The only family members I had that served in the military were both my grandfathers. My grandfather, who I called “grandpa,” served in the Air Force and my grandfather, who I called “gramps,” served in the army. Unfortunately, I never was able to meet Gramps because he passed away long before I was born. Grandpa, however, was in my life until about two years ago when he too left this world. In my eyes, my grandpa was a stoic, strong, yet loving figure in my life. He rarely had much to say, and in most of my memories he is quiet and serious, but there are a few where his playful and joyous side came out. My grandpa loved ice cream and he had a major sweet tooth; I believe he is where I get that same love from. Of the few memories I have of him when he was truly smiling and acting silly was when we had ice cream to celebrate his birthday. There was one time when my family decided to celebrate Grandpa's birthday and my birthday at the same time because they were one day apart. He didn't seem that excited to celebrate until he found out we had ice cream in the freezer waiting to be opened. He got so excited he was smiling ear to ear. He then made some funny comments that I can not remember, but I do remember how everyone burst into laughter, Grandpa included, and I remember how happy everyone was. The other memory I have of him smiling over his ice cream is more bitter than sweet. Grandpa's memory had started to leave him because he was suffering from dementia. I remember when we threw him a party and he was not all there. He seemed to fade in and out, and he would look at some of us as if he didn't understand who we were or why we were there. However, as soon as that ice cream came out a smile crept onto his face and he lit up with joy. It may have been hard when he didn't seem to completely remember me, but it made me happy to see him smile genuinely again. While I may have some memories of my grandpa that sting a little, I make sure to always hold on to the ones where he was his happiest, grinning like a child over his bowl of ice cream.

Art has been an important part of my life for as long as I can remember. Since I was little, I found joy in all forms of artistic expression, whether it was drawing a simple flower as a child or creating an intricate piece for a competition in high school. As I've grown, I've learned to appreciate art's ability to express emotions and feelings and convey powerful means of communication. Art has enriched me and given me a different way to view and understand the world and the people around me. Art has given me a unique perspective of the world. Whether it is a sculpture, painting, drawing, or photograph, art has a way of reflecting the artist's perspective. When I look at a piece of art, I am not only looking at colors, lines, values, and shapes, but I am getting to experience the emotions and thoughts of the artist. Through this, I have learned to look beyond the surface and appreciate the complexity of expression. For example, when I encounter a piece that displays joy or angst, I find myself reflecting those emotions. Art encourages introspection and it allows me to connect with my feelings and the feelings of others in a deeper and more meaningful way. Art has also become a vital form of communication and expression for myself through my work. Over the years, I have learned that through art I can communicate my thoughts, ideas, and expressions in ways that I could never put into words. Art has become the path I use to navigate my complex feelings whether it be joy, angst, or anger. Art is a way for me to externalize my thoughts, releasing emotions that may have otherwise stayed hidden inside myself. The act of creation has become a practice of meditation, and it clears my mind and focuses my eyes on what is ahead. Seeing a piece come together on a canvas or paper brings a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that I can never get anywhere else. In addition to my personal experience, art has also connected me to a whole community of people who share my passion for art. I've been able to meet and connect with other individuals who share the same creative side as me. The sense of belonging to a community with shared interests is enriching. Being able to exchange ideas, perspectives, and experiences has brought inspiration and growth to my life as an artist. Finally, art has taught me how to appreciate the beauty in even the simplest things in life. I've learned how to see inspiration in the smallest things whether it be the way the sunlight catches the water droplets on a leaf or the textures found in a city, and it has made me more mindful of my daily life. In conclusion, art has transformed my life. It has taught me how to explore my emotions, communicate my ideas, and connect with others. It has shown me how to look deeper at the world, and it has given me a lifelong chance for self-expression. Art is not just something I do to pass the time; it is a fundamental part of who I am, and it continues to play a role in my life, enriching it in ways I could never have thought possible.