable and sustainable future. From a young age, I was instilled with a profound appreciation for Hong Kong's resilient spirit and identity as a diverse intersection of Eastern and Western cultures. Yet I also witnessed firsthand the socioeconomic divides, generational conflicts, and clashes over identity that can arise in a city so complexly shaped by its colonial history and globalization. My experience studying film and media in the U.S. has provided invaluable mentors and frameworks for thinking critically about how to preserve Hong Kong's essence while addressing deep-rooted systemic issues through authentic, emotionally resonant storytelling. As a multimedia artist concentrating in cinematic arts and immersive media, I aim to return to Hong Kong and amplify underrepresented voices in Cantonese cinema and culture. My vision is to work at the vanguard of Hong Kong's film and media arts, directing and producing compelling stories that spark dialogue around societal injustices, the perseverance of marginalized communities, and forging an inclusive path forward while uplifting local talent and perspectives. By nurturing original narratives that blend avant-garde style with Hong Kong's rich storytelling traditions, I am convinced we can progressively shape the cultural consciousness. Beyond my professional aspirations, I am deeply passionate about strengthening intergenerational and diasporic connections to Hong Kong's heritage through the arts. On campus, I have spearheaded multimedia arts showcases, film festivals, and interdisciplinary collaborations aimed at providing a vital platform for Hong Kong artists and youth perspectives. My goal is to empower Hong Kong's global creative diaspora while generating discourse around our homeland's multifaceted identity and stories that must be preserved. Receiving this generous scholarship would provide me tremendous support in completing my interdisciplinary film, media arts and cultural studies education. More importantly, it would be an empowering investment in my role as an emerging creative leader and catalyst for uplifting Hong Kong's artistic voice. The socioeconomic and identity conflicts I have witnessed will only find resolution through elevated dialogue - and what better way than daring, transcendent art that opens minds and hearts? With this opportunity, I can gain the technical and philosophical foundations to wield my multimedia artistry as a force for progressive change in Hong Kong. I will synthesize the innovative storytelling skills and global perspectives gained at my American university to authentically capture Hong Kong's hopes and truths through an intersectional lens. My films, immersive experiences and multimedia works will serve as an artistic bridge for intergenerational understanding and societal healing. Ultimately, I want to be a vanguard helping steer Hong Kong's artistic and cultural renaissance in a spirit of empathy, innovation, and reclamation of narratives. My education will be the launchpad for me to give back to the city that made me who I am through the powerful human stories only I can tell. Hong Kong's destiny will be shaped by fresh, original voices and creative activation - I intend to be at the heart of that transformation.

My passion for the arts was first sparked by the indelible music and pop culture footprint of the 1970s. As a child, I was transfixed watching vintage concert footage of boundary-breaking artists like David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, and Joni Mitchell on the classic albums my parents would play. Their singular artistry, unapologetic self-expression, and the sheer electricity of their live performances awakened something in my young imagination. Even at that age, I was able to vividly feel the undercurrents of cultural revolution happening through their music and theatrical personas. The 70s represented a seismic shift in the role of art and music in society. For perhaps the first time, popular music became an influential vehicle for sparking important dialogues around civil rights, feminism, environmentalism, and free love. Innovative artists and bands were unafraid to confront the zeitgeist with raw honesty, whether through Marvin Gaye's poignant "What's Going On," Patti Smith's primal punk poetry, or Pink Floyd's psychedelic exploration of the human condition. When I experienced the electrifying impact of this decade's artistic expression, my path forwardcrystallized - I wanted to be a creator who could energize the world and shed light on vital truths through my art. This revelation motivated me to pursue studies in multimedia arts, filmmaking, and creative writing, determined to synthesize the technical crafts and narrative sorcery of the 70s trailblazers I so admired. Throughout my academic career, I've been endlessly inspired to push boundaries and imbue works with deeper meaning, whether developing experimental short films that explore climate anxiety or producing avant-garde photoshoots channeling the era's bold androgynous fashion. Any project I take on becomes an opportunity to carry the 70s clarion call of provoking societal introspection through resonant storytelling and sheer artistic bravado. I aim to build a career merging my skill disciplines and insatiable creative drive into curating transformational multimedia art experiences. Just as landmark 70s works like The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Tommy, and "Bohemian Rhapsody" created shared cultural moments of celebration and awakening, I aspire to become an artistic voice that uplifts the human spirit, challenges perspectives, and sparks progressive dialogues. Receiving the "Fans of 70s Popstars" scholarship would not only provide critical financial support as I complete my degree, but also embolden me with the validation to persevere breaking new creative ground. The 70s showed us that music and art are not just about entertainment, but essential fuel for provoking change, galvanizing social consciousness, and finding courage to live authentically. While society's struggles have evolved, the timeless human truths that era's art captured about identity, love, activism, and existence itself remain as vital as ever to experience. I feel a profound duty to uplift those torches of possibility and visceral artistic passion. With this scholarship, I can continue on the path of becoming a 21st century creator who sparks cultural awakenings through my works' originality, depth, and emotional power - perhaps even inspiring future generations the same way those iconic 70s popstars inspired me.

One of the biggest adversities I've had to confront was the loss of my father during my later teenage years. He had been battling cancer for several years, and I vividly remember the pain and upheaval of witnessing his decline, as well as coming to grips with his mortality. Those final moments at his bedside, holding his frail hand as he took his last breaths - it's a memory singed into me. At 17 years old, being confronted with that level of grief and the permanence of death challenged me in ways I wasn't prepared for. In the aftermath, I struggled immensely with anger, sadness, and what felt like an earth-shattering loss of identity and sense of security. With my father gone and my family reeling in the wake of this tragedy, I found myself cast unmoored - unsure of my place in the world and of how to process the magnitude of emotions ricocheting within me. My once-strong self-confidence was shattered, my motivations and passions calcified by the weight of mourning. Those first few years moving through the stages of grief were some of my darkest. I withdrew into myself socially and academically, letting important relationships wither as I grappled internally with the all-consuming "why" of this trauma. My mental health suffered - therapy and even medication were necessities to keep me afloat. There were certainly unhealthy coping mechanisms and self-destructive periods I'm not proud of. Simply putting one foot in front of the other day-to-day felt like a herculean effort. Yet it was this very adversity that forced me to confront hard truths about life and ultimately emerge more resilient. I had to make the wrenching, conscious decision to face and work through my pain, instead of becoming endlessly consumed by it. With the compassionate help of loved ones, clinical resources, and my own introspection, I gradually learned to find personal power in losing my father. His memory became a source of strength - all the values, wisdom, and unconditional love he imbued in me during our limited time together. It was a long journey of healing, but I transformed that all-encompassing loss into the motivation to live authentically and chase my ambitions with newfound urgency. My father's death stripped away any illusions I had about embracing life's precariousness and to appreciate each moment as the fleeting gift it is. While the sadness will never fully disappear, I emerged from that trauma more appreciative, emotionally resilient, and boldly self-aware. His passing forever sensitized me to the beauty and fragility of the human experience that I now aim to capture in my multimedia art. To anyone facing seemingly insurmountable adversity like tragic loss or hardship, I would emphasize that healing is non-linear, but possible with conviction. Be gentle and patient with yourself, but also intentional about seeking help to process the trauma. Share your burdens with trusted loved ones, embrace healthy coping outlets that spark joy. Most importantly, confront the darkness within you - anger, sadness, doubts - to let it ultimately refine you into a stronger, more empathetic version of yourself. You alone decide the meaning and redemption you extract from life's tribulations. My father's final gift was that indelible wisdom - now I work daily to honor it.

After being exposed to the transformative power of theatre arts from a young age, I've become most passionate about pursuing the arena of theater directing and artistic direction. From the spark of a visionary concept to its full realization on the stage, I'm drawn to the comprehensive creative vision and multidisciplinary talents required of theater directors. It is a craft that allows me to synthesize my myriad interests and skills into an imaginative, collaborative whole. At its core, directing theatre emerges from the desire to share compelling human stories that resonate across cultures and periods. What captivates me is the ability to take an existing script or spark of an idea and develop a singular, fully-conceptualized artistic interpretation - one that stretches boundaries and challenges audiences to see the world through new lenses. Theater directors serve as curators of experience, mining universal truths and generating fresh relevance from texts. I'm excited by using this artistic practice as a vehicle for fostering greater empathy and pushing important societal dialogues forward. Becoming adept at the comprehensive vision of directing also allows me to interweave all the art forms that most inspire me. From the visual artistry of set, lighting, and costume design to the choreographic and auditory dynamics of staging and live music, theater direction requires an intuitive fluency across mediums. My background studying multimedia arts like filmmaking, animation, and photography lends itself well to establishing a cohesive stylistic directorial perspective that elevates symbolic storytelling. I have a passion for creating fully immersive theatrical worlds steeped in layers of metaphor and meaning. Furthermore, I find the role of the theater director as a collaborative leader and expert communicator to be an especially rewarding aspect. It is a discipline that necessitates being able to galvanize creative teams across actors, designers, technicians and more - uniting their talents towards achieving one galvanizing artistic aspiration. I thrive off the energy of not just presenting my own interpretations, but facilitating an open dialogue that allows a production to organically bloom through respectful discourse. My personal artistic ethos aligns with being a curator of perspectives and honoring each artist's vital contributions to the whole. Ultimately, I'm drawn to this arena because of theater's unique power to create lasting connections and rich emotional resonance with live audiences. From the thrill of witnessing an awe-inspiring performance unfolding in real time, to the electricity of crowd reactions and talk-backs, to the shared community cultivated - theatrical works have a special capacity to impart enduring impact. As a director and artistic leader, I'll be able to channel all my passions for visual arts, music, writing, performance, and working with people to craft transformative experiences that stick with audiences forever. It's the ideal artistic alchemy I've envisioned building my career around from a young age.

The arts have been a profound driving force in my life since I was a child - a way to explore my innermost curiosities, find solace, and make sense of the world around me. From an early age, I was always the kid doodling fantastical characters in notebooks, desperate to breathe life into the vivid dreamscapes flickering through my imagination. Art became my first language for expression and understanding. I vividly remember spending long після hours in the public library near my childhood home, poring over illustrated storybooks and museum exhibition catalogs with an insatiable hunger. I was mesmerized by how these artistic works could magically transport me into whole new emotional and conceptual realms with just a turn of the page. The enchanting styles and stories of trailblazers like Maurice Sendak, Faith Ringgold, and Jacob Lawrence sparked in me a deep appreciation for art's ability to unlock empathy, bridge cultures, and capture unmined facets of the human spirit. As I grew older, art became a powerful outlet amidst several upheavals and periods of feeling adrift. When my parents divorced during my early teenage years, creating became a therapeutic sanctuary of sorts. Long summer days whiled away in the basement, paintbrush in hand, my canvases providing containers for the emotional turmoil I didn't yet have proper language for. Art healed and allowed me to process trauma at my own pace through colors, forms, and imagined universes where I had control. In high school, I found further refuge in the theatre department while navigating intense social pressures and identity struggles. Performing in musicals and getting lost in character studies opened up new dimensions of self-discovery, empathy, and confidence that had been dampened for quite some time. The stage became a transformative channel for me to tap into unexplored facets of creativity while finding community with fellow misfits and allies. These formative experiences catalyzed my realization of just how vital art is as an educational force, emotional salve, and uniting bridge between people of all backgrounds. The arts gave me voice during periods of voicelessness and a way to metabolize the beauty and complexities of the human experience. They allowed me to connect more richly with others, myself, and the wider world around me. Driven by this personal understanding of art's intrinsic power to enlighten, explore truth, and elevate our shared consciousness, I've dedicated my career path to generating impactful multimedia works that both entertain and inspire. Whether through film, photography, digital design, or beyond, I aim to proliferate evocative stories and reimagined perspectives that can open minds and eyes. The arts saved me as a young person - now, I'm committed to harnessing their transcendent magic to better illuminate our multifaceted human experiences and catalyze positive change.

The everyday world around me serves as a constant source of inspiration and fuel for my creative expression as an artist. I find artistic sparks in the most mundane details and fleeting moments that often go overlooked. Something as simple as the warm glow of sunrise peeking through the cracks of a city skyline can trigger ideas about light, lines, and the juxtaposition of the natural with the human-made world. The personalities and quirks of strangers I encounter on the street eating, laughing, or just living their lives have a way of informing new character studies. Even an overheard snatch of conversation can plant the seed for an entire narrative to bloom in my mind's eye. I'm especially fascinated by how people interact with and shape their environments, unconsciously adding layers of beauty, texture, and human imprints through their daily movements and routines. Cracks in sidewalks, the decay of old buildings, the frenetic energy of a morning commute - these naturally occurring urban scenes are alive with abstract visual storytelling that inspire much of my artistic voice. My aim is to take these morsels of inspiration from the everyday and amplify them into works that highlight the hidden poetry and revelatory moments found in the seemingly ordinary. Using multi-media formats like photography, videography, painting, and digital art, I strive to create art that makes the viewer pause and reconsider the authentic beauty and rich complexity concealed within the familiar world around us.

My best friend Jenna and I first met during our freshman year of college when we lived across the hall from each other in the dorms. From the very first night, we instantly clicked over our shared love of movies, comedy, and getting into shenanigans around campus. Jenna had this magnetic personality - she was always the life of every party, but also one of the most caring, loyal people I knew. One defining moment that solidified our friendship happened later that year. I was going through a really rough time dealing with family issues back home. I didn't have much of a support system at school yet. But Jenna was the one person who I could fully open up to and who stuck by my side through all the ups and downs without judgment. Whether it was listening for hours over tea or choreographing silly dances to cheer me up, Jenna's compassion helped me make it through that difficult period. I realized then how lucky I was to have a true friend like her in my life. Our friendship has been defined by so many hilarious hijinks and adventures over the years too. We've explored countless comedy clubs, concerts, and restaurants all across the city. I'll never forget when we once got kicked out of an improv show for heckling the performers too much! Or when we accidentally trespassed onto a golf course at 3am attempting to stargaze. We have an uncanny ability to find ourselves in absurd situations, yet somehow make it through relatively unscathed thanks to our teamwork. More than anything though, what makes my friendship with Jenna so important is knowing that I have someone just as crazy but also unconditionally supportive in my corner, no matter what. We've been there for each other through breakups, family losses, career stresses, you name it. We give each other sincere feedback and inspire one another constantly. Having that kind of reliable, non-judgmental best friend relationship is so vital, especially given all the curveballs life throws our way. Jenna is the kind of friend who pushes me to be my most authentic, confident self. She makes me believe that any dream is possible with the right mix of resilience and laughing at yourself. Our friendship has taught me the value of cultivating rides-or-dies who uplift you and make amazing memories along the way. I wouldn't be who I am today without her hilarious perspectives and nuggets of tough love.

I am deeply passionate about multimedia arts because of the incredible power this creative field has to inspire people, spark important dialogues, and positively shape culture. From a young age, I was captivated by how impactful visual storytelling through mediums like film, photography, and design could be in evoking emotions, shifting perspectives, and exposing audiences to new ideas. As I pursued studies in this arena, my drive to use multimedia as a force for good and making a meaningful difference only grew stronger. At its core, multimedia arts allow us to bring imaginative visions and concepts to life in captivating audio-visual experiences. One of the most rewarding aspects for me is the collaborative process of working closely with other talented artists, filmmakers, designers, and creatives to take abstract ideas and translate them into fully-realized multimedia productions. Being able to transport viewers and leave an imprint on them through these sensory journeys is incredibly special. In my future career, I am passionate about creating multimedia works that go beyond just entertaining - I want to educate, inspire change, and promote greater cross-cultural understanding and empathy. I hope to use my skills in creative direction, production, cinematography, editing, and more to share underrepresented narratives and thoughtfully spotlight important social issues through an artistic lens. Presenting these topics using engaging audio-visuals can make complex or heavy subject matter more accessible and emotionally resonant for audiences. For example, last year I worked on a documentary short film profiling the experiences of immigrant students at our university. By combining intimate first-hand accounts with stylized visual metaphors and a transcendent score, our team was able to humanize the challenges of cultural adaptation, identity, and sense of belonging in a deeply impactful way. This purposeful use of multimedia enabled viewers to not just understand but truly feel the struggles faced in a profound manner. Ultimately, I believe multimedia arts possess a unique ability to be an equalizing force - giving powerful creative voice to diverse stories and perspectives that progressively shape our collective understanding as a society. I am excited to hopefully work at forward-thinking companies and organizations that share this vision of harnessing the persuasive potential of multimedia to open minds, bring people together, and leave a positive lasting impact on the world around us. By continuing to funnel my passion for this field into producing transformative, multi-sensory experiences, I can play a part in uplifting underrepresented narratives and being an catalyst for change.

The effects of drunk driving are nothing short of devastating and far-reaching. When an intoxicated individual takes the wheel, they jeopardize not only their own life but also the safety of every other person on the road. It's a reckless act that brings about entirely preventable tragedies, with over 10,000 lives lost each year to this senseless behavior. One such life cut short was that of Anthony McPherson, a promising 26-year-old who fell victim to a drunk driver. While his dreams were cruelly extinguished, his memory can endure as a driving force for raising awareness about the perils of DUIs and igniting the spark for change. Losing a loved one to a drunk driving incident inflicts emotional and psychological wounds that can linger for a lifetime. The abrupt and traumatic nature of such loss often gives rise to complex and enduring grief among family and friends. The situation's injustice and senselessness typically engender deep-seated anger. The choice of a drunk driver can set off a ripple effect, impacting countless individuals far beyond the initial victim. Survivors are left grappling with unanswered questions, remorse, and the unenviable task of making sense of an unfathomable tragedy. The repercussions of drunk driving extend to legal and financial realms as well. A DUI conviction carries hefty fines, potential jail time, probation, mandatory ignition interlock devices, and license suspension or revocation. The financial burdens mount with medical and funeral expenses, along with legal representation costs, placing tremendous strain on affected families. For those who survive, expensive medical treatments and rehabilitation may become a lifelong reality. While individuals who cause harm due to drunk driving may face severe legal consequences, it can never truly compensate for the pain and suffering inflicted. Efforts to prevent drunk driving necessitate a multi-faceted approach, involving education, responsible choices, and changes in public policy. Initiatives targeting teenagers, providing them with knowledge about responsible drinking and the dangers of impaired driving, can effectively curb the problem at its source. To accomplish this, schools and community organizations require robust funding and support. For adults, the availability of ride-sharing services has been a step in the right direction, offering convenient transportation alternatives when impaired. However, the associated costs can pose a barrier, warranting consideration of subsidies or discounted fares to encourage safer choices. Establishments serving alcohol can contribute by offering breathalyzers and prominently displaying information about the associated risks. Furthermore, the enforcement of ignition interlock laws, more stringent blood alcohol content (BAC) limits, license suspensions, and DUI checkpoints has proven to be moderately effective as deterrents. Ultimately, the linchpin to success lies in perpetuating awareness and instigating shifts in societal attitudes. Anthony McPherson's aspirations were tragically unfulfilled due to a thoughtless act. While nothing can erase this profound tragedy, we can honor Anthony's memory by advocating for change and tirelessly working to prevent further senseless loss of life. Each small effort to raise awareness and initiate change contributes to a growing momentum. Through the dissemination of knowledge, unwavering commitment, and the implementation of policy reforms, we can strive to ensure that no other bright and talented young individuals have their futures unjustly curtailed. Anthony's indomitable spirit persists through these collective endeavors, aimed at educating and safeguarding all those who navigate our roads.

Free Soul, Flesh Prison is an installation art piece. It contains two parts: a 3D-printed sculpture, which represents the human body, and a video projection on the sculpture, which symbolizes the intangible part of the human, the soul. It is an exploration of the relationship between the flesh prison and the free soul. It is an exploration of the relationship between the two fundamental parts of human beings. I dedicated it to the activists in my hometown, Hong Kong. Plato described the human body as a flesh prison that contained a person’s mind and soul. From the moment people come out of their mother’s womb, their consciousness has been ripped in void darkness and placed in a prison of flesh until the day the prison stops functioning. The strings hanging the sculpture in an uncomfortable position represent the limitations of the human body. Nowadays, part of the human body can be modified, or even manufactured, by technological advances such as 3D printing. It raises the question: can a soul exist in a non-human place? While a soul is caged by a flesh prison, can it still be free? Or, what is a soul? Is it just brain chemistry, a series of electric impulses in the brain? I chose to use light as a medium to depict a soul as both are intangible and fundamental. The world without light is just like a human without a soul. A free soul is projected on the flesh prison, creating an ironic, contrasting scene. Born and raised in Hong Kong, I went on my first civil rights protest at the age of thirteen. Since then, I have participated in numerous demonstrations and protests. I witnessed police brutality firsthand in the 2019 Hong Kong protests. The police were firing rubber bullets on the streets while I ran through tear gas. It smelled like fireworks. People were tearing up from the tear gas and I was helping them clean their eyes. I teared up too, not because of the tear gas, but of people’s suffering. After that experience, I created this piece in solidarity with all the Hong Kong people who are fighting for freedom and democracy for the city. Recently, in Hong Kong, over 50 pro-democracy activists were jailed because of their belief in freedom and democracy. I decided to dedicate the piece to them. A free soul can never be jailed. My goal is to become an artist-activist. My life has always been around art. I have been playing piano and violin for more than 12 years. I immersed myself in visual art mediums like graphite, watercolor, Chinese painting, 3D printing, all of which I thoroughly enjoyed. My art has always been inseparable from my activist experience. Growing up, I became increasingly involved in social issues. My art is more than creative expressions; it is a tool that advocates for social change, ranging from anti-Asian racism to democracy to homelessness. Other than Free Soul, Flesg Prison, examples of my works include Hongkonger, a mixed-media self-portrait inspired by Hong Kong’s civil rights issues; and, Art on the Margins: Asian Artists’ Response to Eurocentrism and Marginalization, a research paper analyzing how Asian visual artists fight back against Eurocentrism. I also joined community service groups like Art in Society and Red Cross to contribute to my community. Through engagement with social issues and advocacy work, I further enhanced my sense of social responsibility and awareness. I will continue to explore the possibilities of art activism to become a better artist-activist who makes positive social impacts through art.