José Melendez, whose actions speak louder than words. He shows through his dedication how deeply he cares for young people and wants them to grow into their potential. His commitment leaves a real impact by giving hope, guidance, and opportunities that help shape someone’s path. Seeing what José does inspires me to reflect on my own life, my family’s journey, and what it means to carry ambition forward. My father’s story also taught me the value of hard work and sacrifice. Growing up in Puebla, Mexico, he had to take on responsibility early to help support his siblings, working outside to earn money. he had to sacrifice for the family to working shifts to skip school to provide the needs for the family, even when he had very little himself. Despite the challenges, he built a better life for us here. His wish for my brother and me has always been simple but powerful: to keep living, to follow what we love, and to remember where we come from. His happiness comes from seeing us stand strong in our dreams, hoping we become the first generation to graduate from college and create something new for our family. To lift up the spirit through the family that gives us hope and better future for themselves. Being first-generation means more than being the first to earn a degree. It means showing our family, especially our relatives who sacrificed so much, that we can turn those hardships into strength. It means proving that what once held us back can instead push us forward. We become living proof that the struggles they faced were not in vain but helped shape us into who we are. Standing here now, we tell our own story, a story of resilience, love, and belief. At the same time, I know none of this would be possible without the people behind us: our fathers, mothers, and everyone who quietly put so much commitment into the family’s future. We owe them gratitude for the long hours, the sacrifices, and the values they passed down. Their dedication taught us to dream beyond our limits and to keep going even when it gets hard. Together, the examples of people like José Melendez and my own father show me that ambition isn’t just about reaching personal goals. It’s about lifting others, remembering our roots, and living in a way that honors the love and sacrifices that made our journey possible.

I come from a close-knit, loving family. My parents have always worked hard to provide a supportive and encouraging environment, and their dedication to our family has shaped who I am today. I also have a sweet younger brother who brings so much light into my life. Growing up, my home was filled with love, laughter, and lessons about the importance of kindness, perseverance, and staying true to yourself. My parents always encouraged me to follow my passions and reminded me that it’s okay to take time to discover who I am and what I’m meant to do. One of the most significant moments in my life came during my junior year of high school, when I began to understand myself in a deeper way. For a long time, I struggled with self-doubt, wondering where I fit in and what I truly wanted to pursue. I knew I loved to create, but I didn’t fully understand how my passion for art could shape my future. That changed when I joined my art class and met a teacher who saw something in me I hadn’t yet discovered. She created a space of warmth, encouragement, and freedom to explore, which pushed me to dive deeper into my artistic journey. It was through this newfound space that I discovered my love for mixed media. I began to experiment with different materials, paint, paper, fabric, and learned how each medium could bring a unique voice to my work. I explored the versatility of art in ways I had never considered before. A pivotal moment came when I worked on a mosaic collage project that was selected for the school’s art show. That piece wasn’t just a project, it was a turning point, a realization that art could be my voice, my way to express emotions, and a way to connect with others. I understood then that my passion for art wasn’t just about creating something beautiful, it was about exploring the stories and feelings that could be told through a variety of mixed media. This experience helped me understand myself better. I wasn’t just an artist, I was someone who could express complex ideas, emotions, and moments in time through different forms and materials. That realization gave me the confidence to continue pursuing art and the courage to embrace the full range of my creative potential. I look forward to exploring even more styles and techniques in the future, knowing that my passion for art will continue to guide me as I discover new ways to express myself and connect with the world.

One of my academic goals is to continue developing as an artist by studying fine arts at the college level. I want to explore a wide range of techniques, work with different materials, and learn how to express deeper messages through my art. Art has always been my way of processing the world around me of turning emotions, memories, and stories into something visual and meaningful. I hope to one day use my artwork not only to express myself but also to inspire others, raise awareness for important issues, and bring comfort to those who need it. I believe art has the power to heal, to connect, and to give people a voice even when they don’t have the words. Giving back to my community has been a big part of my high school experience, and it’s shaped the way I see the world and my role in it. Through the Leo Club, I had the chance to volunteer not only within my school, but also in the surrounding community of York Springs. I helped out during local events like the York Springs Fire Company’s breakfast, where I assisted with serving and clean-up, helping bring the community together over a warm meal. I also volunteered at the Wellsville Summer Camp, where I supported activities for kids, helping to create a fun and safe space for them to enjoy their summer. These experiences showed me the importance of being present, being helpful, and offering kindness through even the smallest actions. As a member of the National Art Honor Society, I was able to use my creativity to give back in a more hands-on way. I helped with face painting at school events, brought smiles to families during Trunk or Treat, and participated in our craft show, using my artistic abilities to make those events memorable and engaging. It meant a lot to me to use my talent in a way that made others happy, it showed me that art isn’t just something you create in a studio, but something that can bring people together and brighten their day. With the National Honor Society, I participated in a variety of service activities that helped build school spirit and give back during special times of the year. I helped organize and decorate for a Christmas event, worked on a fundraiser, and contributed to the Mint-Thon decorations, where we created a welcoming, fun atmosphere for students and families. I also helped younger students during the middle school pumpkin painting event, guiding them through a creative activity that made them feel proud and excited. All of these experiences have inspired me to keep giving back, not just with my time, but with my art and my heart. I’ve learned that being part of a community means showing up for others, offering your skills, and creating moments that matter. These moments, both big and small, have motivated me to keep finding ways to use my creativity to uplift others and be a positive force in the world.

I believe art has the power to heal, connect, and speak for the parts of us that words can’t always reach. Through my art, I want to create something that helps people feel seen, understood, and less alone in what they’re going through. I know what it feels like to be invisible, to question your worth, and to wonder if anyone hears you. That’s why I create from a place of emotion, memory, and experience so that someone else might look at my work and feel a little bit of hope. I plan to make a positive impact by using my art to tell stories, my own and those that are often unheard. I want to explore themes of healing, mental health, identity, and resilience, and reflect those journeys through color, texture, and layers of meaning. My goal isn’t just to make something beautiful, but something real, something that touches a person’s heart and reminds them that they matter. I also want to give back to my community by one day teaching or mentoring young artists who, like me, once felt lost or unseen. I want to create a space where people can express themselves freely, without fear or judgment. The way my art teacher lit up my life with kindness and belief, I hope to pass that light forward and be that same source of encouragement for someone else. Art gave me purpose when I felt like I had none. It saved me when I was drowning in silence. Now, I want to use it as a tool to lift others up, to start conversations, and to bring light into dark spaces. If even one person feels inspired, comforted, or changed by something I create, then I know I’ve already made a difference. My art is my voice, my healing, and my gift to the world. And through it, I hope to leave behind something honest, something powerful, and something that lives on even after I’m gone.

Creating a legacy means living with passion, purpose, and the courage to follow your dreams, even when the path feels uncertain or filled with obstacles. For me, that legacy begins and continues through my art. Art is more than a creative outlet, it's a way to express my emotions, tell my story, and connect with others on a deeper level. I want to build a life where I can share that passion with the world, turning what I love into something meaningful not just for myself, but for those who can see a part of their own story in my work. I dream of becoming an entrepreneur, owning a small business where I can sell my art and create freely. Being my own boss isn’t just about independence, it’s about proving to myself that I’m capable of creating something lasting. I know that path won’t always be easy. I’ve struggled with self-doubt, fear of failure, and moments where I questioned my own worth. But I’ve also learned that even in those moments, I have something valuable to offer. I believe the very things I once saw as weaknesses, my sensitivity, my quiet nature, my overthinking can become strengths when channeled through creativity. What keeps me inspired is the beauty of mixed media. I love experimenting with different materials, layering textures and colors to bring new ideas to life. Every piece I make is a reflection of where I am in my journey, and every new technique I learn adds another piece to the puzzle of who I’m becoming. I also find light in discovering other artists who push the boundaries of their craft. Their work motivates me to keep growing, keep trying, and never settle for less than what I can imagine. But my light didn’t always shine this bright. In high school, I often felt invisible. I didn’t have many friends, and I struggled to find where I belonged. I used to ask myself, What is my passion? What do I have to offer? Then, everything changed in my junior year when I met my art teacher. She was kind, patient, and full of joy, like a morning sunrise lighting up the classroom. She saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. Her encouragement helped me take on a mosaic collage project, which ended up being featured in an art show. That experience opened my eyes to my own potential. It was the first time I felt proud of myself, and it gave me the motivation I had been searching for. That’s when I truly began to shine my light. Not by being perfect, but by being honest about my journey, my pain, my healing, and my growth. I shine through my resilience, through the passion I pour into my work, and through the way I continue showing up for myself even when things are hard. I shine when I support others, when I encourage someone who feels lost, and when I remind them they’re not alone, just like my teacher reminded me. My legacy will be built not only through the art I create but also through the energy and light I leave behind. I want to inspire others to embrace who they are, to turn their struggles into strength, and to find courage in following their dreams. Every piece I create is more than just artwork, it’s a part of me, a reflection of my story, and a reminder that even from pain, beauty can grow.

I'm a committee in the National Art Honor Society that involves art in other communities and to Bermudian Springs High School. I have participated in other events such as face painting, services for other communities, etc. In my Junior year, I decided to take on art that I wanted to relate to Graphic Design as my main focus for college. Till, I gotten along with my art teacher, Mrs. Menser who demonstrated optimistic altitude towards her learning of art that I was able to discover varieties of media that I couldn't imagine doing. She introduced the class on about Collage that involves gluing various materials onto a surface to create a composition. I started to sketch my ideas for memorialization theme for people who lost their loved ones. I wanted to make a collage of a rooster "Bruno" for my brother who passed away due to illness. The idea came to mind to create this because I wanted to do something nice for my brother who loved his pet so much with all his heart, but has sadly passed away. I thought why not use this opportunity to create my first collage. I start off by going on Google to sketch the rooster thinking over what to add to the background to make it look creative. I was confident & excited about sketching out my mat board on my final project, which took a while to put in a lot of details for the rooster and the rest. I was surprised when I was all done sketching as I had gotten used to it by now, I began to look over a couple of artists that used mosaic technique to get an idea on how the layout should look like. I chose to develop my observation on a rooster as my reference that has helped me put in a well detailed creation of my artwork. If I had to be honest for myself, I would say it really took a long time to do this and I barely couldn’t finish it on time. But I won’t give up on it, I plan to finish it during classes, even lunch as I will complete it in my free time. At least for the most part, I’m starting to see how my project is changing as I glue the materials on a mat board, but I'm afraid that I didn’t do well on the rooster that it doesn’t look good. The project took almost a 3-4 weeks ,but it felt like a month for me to cut various pieces and colors onto a mat board. After I finish my artwork, my teacher supported me to finish my art that it got display in the gallery and I was fill of excitement that I wanted to visit the gallery to see my artwork. That was the time where I felt inspired and the meaningful comments that I've gotten from people. I never felt this feeling before that I wish to feel love deep down in my heart for those around me to remember of what I've accomplished. The reason why I would like to be an artist is because I love to explore varieties of mixed media that I can feel myself of creativity in my mind that I would like to run a small business of my own or jobs that is suitable for me to bring my artworks to the world. This benefits me along with my art career to keep doing what I loved that would lead me to the right path of success.

I live in York Springs, Gettysburg along with my parents and brother. In my Junior year, I decided to take on art that I wanted to relate to Graphic Design as my main focus for college. Till, I gotten along with my art teacher, Mrs. Menser who demonstrated optimistic altitude towards her learning of art that I was able to discover varieties of media that I couldn't imagine doing. She introduced the class on about Collage that involves gluing various materials onto a surface to create a composition. I started to sketch my ideas for memorialization theme for people who lost their loved ones. I wanted to make a collage of a rooster "Bruno" for my brother who passed away due to illness. The idea came to mind to create this because I wanted to do something nice for my brother who loved his pet so much with all his heart, but has sadly passed away. I thought why not use this opportunity to create my first collage. I start off by going on Google to sketch the rooster thinking over what to add to the background to make it look creative. I was confident & excited about sketching out my mat board on my final project, which took a while to put in a lot of details for the rooster and the rest. I was surprised when I was all done sketching as I had gotten used to it by now, I began to look over a couple of artists that used mosaic technique to get an idea on how the layout should look like. I chose to develop my observation on a rooster as my reference that has helped me put in a well detailed creation of my artwork. If I had to be honest for myself, I would say it really took a long time to do this and I barely couldn’t finish it on time. But I won’t give up on it, I plan to finish it during classes, even lunch as I will complete it in my free time. At least for the most part, I’m starting to see how my project is changing as I glue the materials on a mat board, but I'm afraid that I didn’t do well on the rooster that it doesn’t look good. The project took almost a 3-4 weeks ,but it felt like a month for me to cut various pieces and colors onto a mat board. After I finish my artwork, my teacher supported me to finish my art that it got display in the gallery and I was fill of excitement that I wanted to visit the gallery to see my artwork. That was the time where I felt inspired and the meaningful comments that I've gotten from people. I never felt this feeling before that I wish to feel love deep down in my heart for those around me to remember of what I've accomplished. The reason why I would like to be an artist is because I love to explore varieties of mixed media that I can feel myself of creativity in my mind that I would like to run a small business of my own or jobs that is suitable for me to bring my artworks to the world. Back in high school, I never had any friends since I move in to a new school. I felt lonely that I didn't talk to anyone. Till in my junior year, my life began to change when I met my art teacher and ever since then I would always go right ahead to her class during lunch, study hall and any free period that I have. It became a a routine for me that gotten myself excited to see her and the classmates that always shows cheerful feeling. I kept doing till my senior year that shows I'm passionate about art. I'm not like my parents that I struggled communicate with my parents and others that I think of myself as a outcast. I just wish I could speak well that I can fit in well with my parents and no one would judge for who I am. But I can make my parents and myself proud if I keep on doing what I love the most. I would like to learn different media that I haven't tried on my own artwork, hoping along the years of experience I could make my own artwork. To be honest, I quite nervous and excited for what awaits for me next year in 2025 for graduation. I wish I could spend one more year to stay in Mrs. Menser's class one last time to have fun with the others and amazing arts that I could do and advices that I've learned from her when doing other projects. After I graduate from high school, I plan to go to college. I haven't decided which college ,but I had some idea like I prefer to stay in the area in Pennsylvania and not go anywhere from other states. I have visited a lot of college visits during my senior year that I still in the process of which college to go to. Yet, I would like to get out of my comfort zone and meet new people that we may both have common interest. Even so the part where I could go on study aboard that relates to my major really brings in the happiness within me.