Collaboration in my artistic practice means allowing a work to become larger than my own perspective. I think of collaboration less as dividing responsibilities and more as creating a space where people can bring their memories, knowledge, histories, and ways of making into the work. Some of the most meaningful moments in my practice have happened when I stopped trying to control what an artwork would become and instead listened to the people around me. My work often explores migration, memory, family separation, and the ways we remain connected across distance. Because these subjects are deeply communal, I have learned that they cannot be approached through my experience alone. Through community projects in Southwest Detroit, I have worked with local businesses, families, artists, and neighbors to create altars and spaces for collective remembrance. In these projects, collaboration meant listening first. Participants shared photographs, objects, stories, and memories of people who were absent because of migration, deportation, death, or distance. Their contributions changed the work and reminded me that art can become a place where experiences that are often carried privately can be held collectively. One of my most meaningful collaborations has also been with my mother. I create temporary floor installations inspired by the sawdust carpets and ephemeral street traditions I remember from Mexico, using materials such as hand-dyed rice, flowers, and other natural elements. My mother has helped me dye and prepare materials and install these works. What might appear to be a simple act of making together becomes an exchange of memory between generations. She carries knowledge, gestures, and experiences that I do not, and I bring my own contemporary artistic language. Neither replaces the other. Instead, something new emerges between us. This is also how I approach teaching and participatory projects. I am interested in human-centered ways of making creating with people rather than simply making something for them. I want participants to feel that their decisions genuinely affect the final work. Collaboration requires vulnerability because it means accepting that the outcome may change once another person enters the process. These experiences have taught me that relationships are not separate from the artwork; often, they are the artwork's foundation. In my intended field, I hope to continue creating contemporary work that brings traditional practices into conversation with new communities and new futures. For me, collaboration is ultimately an act of trust: trusting that when we make room for one another, we can create something that none of us could have imagined alone.

Collaboration, in my field, is not supplemental to the work it is the work. As a visual artist whose practice centers migration, memory, and collective grief, I understand art not as an isolated act of genius, but as a shared construction of meaning. The object is never the endpoint. The relationships built in its making are. Like Pam Branchini describes in music and theatre, I have found that the most transformative moments happen in preparation in the folding chairs before the audience arrives, in the shared meals after installation, in the vulnerability of asking someone to tell you their story and trusting you with it. Collaboration means allowing the work to be shaped by voices beyond my own. It requires humility. It asks me to loosen control and make space for something unexpected to emerge. Through projects like community altar installations for those impacted by deportation and displacement, I have experienced collaboration as a form of care. These altars are not authored by me alone. They are built through open calls for photographs, handwritten letters, donated materials, and volunteer labor. Community members bring electric candles, fabric, flowers, and, more importantly, memory. The process becomes ceremonial. Strangers share stories while arranging images of their loved ones. Grief becomes collective rather than private. In those moments, art functions less as an exhibition and more as a gathering point. we coexist together in this space. I have also collaborated in workshop settings, facilitating printmaking and collage spaces where participants use shared visual elements to construct radically different narratives. Watching how each person layers symbols, color, and text reminds me that collaboration does not erase individuality it multiplies it. We begin with common materials, like paper, magazine scraps, colors they see everyday but what emerges reflects each participant’s lived experience. The shared structure becomes a container for many distinct worlds. Collaboration, to me, is an ethical commitment. It asks: Who is this work for? Who does it include? Who has access to its making? In my intended field of socially engaged art, collaboration is inseparable from responsibility. It transforms art from a product into a practice of relationship-building. Ultimately, it is through these relationships the conversations, the shared labor, the collective dreaming that the work gains its depth and purpose. We imagine together, Imagination matters so much, it's how people learn to see themselves living in futures they were told they would never reach.

Being a first-generation student means learning how to walk forward without a map while carrying an entire family’s hopes on my back. It means translating systems that were never designed for us, learning the language of institutions while holding onto the language of home. I did not grow up knowing how to apply for college, scholarships, or grants. What I did know was how to adapt early, how to be resilient, and how to keep moving even when life asked too much of a child. My family’s story has been shaped by migration, separation, and loss. I experienced family deportation at a young age, which fractured my sense of safety and belonging. As a child, I was asked to make choices no child should have to make choices about where to live, who to stay with, and how to survive emotionally while everything familiar disappeared. These experiences left lasting grief, but they also taught me endurance. I learned how to succeed quietly, how to work hard without asking for help, and how to carry pain while still showing up. For a long time, I believed survival was my only goal. But education taught me that I could dream beyond that. As a first-generation student, pursuing higher education has been both an act of resistance and devotion to my family, my community, and to the younger version of myself who needed proof that a different future was possible. I earned my BFA as valedictorian while navigating financial instability, emotional loss, and responsibility to my family. Recently, I was accepted into the University of Michigan’s MFA program, where my work centers on memory, migration, and community healing through art. What drives me is the belief that art can be a living archive one that holds stories institutions often erase. I am committed to creating work that gives visibility to immigrant experiences and builds spaces of belonging for those who feel unseen. I also aim to continue working with youth in Southwest Detroit, using art as a tool for reflection, connection, and care. This scholarship would not just ease financial strain; it would offer me stability something first-generation students are rarely afforded. It would allow me to focus fully on my education, my research, and my community-based work without the constant pressure of financial survival. More than anything, it would affirm that my journey matters. I am not chasing perfection. I am building a life shaped by purpose, integrity, and care. This scholarship would help me continue forward not alone, but supported toward a future where my work, education, and community are deeply intertwined.

Growing up, I could never have imagined myself doing what I love. After my parents' deportation, I felt as though I had lost everything. I fell into a dark place--lonely, scared, and searching for love and stability in all the wrong places. My high school years were marked by struggle, including the eviction of my family home, and I carried this self-sabotage into my early college years. It wasn't until after my freshman year that I began to realize how much unresolved grief was holding me back. I felt that grief everywhere--the absence of my loved ones haunted me daily. But when I started painting my parents, I began to find something I didn't expect: hope. Seeing them emerge on the canvas reminded me that what I wanted so desperately wasn't to stop living--it was to truly live. During my undergraduate studies, painting became my solace. Creating work allowed me to grieve unapologetically and loudly, to confront the pain of loss, and to give it form and purpose. This practice has fueled my desire to create work that pushes conversations about immigration, family separation, and the lasting impacts of displacement. My goal is to make space for others who feel as lonely and unseen as I once did, and to raise awareness about the profound ways these experiences shape our lives. I want my art to spark empathy, inspire action, and serve as a testament to the resilience of immigrant communities. Even now, years after my parents' deportation, I catch myself searching for them in the smallest details--a whistle in the park, a familiar scent, a color that reminds me of home. These moments are bittersweet reminders of both absence and connection, and they drive my creative practice. My series What Lived and Died Between Us Haunts Me reflects this experience, exploring the intersections of memory, grief, and identity. Painting on Mylar--a transparent and reflective material--allows me to create layers that evoke the persistence of memory and the way the past continues to shape the present. Through my work, I have found not only healing but also a sense of purpose. Art has become a means of honoring my loved ones and giving voice to experiences that are too often silenced. I now want to take this further by pursuing a master's degree in art and design, where I can deepen my practice, expand my technical skills, and engage with a community of artists and scholars who share my commitment to addressing urgent social issues.

I see myself in every face I encounter in Southwest Detroit—the homes we leave behind in search of stability for our families. Southwest Detroit has a tenderness that reflects the transformative nature of the immigrant experience, and it is a story I wish to share, to bring light to, and to document for our children to look back on. Recently, I’ve had the honor of speaking with Latino students and visiting different schools to give artist talks about my parents’ deportation and how art has been a catalyst for hope. Opening up about my personal journey in spaces where others share a similar grief has deepened my understanding of how crucial it is to give voice to these experiences, to keep speaking for those who feel voiceless. Art as a tool for hope, to help others process their grief and to give voice to those who feel silenced, is invaluable. It’s especially powerful when engaging with young people. who may feel a deep connection to your story and see parts of their own journey reflected in yours. Art can be an incredibly healing medium. storytelling, visual art, community events, make impact that could help create lasting change and preserve the legacies of those who are often erased. I will use the money to be able to hold these workshops and continue my education. I want to see myself be able to become stable enough to have children and not worry about their future. to be able to be present in their lives and allow them to accomplish their goals. Continue to create work that share the stories of displacement and immigration need to be highlighted. I hope to shed light on the humanity of these experiences and provide a platform for members of the Southwest Detroit community to speak about the prevalence of these social issues and their far-reaching impacts on the community as a whole. My goal is to amplify these stories, allowing them to take up the space they deserve. Hopefully, this will spark conversations and inspire actions to protect and support this community, especially as gentrification continues to encroach and push families away from the heart of our neighborhoods. Through my art, I aim to preserve the legacy of the immigrant experience, particularly within the context of my community.

Additional Information Application Form - Page 6 julianna sanroman, Art & Design M.F.A.,, Fall 2025 Growing up, I could never have imagined myself doing what I love. After my parents' deportation, I felt as though I had lost everything. I fell into a dark place--lonely, scared, and searching for love and stability in all the wrong places. My high school years were marked by struggle, including the eviction of my family home, and I carried this self-sabotage into my early college years. It wasn't until after my freshman year that I began to realize how much unresolved grief was holding me back. I felt that grief everywhere--the absence of my loved ones haunted me daily. But when I started painting my parents, I began to find something I didn't expect: hope. Seeing them emerge on the canvas reminded me that what I wanted so desperately wasn't to stop living--it was to truly live. During my undergraduate studies, painting became my solace. Creating work allowed me to grieve unapologetically and loudly, to confront the pain of loss, and to give it form and purpose. This practice has fueled my desire to create work that pushes conversations about immigration, family separation, and the lasting impacts of displacement. My goal is to make space for others who feel as lonely and unseen as I once did, and to raise awareness about the profound ways these experiences shape our lives. I want my art to spark empathy, inspire action, and serve as a testament to the resilience of immigrant communities. Even now, years after my parents' deportation, I catch myself searching for them in the smallest details--a whistle in the park, a familiar scent, a color that reminds me of home. These moments are bittersweet reminders of both absence and connection, and they drive my creative practice. My series What Lived and Died Between Us Haunts Me reflects this experience, exploring the intersections of memory, grief, and identity. Painting on Mylar--a transparent and reflective material--allows me to create layers that evoke the persistence of memory and the way the past continues to shape the present. Through my work, I have found not only healing but also a sense of purpose. Art has become a means of honoring my loved ones and giving voice to experiences that are too often silenced. I now want to take this further by pursuing a master's degree in art and design, where I can deepen my practice, expand my technical skills, and engage with a community of artists and scholars who share my commitment to addressing urgent social issues.

Additional Information Application Form - Page 6 julianna sanroman, Art & Design M.F.A.,, Fall 2025 Growing up, I could never have imagined myself doing what I love. After my parents' deportation, I felt as though I had lost everything. I fell into a dark place--lonely, scared, and searching for love and stability in all the wrong places. My high school years were marked by struggle, including the eviction of my family home, and I carried this self-sabotage into my early college years. It wasn't until after my freshman year that I began to realize how much unresolved grief was holding me back. I felt that grief everywhere--the absence of my loved ones haunted me daily. But when I started painting my parents, I began to find something I didn't expect: hope. Seeing them emerge on the canvas reminded me that what I wanted so desperately wasn't to stop living--it was to truly live. During my undergraduate studies, painting became my solace. Creating work allowed me to grieve unapologetically and loudly, to confront the pain of loss, and to give it form and purpose. This practice has fueled my desire to create work that pushes conversations about immigration, family separation, and the lasting impacts of displacement. My goal is to make space for others who feel as lonely and unseen as I once did, and to raise awareness about the profound ways these experiences shape our lives. I want my art to spark empathy, inspire action, and serve as a testament to the resilience of immigrant communities. Even now, years after my parents' deportation, I catch myself searching for them in the smallest details--a whistle in the park, a familiar scent, a color that reminds me of home. These moments are bittersweet reminders of both absence and connection, and they drive my creative practice. My series What Lived and Died Between Us Haunts Me reflects this experience, exploring the intersections of memory, grief, and identity. Painting on Mylar--a transparent and reflective material--allows me to create layers that evoke the persistence of memory and the way the past continues to shape the present. Through my work, I have found not only healing but also a sense of purpose. Art has become a means of honoring my loved ones and giving voice to experiences that are too often silenced. I now want to take this further by pursuing a master's degree in art and design, where I can deepen my practice, expand my technical skills, and engage with a community of artists and scholars who share my commitment to addressing urgent social issues.

Art as a tool for hope, to help others process their grief and to give voice to those who feel silenced, is invaluable. It’s especially powerful when engaging with young people. who may feel a deep connection to your story and see parts of their own journey reflected in yours. Art can be an incredibly healing medium. storytelling, visual art, community events, make impact that could help create lasting change and preserve the legacies of those who are often erased. I will use the money to be able to hold these workshops and continue my education. I want to see myself be able to become stable enough to have children and not worry about their future. to be able to be present in their lives and allow them to accomplish their goals. Continue to create work that share the stories of displacement and immigration need to be highlighted. I hope to shed light on the humanity of these experiences and provide a platform for members of the Southwest Detroit community to speak about the prevalence of these social issues and their far-reaching impacts on the community as a whole. My goal is to amplify these stories, allowing them to take up the space they deserve. Hopefully, this will spark conversations and inspire actions to protect and support this community, especially as gentrification continues to encroach and push families away from the heart of our neighborhoods. Through my art, I aim to preserve the legacy of the immigrant experience, particularly within the context of my community. I will continue to work on projects that reflect the tenderness and complexity of migration, while also addressing the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants today. My goal is to document these stories, creating a lasting visual record that will not only honor those who came before us but also serve as a resource for future generations to learn from, ensuring that the stories of immigration and displacement are never erased. Even now, years after my parents' deportation, I catch myself searching for them in the smallest details--a whistle in the park, a familiar scent, a color that reminds me of home. These moments are bittersweet reminders of both absence and connection, and they drive my creative practice. My series What Lived and Died Between Us Haunts Me reflects this experience, exploring the intersections of memory, grief, and identity. Painting on Mylar--a transparent and reflective material--allows me to create layers that evoke the persistence of memory and the way the past continues to shape the present. Through my work, I have found not only healing but also a sense of purpose. Art has become a means of honoring my loved ones and giving voice to experiences that are too often silenced. I now want to take this further by pursuing a master's degree in art and design, where I can deepen my practice, expand my technical skills, and engage with a community of artists and scholars who share my commitment to addressing urgent social issues. I am particularly drawn to programs that foster interdisciplinary exploration and emphasize the role of art in creating meaningful social impact. With this advanced education, I hope to continue developing work that challenges dominant narratives, amplifies underrepresented voices, and creates spaces for collective healing and advocacy. My dream is to prevent others from experiencing the same isolation I felt by showing the world how deeply immigration and family separation affect every aspect of our lives.

Growing up, I could never have imagined myself doing what I love. After my parents' deportation, I felt as though I had lost everything. I fell into a dark place--lonely, scared, and searching for love and stability in all the wrong places. My high school years were marked by struggle, including the eviction of my family home, and I carried this self-sabotage into my early college years. It wasn't until after my freshman year that I began to realize how much unresolved grief was holding me back. I felt that grief everywhere--the absence of my loved ones haunted me daily. But when I started painting my parents, I began to find something I didn't expect: hope. Seeing them emerge on the canvas reminded me that what I wanted so desperately wasn't to stop living--it was to truly live. During my undergraduate studies, painting became my solace. Creating work allowed me to grieve unapologetically and loudly, to confront the pain of loss, and to give it form and purpose. This practice has fueled my desire to create work that pushes conversations about immigration, family separation, and the lasting impacts of displacement. My goal is to make space for others who feel as lonely and unseen as I once did, and to raise awareness about the profound ways these experiences shape our lives. I want my art to spark empathy, inspire action, and serve as a testament to the resilience of immigrant communities. Even now, years after my parents' deportation, I catch myself searching for them in the smallest details--a whistle in the park, a familiar scent, a color that reminds me of home. These moments are bittersweet reminders of both absence and connection, and they drive my creative practice. My series What Lived and Died Between Us Haunts Me reflects this experience, exploring the intersections of memory, grief, and identity. Painting on Mylar--a transparent and reflective material--allows me to create layers that evoke the persistence of memory and the way the past continues to shape the present. Through my work, I have found not only healing but also a sense of purpose. Art has become a means of honoring my loved ones and giving voice to experiences that are too often silenced. I now want to take this further by pursuing a master's degree in art and design, where I can deepen my practice, expand my technical skills, and engage with a community of artists and scholars who share my commitment to addressing urgent social issues.

Growing up, I could never have imagined myself doing what I love. After my parents' deportation, I felt as though I had lost everything. I fell into a dark place--lonely, scared, and searching for love and stability in all the wrong places. My high school years were marked by struggle, including the eviction of my family home, and I carried this self-sabotage into my early college years. It wasn't until after my freshman year that I began to realize how much unresolved grief was holding me back. I felt that grief everywhere--the absence of my loved ones haunted me daily. But when I started painting my parents, I began to find something I didn't expect: hope. Seeing them emerge on the canvas reminded me that what I wanted so desperately wasn't to stop living--it was to truly live. During my undergraduate studies, painting became my solace. Creating work allowed me to grieve unapologetically and loudly, to confront the pain of loss, and to give it form and purpose. This practice has fueled my desire to create work that pushes conversations about immigration, family separation, and the lasting impacts of displacement. My goal is to make space for others who feel as lonely and unseen as I once did, and to raise awareness about the profound ways these experiences shape our lives. I want my art to spark empathy, inspire action, and serve as a testament to the resilience of immigrant communities. Even now, years after my parents' deportation, I catch myself searching for them in the smallest details--a whistle in the park, a familiar scent, a color that reminds me of home. These moments are bittersweet reminders of both absence and connection, and they drive my creative practice. My series What Lived and Died Between Us Haunts Me reflects this experience, exploring the intersections of memory, grief, and identity. Painting on Mylar--a transparent and reflective material--allows me to create layers that evoke the persistence of memory and the way the past continues to shape the present. Through my work, I have found not only healing but also a sense of purpose. Art has become a means of honoring my loved ones and giving voice to experiences that are too often silenced. I now want to take this further by pursuing a master's degree in art and design, where I can deepen my practice, expand my technical skills, and engage with a community of artists and scholars who share my commitment to addressing urgent social issues.

I am an artist from Southwest Detroit, deeply inspired by my upbringing in Jalisco, Mexico. Through my paintings, I strive to memorialize absence, exploring themes of displacement, permanence, and belonging. My work is a tribute to my loved ones and has been exhibited at esteemed venues such as The Scarab Club and MOCAD. I earned my BFA from the College for Creative Studies, where I was honored as the merit-based valedictorian and received the prestigious Imre J. Molnar Award. Currently, I am a 2024 Emerging Artist Fellow with Playground Detroit and a 2025 Modern Ancient Brown Fellow. Currently committed to university of Michigan for arts. One of my most important goals is to engage with young people in the Southwest Detroit area, especially those who may feel disconnected from their cultural identity. Through artist talks, workshops, and mentorship, I plan to show them how art can serve as a tool for processing grief, understanding their history, and finding hope. I want them to see that their stories matter and that they have the power to shape their own narratives, both individually and collectively. By providing youth with the tools to express themselves, I hope to inspire them to use art as a catalyst for personal and community transformation. I will use the money to be able to hold these workshops and continue my education. I want to see myself be able to become stable enough to have children and not worry about their future. to be able to be present in their lives and allow them to accomplish their goals. Continue to create work that share the stories of displacement and immigration need to be highlighted. I hope to shed light on the humanity of these experiences and provide a platform for members of the Southwest Detroit community to speak about the prevalence of these social issues and their far-reaching impacts on the community as a whole. My goal is to amplify these stories, allowing them to take up the space they deserve. Hopefully, this will spark conversations and inspire actions to protect and support this community, especially as gentrification continues to encroach and push families away from the heart of our neighborhoods. Through my art, I aim to preserve the legacy of the immigrant experience, particularly within the context of my community. I will continue to work on projects that reflect the tenderness and complexity of migration, while also addressing the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants today. My goal is to document these stories, creating a lasting visual record that will not only honor those who came before us but also serve as a resource for future generations to learn from, ensuring that the stories of immigration and displacement are never erased.

I am an artist from Southwest Detroit, deeply inspired by my upbringing in Jalisco, Mexico. Through my paintings, I strive to memorialize absence, exploring themes of displacement, permanence, and belonging. My work is a tribute to my loved ones and has been exhibited at esteemed venues such as The Scarab Club and MOCAD. I earned my BFA from the College for Creative Studies, where I was honored as the merit-based valedictorian and received the prestigious Imre J. Molnar Award. Currently, I am a 2024 Emerging Artist Fellow with Playground Detroit and a 2025 Modern Ancient Brown Fellow. Currently committed to university of Michigan for arts. One of my most important goals is to engage with young people in the Southwest Detroit area, especially those who may feel disconnected from their cultural identity. Through artist talks, workshops, and mentorship, I plan to show them how art can serve as a tool for processing grief, understanding their history, and finding hope. I want them to see that their stories matter and that they have the power to shape their own narratives, both individually and collectively. By providing youth with the tools to express themselves, I hope to inspire them to use art as a catalyst for personal and community transformation. I will use the money to be able to hold these workshops and continue my education. I want to see myself be able to become stable enough to have children and not worry about their future. to be able to be present in their lives and allow them to accomplish their goals. Continue to create work that share the stories of displacement and immigration need to be highlighted. I hope to shed light on the humanity of these experiences and provide a platform for members of the Southwest Detroit community to speak about the prevalence of these social issues and their far-reaching impacts on the community as a whole. My goal is to amplify these stories, allowing them to take up the space they deserve. Hopefully, this will spark conversations and inspire actions to protect and support this community, especially as gentrification continues to encroach and push families away from the heart of our neighborhoods. Through my art, I aim to preserve the legacy of the immigrant experience, particularly within the context of my community. I will continue to work on projects that reflect the tenderness and complexity of migration, while also addressing the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants today. My goal is to document these stories, creating a lasting visual record that will not only honor those who came before us but also serve as a resource for future generations to learn from, ensuring that the stories of immigration and displacement are never erased.

I am an artist from Southwest Detroit, deeply inspired by my upbringing in Jalisco, Mexico. Through my paintings, I strive to memorialize absence, exploring themes of displacement, permanence, and belonging. My work is a tribute to my loved ones and has been exhibited at esteemed venues such as The Scarab Club and MOCAD. I earned my BFA from the College for Creative Studies, where I was honored as the merit-based valedictorian and received the prestigious Imre J. Molnar Award. Currently, I am a 2024 Emerging Artist Fellow with Playground Detroit and a 2025 Modern Ancient Brown Fellow. Currently committed to university of Michigan for arts. One of my most important goals is to engage with young people in the Southwest Detroit area, especially those who may feel disconnected from their cultural identity. Through artist talks, workshops, and mentorship, I plan to show them how art can serve as a tool for processing grief, understanding their history, and finding hope. I want them to see that their stories matter and that they have the power to shape their own narratives, both individually and collectively. By providing youth with the tools to express themselves, I hope to inspire them to use art as a catalyst for personal and community transformation. I will use the money to be able to hold these workshops and continue my education. I want to see myself be able to become stable enough to have children and not worry about their future. to be able to be present in their lives and allow them to accomplish their goals. Continue to create work that share the stories of displacement and immigration need to be highlighted. I hope to shed light on the humanity of these experiences and provide a platform for members of the Southwest Detroit community to speak about the prevalence of these social issues and their far-reaching impacts on the community as a whole. My goal is to amplify these stories, allowing them to take up the space they deserve. Hopefully, this will spark conversations and inspire actions to protect and support this community, especially as gentrification continues to encroach and push families away from the heart of our neighborhoods. Through my art, I aim to preserve the legacy of the immigrant experience, particularly within the context of my community. I will continue to work on projects that reflect the tenderness and complexity of migration, while also addressing the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants today. My goal is to document these stories, creating a lasting visual record that will not only honor those who came before us but also serve as a resource for future generations to learn from, ensuring that the stories of immigration and displacement are never erased.

I am an artist from Southwest Detroit, deeply inspired by my upbringing in Jalisco, Mexico. Through my paintings, I strive to memorialize absence, exploring themes of displacement, permanence, and belonging. My work is a tribute to my loved ones and has been exhibited at esteemed venues such as The Scarab Club and MOCAD. I earned my BFA from the College for Creative Studies, where I was honored as the merit-based valedictorian and received the prestigious Imre J. Molnar Award. Currently, I am a 2024 Emerging Artist Fellow with Playground Detroit and a 2025 Modern Ancient Brown Fellow. Currently committed to university of Michigan for arts. One of my most important goals is to engage with young people in the Southwest Detroit area, especially those who may feel disconnected from their cultural identity. Through artist talks, workshops, and mentorship, I plan to show them how art can serve as a tool for processing grief, understanding their history, and finding hope. I want them to see that their stories matter and that they have the power to shape their own narratives, both individually and collectively. By providing youth with the tools to express themselves, I hope to inspire them to use art as a catalyst for personal and community transformation. I will use the money to be able to hold these workshops and continue my education. I want to see myself be able to become stable enough to have children and not worry about their future. to be able to be present in their lives and allow them to accomplish their goals. Continue to create work that share the stories of displacement and immigration need to be highlighted. I hope to shed light on the humanity of these experiences and provide a platform for members of the Southwest Detroit community to speak about the prevalence of these social issues and their far-reaching impacts on the community as a whole. My goal is to amplify these stories, allowing them to take up the space they deserve. Hopefully, this will spark conversations and inspire actions to protect and support this community, especially as gentrification continues to encroach and push families away from the heart of our neighborhoods. Through my art, I aim to preserve the legacy of the immigrant experience, particularly within the context of my community. I will continue to work on projects that reflect the tenderness and complexity of migration, while also addressing the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants today. My goal is to document these stories, creating a lasting visual record that will not only honor those who came before us but also serve as a resource for future generations to learn from, ensuring that the stories of immigration and displacement are never erased.

I am an artist from Southwest Detroit, deeply inspired by my upbringing in Jalisco, Mexico. Through my paintings, I strive to memorialize absence, exploring themes of displacement, permanence, and belonging. My work is a tribute to my loved ones and has been exhibited at esteemed venues such as The Scarab Club and MOCAD. I earned my BFA from the College for Creative Studies, where I was honored as the merit-based valedictorian and received the prestigious Imre J. Molnar Award. Currently, I am a 2024 Emerging Artist Fellow with Playground Detroit and a 2025 Modern Ancient Brown Fellow. Currently committed to university of Michigan for arts. One of my most important goals is to engage with young people in the Southwest Detroit area, especially those who may feel disconnected from their cultural identity. Through artist talks, workshops, and mentorship, I plan to show them how art can serve as a tool for processing grief, understanding their history, and finding hope. I want them to see that their stories matter and that they have the power to shape their own narratives, both individually and collectively. By providing youth with the tools to express themselves, I hope to inspire them to use art as a catalyst for personal and community transformation. As someone who constantly revisits my past because it is where my loved ones still exist, I often think about lineage. I think about the way I long for my homeland, and how my ancestors share that same longing. Over the years, I’ve worked extensively in my community, Southwest Detroit, and have heard countless stories about the loved ones we leave behind—the versions of ourselves we can no longer access, the smells, foods, and colors we can only dream of. I think about how the mountains still call my name, how my mother only listens to music when I’m home, and how she ends every phone call with the reminder that someone is still waiting for me. I see myself in every face I encounter in Southwest Detroit—the homes we leave behind in search of stability for our families. Southwest Detroit has a tenderness that reflects the transformative nature of the immigrant experience, and it is a story I wish to share, to bring light to, and to document for our children to look back on. Recently, I’ve had the honor of speaking with Latino students and visiting different schools to give artist talks about my parents’ deportation and how art has been a catalyst for hope. Opening up about my personal journey in spaces where others share a similar grief has deepened my understanding of how crucial it is to give voice to these experiences, to keep speaking for those who feel voiceless. Art as a tool for hope, to help others process their grief and to give voice to those who feel silenced, is invaluable. It’s especially powerful when engaging with young people. who may feel a deep connection to your story and see parts of their own journey reflected in yours. Art can be an incredibly healing medium. storytelling, visual art, community events, make impact that could help create lasting change and preserve the legacies of those who are often erased. I will use the money to be able to hold these workshops and continue my education. I want to see myself be able to become stable enough to have children and not worry about their future. to be able to be present in their lives and allow them to accomplish their goals. Continue to create work that share the stories of displacement and immigration need to be highlighted. I hope to shed light on the humanity of these experiences and provide a platform for members of the Southwest Detroit community to speak about the prevalence of these social issues and their far-reaching impacts on the community as a whole. My goal is to amplify these stories, allowing them to take up the space they deserve. Hopefully, this will spark conversations and inspire actions to protect and support this community, especially as gentrification continues to encroach and push families away from the heart of our neighborhoods. Through my art, I aim to preserve the legacy of the immigrant experience, particularly within the context of my community. I will continue to work on projects that reflect the tenderness and complexity of migration, while also addressing the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants today. My goal is to document these stories, creating a lasting visual record that will not only honor those who came before us but also serve as a resource for future generations to learn from, ensuring that the stories of immigration and displacement are never erased.

I am an artist from Southwest Detroit, deeply inspired by my upbringing in Jalisco, Mexico. Through my paintings, I strive to memorialize absence, exploring themes of displacement, permanence, and belonging. My work is a tribute to my loved ones and has been exhibited at esteemed venues such as The Scarab Club and MOCAD. I earned my BFA from the College for Creative Studies, where I was honored as the merit-based valedictorian and received the prestigious Imre J. Molnar Award. Currently, I am a 2024 Emerging Artist Fellow with Playground Detroit and a 2025 Modern Ancient Brown Fellow. Currently committed to university of Michigan for arts. One of my most important goals is to engage with young people in the Southwest Detroit area, especially those who may feel disconnected from their cultural identity. Through artist talks, workshops, and mentorship, I plan to show them how art can serve as a tool for processing grief, understanding their history, and finding hope. I want them to see that their stories matter and that they have the power to shape their own narratives, both individually and collectively. By providing youth with the tools to express themselves, I hope to inspire them to use art as a catalyst for personal and community transformation. I will use the money to be able to hold these workshops and continue my education. I want to see myself be able to become stable enough to have children and not worry about their future. to be able to be present in their lives and allow them to accomplish their goals. Continue to create work that share the stories of displacement and immigration need to be highlighted. I hope to shed light on the humanity of these experiences and provide a platform for members of the Southwest Detroit community to speak about the prevalence of these social issues and their far-reaching impacts on the community as a whole. My goal is to amplify these stories, allowing them to take up the space they deserve. Hopefully, this will spark conversations and inspire actions to protect and support this community, especially as gentrification continues to encroach and push families away from the heart of our neighborhoods. Through my art, I aim to preserve the legacy of the immigrant experience, particularly within the context of my community. I will continue to work on projects that reflect the tenderness and complexity of migration, while also addressing the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants today. My goal is to document these stories, creating a lasting visual record that will not only honor those who came before us but also serve as a resource for future generations to learn from, ensuring that the stories of immigration and displacement are never erased.

I am an artist from Southwest Detroit, deeply inspired by my upbringing in Jalisco, Mexico. Through my paintings, I strive to memorialize absence, exploring themes of displacement, permanence, and belonging. My work is a tribute to my loved ones and has been exhibited at esteemed venues such as The Scarab Club and MOCAD. I earned my BFA from the College for Creative Studies, where I was honored as the merit-based valedictorian and received the prestigious Imre J. Molnar Award. Currently, I am a 2024 Emerging Artist Fellow with Playground Detroit and a 2025 Modern Ancient Brown Fellow. Currently committed to university of Michigan for arts. One of my most important goals is to engage with young people in the Southwest Detroit area, especially those who may feel disconnected from their cultural identity. Through artist talks, workshops, and mentorship, I plan to show them how art can serve as a tool for processing grief, understanding their history, and finding hope. I want them to see that their stories matter and that they have the power to shape their own narratives, both individually and collectively. By providing youth with the tools to express themselves, I hope to inspire them to use art as a catalyst for personal and community transformation. I will use the money to be able to hold these workshops and continue my education. I want to see myself be able to become stable enough to have children and not worry about their future. to be able to be present in their lives and allow them to accomplish their goals. Continue to create work that share the stories of displacement and immigration need to be highlighted. I hope to shed light on the humanity of these experiences and provide a platform for members of the Southwest Detroit community to speak about the prevalence of these social issues and their far-reaching impacts on the community as a whole. My goal is to amplify these stories, allowing them to take up the space they deserve. Hopefully, this will spark conversations and inspire actions to protect and support this community, especially as gentrification continues to encroach and push families away from the heart of our neighborhoods. Through my art, I aim to preserve the legacy of the immigrant experience, particularly within the context of my community. I will continue to work on projects that reflect the tenderness and complexity of migration, while also addressing the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants today. My goal is to document these stories, creating a lasting visual record that will not only honor those who came before us but also serve as a resource for future generations to learn from, ensuring that the stories of immigration and displacement are never erased.

I am an artist from Southwest Detroit, deeply inspired by my upbringing in Jalisco, Mexico. Through my paintings, I strive to memorialize absence, exploring themes of displacement, permanence, and belonging. My work is a tribute to my loved ones and has been exhibited at esteemed venues such as The Scarab Club and MOCAD. I earned my BFA from the College for Creative Studies, where I was honored as the merit-based valedictorian and received the prestigious Imre J. Molnar Award. Currently, I am a 2024 Emerging Artist Fellow with Playground Detroit and a 2025 Modern Ancient Brown Fellow. Currently committed to university of Michigan for arts. One of my most important goals is to engage with young people in the Southwest Detroit area, especially those who may feel disconnected from their cultural identity. Through artist talks, workshops, and mentorship, I plan to show them how art can serve as a tool for processing grief, understanding their history, and finding hope. I want them to see that their stories matter and that they have the power to shape their own narratives, both individually and collectively. By providing youth with the tools to express themselves, I hope to inspire them to use art as a catalyst for personal and community transformation. I will use the money to be able to hold these workshops and continue my education. I want to see myself be able to become stable enough to have children and not worry about their future. to be able to be present in their lives and allow them to accomplish their goals. Continue to create work that share the stories of displacement and immigration need to be highlighted. I hope to shed light on the humanity of these experiences and provide a platform for members of the Southwest Detroit community to speak about the prevalence of these social issues and their far-reaching impacts on the community as a whole. My goal is to amplify these stories, allowing them to take up the space they deserve. Hopefully, this will spark conversations and inspire actions to protect and support this community, especially as gentrification continues to encroach and push families away from the heart of our neighborhoods. Through my art, I aim to preserve the legacy of the immigrant experience, particularly within the context of my community. I will continue to work on projects that reflect the tenderness and complexity of migration, while also addressing the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants today. My goal is to document these stories, creating a lasting visual record that will not only honor those who came before us but also serve as a resource for future generations to learn from, ensuring that the stories of immigration and displacement are never erased.

Southwest Detroit native raised in Metro Detroit and Jalisco, Mexico, Julianna Sanroman Rojas is a visual artist candidate to receive her BFA and teaching certificate from College for Creative Studies. I was inspired by the positive and negative experiences of being separated from my family due to deportation. I am very fortunate to be in a space that allows me to find myself and reclaim my heritage. I used traditional narratives throughout my work, which will enable me to challenge my past and attempt to reimagine my future. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 16 years now. I am choosing to reclaim my heritage and reconnect to what has been taken for me affirming love and healing. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I am exploring how to carry my home with me in my work. Look into my past as something I can recognize as an aspect of my life that is mine yet is not, Longing for what I had and realizing I can longer live there. My experiences with immigration, heartbreak, and transitions allow me to explore these constant shifts and examine myself breaking down and rebuilding in new ways. These homes, in my memory, are homes of love, isolation, tenderness, and violence. I am inspired by the city I live in, working with my community, and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. I've been working at a Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation; With my degree, I want to be an Art Educator and pursue higher education, participate in galleries and attend an artist residency. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers have done for me in the past. I hope to continue making art for myself as I become myself over again, connect with my family community, and make art accessible to the youth who inspire me constantly.

Southwest Detroit native raised in Metro Detroit and Jalisco, Mexico, Julianna Sanroman Rojas is a visual artist candidate to receive her BFA and teaching certificate from College for Creative Studies. I was inspired by the positive and negative experiences of being separated from my family due to deportation. I am very fortunate to be in a space that allows me to find myself and reclaim my heritage. I used traditional narratives throughout my work, which will enable me to challenge my past and attempt to reimagine my future. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 16 years now. I am choosing to reclaim my heritage and reconnect to what has been taken for me affirming love and healing. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I am exploring how to carry my home with me in my work. Look into my past as something I can recognize as an aspect of my life that is mine yet is not, Longing for what I had and realizing I can longer live there. My experiences with immigration, heartbreak, and transitions allow me to explore these constant shifts and examine myself breaking down and rebuilding in new ways. These homes, in my memory, are homes of love, isolation, tenderness, and violence. I am inspired by the city I live in, working with my community, and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. I've been working at a Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation; With my degree, I want to be an Art Educator and pursue higher education, participate in galleries and attend an artist residency. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers have done for me in the past. I hope to continue making art for myself as I become myself over again, connect with my family community, and make art accessible to the youth who inspire me constantly.

Southwest Detroit native raised in Metro Detroit and Jalisco, Mexico, Julianna Sanroman Rojas is a visual artist candidate to receive her BFA and teaching certificate from College for Creative Studies. I was inspired by the positive and negative experiences of being separated from my family due to deportation. I am very fortunate to be in a space that allows me to find myself and reclaim my heritage. I used traditional narratives throughout my work, which will enable me to challenge my past and attempt to reimagine my future. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 16 years now. I am choosing to reclaim my heritage and reconnect to what has been taken for me affirming love and healing. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I am exploring how to carry my home with me in my work. Look into my past as something I can recognize as an aspect of my life that is mine yet is not, Longing for what I had and realizing I can longer live there. My experiences with immigration, heartbreak, and transitions allow me to explore these constant shifts and examine myself breaking down and rebuilding in new ways. These homes, in my memory, are homes of love, isolation, tenderness, and violence. I am inspired by the city I live in, working with my community, and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. I've been working at a Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation; With my degree, I want to be an Art Educator and pursue higher education, participate in galleries and attend an artist residency. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers have done for me in the past. I hope to continue making art for myself as I become myself over again, connect with my family community, and make art accessible to the youth who inspire me constantly.

Southwest Detroit native raised in Metro Detroit and Jalisco, Mexico, Julianna Sanroman Rojas is a visual artist candidate to receive her BFA and teaching certificate from College for Creative Studies. I was inspired by the positive and negative experiences of being separated from my family due to deportation. I am very fortunate to be in a space that allows me to find myself and reclaim my heritage. I used traditional narratives throughout my work, which will enable me to challenge my past and attempt to reimagine my future. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 16 years now. I am choosing to reclaim my heritage and reconnect to what has been taken for me affirming love and healing. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I am exploring how to carry my home with me in my work. Look into my past as something I can recognize as an aspect of my life that is mine yet is not, Longing for what I had and realizing I can longer live there. My experiences with immigration, heartbreak, and transitions allow me to explore these constant shifts and examine myself breaking down and rebuilding in new ways. These homes, in my memory, are homes of love, isolation, tenderness, and violence. I am inspired by the city I live in, working with my community, and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. I've been working at a Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation; With my degree, I want to be an Art Educator and pursue higher education, participate in galleries and attend an artist residency. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers have done for me in the past. I hope to continue making art for myself as I become myself over again, connect with my family community, and make art accessible to the youth who inspire me constantly.

Southwest Detroit native raised in Metro Detroit and Jalisco, Mexico, Julianna Sanroman Rojas is a visual artist candidate to receive her BFA and teaching certificate from College for Creative Studies. I was inspired by the positive and negative experiences of being separated from my family due to deportation. I am very fortunate to be in a space that allows me to find myself and reclaim my heritage. I used traditional narratives throughout my work, which will enable me to challenge my past and attempt to reimagine my future. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 16 years now. I am choosing to reclaim my heritage and reconnect to what has been taken for me affirming love and healing. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I am exploring how to carry my home with me in my work. Look into my past as something I can recognize as an aspect of my life that is mine yet is not, Longing for what I had and realizing I can longer live there. My experiences with immigration, heartbreak, and transitions allow me to explore these constant shifts and examine myself breaking down and rebuilding in new ways. These homes, in my memory, are homes of love, isolation, tenderness, and violence. I am inspired by the city I live in, working with my community, and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. I've been working at a Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation; With my degree, I want to be an Art Educator and pursue higher education, participate in galleries and attend an artist residency. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers have done for me in the past. I hope to continue making art for myself as I become myself over again, connect with my family community, and make art accessible to the youth who inspire me constantly.

I am inspired by the positive and negative experiences of being separated from my family due to deportation. I am very fortunate to be in a space that allows me to find myself and reclaim my heritage. I used traditional narratives throughout my work, which will enable me to challenge my past and attempt to reimagine my future. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 16 years now. I am choosing to reclaim my heritage and reconnect to what has been taken for me affirming love and healing. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I am exploring how to carry my home with me in my work. Look into my past as something I can recognize as an aspect of my life that is mine yet is not, Longing for what I had and realizing I can longer live there. My experiences with immigration, heartbreak, and transitions allow me to explore these constant shifts and examine myself breaking down and rebuilding in new ways. These homes, in my memory, are homes of love, isolation, tenderness, and violence. I am inspired by the city I live in, working with my community. With my degree, I want to be an Art Educator and pursue higher education, participate in galleries and attend an artist residency. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers have done for me in the past. I hope to continue making art for myself as I become myself over again, connect with my family community, and make art accessible to the youth who inspire me constantly.

Southwest Detroit native raised in Metro Detroit and Jalisco, Mexico, Julianna Sanroman Rojas is a visual artist candidate to receive her BFA and teaching certificate from College for Creative Studies. I was inspired by the positive and negative experiences of being separated from my family due to deportation. I am very fortunate to be in a space that allows me to find myself and reclaim my heritage. I used traditional narratives throughout my work, which will enable me to challenge my past and attempt to reimagine my future. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 16 years now. I am choosing to reclaim my heritage and reconnect to what has been taken for me affirming love and healing. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I am exploring how to carry my home with me in my work. Look into my past as something I can recognize as an aspect of my life that is mine yet is not, Longing for what I had and realizing I can longer live there. My experiences with immigration, heartbreak, and transitions allow me to explore these constant shifts and examine myself breaking down and rebuilding in new ways. These homes, in my memory, are homes of love, isolation, tenderness, and violence. I am inspired by the city I live in, working with my community, and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. I've been working at a Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation; With my degree, I want to be an Art Educator and pursue higher education, participate in galleries and attend an artist residency. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers have done for me in the past. I hope to continue making art for myself as I become myself over again, connect with my family community, and make art accessible to the youth who inspire me constantly.

Southwest Detroit native raised in Metro Detroit and Jalisco, Mexico, Julianna Sanroman Rojas is a visual artist candidate to receive her BFA and teaching certificate from College for Creative Studies. I was inspired by the positive and negative experiences of being separated from my family due to deportation. I am very fortunate to be in a space that allows me to find myself and reclaim my heritage. I used traditional narratives throughout my work, which will enable me to challenge my past and attempt to reimagine my future. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 16 years now. I am choosing to reclaim my heritage and reconnect to what has been taken for me affirming love and healing. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I am exploring how to carry my home with me in my work. Look into my past as something I can recognize as an aspect of my life that is mine yet is not, Longing for what I had and realizing I can longer live there. My experiences with immigration, heartbreak, and transitions allow me to explore these constant shifts and examine myself breaking down and rebuilding in new ways. These homes, in my memory, are homes of love, isolation, tenderness, and violence. I am inspired by the city I live in, working with my community, and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. I've been working at a Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation; With my degree, I want to be an Art Educator and pursue higher education, participate in galleries and attend an artist residency. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers have done for me in the past. I hope to continue making art for myself as I become myself over again, connect with my family community, and make art accessible to the youth who inspire me constantly.

Southwest Detroit native raised in Metro Detroit and Jalisco, Mexico, Julianna Sanroman Rojas is a visual artist candidate to receive her BFA and teaching certificate from College for Creative Studies. I was inspired by the positive and negative experiences of being separated from my family due to deportation. I am very fortunate to be in a space that allows me to find myself and reclaim my heritage. I used traditional narratives throughout my work, which will enable me to challenge my past and attempt to reimagine my future. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 16 years now. I am choosing to reclaim my heritage and reconnect to what has been taken for me affirming love and healing. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I am exploring how to carry my home with me in my work. Look into my past as something I can recognize as an aspect of my life that is mine yet is not, Longing for what I had and realizing I can longer live there. My experiences with immigration, heartbreak, and transitions allow me to explore these constant shifts and examine myself breaking down and rebuilding in new ways. These homes, in my memory, are homes of love, isolation, tenderness, and violence. I am inspired by the city I live in, working with my community, and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. I've been working at a Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation; With my degree, I want to be an Art Educator and pursue higher education, participate in galleries and attend an artist residency. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers have done for me in the past. I hope to continue making art for myself as I become myself over again, connect with my family community, and make art accessible to the youth who inspire me constantly.

Southwest Detroit native raised in Metro Detroit and Jalisco, Mexico, Julianna Sanroman Rojas is a visual artist candidate to receive her BFA and teaching certificate from College for Creative Studies. I was inspired by the positive and negative experiences of being separated from my family due to deportation. I am very fortunate to be in a space that allows me to find myself and reclaim my heritage. I used traditional narratives throughout my work, which will enable me to challenge my past and attempt to reimagine my future. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 16 years now. I am choosing to reclaim my heritage and reconnect to what has been taken for me affirming love and healing. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I am exploring how to carry my home with me in my work. Look into my past as something I can recognize as an aspect of my life that is mine yet is not, Longing for what I had and realizing I can longer live there. My experiences with immigration, heartbreak, and transitions allow me to explore these constant shifts and examine myself breaking down and rebuilding in new ways. These homes, in my memory, are homes of love, isolation, tenderness, and violence. I am inspired by the city I live in, working with my community, and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. I've been working at a Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation; With my degree, I want to be an Art Educator and pursue higher education, participate in galleries and attend an artist residency. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers have done for me in the past. I hope to continue making art for myself as I become myself over again, connect with my family community, and make art accessible to the youth who inspire me constantly.

Southwest Detroit native raised in Metro Detroit and Jalisco, Mexico, Julianna Sanroman Rojas is a visual artist candidate to receive her BFA and teaching certificate from College for Creative Studies. I was inspired by the positive and negative experiences of being separated from my family due to deportation. I am very fortunate to be in a space that allows me to find myself and reclaim my heritage. I used traditional narratives throughout my work, which will enable me to challenge my past and attempt to reimagine my future. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 16 years now. I am choosing to reclaim my heritage and reconnect to what has been taken for me affirming love and healing. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I am exploring how to carry my home with me in my work. Look into my past as something I can recognize as an aspect of my life that is mine yet is not, Longing for what I had and realizing I can longer live there. My experiences with immigration, heartbreak, and transitions allow me to explore these constant shifts and examine myself breaking down and rebuilding in new ways. These homes, in my memory, are homes of love, isolation, tenderness, and violence. I am inspired by the city I live in, working with my community, and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. I've been working at a Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation; With my degree, I want to be an Art Educator and pursue higher education, participate in galleries and attend an artist residency. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers have done for me in the past. I hope to continue making art for myself as I become myself over again, connect with my family community, and make art accessible to the youth who inspire me constantly.

I was inspired by positive and negative experiences of being separated from my family due to deportation. I am very fortunate to be in a space that allows me to find myself and reclaim my heritage. I used traditional narratives throughout my work, which will enable me to challenge my past and attempt to reimagine my future. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 16 years now. I am choosing to reclaim my heritage and reconnect to what has been taken for me affirming love and healing. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I am exploring how to carry my home with me in my work. Look into my past as something I can recognize as an aspect of my life that is mine yet is not, Longing for what I had and realizing I can longer live there. My experiences with immigration, heartbreak, and transitions allow me to explore these constant shifts and examine myself breaking down and rebuilding in new ways. These homes, in my memory, are homes of love, isolation, tenderness, and violence. I am inspired by the city I live in, working with my community, and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. I've been working at a Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation; With my degree, I want to be an Art Educator and pursue higher education, participate in galleries and attend an artist residency. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers have done for me in the past. I hope to continue making art for myself as I become myself over again, connect with my family community and make art accessible to the youth who inspire me constantly.

My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. Growing up away from my parents always motivated me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my high school teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access to it, and listen to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me full creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. As well as introducing me to fine art, women art figures, and book recommendations. I loved learning about that and wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. I would wake up early to paint before school would begin or stay as late as possible to continue working on things. No one forgets meaningful teachers. Her being able to take the time to offer extra help was something I respect. I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. For almost two years now, I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. Growing up away from my parents always motivated me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my high school teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access to it, and listen to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me full creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. As well as introducing me to fine art, women art figures, and book recommendations. I loved learning about that and wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. I would wake up early to paint before school would begin or stay as late as possible to continue working on things. No one forgets meaningful teachers. Her being able to take the time to offer extra help was something I respect. I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. For almost two years now, I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. Growing up away from my parents always motivated me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my high school teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access to it, and listen to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me full creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. As well as introducing me to fine art, women art figures, and book recommendations. I loved learning about that and wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. I would wake up early to paint before school would begin or stay as late as possible to continue working on things. No one forgets meaningful teachers. Her being able to take the time to offer extra help was something I respect. I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. For almost two years now, I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

I want you to imagine waking up one morning, and your father is just gone. I want you to imagine going home telling yourself and those around you that everything will be OK when you are not even sure about that, And try to sleep every night only to find yourself lying awake for hours because you can’t sleep that worry will end you And it will try to break you You can say well this is too bad. Still, it’s just something you are watching on tv, and you can turn it off. You can go about your life. I am thankful now for the time that I spent without my parents; I had to find ways to help me cope with the emotional and mental anguish and pain that pushed me to keep exploring, I lived in fear, but still, I think I had a better life than most I don’t feel lost, I know who I am I know what I’m supposed to be doing, and I embrace that. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be motivated continuously by their absence. Growing up away from my parents always encouraged me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my high school teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access, and listen to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. I wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. The unconventional techniques inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

I want you to imagine waking up one morning, and your father is just gone. I want you to imagine going home telling yourself and those around you that everything will be OK when you are not even sure about that, And try to sleep every night only to find yourself lying awake for hours because you can’t sleep that worry will end you And it will try to break you You can say well this is too bad. Still, it’s just something you are watching on tv, and you can turn it off. You can go about your life. I am thankful now for the time that I spent without my parents; I had to find ways to help me cope with the emotional and mental anguish and pain that pushed me to keep exploring, I lived in fear, but still, I think I had a better life than most I don’t feel lost, I know who I am I know what I’m supposed to be doing, and I embrace that. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be motivated continuously by their absence. Growing up away from my parents always encouraged me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my high school teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access, and listen to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. I wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. The unconventional techniques inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

I want you to imagine waking up one morning, and your father is just gone. I want you to imagine going home telling yourself and those around you that everything will be OK when you are not even sure about that, And try to sleep every night only to find yourself lying awake for hours because you can’t sleep that worry will end you And it will try to break you You can say well this is too bad. Still, it’s just something you are watching on tv, and you can turn it off. You can go about your life. I am thankful now for the time that I spent without my parents; I had to find ways to help me cope with the emotional and mental anguish and pain that pushed me to keep exploring, I lived in fear, but still, I think I had a better life than most I don’t feel lost, I know who I am I know what I’m supposed to be doing, and I embrace that. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be motivated continuously by their absence. Growing up away from my parents always encouraged me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my high school teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access, and listen to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. I wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. The unconventional techniques inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

I want you to imagine waking up one morning, and your father is just gone. I want you to imagine going home telling yourself and those around you that everything will be OK when you are not even sure about that, And try to sleep every night only to find yourself lying awake for hours because you can’t sleep that worry will end you And it will try to break you You can say well this is too bad. Still, it’s just something you are watching on tv, and you can turn it off. You can go about your life. I am thankful now for the time that I spent without my parents; I had to find ways to help me cope with the emotional and mental anguish and pain that pushed me to keep exploring, I lived in fear, but still, I think I had a better life than most I don’t feel lost, I know who I am I know what I’m supposed to be doing, and I embrace that. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be motivated continuously by their absence. Growing up away from my parents always encouraged me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my high school teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access, and listen to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. I wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. The unconventional techniques inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I live in Southwest Detroit, a community that is best known for being Mexicantown. I am inspired by the city I live in. Working with my community and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. Growing up away from my parents always motivated me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my highschool teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access to it and listened to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me full creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. As well as introducing me to fine art, women art figures, and book recommendations. I loved learning about that and wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. I would wake up early to paint before school would begin or stay as late as possible to continue working on things. No one forgets meaningful teachers. Her being able to take the time to offer extra help was something I respect. The unconventional techniques she used inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. For almost two years now, I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. Before Covid-19, The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I live in Southwest Detroit, a community that is best known for being Mexicantown. I am inspired by the city I live in. Working with my community and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. Growing up away from my parents always motivated me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my highschool teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access to it and listened to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me full creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. As well as introducing me to fine art, women art figures, and book recommendations. I loved learning about that and wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. I would wake up early to paint before school would begin or stay as late as possible to continue working on things. No one forgets meaningful teachers. Her being able to take the time to offer extra help was something I respect. The unconventional techniques she used inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. For almost two years now, I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. Before Covid-19, The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. Growing up away from my parents always motivated me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my highschool teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access to it and listened to me.I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me full creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. The unconventional techniques she used inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I live in Southwest Detroit, a community that is best known for being Mexicantown. I am inspired by the city I live in. Working with my community and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. Growing up away from my parents always motivated me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my highschool teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access to it and listened to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me full creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. As well as introducing me to fine art, women art figures, and book recommendations. I loved learning about that and wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. I would wake up early to paint before school would begin or stay as late as possible to continue working on things. No one forgets meaningful teachers. Her being able to take the time to offer extra help was something I respect. The unconventional techniques she used inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. For almost two years now, I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. Before Covid-19, The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I live in Southwest Detroit, a community that is best known for being Mexicantown. I am inspired by the city I live in. Working with my community and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. Growing up away from my parents always motivated me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my highschool teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access to it and listened to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me full creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. As well as introducing me to fine art, women art figures, and book recommendations. I loved learning about that and wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. I would wake up early to paint before school would begin or stay as late as possible to continue working on things. No one forgets meaningful teachers. Her being able to take the time to offer extra help was something I respect. The unconventional techniques she used inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. For almost two years now, I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. Before Covid-19, The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I live in Southwest Detroit, a community that is best known for being Mexicantown. I am inspired by the city I live in. Working with my community and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. Growing up away from my parents always motivated me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my highschool teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access to it and listened to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me full creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. As well as introducing me to fine art, women art figures, and book recommendations. I loved learning about that and wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. I would wake up early to paint before school would begin or stay as late as possible to continue working on things. No one forgets meaningful teachers. Her being able to take the time to offer extra help was something I respect. The unconventional techniques she used inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. For almost two years now, I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. Before Covid-19, The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I live in Southwest Detroit, a community that is best known for being Mexicantown. I am inspired by the city I live in. Working with my community and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. Growing up away from my parents always motivated me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my highschool teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access to it and listened to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me full creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. As well as introducing me to fine art, women art figures, and book recommendations. I loved learning about that and wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. I would wake up early to paint before school would begin or stay as late as possible to continue working on things. No one forgets meaningful teachers. Her being able to take the time to offer extra help was something I respect. The unconventional techniques she used inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. For almost two years now, I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. Before Covid-19, The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I live in Southwest Detroit, a community that is best known for being Mexicantown. I am inspired by the city I live in. Working with my community and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. Growing up away from my parents always motivated me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my highschool teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access to it and listened to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me full creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. As well as introducing me to fine art, women art figures, and book recommendations. I loved learning about that and wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. I would wake up early to paint before school would begin or stay as late as possible to continue working on things. No one forgets meaningful teachers. Her being able to take the time to offer extra help was something I respect. The unconventional techniques she used inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. For almost two years now, I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. Before Covid-19, The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I live in Southwest Detroit, a community that is best known for being Mexicantown. I am inspired by the city I live in. Working with my community and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. Growing up away from my parents always motivated me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my highschool teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access to it and listened to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me full creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. As well as introducing me to fine art, women art figures, and book recommendations. I loved learning about that and wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. I would wake up early to paint before school would begin or stay as late as possible to continue working on things. No one forgets meaningful teachers. Her being able to take the time to offer extra help was something I respect. The unconventional techniques she used inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. For almost two years now, I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. Before Covid-19, The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I live in Southwest Detroit, a community that is best known for being Mexicantown. I am inspired by the city I live in. Working with my community and I hope to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. Growing up away from my parents always motivated me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my highschool teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access to it and listened to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me full creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. As well as introducing me to fine art, women art figures, and book recommendations. I loved learning about that and wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. I would wake up early to paint before school would begin or stay as late as possible to continue working on things. No one forgets meaningful teachers. Her being able to take the time to offer extra help was something I respect. The unconventional techniques she used inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. For almost two years now, I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. Before Covid-19, The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I live in Southwest Detroit, a community that is best known for being Mexicantown. I am inspired by the city I live in. Working with my community and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. Growing up away from my parents always motivated me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my highschool teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access to it and listened to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me full creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. As well as introducing me to fine art, women art figures, and book recommendations. I loved learning about that and wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. I would wake up early to paint before school would begin or stay as late as possible to continue working on things. No one forgets meaningful teachers. Her being able to take the time to offer extra help was something I respect. The unconventional techniques she used inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. For almost two years now, I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. Before Covid-19, The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I live in Southwest Detroit, a community that is best known for being Mexicantown. I am inspired by the city I live in. Working with my community and I hope to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. Growing up away from my parents always motivated me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my highschool teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access to it and listened to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me full creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. As well as introducing me to fine art, women art figures, and book recommendations. I loved learning about that and wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. I would wake up early to paint before school would begin or stay as late as possible to continue working on things. No one forgets meaningful teachers. Her being able to take the time to offer extra help was something I respect. The unconventional techniques she used inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. For almost two years now, I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. Before Covid-19, The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.