The love between my sisters and I grows every day. They have always inspired me to be the greatest person and artist I can be. I have one memory with my older sister Ahnaleisa that constantly reminds me of my never-ending affection for her. It was my freshman year in high school, and I had had a difficult start to the year. I wasn't the person I wanted to be. My sister, on the other hand, never gave up on me and introduced me to the theater. My sister, being the amazing lady she is, received the lead in the play we were working on, Grease. I didn't audition; instead, I was put in charge of the spotlight; I was given cues, and it was an important role. On opening night, my sister began to sing “Hopelessly Devoted”, and I began to cry as I watched her. I was overcome with pride and admiration for her. My sisters are my number one inspiration and purpose for being. I live to make those girls feel loved, to make them laugh until they can't breathe, and to shield them from the world's demons. My sisters are angels that lift me when my wings forget how to fly. As a Sister, I have devoted my life to my sisters and their lives. I have learned how to lead them and love them throughout my years. The foundation in my mother's home is built on love and understanding. Friendship has built a protection over my heart and my sisters and I will always be close.

My family and my past have taught me so much; I've learned how to be tough in difficult situations and how to make the best of it. Since I was a child, I have sought solace and happiness in my work. For me, inspiration comes from a variety of sources, but I frequently find myself creating for others. Over the years my art style has grown and matured with me, some more than others. Looking back I can guarantee that my life feeds on my ability to express myself and revolves around the ability to participate in society's creative urge. Graphic design has been a love of mine, and as our society advances, so will art; graphic design will become the primary means of artistic expression as our world gradually moves toward modernization. Being an artist has allowed me to express my innermost thoughts and sentiments to millions of people in a short length of time via social media, magazines, and propaganda. When I hold my pen in my hand, I have the power to create anything I can imagine, or even express others’ dreams that they felt they couldn’t achieve. Through practice, patience, and education I will utilize my art to move nations and motivate positive change in all of our lives, especially kids like me who have fought for their lives.

My past has taught me so much; I've learned how to be tough in difficult situations and how to make the best of it. Since I was a child, I have sought solace and happiness in my work. For me, inspiration comes from a variety of sources, but I frequently find myself creating for others. Over the years my art style has grown and matured with me, some more than others but looking back I can guarantee that my life feeds on my ability to express myself and revolves around the ability to participate in society's creative urge. Graphic design has been a love of mine, and as our society advances, so will art; graphic design will become the primary means of artistic expression as our world gradually moves toward modernization. Being an artist has allowed me to express my innermost thoughts and sentiments to millions of people in a short length of time via social media, magazines, and propaganda. When I hold my pen in my hand, I have the power to create anything I can imagine, or even express others’ dreams that they felt they couldn’t achieve. Through practice, patience, and education I will utilize my art to move nations and motivate positive change in all our lives, especially kids like me who have fought for their lives.

There are people in my life that have encouraged me and pushed me into places of growth. I know I wouldn't be the woman I am today if it weren't for the woman who brought me into this world. I was fortunate to have not just a best friend, but also a guardian; the love my mother has for me is unconditional, and anybody can see it. She brought me into the world at an early age, and we grew up together, learning how to communicate and endure all of my trials and tribulations. When I stared into her eyes as I lay in that hospital bed, I knew I'd be OK, that I'd be able to return home to my sisters and father. She is my protector and my dearest friend. My mother has always taught me the value of helping others, being a leading role model for those around me. The love between my sisters and me grows every day, they have always inspired me to be the greatest person and artist I can be. I have one memory with my older sister Ahnaleisa that constantly reminds me of my never-ending affection for her. It was my freshman year in high school, and I had had a difficult start to the year. I wasn't the person I wanted to be. My sister, on the other hand, never gave up on me and introduced me to the theater. My sister, being the amazing lady she is, received the lead in the play we were working on, Grease. I didn't audition; instead, I was put in charge of the spotlight; I was given cues, and it was an important role. On opening night, my sister began to sing “Hopelessly Devoted”, and I began to cry as I watched her. I was overcome with pride and admiration for her. My sisters are my number one inspiration and purpose for being, I live to make those girls feel loved, to make them laugh till they can't breathe, and to shield them from the world's demons. My sisters are angels that lift me when my wings forget how to fly.

We were both terrified, the little girl looking back at me in the mirror and myself. We weren't the same person yet, and getting to know each other took time. I missed the way my long brown hair tickled my back and how I could do whatever I wanted with it. Even after losing everything, I had a sense of optimism sitting here in this chair while my mother curled my wig. Starting at a new school was scary, but it also pushed me to prove that I could be myself again; that no one, particularly myself, could stop me. When a person develops a sickness, it is because a foreign item enters their body, but at the age of 12, I discovered that my body was making itself sick. The day wasn't special, I went to school and learned about trivial things, but what I didn't realize was that my body would begin shutting down just hours later. I got home and went inside the house weary and with a horrible headache; I collapsed on the couch, cold, and wrapped myself in every blanket I could find. That day changed the course of my life; I was in the hospital for two weeks throughout Thanksgiving. During those weeks, I heard terms and phrases like "flare-up," "chronic,". My mom made certain that I knew everything there was to know about my body and how it \worked, which I appreciated. Then finally after 1 year of mystery, I heard the word Behçets. An illness that absolutely no one, even doctors, had heard of. After all of the countless examinations and blood work, it was finally revealed, a name I could use to explain my battle. My past has taught me so much; I've learned how to be tough in difficult situations and how to make the best of it. Since I was a child, I have sought solace and happiness in my work. For me, inspiration comes from a variety of sources, but I frequently find myself creating for others. Over the years my art style has grown and matured with me, some more than others but looking back I can guarantee that my life feeds on my ability to express myself and revolves around the ability to participate in society's creative urge. Graphic design has been a love of mine, and as our society advances, so will art; graphic design will become the primary means of artistic expression as our world gradually moves toward modernization. Being an artist has allowed me to express my innermost thoughts and sentiments. When I hold my pen in my hand, I have the power to create anything I can imagine, or even express others’ dreams that they felt they couldn’t achieve. Through practice, patience, and education I will utilize my art to move nations and motivate positive change, especially in kids like me who have fought fir their lives. College will be a significant milestone in my life; I never imagined I would go this far. Although I'm not frightened; the notion of walking on campus for the first time gives me butterflies. College is a key that will open many doors, knowledge has and will continue to drive my future. As a student, I will push myself in order to achieve. No one will do this for me, I must take the first step. Even as I move forward to bigger things I will always remember that little girl inside me. Now I can reflect on my battle scars and build a life for myself in this world.

You say I am loved At that moment I could feel every fiber of my body, my heart especially. I felt scared thinking that in that very second I changed my life, you couldn’t just undo such a decision. My mind was made up, they were sitting in my stomach and all I could do was wait. Tears ran down my face like morning dew, so subtle only God could notice. He did notice too, I knew he could see me. He cried tears for me and my poor little broken heart. Unlike him I was selfish, I cried for myself; I cried for my life and how short it would be. Who will remember me? Did I matter? What would I leave behind? My thoughts were flooded with what if’s. Through all my egotistical beliefs I thought of my Momma, she has always held my hand, she saw me for me, I will break her heart; that made my tears roar down my cheeks. Sitting on the floor of a filthy bathroom I cried and then something whispered in my ear reminding me of my pain, my decisions, the disappointment I had become. Ingesting my killer was a slow death, the taste in my mouth was metallic and bitter. Remembering my appearance I stood up and wiped my tears, knowing no one would wipe them for me. I didn’t feel like I had just sold my soul, I could fake being happy just for a couple of hours. Writing this story makes my insides shake, May 7th, 2019 was the moment that changed my life forever; it was a slap in the face to reality. My destiny had already been in motion, God had a plan for me but I still tested him and myself. Fate is a risky business, and I was risking it all. Carrying my heavy heart around caused muscles in places that I could no longer tolerate. Knowing the pain I would cause my family hurt worse than anything I could have done to myself, he knew they couldn’t handle my death; he is kind. When I looked into my Momma's red eyes I knew what I had done was real, she looked at me like I was going to fall apart right in front of her, and I could have. Trying to imagine what she was thinking wasn’t hard: it wasn’t her fault, I had decided I was broken beyond repair. The drugs entered like a parasite, it set up camp in my body and almost ate me alive. I lived in darkness for about a year and I let it almost kill me. But what I realize now is that those drugs killed the person I didn’t want to be and fueled my love for the shepherd and father. Walking today I am ten times stronger than I have ever been. Sometimes your biggest mistakes become your strongest motivators, I will never return to that place or feed that pain and self-seeking spirit ever again. I have seen the truth and the light, that is Jesus Christ. “The only thing that matters now is everything You think of me. In You, I find my worth, in You I find my identity” Although all the odds were against me, I still rose from the ashes. I am currently in my final year of high school, six years later. We were told many times I wouldn't make it this far but I never let that stop me. Today I work in many different ways to inspire the people around me. I want to be a place of comfort for people in need. Working at the YMCA has taught me that no matter how old I am, I can still make a difference in the community. I decided to pursue a job at the YMCA in 2020. It was a time of uncertainty and I wanted to do my part, I applied as a lifeguard and worked in that position for about a year. But I often felt like I wasn’t doing enough, so I changed positions and became a licensed swim instructor. This profession allowed me to work with children every day and help prevent what is now one of the top ten causes of death in children. I tried out for the Varsity swim team my freshman year of high school, which was a significant step for me given my health and lack of experience. To attend tryouts, I joined a training course at the YMCA to master the necessary strokes. After weeks of preparation, I felt confident enough to try out. In the end, I made the team and discovered that I am passionate about swimming. I work at the YMCA to this day and have taught hundreds of children and teens to swim. Attending college will be a significant milestone in my life; I never imagined I would go this far. Although I'm not frightened; the notion of walking on campus for the first time gives me butterflies. College is a key that will open many doors, knowledge has and will continue to drive my future. As a student, I will push myself in order to achieve; while writing this essay, Pablo Picasso's remark "Action is the basic key to all success" comes to mind. No one will do this for me, I must take the first step. Even as I move forward to bigger and better things I will always remember that little girl inside me, she taught me so much. Now I can reflect on my battle scars and build a life for myself in this world.

We were both terrified, the little girl looking back at me in the mirror and myself. We weren't the same person yet, and getting to know each other took time. I missed the way my long brown hair tickled my back and how I could do whatever I wanted with it. Even after losing everything, I had a sense of optimism sitting here in this chair while my mother curled my wig. Starting at a new school was scary, but it also pushed me to prove that I could be myself again; that no one, particularly myself, could stop me. When a person develops a sickness, it is because a foreign item enters their body, but at the age of 12, I discovered that my body was making itself sick. The day wasn't special, I went to school and learned about trivial things, but what I didn't realize was that my body would begin shutting down just hours later. I got home and went inside the house weary and with a horrible headache; with no energy, I collapsed on the couch, cold, and wrapped myself in blankets. That day changed the course of my life; I was in the hospital for two weeks throughout Thanksgiving. During those weeks, I heard terms and phrases I had never heard of but my mom made certain that I knew everything there was to know about my body and how it \worked, which I appreciated. After 1 year of mystery, I heard the word Behçets. An illness that no one, even doctors, had heard of. After all of the countless examinations and blood work, it was finally revealed, a name I could use to explain my battle. My past has taught me so much; I've learned how to be tough in difficult situations and how to make the best of it. Since I was a child, I have sought solace and happiness in my work. Over the years my art style has grown and matured with me, some more than others but looking back I can guarantee that my life feeds on my ability to express myself and revolves around the ability to participate in society's creative urge. Graphic design has been a love of mine, and as our society advances, so will art; graphic design will become the primary means of artistic expression as our world gradually moves toward modernization. Being an artist has allowed me to express my innermost thoughts and sentiments to millions of people in a short length of time. When I hold my pen in my hand, I have the power to create anything I can imagine, or even express others’ dreams that they felt they couldn’t achieve. Through practice, patience, and education I will utilize my art to move nations and motivate positive change in all our lives, especially kids like me who have fought for their lives. Attending college will be a significant milestone in my life; I never imagined I would go this far. Although I'm not frightened; the notion of walking on campus for the first time gives me butterflies. College is a key that will open many doors, knowledge has and will continue to drive my future. As a student, I will push myself in order to achieve. No one will do this for me, I must take the first step. Even as I move forward to bigger and better things I will always remember that little girl inside me, she taught me so much. Now I can reflect on my scars and build a life for myself in this world.

As a student and daughter, I value my stubbornness. Often you hear this as a negative description but for me, it is a reflection of my hard work and dedication to not give up. My resistance to temptation or fear, no matter what I’ve been through I have still been able to step up and fight. As I move to my future I know that as long as I stay planted in my beliefs I will thrive, falling into submission and doubt would be my end. I born this way and no matter what, no one can take that away was from me. My past has taught me so much; I've learned how to be tough in difficult situations and how to make the best of it. Since I was a child, I have sought solace and happiness in my work. For me, inspiration comes from a variety of sources, but I frequently find myself creating for others. Over the years my art style has grown and matured with me, some more than others but looking back I can guarantee that my life feeds on my ability to express myself and revolves around the ability to participate in society's creative urge. Graphic design has been a love of mine, and as our society advances, so will art; graphic design will become the primary means of artistic expression as our world gradually moves toward modernization. Being an artist has allowed me to express my innermost thoughts and sentiments to millions of people in a short length of time via social media, magazines, and propaganda. When I hold my pen in my hand, I have the power to create anything I can imagine, or even express others’ dreams that they felt they couldn’t achieve. Through practice, patience, and education I will utilize my art to move nations and motivate positive change in all our lives, especially kids like me who have fought for their lives. Attending college will be a significant milestone in my life; I never imagined I would go this far. Although I'm not frightened; the notion of walking on campus for the first time gives me butterflies. College is a key that will open many doors, knowledge has and will continue to drive my future. As a student, I will push myself to achieve; while writing this essay, Pablo Picasso's remark "Action is the basic key to all success" comes to mind. No one will do this for me, I must take the first step. Even as I move forward to bigger and better things I will always remember that little girl inside me, she taught me so much. Now I can reflect on my battle scars and build a life for myself in this world.

This art piece reflects my inner battle and resurrection through my art and God. When a person develops a sickness, it is because a foreign item enters their body, but at the age of 12, I discovered that my body was making itself sick. The day wasn't special, I went to school and learned about trivial things like fractions and how to draw a perfect circle, but what I didn't realize was that my body would begin shutting down just hours later. I got home and went inside the house weary and with a horrible headache; with no energy, I collapsed on the couch, cold, and wrapped myself in every blanket I could find. That day changed the course of my life; I was in the hospital for two weeks throughout Thanksgiving. During those weeks, I heard terms and phrases like "flare-up," "chronic," "IV," "blood level," and "heart rate,". My mom made certain that I knew everything there was to know about my body and how it \worked, which I appreciated. Then finally after 1 year of mystery, I heard the word Behçets. An illness that absolutely no one, even doctors, had heard of. After all of the countless examinations and blood work, it was finally revealed, a name I could use to explain my battle.

Working at the YMCA has taught me that no matter how old I am, I can still make a difference in the community. I decided to pursue a job at the YMCA in 2020. It was a time of uncertainty and I wanted to do my part, I applied as a lifeguard and worked in that position for about a year. But I often felt like I wasn’t doing enough, so I changed positions and became a licensed swim instructor. This profession allowed me to work with children every day and help prevent what is now one of the top ten causes of death in children. I tried out for the Varsity swim team my freshman year of high school, which was a significant step for me given my health and lack of experience. To attend tryouts, I joined a training course at the YMCA to master the necessary strokes. After weeks of preparation, I felt confident enough to try out. In the end, I made the team and discovered that I am passionate about swimming. I work at the YMCA to this day and have taught hundreds of children and teens to swim. Giving back to the community builds character and helps develop positive relationships with yourself and others.

Working at the YMCA has taught me that no matter how old I am, I can still make a difference in the community. I decided to pursue a job at the YMCA in 2020. It was a time of uncertainty and I wanted to do my part, I applied as a lifeguard and worked in that position for about a year. But I often felt like I wasn’t doing enough, so I changed positions and became a licensed swim instructor. This profession allowed me to work with children every day and help prevent what is now one of the top ten causes of death in children. I tried out for the Varsity swim team my freshman year of high school, which was a significant step for me given my health and lack of experience. To attend tryouts, I joined a training course at the YMCA to master the necessary strokes. After weeks of preparation, I felt confident enough to try out. In the end, I made the team and discovered that I am passionate about swimming. I work at the YMCA to this day and have taught hundreds of children and teens to swim. Through my job I have found that I truly like doing things for others. During the end of my sophomore year, all students were ordered to complete the rest of the year online due to COVID-19. I was very distressed because I am a very tactile learner and struggle with staying focused. As I started learning and practicing online I found that I truly enjoyed online learning, I was able to stay organized but also complete all my assignments in one day. I finished my first semester with all A’s since I had started high school, I was very proud and surprised with what I could accomplish. Because of this hard work and determination, I caught the eye of the Student Council Advisor who later invited me to join. At the start of my junior year, we were completely online, but instead of taking this as a setback, I continued to work hard. Joining the Student Council was one of the best decisions I could have made. In this organization, I can work at the heart of my school through volunteering, sports events, class gatherings, and social media. As a vital member of the Student Council and Senior Class Secretary, I have had the opportunity to meet many new people and make a significant difference in my school. It has instilled in students the value of teamwork, good communication, responsibility, empathy, courage, integrity, and perseverance. I wouldn’t be the student and person I am today without this experience. Attending college will be a significant milestone in my life; I never imagined I would go this far. Although I'm not frightened; the notion of walking on campus for the first time gives me butterflies. College is a key that will open many doors, knowledge has and will continue to drive my future. As a student, I will push myself in order to achieve; while writing this essay, Pablo Picasso's remark "Action is the basic key to all success" comes to mind. No one will do this for me, I must take the first step. Even as I move forward to bigger and better things I will always remember that little girl inside me, she taught me so much. Now I can reflect on my battle scars and build a life for myself in this world.

We were both terrified, the little girl looking back at me in the mirror and myself. We weren't the same person yet, and getting to know each other took time. I missed the way my long brown hair tickled my back and how I could do whatever I wanted with it. Even after losing everything, I had a sense of optimism sitting here in this chair while my mother curled my wig. Starting at a new school was scary, but it also pushed me to prove that I could be myself again; that no one, particularly myself, could stop me. When a person develops a sickness, it is because a foreign item enters their body, but at the age of 12, I discovered that my body was making itself sick. The day wasn't special, but what I didn't realize was that my body would begin shutting down just hours later. That day changed the course of my life; I was in the hospital for two weeks throughout Thanksgiving in what felt like neverending pain. Then finally after 1 year of mystery and countless examinations, I heard the word Behçets. An illness that even doctors hadn’t heard of, it was finally revealed, a name I could use to explain my battle. I know I wouldn't be the woman I am today if it weren't for the woman who brought me into this world. I was fortunate to have not just a best friend, but also a guardian; the love my mother has for me is unconditional, and anybody can see it. We grew up together, learning how to communicate and endure all of my trials. When I stared into her eyes as I laid in that hospital bed, I knew I'd be OK, that I'd be able to return home.

We were both terrified, the little girl looking back at me in the mirror and myself. We weren't the same person yet, and getting to know each other took time. I missed the way my long brown hair tickled my back and how I could do whatever I wanted with it. Even after losing everything, I had a sense of optimism sitting here in this chair while my mother curled my wig. Starting at a new school was scary, but it also pushed me to prove that I could be myself again; that no one, particularly myself, could stop me. When a person develops a sickness, it is because a foreign item enters their body, but at the age of 12, I discovered that my body was making itself sick. The day wasn't special, but what I didn't realize was that my body would begin shutting down just hours later. That day changed the course of my life; I was in the hospital for two weeks throughout Thanksgiving in what felt like neverending pain. Then finally after 1 year of mystery and countless examinations, I heard the word Behçets. An illness that even doctors hadn’t heard of, it was finally revealed, a name I could use to explain my battle. There are people in my life that have encouraged me into places of growth. I know I wouldn't be the woman I am today if it weren't for the woman who brought me into this world. I was fortunate to have not just a best friend, but also a guardian; the love my mother has for me is unconditional, and anybody can see it. She had me at an early age, and we grew up together, learning how to communicate and endure all of my trials. When I stared into her eyes as I laid in that hospital bed, I knew I'd be OK, that I'd be able to return home. My whole life, I have sought solace and had happiness in my work. For me, inspiration comes from a variety of sources, but I frequently find myself creating for others. Over the years my art style has grown and matured with me, some more than others but looking back I can guarantee that my life feeds on my ability to express myself and revolves around the ability to participate in society's creative urge. Graphic design has been a love of mine, and as our society advances, so will art; graphic design will become the primary means of artistic expression as our world gradually moves toward modernization. Being an artist has allowed me to express my innermost thoughts and sentiments to millions of people in a short length of time via social media, magazines, and propaganda. When I hold my pen in my hand, I have the power to create anything I can imagine. Attending college will be a significant milestone in my life; I never imagined I would go this far. Although I'm not frightened; the notion of walking on campus for the first time gives me butterflies. Knowledge has and will continue to drive my future. As a student, I will push myself to achieve; while writing this essay, Pablo Picasso's remark "Action is the basic key to all success" comes to mind. No one will do this for me, I must take the first step. Even as I move forward to bigger and better things I will always remember that little girl inside me, she taught me so much. Now I can reflect on my battle scars and build a life for myself in this world.

There are people in my life that have encouraged me and pushed me into places of growth, I know I wouldn't be the woman I am today if it weren't for the woman who brought me into this world. I was fortunate to have not just a best friend, but also a guardian; the love my mother has for me is unconditional, and anybody can see it. She brought me into the world at an early age, and we grew up together, learning how to communicate and endure all of my trials and tribulations. When I stared into her eyes as I laid in that hospital bed, I knew I'd be OK, that I'd be able to return home to my sisters and father. She is my protector and my dearest friend. The love between my sisters and I grows every day, they have always inspired me to be the greatest person and artist I can be. My sisters are my number one inspiration and purpose for being, I live to make those girls feel loved, to make them laugh till they can't breathe, and to shield them from the world's demons. My sisters are angels that lift me up when my wings forget how to fly.

When you hear that someone was inspired by a work of art, you usually hear Pablo Picasso, Leonardo da Vinci, or Frida Kahlo, but a piece that I am inspired by was created by my younger sister. My younger sister can do everything; she is an A+ student, dancer, guitarist, and incredible artist. Her drive and hard work motivate me on a regular basis. She frequently creates art for me that truly amazes me. I can't say that any of her artworks are my favorite, but Julianna as a whole is a work of art.