The American Dream to me means having the ability and opportunity to choose my own path and succeed in it without limit. I plan on using my degree to reach the heights of my potential and inspire the world I live in and encourage other Americans to attain their American Dream.

I plan on using my degree to inspire others with chronic diseases that their conditions don’t have to stop or change the trajectory of their lives and goals. With determination to stay focused, those of us with conditions like type 1 diabetes (I was diagnosed at 14) can achieve the heights and depths of our aspirations without fear. If we can handle our conditions on a daily basis and all of its challenges, we can handle anything, overcome anything, and achieve anything.

My passion for art is driven forward simply because it is in my bones and blood. I have always been a creative mind and a dreamer. Life hasn't always been kind to me, and with the financial struggles my family and I have faced due to an unexpected loss of a child, health conditions that have limited my ability to pursue traditional work, and an unforeseen pandemic that affected us all, pursuing an education to build a more stable future for my family is going to be a challenge on the financial front. My hope is to become self sufficient and successful while doing what I love: designing. I have always had a passion for art and design, but never had the courage or means to pursue my degree. I have finally reached a point where the desire to design and construct my visions into tangible garments has become overwhelming and I simply cannot put it off any longer.

This is my favorite piece I've created so far because it inspired me to believe in myself and my vision. Confidence is something I've struggled with prior to pursuing my education because I was not quite sure if my vision was viable and if I had the talent to move forward. I surprised myself with this creation and it is what ultimately pushed me to pursue my education in costume design, which has been my life long dream, even prior to having children and setting out into the adult world.

My goals for the future include becoming a leader in the costume and fashion industry by designing and constructing innovative garments that bring characters to life on screen and on stage. I plan to be the next Edith Head, designing iconic garments for iconic actors and actresses that will live on through time.

My vision for my future includes creating and designing beautiful costumes that would be considered works of art and showcase creativity, expression, and structural innovation. Being a former professional ballet dancer has shaped my vision and idea for what is artistry. As in dance, I believe what one wears either in their day to day life or while performing tells a story, but not all on its own. The whole picture is what creates the masterpiece, not just a portion of it. With costuming, it is the design that pulls together the ambience and full desired and lasting outcome. I wish to become a leading designer of costumes in the burlesque industry as well as the film and theatre industry. I wish to see my designs being together a beautiful masterpiece and be the finishing touch to the art in which it is being utilized in.

Giving is important to me because it involves reaching outside of myself and investing something into those around me. During a difficult time in my life when I was younger a mentor of mine said something that stuck with me. He said, “when you feel bad, do something for someone else.” He couldn’t have been more correct. Giving selflessly without the motivation of getting something in return and simply acting out of kindness helps me to keep my perspective of life broad and keeps my mind open to possibilities. Ways that I give back is simply by being kind and conversing with customers at my job, being a good listener, and giving out of kindness and appreciation to my coworkers. By bringing my coworkers bagels and coffee in the morning simply to say “thank you for being my teammate” I help to boost company morale and build trust with my coworkers. Showing appreciation by stepping in when someone is in need, donating to charities and community service providers such as Goodwill and other organizations, I help those around me while feeling like a contributor in a positive way.