People drive my passion for art. I will never forget the day I walked into my art teacher’s classroom as a freshman in high school wanting to be a veterinarian, but then leaving inspired to be an illustrator. I want to be an illustrator because I want to express and communicate hope and truth to others. One way I have put this dream into practice is painting pictures for ladies I care-give for. One lady was especially fond of roosters. In fact, she had a rooster themed kitchen…plates, curtains, napkin holders…rooster everything! She suffered from dementia, and I had to remind her of my name many times, but she never forgot the painting of a rooster I made for her. It warmed my heart every time she told me how much joy it brought her. Moments when I see joy and life in others faces when I give them my art, is what keeps me painting and giving. There is so much beauty in this world, and I want to share it and remind others of it intentionally and lovingly. When I started painting with watercolor paints, I felt like I had discovered my own personal sunshine. The medium is refreshing, breathable, bold and yet soft. Do not get me wrong, I’ve struggled with the sometimes unforgiving medium as well…it’s not exactly erasable like a pencil. I create illustrations and stories that embody friendship, honesty, warmth, sharing, perseverance, and light through animal characters such as my beloved Bear and Bunny. Currently, I am working on self-publishing my watercolor children’s book about two little mice that plant a seed together. When reading this book, children will learn the importance of hard work, patience, and the beauty of sharing. Ultimately, my dream is for others to be inspired to love and serve others—because that is what will make the world a better home for everyone. This scholarship would be such an encouragement to me. Pursuing art as a career has been a dream since I was fifteen, but it’s also been a risk. Creating, painting, and inspiring is worth more to me than any amount of money or financial security in this life, but it does not make the reality of financial need disappear. I’m a hard worker, but I know I cannot do it alone. This scholarship would help take the “starving” out of starving artist, so I can paint on!