My name is Lander Elnur Parish. I have an AA in Graphic and Interactive Design, and am currently pursuing a BFA in Illustration, with a minor in digital media. For a little bit about me, I am a storyteller, and I tell my stories through my art. While we typically think of stories being told through word or speech, art is a storytelling medium in its own right, and my goal as an artist is to help inspire others to tell their own stories. The collaborative worlds that inspire people to build such amazing communities is what drives me to create, and I would like to pursue an education so I can have more tools to do that. My career goal is to be an illustrator, and to help create works that inspire people, whether that be through illustrating books, games, films, or animation. In order to get there, I need a bachelor’s degree to get my foot in the door. While my community college has given me an affordable associate’s degree, I am ready to transfer to another school to specialize my craft with a bachelor's degree. I am looking for support to continue my educational journey, as I want to help build up other people’s voices, and give them a community where they feel respected and heard, which is something I wish I had growing up. I hope that by continuing to work on my art as someone who has struggled with divorced parents, mental health, and discrimination, I can be a role model to other young artists, and show them that they can achieve their dreams, and that things really do get better.