Pursuing higher education can be a transformative experience for individuals looking to improve their lives and achieve their goals. However, for many people, including myself, the path to obtaining a higher education is fraught with financial and personal challenges that must be overcome to succeed. In this essay, I will share more about the obstacles I have faced and continue to face as I pursue higher education, as well as explore the historical context of these challenges, the impact they have on individuals and society, and the key figures who have worked to address them. Financial challenges are a significant barrier for many individuals seeking higher education. The rising cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses makes it increasingly difficult for students to afford a college education. According to the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees at a public four-year institution in the United States was $10,560 for the 2020-2021 academic year, while the average cost at a private four-year institution was $37,650. For many students, especially those from low-income backgrounds, these costs are prohibitively expensive. As someone who comes from a modest background, I have personally experienced the financial challenges of pursuing higher education. My family does not have the resources to fully support my education, so I have had to rely on scholarships, grants, and student loans to fund my studies. Balancing the demands of school with part-time work to cover living expenses has been challenging, and I have had to make sacrifices in order to afford my education. Despite these obstacles, I am determined to earn my degree and achieve my academic and career goals. In addition to financial challenges, pursuing higher education can also present personal obstacles for students. Many individuals, including me, face social and familial pressures that make it difficult to prioritize their education. For example, some students may come from communities where higher education is not valued or encouraged, leading to feelings of isolation or self-doubt. Others may struggle with mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, that make it difficult to focus on their studies. These personal challenges can impact students' academic performance and overall well-being, making it harder for them to succeed in higher education. Despite these personal challenges, I have been driven by my determination to succeed. I have sought out mentorship from professors, academic advisors, and peers who have offered valuable guidance and support. I have also developed a strong support network of friends and family who have encouraged me to persevere, even when the going gets tough. Pursuing higher education has not only been about overcoming financial and personal challenges; it has also been a transformative experience that has helped me to grow both academically and personally. Through my studies, I have developed a deeper understanding of my field of interest, as well as critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills. I have also had the opportunity to engage in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and internships that have helped me to develop a sense of purpose and direction. In conclusion, pursuing higher education is a significant undertaking that requires perseverance, resilience, and determination. While financial and personal challenges can be daunting, they can also be overcome with the right mindset and support. As I continue on this journey, I am committed to staying focused, working hard, and seeking out opportunities that will help me achieve my academic and professional goals. Ultimately, I believe that the benefits of higher education far outweigh the challenges, and I am excited to see where this journey will take me in the years to come.

The natural world serves as a rich source of inspiration for me as an artist. The changing seasons, the ebb and flow of the tides, and the infinite variety of plant and animal life all offer endless possibilities for creative exploration. The colors, shapes, and textures found in nature are unparalleled in their beauty and complexity, and I find myself constantly inspired by the intricate patterns and designs that can be found in even the smallest of natural objects. Another one of the most powerful sources of inspiration for me as an artist is the people around me. Each individual of my peers has a unique story to tell, a perspective to share, and emotions to express. I am constantly amazed by the diversity of human experience and find myself drawn to capture the essence of these experiences in my work.

Growing up in a world filled with adversity and trauma has shaped my creativity in profound ways. I have found that I feel most creative during periods of struggle, drawing inspiration from my lived experiences and identities to incorporate into my artwork. Throughout history, many artists have drawn inspiration from their own struggles and hardships. From Vincent van Gogh, who created some of his most famous works during periods of emotional turmoil, to Frida Kahlo, whose artwork often depicted her physical and emotional pain, adversity has been a driving force in the creative process for countless artists. These individuals have shown that art has the power to transform pain into beauty, allowing them to express their innermost thoughts and emotions in a way that resonates with others. For me, the connection between struggle and creativity is deeply personal. Having lived a very rocky life so far, I have found that my most powerful and meaningful artwork often comes from a place of pain and struggle. These experiences have shaped my identity and perspective, influencing the themes and subjects that I choose to explore in my art. By incorporating my lived experiences into my work, I am able to create pieces that are authentic and reflective of who I am as an artist. One of the most impactful ways that I incorporate my experiences into my artwork is through the use of symbolism and metaphor, I am hoping to communicate my personal journey in a way that resonates with others. There was a period of time when I was living under abuse, I felt manipulated, out of control of my life. I created a series of paintings about fish which I felt emotionally related to since they are a type of creature that is powerless in their own fate. Additionally, I find that my struggles have given me a unique perspective on the world, allowing me to see beauty in unexpected places and find inspiration in the midst of hardship. This perspective informs my artistic choices, leading me to explore themes of resilience, hope, and transformation in my work. By sharing my feelings through art, I want to connect with others who have experienced similar struggles and offer them a sense of comfort and understanding. While my struggles have undoubtedly influenced my creativity in profound ways, there are also challenges that come with incorporating lived experiences into my artwork. At times, revisiting painful memories and emotions can be difficult and emotionally draining, leading to periods of creative block and self-doubt. However, I have found that embracing the full range of my experiences – both positive and negative – has ultimately enriched my art and given it depth and authenticity. Looking towards the future, I see my experiences as a source of endless inspiration and growth. By continuing to explore the intersection of struggle and creativity in my art, I will deepen my understanding of myself and the world around me. Through my work, I aim to create a space for healing and connection, where others can find solace and strength in the midst of their own struggles. By embracing my lived experiences and identities, I believe that I can create art that is truly transformative and meaningful.

As an aspiring artist and designer, my WHY stems from a deep passion for creativity and storytelling. The ability to create something from nothing, to evoke emotions and provoke thoughts through visual art, is what motivates me to continue pursuing my passion in this field. The thought of being able to make a difference in the world, to inspire others and leave a lasting impact through my artwork, is what drives me to push myself further and continue exploring new techniques and styles. In the ever-evolving world of technology, where artificial intelligence and digital art are becoming increasingly prevalent, I see endless opportunities to blend traditional art forms with cutting-edge technology. The idea of being able to harness the power of AI to enhance my creative process, to experiment with automatic script writing tools and push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of visual arts, excites me immensely. Despite these advancements, I believe that the spirit of creation and storytelling will always remain at the core of any artistic endeavor. As a student of the arts, I am constantly seeking ways to infuse my projects with meaning and depth, to convey a message or tell a story that resonates with audiences on a deeper level. I strive to create art that sparks conversations, challenges perspectives, and ultimately moves people in some way. As I embark on my lifelong project, I find that it is deeply intertwined with the spectrum of human emotions. The project I am eager to pursue is one that aims to bring joy, inspiration, and hope to others through the power of art. Art has always been a medium through which individuals can express their deepest emotions, thoughts, and desires. It is a universal language that transcends barriers and speaks directly to the human heart. I plan to create a series of artworks through different mediums that explore the complexity of human emotions. I aim to highlight the beauty and fragility of human emotions, showcasing the resilience and strength that we all possess.

One of my favorite pieces that I have ever created is a crochet heart. This piece holds a special place in my heart because of the meaning and symbolism behind it. The crochet heart represents resilience in its resemblance to a real human heart. Just like a real heart, the crochet heart is delicate, yet strong. It is made up of intricate patterns and stitches, just like the complexity of human emotions and experiences. The material of yarns allows you to squeeze and crush, but it'll slowly bounce back to its original form. The process of creating the crochet heart required patience, precision, and dedication - qualities that are also essential for resilience in the face of challenges and adversity. The crochet heart serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. It symbolizes the ability to bounce back from difficult situations, to heal and grow stronger in the process. Just as a real heart has the capacity to love and endure, the crochet heart embodies the same qualities of love, compassion, and strength. In essence, my favorite piece, the crochet heart, is a beautiful representation of resilience. It serves as a tangible reminder of the human capacity to overcome obstacles, to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity. This piece not only captures the essence of resilience but also inspires me to continue to create, persevere, and grow.

The biggest influence in my life has been my best friend. She has always been a pillar of strength and wisdom in my life, guiding me through the ups and downs with grace and resilience. Her unwavering support and belief in me have been a driving force in my artistic journey, shaping me into the person I am today. When I graduate and embark on my artistic career, I plan to use my skills to push boundaries and think outside the box. I want to be innovative and original in my approach, creating art that challenges societal norms and inspires change. By harnessing my artistic abilities, I hope to create unique and impactful work that resonates with others and makes a difference in the world. I believe that art has the power to provoke thought, spark conversation, and promote social justice, and I am committed to using my talents to make a positive impact. What sets my artistic gift apart is my unique perspective and voice, as well as the personal touch and emotional depth I bring to my work. I draw inspiration from my personal experiences, cultural background, and social issues that resonate with me deeply. I strive to imbue my art with meanings and emotions, through vibrant colors, intricate details, and powerful storytelling. My art is a reflection of who I am and what I believe in, and that authenticity shines through in my work. I am not afraid to tackle difficult subjects or experiment with unconventional mediums, always striving to push myself creatively and intellectually. As I look towards the future, I see endless possibilities for growth, innovation, and collaboration in the artistic world. By staying true to my unique artistic voice, embracing new technologies, and continuing to learn and evolve as an artist, I believe that I can make a meaningful impact and inspire others to do the same. With support from my friendships, my friends who were instilling in me the values of hard work, perseverance, and empathy, I have been able to express myself freely, experiment with different mediums, and grow as an artist. I am truly grateful for their presence in my life and the impact they had on my artistic journey. As I navigate the world of art after graduation, I aspire to be innovative and impactful, using my skills to create art that challenges, inspires, and empowers. My artistic gift is unique because it comes from a place of authenticity and passion, driving me to create art that is both thought-provoking and meaningful.

I grew up living in a toxic household with a parent who has borderline personality disorder where abuse was a daily occurrence, 21 years of traumatic life has shaped my life in many ways, and yet overcoming that abuse and finding the strength to leave that toxic environment has been my greatest achievement to date. The journey was not easy, and it required immense courage and resilience, but it ultimately taught me valuable lessons about myself and my capabilities. BPD was something I discovered recently from my therapist after working with him for some time. Individuals with BPD often exhibit unpredictable behavior, intense mood swings, and difficulties in maintaining stable relationships. This creates a tumultuous and volatile environment at home, making it hard for children to feel safe, secure, and loved. I was raised with an older sister by a single Mom, our biological father had ditched us when she was pregnant with me. I was not allowed to make friends at school, I was required to get home within 15 minutes after the school bell rang, I was to take my mother to the grocery, to the doctor, translate for her (she speaks no English), make every phone call, etc. I was very much the parent of the house ever since middle school. My sister was older, but she struggled with another undiagnosed personality disorder, a mixture of autism and histrionic from my point of view. After getting into my dream college, I found myself surrounded by creatives I admire, my people. I became greatly inspired by my peers and began to make friends for the first time in my life, which evoked a sense of danger within my mother, out of fear of abandonment she began to do crazy things. I could talk about a million of those things, just know that the abuse escalated, snowballed, and became much, much worse. Police were called, social workers were involved, my school stepped in, I lived in my car for some time, then was to be relocated to a shelter... My mother made every vicious attempt to isolate me so I could stay dependent. Meanwhile, I was going through the worst breakup of my life, someone had broken my heart by leaving me after many lies and promises and false commitments, and most importantly, right after taking my virginity against my will, knowing what he did would destroy me as he knew how much I value that experience. Surely, after knowing what I was going through, my mother weaponized my feelings against me, spreading rumors to break up my friendships, and calling me a "prostitute" every time she took the money I made from three part-time jobs while attending school. My body was barely handling it. I fainted, multiple times at work, from exhaustion and stress. And yet I held on, I pulled myself out of bed every morning no matter how heartbroken, how depressed, how despaired. I knew deep down that staying in that environment was not an option if I wanted to live a fulfilling and happy life, I had to get up and work, and get out. Leaving was a daunting decision to make, as it meant walking away from the only life I had known and venturing into the unknown. There is still much healing ahead of me but through this experience, I discovered my inner strength, the power within me to overcome challenges and adversity, no matter how insurmountable they may seem. I learned the importance of self-love, self-respect, the power of setting boundaries, and having faith in my ability to create a better future for myself. I understand I am capable of achieving great things, I wouldn't have it happen any other way, otherwise, I wouldn't have become this version of myself. I love myself, I know I deserve every ounce of that love. Looking toward the future, I have set my sights on creating a life that is filled with love, joy, and fulfillment. I hope to continue on the path of self-discovery and personal growth, and to build a strong support system of friends and loved ones who uplift and empower me. I aspire to use my experience to inspire and empower others who may be going through similar challenges. I want to be a voice of hope and encouragement for those who feel trapped in abusive situations and to help them see that they have the strength and resilience to break free and create a better life for themselves.

Art has always been a powerful tool for expressing emotions, challenging societal norms, and bringing about change. As an artist, I know that I have a responsibility to use my skills and talent to make a positive impact on the world around me. I want to use my works to inspire others, spark important conversations, and promote positivity and unity. One way in which I plan to make a positive impact on the world through my art is by creating artwork that challenges stereotypes and promotes diversity and inclusivity. I believe that art has the power to break down barriers and bring people together, regardless of their race, gender, or background. By using my art to celebrate the beauty of diversity and challenge narrow-minded thinking, I hope to inspire others to embrace inclusivity and acceptance. In addition, I plan to use my art to raise awareness about important social and environmental issues. I aim to shine a light on issues such as climate change, social injustice, and mental health. By bringing attention to these important issues through my art, I hope to inspire others to take action and make a difference in their communities. Additionally, I plan to use my art to uplift and inspire others. In a world that can often feel dark and daunting, art has the power to bring moments of joy, hope, and inspiration. I aim to create pieces that promote empathy and understanding, uplift the spirits of those who view them, reminding them of the beauty and wonder that exists in the world. By showcasing the beauty and diversity of the human experience, I hope to foster a greater sense of empathy and compassion among my viewers. Ultimately, my goal as an artist is to create art that has a lasting and meaningful impact on the world. By creating artworks that are emotional relatable and address important social issues, I hope to contribute to a more compassionate and just society. Through my art, I strive to be a force for positive change, using my creativity to lift others up and make the world a better place.

As an artist who has been fortunate enough to have access to resources and education in visual arts, I believe it is important, and am committed to giving back to under-resourced communities by providing opportunities for youth to explore their creativity and develop their artistic skills. Visual arts have the power to inspire, educate, and empower individuals of all ages, it can be a powerful tool for self-expression, healing, and personal growth, and all young people deserve the chance to experience the benefits of engaging with art. There are many ways in which I plan to give back to under-resourced communities through visual arts. One of the ways is by volunteering my time and expertise to teach art classes or workshops in community centers, schools, or other local organizations serving youth. I will be able to offer lessons in various visual art forms such as painting, drawing, fiber art, and digital art. By offering these classes, I hope to inspire young people to express themselves creatively, build their confidence, and develop new skills. In addition to teaching art classes, I plan to donate art supplies by partnering with local organizations and businesses to help youth in under-resourced communities. Many young people in these communities may not have the means to purchase expensive art supplies or access to proper facilities for creating art, which can be a barrier to their artistic development. By providing supplies such as paints, brushes, paper, and other materials, I hope to make it easier for young people to explore their creativity and create art that reflects their unique perspectives and experiences. Another way I plan to give back to under-resourced communities through visual arts is by organizing art exhibitions or events that showcase the work of young artists in these communities. By providing a platform for young people to share their art with a wider audience, I hope to celebrate their talent and creativity and inspire others to support the arts in under-resourced communities. Overall, my goal is to use my passion for visual arts to empower, and uplift young people and promote positive changes in under-resourced communities. By providing opportunities for youth to explore their creativity, develop their skills, and share their art with others, I hope to make a positive impact on their lives and help them realize their potential as artists and individuals. Together, we can create a more vibrant and inclusive arts community that celebrates the diversity and creativity of all young people, regardless of their background or circumstances.