Everyone says I was a really happy child. They tell me I was carefree and always dreaming with a permanent smile on my face. Apparently, I was that kid who gathered all the other kids together, the leader of the pack, the “fun magnet”. I wish I could remember all of that. I had my first grand mal seizure on a hot summer morning at the age of 10. While I have little memory of that day, the experience gave me a completely new life. Diagnosed with Rolandic epilepsy, I was given heavy daily doses of medication that stole my energy and memory. Suddenly, I had to work hard to remember things that used to come so easily to me. I was not allowed to stay up late or have as much screen time anymore, greatly diminishing my social life. Then the pandemic arrived and I was isolated even further. I became very accustomed to living in my own little bubble. Though I always loved creating art, I found myself outwardly expressing my emotions through art instead of words often during this time. I drew, painted, sculpted, and did anything else I could think of with my hands to create something interesting to me that engaged my mind. The outgoing child had been replaced with a reserved artist. Thankfully, the world moved on from COVID, mostly, and my epilepsy resolved. When the new me returned to school in eighth grade with kids I had known and grown up with since preschool, no one knew me anymore and I no longer fit in. To cope with the change, I delved back into my art—my quiet cove for serene contemplation. Once again, I started expressing myself through soulful, secluded creation. It brought me peace. My greatest realization was that this is where I fit in in the universe. Art saved me. Now I am mature, observant, extremely hard-working, and much more prepared to face life’s challenges due to this period of development in my life. Sharing my art with others has proven incredibly rewarding, and I'm excited to continue doing so in the future. I now have friends more similar to me who appreciate and encourage hard work, whether it be academic or creative. I am creating more meaningful interpersonal relationships with peers and adults alike. Last year, I had the chance in my art class to create a dress from non-traditional materials. I decided to create one out of red duct tape with the pattern of the tape imitating roses since they are my favorite flowers. I am always inspired by the beauty of nature, and it was interesting to attempt to create something that looked natural with man made materials. I learned that making something meaningful to me on a deeper level, the aesthetic level as well as the conceptual level, increases the value of my artwork. Ironically, the pandemic served as a healing experience for me. It solidified my passion for art while the rest of the world became sick. It was a sort of dual healing because I physically overcame my epilepsy and emotionally healed by learning more about myself through my art without the influence of my peers. In a way, I am grateful for my epilepsy because it changed my entire life and made clear my purpose. I discovered my true zeal for art and, in the silence, learned who I really am.