Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by a single parent, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school art educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher, as well as what I don’t want to be. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and help them develop. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful children’s picture books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teaching artist at a nonprofit to develop and grow in the field of art education, children’s book illustration, and to become just like one of the many amazing teachers who helped me become who I am today. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by a single parent, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school art educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher, as well as what I don’t want to be. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and help them develop. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful children’s picture books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teaching artist at a nonprofit to develop and grow in the field of art education, children’s book illustration, and to become just like one of the many amazing teachers who helped me become who I am today. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by my single mother, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school art educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher, as well as what I don’t want to be. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. As a future public school art educator, I look forward to sharing my passion for art with the next generation, and to inspire the next great artists and educators. My passion for teaching and art comes from those amazing teachers that came before me. I would not be here without the help of my past teachers. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and help them develop. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful children’s picture books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teaching artist at a nonprofit to develop and grow in the field of art education, children’s book illustration, and to become just like one of the many amazing teachers who helped me become who I am today. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. Part of my past story is that I was raised by a single parent, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. My dad was my best friend and my biggest cheerleader. He suffered chronic back pain from accumulated sports injuries, and his inability to cope with the pain any longer resulted in him taking his life. When I lost him, it took a huge toll on my mental health, and I had to leave school for quite a few years. While the loss of my father still greatly impacts me today, I have worked very hard to become the person I am now. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college, obtain a master's degree and become an educator in the visual arts at a collegiate level. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher, as well as what I don’t want to be. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Also, through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also aspire to write and illustrate children's picture books. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is important to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful books to help children's development. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teacher at a nonprofit to help me develop and grow in the field of education, children’s book illustration, and to become one of the many amazing teachers who helped form who I am today. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. Part of my past story is that I was raised by a single parent, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. My dad was my best friend and my biggest cheerleader. He suffered chronic back pain from accumulated sports injuries, and his inability to cope with the pain any longer resulted in him taking his life. When I lost him, it took a huge toll on my mental health, and I had to leave school for quite a few years. I also developed heavy alcoholism that lasted for many years, but with the help of alcoholics anonymous I have been sober for a full year. While the loss of my father still greatly impacts me today, I have worked very hard to become the person I am now. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher, as well as what I don’t want to be. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Also, through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I feel it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teacher at a nonprofit to help me develop and grow in the field of art education, children’s book illustration, and to become one of the many amazing teachers who helped form who I am today. Thank you for taking the time to ready my essay.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. Also, part of my past story is that I was raised by a single parent, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. My dad was my best friend and my biggest cheerleader. When I lost him, it took a huge toll on my mental health, and I had to leave school for quite a few years. While the loss of my father still greatly impacts me today, I have worked very hard to become the person I am now. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and create a bright future for myself and others. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher, as well as what I don’t want to be. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Also, through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I want to continue this effort to spread accessibility to therapy through art and to create my own nonprofit one day. I feel it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teacher at a nonprofit to help me develop and grow in the field of developing a nonprofit art organization.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. Part of my past story is that I was raised by a single parent, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. My dad was my best friend and my biggest cheerleader. He suffered chronic back pain from accumulated sports injuries, and his inability to cope with the pain any longer resulted in him taking his life. When I lost him, it took a huge toll on my mental health, and I had to leave school for quite a few years. I also developed heavy alcoholism that lasted for many years, but with the help of alcoholics anonymous I have been sober for a full year. While the loss of my father still greatly impacts me today, I have worked very hard to become the person I am now. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher, as well as what I don’t want to be. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Also, through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I feel it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teacher at a nonprofit to help me develop and grow in the field of art education, children’s book illustration, and to become one of the many amazing teachers who helped form who I am today. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. Part of my past story is that I was raised by a single parent, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. My dad was my best friend and my biggest cheerleader. He suffered chronic back pain from accumulated sports injuries, and his inability to cope with the pain any longer resulted in him taking his life. When I lost him, it took a huge toll on my mental health, and I had to leave school for quite a few years. I also developed heavy alcoholism that lasted for many years, but with the help of alcoholics anonymous I have been sober for a full year and still going strong. While the loss of my father still greatly impacts me today, I have worked very hard to become the person I am now. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working very hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school educator. I look forward to using my degree to become one of the many amazing teachers who helped form who I am today.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I was raised by my single parent, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. My dad was my best friend and my biggest cheerleader. He suffered chronic back pain from accumulated sports injuries, and his inability to cope with the pain any longer resulted in him taking his life. When I lost him, it took a huge toll on my mental health, and I had to leave school for quite a few years. While this huge loss still greatly impacts me today, I have worked very hard to become the person I am now. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher, as well as what I don’t want to be. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teacher at a nonprofit to help me develop and grow in the field of art education, children’s book illustration, and to become one of the many amazing teachers who helped form who I am today.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by a single parent, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. My dad was my best friend and my biggest cheerleader. When I lost him, it took a huge toll on my mental health, and I had to leave school for quite a few years. While this huge loss still greatly impacts me today, I have worked very hard to become the person I am now. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and to help them develop. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teacher at a nonprofit to help me develop and grow in the field of education, children’s book illustration, and to become one of the amazing teachers who helped form who I am today.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by a single parent, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. My dad was my best friend and my biggest cheerleader. When I lost him, it took a huge toll on my mental health, and I had to leave school for quite a few years. While this huge loss still greatly impacts me today, I have worked very hard to become the person I am now. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and to help them develop. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teacher at a nonprofit to help me develop and grow in the field of education, children’s book illustration, and to become one of the amazing teachers who helped form who I am today.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by a single parent, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. My dad was my best friend and my biggest cheerleader. When I lost him, it took a huge toll on my mental health, and I had to leave school for quite a few years. While this huge loss still greatly impacts me today, I have worked very hard to become the person I am now. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and to help them develop. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teacher at a nonprofit to help me develop and grow in the field of education, children’s book illustration, and to become one of the amazing teachers who helped form who I am today.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by a single parent, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. My dad was my best friend and my biggest cheerleader. When I lost him, it took a huge toll on my mental health, and I had to leave school for quite a few years. While this huge loss still greatly impacts me today, I have worked very hard to become the person I am now. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and to help them develop. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teacher at a nonprofit to help me develop and grow in the field of education, children’s book illustration, and to become one of the amazing teachers who helped form who I am today.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by a single parent, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. My dad was my best friend and my biggest cheerleader. When I lost him, it took a huge toll on my mental health, and I had to leave school for quite a few years. While this huge loss still greatly impacts me today, I have worked very hard to become the person I am now. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and to help them develop. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teacher at a nonprofit to help me develop and grow in the field of education, children’s book illustration, and to become one of the amazing teachers who helped form who I am today.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by a single parent, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. My dad was my best friend and my biggest cheerleader. When I lost him, it took a huge toll on my mental health, and I had to leave school for quite a few years. While this huge loss still greatly impacts me today, I have worked very hard to become the person I am now. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and to help them develop. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teacher at a nonprofit to help me develop and grow in the field of education, children’s book illustration, and to become one of the amazing teachers who helped form who I am today.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by a single parent, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. My dad was my best friend and my biggest cheerleader. When I lost him, it took a huge toll on my mental health, and I had to leave school for quite a few years. While this huge loss still greatly impacts me today, I have worked very hard to become the person I am now. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teacher at a nonprofit to help me develop and grow in the field of education, children’s book illustration, and to become one of the amazing teachers who helped form who I am today.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by a single parent, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. My dad was my best friend and my biggest cheerleader. When I lost him, it took a huge toll on my mental health, and I had to leave school for quite a few years. While this huge loss still greatly impacts me today, I have worked very hard to become the person I am now. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and to help them develop. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teacher at a nonprofit to help me develop and grow in the field of education, children’s book illustration, and to become one of the amazing teachers who helped form who I am today.

I love using watercolor painting as part of my process to creating my mixed media collages. I use these collages to create children's picture books that are personal and heartfelt for future generations to enjoy and that help children develop. The stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with mixed media, including watercolor painting. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful picture books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teaching artist at a nonprofit to develop and grow in the field of art education, children’s book illustration, and to become just like one of the many amazing teachers who helped me become who I am today. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by my single mother, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. My dad was my best friend and my biggest cheerleader. When I lost him, it took a huge toll on my mental health, and I had to leave school for quite a few years. My dad had chronic back pain resulting from accumulated sports injuries (which prevented him from being able to work), and this chronic pain and his understandable inability to cope with it resulted in him taking his life. While this huge loss still greatly impacts me today, I have worked very hard to become the person I am now. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher, as well as what I don’t want to be. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and to help them develop. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teacher at a nonprofit to help me develop and grow in the field of education, children’s book illustration, and to become one of the amazing teachers who helped form who I am today.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by my single mother, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. My dad was my best friend and my biggest cheerleader. When I lost him, it took a huge toll on my mental health, and I had to leave school for quite a few years and fell prey to alcoholism. My dad had chronic back pain resulting from accumulated sports injuries (which prevented him from being able to work), and this chronic pain and his understandable inability to cope with it resulted in him taking his life. While this huge loss still greatly impacts me today, I have worked very hard to become the now one year sober person I am now. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and to help them develop. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teacher at a nonprofit to help me develop and grow in the field of education, children’s book illustration, and to become one of the amazing teachers who helped form who I am today.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by my single mother, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. My dad was my best friend and my biggest cheerleader. When I lost him, it took a huge toll on my mental health, and I had to leave school for quite a few years. My dad had chronic back pain resulting from accumulated sports injuries (which prevented him from being able to work), and this chronic pain and his understandable inability to cope with it resulted in him taking his life. While this huge loss still greatly impacts me today, I have worked very hard to become the person I am now. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher, as well as what I don’t want to be. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and to help them develop. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teacher at a nonprofit to help me develop and grow in the field of education, children’s book illustration, and to become one of the amazing teachers who helped form who I am today.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by my single mother, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. My dad was my best friend and my biggest cheerleader. When I lost him, it took a huge toll on my mental health, and I had to leave school for quite a few years. My dad had chronic back pain resulting from accumulated sports injuries (which prevented him from being able to work), and this chronic pain and his understandable inability to cope with it resulted in him taking his life. While this huge loss still greatly impacts me today, I have worked very hard to become the person I am now. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher, as well as what I don’t want to be. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and to help them develop. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teacher at a nonprofit to help me develop and grow in the field of education, children’s book illustration, and to become one of the amazing teachers who helped form who I am today.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by my single mother, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. My dad was my best friend and my biggest cheerleader. When I lost him, it took a huge toll on my mental health, and I had to leave school for quite a few years. My dad had chronic back pain resulting from accumulated sports injuries (which prevented him from being able to work), and this chronic pain and his understandable inability to cope with it resulted in him taking his life. While this huge loss still greatly impacts me today, I have worked very hard to become the person I am now. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher, as well as what I don’t want to be. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and to help them develop. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teacher at a nonprofit to help me develop and grow in the field of education, children’s book illustration, and to become one of the amazing teachers who helped form who I am today.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by my single mother, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. My dad was my best friend and my biggest cheerleader. When I lost him, it took a huge toll on my mental health, and I had to leave school for quite a few years. My dad had chronic back pain resulting from accumulated sports injuries (which prevented him from being able to work), and this chronic pain and his understandable inability to cope with it resulted in him taking his life. While this huge loss still greatly impacts me today, I have worked very hard to become the person I am now. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher, as well as what I don’t want to be. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and to help them develop. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teacher at a nonprofit to help me develop and grow in the field of education, children’s book illustration, and to become one of the many amazing teachers who helped form who I am today.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by my single mother, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. My dad was my best friend and my biggest cheerleader. When I lost him, it took a huge toll on my mental health, and I had to leave school for quite a few years. My dad had chronic back pain resulting from accumulated sports injuries (which prevented him from being able to work), and this chronic pain and his understandable inability to cope with it resulted in him taking his life. While this huge loss still greatly impacts me today, I have worked very hard to become the person I am now. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher, as well as what I don’t want to be. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and to help them develop. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teacher at a nonprofit to help me develop and grow in the field of education, children’s book illustration, and to become one of the many amazing teachers who helped form who I am today.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by my single mother, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. My dad was my best friend and my biggest cheerleader. When I lost him, it took a huge toll on my mental health, and I had to leave school for quite a few years. My dad had chronic back pain resulting from accumulated sports injuries (which prevented him from being able to work), and this chronic pain and his understandable inability to cope with it resulted in him taking his life. While this huge loss still greatly impacts me today, I have worked very hard to become the person I am now. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher, as well as what I don’t want to be. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and to help them develop. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teacher at a nonprofit to help me develop and grow in the field of education, children’s book illustration, and to become one of the many amazing teachers who helped form who I am today.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by my single mother, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school art educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher, as well as what I don’t want to be. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. As a future public school art educator, I look forward to sharing my passion for art with the next generation, and to inspire the next great artists and educators. My passion for teaching and art comes from those amazing teachers that came before me. I would not be here without the help of my past teachers. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and help them develop. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful children’s picture books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teaching artist at a nonprofit to develop and grow in the field of art education, children’s book illustration, and to become just like one of the many amazing teachers who helped me become who I am today. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by my single mother, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school art educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher, as well as what I don’t want to be. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. As a future public school art educator, I look forward to sharing my passion for art with the next generation, and to inspire the next great artists and educators. My passion for teaching and art comes from those amazing teachers that came before me. I would not be here without the help of my past teachers. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and help them develop. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful children’s picture books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teaching artist at a nonprofit to develop and grow in the field of art education, children’s book illustration, and to become just like one of the many amazing teachers who helped me become who I am today. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by my single mother, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school art educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher, as well as what I don’t want to be. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. As a future public school art educator, I look forward to sharing my passion for art with the next generation, and to inspire the next great artists and educators. My passion for teaching and art comes from those amazing teachers that came before me. I would not be here without the help of my past teachers. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and help them develop. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful children’s picture books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teaching artist at a nonprofit to develop and grow in the field of art education, children’s book illustration, and to become just like one of the many amazing teachers who helped me become who I am today. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by my single mother, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school art educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher, as well as what I don’t want to be. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. As a future public school art educator, I look forward to sharing my passion for art with the next generation, and to inspire the next great artists and educators. My passion for teaching and art comes from those amazing teachers that came before me. I would not be here without the help of my past teachers. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and help them develop. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful children’s picture books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teaching artist at a nonprofit to develop and grow in the field of art education, children’s book illustration, and to become just like one of the many amazing teachers who helped me become who I am today. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by my single mother, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school art educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher, as well as what I don’t want to be. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. As a future public school art educator, I look forward to sharing my passion for art with the next generation, and to inspire the next great artists and educators. My passion for teaching and art comes from those amazing teachers that came before me. I would not be here without the help of my past teachers. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and help them develop. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful children’s picture books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teaching artist at a nonprofit to develop and grow in the field of art education, children’s book illustration, and to become just like one of the many amazing teachers who helped me become who I am today. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by my single mother, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school art educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher, as well as what I don’t want to be. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. As a future public school art educator, I look forward to sharing my passion for art with the next generation, and to inspire the next great artists and educators. My passion for teaching and art comes from those amazing teachers that came before me. I would not be here without the help of my past teachers. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and help them develop. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful children’s picture books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teaching artist at a nonprofit to develop and grow in the field of art education, children’s book illustration, and to become just like one of the many amazing teachers who helped me become who I am today. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by my single mother, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school art educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher, as well as what I don’t want to be. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. As a future public school art educator, I look forward to sharing my passion for art with the next generation, and to inspire the next great artists and educators. My passion for teaching and art comes from those amazing teachers that came before me. I would not be here without the help of my past teachers. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and help them develop. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful children’s picture books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teaching artist at a nonprofit to develop and grow in the field of art education, children’s book illustration, and to become just like one of the many amazing teachers who helped me become who I am today. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by my single mother, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school art educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher, as well as what I don’t want to be. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. As a future public school art educator, I look forward to sharing my passion for art with the next generation, and to inspire the next great artists and educators. My passion for teaching and art comes from those amazing teachers that came before me. I would not be here without the help of my past teachers. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and help them develop. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful children’s picture books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teaching artist at a nonprofit to develop and grow in the field of art education, children’s book illustration, and to become just like one of the many amazing teachers who helped me become who I am today. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by my single mother, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school art educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher, as well as what I don’t want to be. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. As a future public school art educator, I look forward to sharing my passion for art with the next generation, and to inspire the next great artists and educators. My passion for teaching and art comes from those amazing teachers that came before me. I would not be here without the help of my past teachers. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and help them develop. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful children’s picture books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teaching artist at a nonprofit to develop and grow in the field of art education, children’s book illustration, and to become just like one of the many amazing teachers who helped me become who I am today. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by my single mother, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school art educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher, as well as what I don’t want to be. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. As a future public school art educator, I look forward to sharing my passion for art with the next generation, and to inspire the next great artists and educators. My passion for teaching and art comes from those amazing teachers that came before me. I would not be here without the help of my past teachers. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and help them develop. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful children’s picture books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teaching artist at a nonprofit to develop and grow in the field of art education, children’s book illustration, and to become just like one of the many amazing teachers who helped me become who I am today. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by my single mother, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school art educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher, as well as what I don’t want to be. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. As a future public school art educator, I look forward to sharing my passion for art with the next generation, and to inspire the next great artists and educators. My passion for teaching and art comes from those amazing teachers that came before me. I would not be here without the help of my past teachers. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and help them develop. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful children’s picture books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teaching artist at a nonprofit to develop and grow in the field of art education, children’s book illustration, and to become just like one of the many amazing teachers who helped me become who I am today. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by my single mother, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school art educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher, as well as what I don’t want to be. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. As a future public school art educator, I look forward to sharing my passion for art with the next generation, and to inspire the next great artists and educators. My passion for teaching and art comes from those amazing teachers that came before me. I would not be here without the help of my past teachers. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and help them develop. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful children’s picture books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teaching artist at a nonprofit to develop and grow in the field of art education, children’s book illustration, and to become just like one of the many amazing teachers who helped me become who I am today. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay.

Our past stories are hugely important to our future. As a child I loved writing stories, even acting some of them out in my backyard. Now, as an adult, I am writing the story of who I want to be. I am a returning student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I also work part time as a visual teaching artist for Art on Wheels, a nonprofit providing art classes for children and adults with disabilities. My dream upon graduation is to become a public school art educator, as well as to write and illustrate children's picture books. Part of my story is also that I am a first generation college student. I was raised by my single mother, who worked very hard to be able to put me through college. However, I had bumps in the road in my early college education. My father passed away unexpectedly while I was in school, and it has been a long journey getting to where I am today. I have gotten my grades up, and I am working hard every day to reach my dreams. I am determined to finish college and become a public school art educator. My passion for art and teaching others is what drives me in life. I was inspired by several teachers throughout my education in public school, and they taught me exactly what I want to be as a teacher, as well as what I don’t want to be. Every teacher leaves some sort of impact on every student. I aspire for my impact to be positive to every student I teach. Through my years working at a nonprofit organization, I have gained experience in several different mediums, and love introducing new projects and materials to students, such as clay, printmaking, painting, and much more. I also think it is particularly important right now to make sure children have the experience of exploring different materials and having creative outlets to help with their emotional, physical, and mental development. As a future public school art educator, I look forward to sharing my passion for art with the next generation, and to inspire the next great artists and educators. My passion for teaching and art comes from those amazing teachers that came before me. I would not be here without the help of my past teachers. Also, the stories I acted out as a child I am now putting on paper with pen and ink, creating personal and heartfelt picture books for future generations to enjoy and help them develop. I still remember the children’s books I hold so dearly from childhood. I don’t believe these heartfelt books can be replaced with artificial intelligence, and it is so important right now to support artists who are willing to put in the hard work and create meaningful children’s picture books for the world to enjoy. Still a child at heart, it is so important to me to take my passion for art and share it with others, with a particular fondness for the beauty, freedom, and educational aspects of creating children’s picture books. I look forward to using my degree in the arts and my experience as a teaching artist at a nonprofit to develop and grow in the field of art education, children’s book illustration, and to become just like one of the many amazing teachers who helped me become who I am today. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay.