Growing up, I didn't believe that I was capable of making art people want to see, let alone need to see. As I continue to grow into myself, these doubts have begun to dissolve. I now know that I have a lot to offer to the world through my art. Though I chose creative writing as the artistic path I will pursue in my major, I continue to create in various forms of art. My outlets include acrylic painting, negative space drawing, photography, and graphic design. Through my art, I can both express myself and heal myself. From my work, I do not expect money or fame. Through my art, I am on a constant search for human connection. A sense of community is what drives my artistic passion. I want to connect to everyone I encounter, even if it is only on a small scale. Through art, I can touch more people and learn more about people. Ideally, my art will allow those who come across my pieces to feel the heard and seen. I want my words to help people know what they’ve been trying to say, but couldn’t figure out just how to do so. I want my art to be an image of exactly what someone has felt inside but couldn’t get out. The doubts my younger self burdened me with have made my journey bumpy, to say the least. However, I find that no matter how far I stray or for how long, I always come back to my artistic roots. I have grown to accept that is what fuels my life and gives me purpose. This driving force within me is an aspect in me that I cherish deeply. I feel most like myself when I am creating or sharing art with others. Though I am not searching exclusively for fame or fortune with my art, I do feel that the more people I reach, the better. I do not have the luxury of having financial freedom, and for that my art is both fueled and ignored. Struggling with money seems to be a common theme amongst some of the most notable artists such as; Vincent van Gogh and Oscar Wilde, and even if I never reach the success they did after death, there is a commonality of the burden of poverty I share with them that I cannot ignore. I believe that even in today’s digital world, financial struggles hide us from the most talented artist we live amongst. This scholarship will allow me to have the financial security to give my work the proper attention it deserves. It will allow me to have the space I need to focus on my passion and continue on my lifelong journey of human connection. Thank you for your consideration, Jackkyn C. Lamb

My plans for the future are to become an educator. I plan to use the skills that I am learning now in creative writing as well as at my job working with students with special needs to help me navigate the world around me. When I use my tools as a writer to dissect social interactions and character development, I begin to understand people more. These skills can be applied anywhere and make me a better person. Because I put so much effort into understanding those around me, I have become aware of my potential in education. It is crucial children feel safe and heard at school as well as something I am extremely passionate about. However, this is not a future that I want to rush into. I plan to take my time gathering tools and experience to help me take the next step in my career with the best knowledge that I can to ensure I help as many students as possible. I have a lot of learning to do, but I believe I will be a remarkable educator someday.

I practice bravery by sticking up for people. In my life, I felt there were many times that my voice felt quiet and unheard. I found myself wishing someone would shout out what I wanted to say. Today, I make sure that when I see someone having trouble finding their voice, I help them. It can make such a difference in one's life if I stand up for them. A way that I practice this often is working in the special education program at a school district. The special education program is often overlooked and dismissed among school districts. Some of these students literally cannot speak for themselves and others just have trouble expressing themselves. I make I am constantly listening to my students and helping them feel heard by not only me, but others as well. This everyday practice has helped me live a bolder and more authentic life in every aspect of my life. I am grateful every day that I have found my voice and I use it to help others find theirs.

My life is fueled by my community. I feel the most fulfilled when helping people of my community, whether that is on a personal level at home or when I am at work. I work with special needs students, specifically kids with autism, and they have taught me so much about myself and the person I want to become. This job has helped me determine what is I important to my life and kept me on track to where I want to go. As a writing student, every interaction and experience I have is useful. Interacting with my community in different ways helps me access not only a broader range of writing material, but bond with people that I hold dear to my heart as they make me who I am. As I grow older giving back to my community has become a part in my life that fuels me in ways that I never expected.