What makes me smile is not one single moment or thing, but a combination of the passions and people that shape who I am. My love for art, along with the support and joy I find in my family and friends, brings me happiness in both loud, exciting moments and quiet, everyday ones. Together, they give my life meaning, balance, and constant inspiration. Art has always been one of the strongest sources of my happiness. It allows me to express thoughts and emotions that are sometimes difficult to put into words. Whether I am drawing, painting, or simply imagining ideas, art gives me a sense of freedom. When I create, I feel focused and calm. Even on stressful days, art becomes an escape where I can turn my feelings into something meaningful. Seeing an idea come to life on paper makes me proud and reminds me that creativity has the power to transform emotions into beauty. Art also makes me smile because it connects me to the world around me. I notice colors, shapes, and details that others might overlook. A sunset, a photograph, or even a simple sketch can spark inspiration. Art teaches me to appreciate small moments and to see things from different perspectives. It has helped me grow as a person by encouraging patience, creativity, and self-expression. Just as important as art are my family and friends. They are the people who support me no matter what and make even ordinary moments special. My family provides comfort and encouragement, reminding me that I am never alone. Whether we are talking, laughing, or simply spending time together, they make me feel safe and understood. Their belief in me motivates me to work harder and believe in myself. My friends bring energy and joy into my life. They are the ones who make me laugh when I need it most and stand by me through challenges. With them, I can be myself without fear of judgment. Shared memories, inside jokes, and simple conversations all add up to moments that make me genuinely happy. Even small things, like spending time together or supporting one another, can brighten my entire day. In the end, what makes me smile most is the balance between my passion for art and the love I share with my family and friends. Art gives me a way to express who I am, while the people in my life give me reasons to keep creating and growing. Together, they fill my life with joy, purpose, and countless reasons to smile. End of freshman year GPA- 3.98 GPA now - 3.92

I’ve loved anything to do with art since I was a kid, but it wasn’t until my junior year of high school that I became set on pursuing cosmetology. I was debating between a few different careers, but after talking to people in the industry, I realized cosmetology would be a perfect fit for my passion for art and creativity. My dream job is to become a licensed cosmetologist and work in a salon, with the ultimate goal of one day owning my own salon. Once I graduate I plan to gain hands-on experience with clients, build my skills, and learn the business side of the industry, so that eventually, I can use that to open my own salon. This eucation is essential because it gives me the skills, knowledge, and confidence I need succeed in my career. In cosmetology, things are always changing. New techniques, trends, and products, so learning doesn’t stop after graduation. Continuing my education will help me stay up-to-date, improve my skills, and provide the best experience for my clients. It’s what will allow me to reach my goals, grow in my career, and eventually run my own salon successfully. On my journey toward a career in cosmetology, I’ve faced challenges mainly around balancing school, work, and the costs of training. Cosmetology takes time, dedication, and resources, and figuring out how to manage it all hasn’t always been easy. But each obstacle has taught me patience, perseverance, and the value of hard work. These experiences have made me even more determined to achieve my goals and follow my dream I want to make a career in the professional beauty industry because I love helping people feel confident and proud of how they look. I’ve been a creative person my whole life and have loved anything to do with art since I was a little kid, so cosmetology is a perfect way to show my creativity and love for art. What drives my passion is seeing the transformation, even small changes, like a new haircut or style, can completely change someone's look and confidence. I chose this profession because it lets me express my creativity, develop my skills, and make a real impact on someone’s day while building a career I love. My whole live my parents have taught me the value of hard work and I want to take that and apply it to my career creating a positive impact on every client I meet.

Last spring, my cousin, Conner Lotterman, was shot in the head at a party and he died the following day. Losing him was one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced. He had this energy that made everyone around him laugh, and he had a way of making people feel like they mattered. His death hit my family very suddenly and the hurt and pain is still very present. At first, it didn’t feel real. I remember the moment I found out. My Mom told me crying what had happened the previous night right before I had to leave for my soccer game that morning. I couldnt believe what had happened, but part of me thought he would make it though this. My Mom told me he was brain dead and that he would die shortly. Half way through my soccer game she texted me saying he had died. The days and weeks after were filled with sadness, silence, and confusion. I kept asking myself questions with no answers: Why did this happen? Could it have been prevented? His death didn't only affect me, but also the family of the boy that accidentally shot him. Everyone was hurting in their own way, and it was clear that this loss would affect all of us and our whole community forever. Before Conner’s death, I often got caught up in small problems such as school stress, friendships, or just daily frustrations. After losing him, those things suddenly seemed so little and unimportant. I realized how fragile life is and how quickly everything can change. I started to appreciate the little moments like hanging out with my family and friends. Conner’s death taught me not to take anything for granted and to show love to the people around me while I still can. This experience has also shaped my goals and the person I want to be. I want to honor Conner’s memory by living with kindness, purpose, and compassion. He was always so kind and could put a smile on anybody's face, and I want to do the same in my own way. Whether that’s being a supportive friend, volunteering in my community, or pursuing a career that makes a difference in people’s lives. I’ve realized that life is too short to stay to just sit and watch things happen. If I can make a positive impact on even one person, then some good can come out of the pain we feel. Grief has taught me a lot about strength. At first, it felt impossible to move forward, but I’ve learned to carry the pain in a way that motivates me rather than holds me back. I’ve learned patience, empathy, and the importance of supporting others who are hurting. Most importantly, I’ve learned that love doesn’t end when someone dies, it becomes memories, lessons, and inspiration to live better. Losing Conner is something I will always carry with me, but it has also shaped me into someone more grateful, compassionate, and determined. I want to live in a way that honors him and the impact he had on my life. Even though he’s gone, his presence still guides me in the way I choose to live each day.