Clothing brands no longer create identity – they erase it. Scrolling through Instagram, I am constantly bombarded with new clothing brands, yet they all blend together; same tigers, skulls, and The Great Wave off Kanagawa. They all share the same aesthetic and a clear intention to chase trends for profit. Because of this, these brands feel empty as they are not built on passion or purpose–resulting in pieces being discarded in landfills. After working closely with someone who shared this mindset, I realized I didn't want to be part of that cycle—pushing me to rethink my purpose. ​ This purpose laid the foundation for my brand, Oxidaze. It answered the question “How can I build something that is unique and memorable while also reducing waste?” Oxidaze is a wearable art brand that repurposes thrifted clothing and upgrades it through hand-painted bleach designs. Each piece is intentionally one-of-one–no repeats, no mass production, as I believe art should feel personal, not replicated. ​ But the impact goes beyond just the clothing. I want every part of the brand to be built with intention. The Instagram page is not just a place to sell but also an experience, inspired by early-2000s fashion magazines, when “loud” visuals and identity dominated. I want people to be excited scrolling through the brand’s Instagram page, and not just mindlessly consume. ​ Through my art, I want people to feel excited and connected to what they are wearing since that is what fashion is about. When everyone’s clothing choices look the same, there is no room for identity. At the same time, I want to give the hoodie in the back of the closet a chance to become a favorite item. Additionally, as AI-generated art continues to rise, I feel even more strongly about preserving the value of human-made artwork. My art is rooted in life's imperfections, drawing inspiration from the different shapes of clouds and flowers. Even though AI could replicate the shapes of clouds, it could never replicate the energy of painting–derived from my current emotions. In a world where capitalism dominates, through Oxidaze, I am not just painting on clothing, but also pushing for a shift in how we value art, individualism, and sustainability. I did not create my brand to chase trends and profit, but to prove that fashion is an extension of our identity, and not just a materialistic product.

Plein air, which means “in the open air” in French, is more than just painting outside to me—it’s about capturing the energy and emotion of being in that moment. It is a form of storytelling through brushstrokes and colors, as I have simply gone to paint outside to “feel better.” Each piece doesn’t just show the scene in front of me, but also the emotions I carried while painting it. Painting outdoors helps me slow down and truly observe the beauty around me. While anxious about leaving work for a family trip to San Francisco, I set one goal: to take in the city without worrying about work. Being there felt like walking through a painting—the building filigree, steep hills, fences, cars, and people naturally formed clear foregrounds, midgrounds, and backgrounds. I’m inspired by the imperfect yet perfect details of the world, especially in a society always chasing the next big thing. The world that inspires me is not just made up of landscapes and architecture—it is also the people I meet along the way. One morning, while painting with a friend at Crescent Bay Park at Laguna Beach, a mom and her daughter stopped to watch. They told me they were going to go home and paint later because of what they saw me doing, which truly warmed my heart. These are the connections that matter, instead of being a machine in a capitalist society. Painting reminds me it’s okay for emotions to fluctuate—just as a painting goes through ugly stages before becoming complete, we go through difficult emotions before coming out stronger.

Following a late-night visit to a beachside bakery on Halloween weekend, during which I encountered a drunken man, I became aware of the societal expectations imposed on women. This artwork, “Paradoxical” summarizes my feelings about how these misogynistic standards are normalized. As this man spoke to me, he looked me up and down and shook my hand tightly. Despite being dressed as an angel, a divine being, I felt vulnerable and powerless while waiting alone for my friends and feared that any move to dismiss him might turn him violent. When my other friends finally arrived, their response was demoralizing as they dismissed my fear and questioned why I engaged with him, failing to empathize Later, another distressing event unfolded at the bakery; after getting donuts and a hot drink, I turned around to see that all my friends were gone. Looking for them, I went to the bathroom where I knew two of them had gone. As I was making my way there, I saw the same drunk man sitting near the path I was taking. The drink burned my hand as the donut fell to the ground from my shaking hands. Fortunately, I was able to meet up with the two friends by the restroom–one of them scolded the other friends over the phone as he realized they left me alone this late. Their excuse the next day?” We were tired, so we weren’t paying attention,”--this was disheartening. It left me wondering if they would have justified using the same excuse if something worse had happened. After that day, I reflected on how I felt among the men in my life. I felt judged for talking too little, talking too much, not being defensive enough, being too defensive, not being emotional, and being too emotional–all unrealistic standards. In a predominantly male friend group, it felt as if all my actions were always wrong and “cringy” while they “hype” each other up when they did exactly what I had done. After the bakery incident, I convinced myself into believing that I was being dramatic when, in reality, those friends should have been there for me. As a woman with mostly male friends, I have noticed a prevailing mindset among them that is based on "survival of the fittest." In this dynamic, discussing emotions is often perceived as a sign of weakness and is, therefore, avoided–which I disagree with. Because art is a way for me to communicate, this piece is a metaphor for how I will never allow a man to undermine my safety or sense of self-worth again. Juxtaposing bright, cheerful colors with a gory depiction, justifies and empowers women to act in any way they want without feeling guilty. I want to urge women to be unapologetically themselves as no woman should feel weak or feel like they have to be “gentle” all the time to be feminine. This is because, in the present day, women face domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment, and unrealistic beauty standards, and are often disrespected and doubted in leadership roles. These are all gender-based challenges as women experience these societal issues significantly more than men. By illustrating the woman as the angel and the man as a devil, the artwork empowers the women who view it because how could an angel be wrong? I deliberately painted men as the devil and women as angels to symbolize the contrast that is between men and women in society. It is a visual representation urging viewers to challenge the notion that women must always bear the burden of excusing men’s behavior.

In ten years, when someone excitedly exclaims, "Dude, this new agent that just dropped looks amazing!" they will be referring to a character that I, Lily Nguyen, a game artist, have designed. After I graduate, I will create unique characters that will make playing games more exciting and generate anticipation for new heroes, agents, or champions. Video games are enjoyable because of the altered reality players immerse into despite their ages. Different ages play video games to cope with personal challenges or simply for fun. In either case, positively impacting someone's life will be heartwarming. I appreciate video games since it allows for communication and quality time, as I have experienced with my friends. Regardless of the deeper impact that video games may have, if a character I design is universally loved, it will bring me joy. Fortunately, despite not being artists themselves, my friends have played a crucial role in my life by reminding me that failures are successes. Among them, Krystal Le stands out as someone who supports me unconditionally, even when my drawings are as simple as stick figures. She believes in and promotes my artistic aspirations, reminding me that discipline is all I need. During my senior year, I participated in the Orange County Artist of the Year contest. However, one requirement was to specialize in a particular skill, and I struggled to choose between painting, sculpting, or drawing–which my teacher described as “artistic ADD.” What sets my artistic skill apart is my desire to defy norms. If someone tells me I cannot do something, I will do it. Instead of opting for painting like many others, I entered as a sculptor. I was driven by the lack of representation of girls in sculpture and my desire to shape my skills toward becoming a game artist. One aspect I particularly enjoyed about the sculptures I created was how they are made from miscellaneous materials such as toilet paper, wires, chipboard, and cardboard. I believe that art should create beauty and provoke thought from unconventional materials rather than paint on canvases. By working with three-dimensional sculptures, I was able to make the artwork more immersive for the audience. In addition to my unconventional choice of materials, I approached the theme of "how-technology-interacts-with-our-society" in a non-literal way. I avoided straightforward interpretations and instead sought to personify the technology. Secondly, turning ordinary objects into characters in my artworks helped me create more cohesive character designs and believable character poses–increasing my knowledge of game art. Despite all the lessons that shaped my artistic skills while creating a portfolio for this competition, I ignored everything I had achieved when I realized I didn't win. I disregarded the art I had showcased in local art shows, the website displaying my artwork, the compliments I received, my improved knowledge of anatomy, colors, and sculpting, and that I was one of 107 semifinalists out of 721 nominees for the competition–one of only two people selected in the sculpture category. Despite all these achievements, I only focused on failure. Fortunately, Krystal Le highlighted the positive emotions I experienced while learning these lessons and expressed how proud she was of me. She has been the biggest influence in my life, providing unconditional support and constantly reminding me that I was achieving "Ws" (a slang term for winning). She is the reason why I am confident and driven enough to know that I will succeed as a game artist and create loveable characters.

Every time I stroll with my friends, I always point out the vibrant hues present in trees, grass, and clouds. "Purple would look so good right there with the yellow on the trees," I'd exclaim. In response, my friends would joke, asking me, "Are you still thinking about art?" However, it's not that I'm constantly preoccupied with art; rather, art is always around me. For me, everything can turn into art; whether it is toilet paper, glue, cables, or even a discarded cardboard box. While the world around me serves as an inspiration, providing me with limitless materials, it also presents moments and chaos that evoke emotions and my creativity. One of these moments is the rise of AI as it, as I fear it may limit human connections and purpose in life. As a sculptor, I wanted to sculpt this fear using personification as it helps me develop stories behind the characters to make the artwork intriguing. Furthermore, due to limited access to software, I had to learn how to work within 3D modeling using traditional supplies and techniques like paper mache and clay. These materials were available to me in my high school art class, and I embraced them to bring my artistic visions to life. Materials such as toilet paper that you see every day in the bathroom, can be utilized for art to the point of unrecognition–which showcases two of the artworks attached. Ultimately, it is through these experiences and the exploration of various mediums that allow for engaging, thought-provoking artwork that sparks conversations about the real-life world–a goal strive for as an artist.

As I am applying for this scholarship, my 11 to 14-year-old self would be surprised as to why I am pursuing this path in life. Living in an Asian-American household and being a first-generation student, I never consider doing art as a career. I was never the “I love art so much I am going to pursue it forever!” but someone who did it for praise. Nevertheless, as I grew, so did my passion for art. Even though I always loved art as a hobby, I would always stray away from pursuing it as a career because I thought it was impossible unless you were dead. I have learned that that is a myth. In 2020, where online games are a means of communication for me and my friends, I realize that there are artists behind those game characters. It sounds ridiculous for me to say that it took me a whole pandemic to realize my potential but it was true. Before COVID-19, I lacked the will to learn and grow in my art–always sticking to portraits and realism. Instead, I wanted to grow my skills; to improve in anatomy, form, lighting, and backgrounds. Education in arts is often looked down upon as impossible just because there are not as many direct resources out there. Fortunately, two years of high school were online, allowing me to look for art opportunities without judgment. In a way, I am choosing to pursue an art education to demonstrate and be a role model to other aspiring artists that there are opportunities out there for us. People have a “see it to believe it mindset” and they will see me succeed as an artist. This fall, I will be attending Laguna College of Design to grow as an artist and a person through techniques, critiques, professors, and friends. Unlike other majors, in every class you take as an artist, you will use it. While future nurses might forget their basic algebra, artists will never forget their basic proportions. My pursuit of in-game art isn’t just for the degree but rather the set of skills (artistically and socially) that I will learn to secure and contribute to my position as a 3D modeler or concept artist at a game company. In a digital art space, I want to create characters and backgrounds that convey their life stories and world. I want the audience to be able to immerse themselves in an online world and believe that it is real. Game art is about making characters interactive and encouraging gamers to explore a fictional world. It is what makes me intrigued by in-game art–the mystery and limitless creativity I can have when making these characters. Even with limitless imagination, however, I need the basic art foundations to make my ideas come to life as that is what game art is all about–creating fictional worlds that are believable and functional.

Walking into my cousin’s game shop at the age of nine, I would have never thought that one day I would want to be the artist behind those games. At the age of fifteen, I found joy as a player playing those games–I realized that it was a way for me to escape reality. Since then, I knew a job as an artist is possible and that it is not a requirement to work in STEM or education to be successful. With the emergence of entertainment, artists are more needed than ever. However, being an artist is often neglected even though artists are a staple in society that makes each person’s life more entertaining and colorful. Although this positive impact is small, it creates a chain effect of positive impacts. When an individual is happy, they have the motivation and discipline to explore and live their life. Because of this, in the future, I want to work as a game artist to design unique characters that will make playing the game more immersive for players and generate excitement for new heroes, agents, or champions. Being able to design concepts for new characters is awesome to me because one that could be a player's favorite or comfort character. With that in mind, a big part of video games being enjoyable is because of the altered reality that it allows players to step into. I am aware that individuals of different ages play video games to cope with personal challenges or simply for fun. In either case, having a positive impact on someone's life will be heartwarming. I appreciate the role that video games play in creating bonds and relationships, as I have experienced this with my friends. It is a means of communication and a way to spend quality time together. Furthermore, if a character that I design is universally loved, it will make me happy. Even with the exposure to art every day, people do not realize the significance of an artist’s job in their everyday life. Who is designing concepts for Mario Kart or Spongebob Squarepants? I would love to be a part of the entertainment industry–to work with small indie companies as they aim to create a new reality and world using nothing but their imagination and the tools they have at home. They are at the first step of becoming successful in the game industry; the step of just starting. I want to help these start-up companies with their goal of creating a game with well-loved characters. The act of assisting aspiring game creators not only helps me achieve my own goals but also allows me to contribute to the success of others. Through this collaboration, we can create a product that is appreciated by many, and at the same time, inspire other young artists to pursue their dreams regardless of any doubts or discouragement from others. This positive chain effect not only benefits those directly involved but can also have a broader impact on the art industry as a whole. By encouraging young artists to pursue their passions, I can help to create an industry full of innovative and talented individuals. Ultimately, by working together and supporting each other, I can help to foster a thriving and dynamic community of artists and creatives.

As I am applying for this scholarship, my 11-14-year-old self would be surprised as to why I am pursuing this path in life. Living in an Asian-American household and being a first-generation student, I never consider doing art as a career. I was never the “I love art so much I am going to pursue it forever!” but instead someone who simply did it for praise. Nevertheless, as I grew, so did my passion for art. Even though I always loved art as a hobby, I would always stray away from pursuing it as a career because I thought it was impossible unless you were dead. I have learned that that is a myth. In 2020, where online games are a means of communication for me and my friends, I realize that there are artists behind those game characters. It sounds ridiculous for me to say that it took me a whole pandemic to realize my potential but it was true. Before COVID-19, I lacked the will to learn and grow in my art–always sticking to portraits and realism. Instead, I wanted to grow my skills; to improve in anatomy, form, lighting, and backgrounds. An education in arts is often looked down upon as impossible just because there are not as many direct resources out there. Fortunately, two years of high school were online, allowing me to look for art opportunities without judgment. In a way, I am choosing to pursue an art education to demonstrate and be a role model to other aspiring artists that there are opportunities out there for us. People have a “see it to believe it mindset” and they will see me succeed as an artist. This fall, I will be attending Laguna College of Design to grow as an artist and a person through techniques, critiques, professors, and friends. Unlike other majors, in every class you take as an artist, you will use it. While future nurses might forget their basic algebra, artists will never forget their basic proportions. My pursuit of in-game art isn’t just for the degree but rather the set of skills (artistically and socially) that I will learn to secure and contribute to my position as a 3D modeler or concept artist at a game company. In a digital art space, I want to create characters and backgrounds that convey their life stories and world. I want the audience to be able to immerse themselves in an online world and believe that it is real. Game art is about making characters interactive and encouraging gamers to explore a fictional world. It is what makes me intrigued by in-game art–the mystery and limitless creativity I can have when making these characters. Even with limitless imagination, however, I need the basic art foundations to make my ideas come to life. Consequently, that is what game art is all about–striving to create fictional worlds that are believable and functional.

In ten years, when someone excitedly exclaims, "Dude, this new agent that just dropped looks amazing!" they will be referring to a character that I, Lily Nguyen, a passionate game artist, have designed. My dream is to create unique and immersive characters that will make playing games more exciting and generate anticipation for new heroes, agents, or champions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual connections became crucial, and I realized the power they hold in building bonds, providing entertainment, and helping individuals cope with personal challenges. This realization sparked my desire to become one of those artists who shape and create experiences in virtual worlds. While the joy derived from video games is smaller in comparison to achievements like curing cancer, it is essential to understand that these small positive impacts can nurture and inspire individuals who will one day make significant contributions. Without these moments of joy and inspiration, the bigger achievements would never exist. Before embarking on my journey as a game artist, I created fine arts. I participated in the Garden Grove First Impression Art Show, where I showcased my sculpture artwork titled "AI Art." There, I met an elderly woman who wanted to converse with the artist behind the creation. As I shared my inspiration and artistic process, I witnessed the joy spark in her eyes. It was a moment of connection and appreciation. Through this encounter, I grasped the profound impact that art has on people's lives, for both the artist and the audience. Even though artists are undervalued in society, I aspire to be a role model for other aspiring artists, demonstrating that pursuing an art career is not only possible but also essential. Art has the power to inspire, uplift, and bring joy to both the creator and the audience. By following my passion, I hope to encourage future generations of artists to pursue their dreams. In a society that often encourages the pursuit of STEM and education over art, I aim to showcase that there is an abundance of opportunities to be an artist—regardless of what anyone says. Therefore, when excitedly exclaim about the new agent I've designed in ten years, it will be a testament to my creativity and a reminder of the impact art can have on people's lives. Through my artwork, I hope to enhance the gaming experience, generate excitement, and be a role model

As I was selecting my electives for middle school, I had no idea how much choosing art would impact my perspective on education. My peers were all aiming for a 4.0 GPA and majoring in STEM or education, and I simply followed suit. Although I took art classes every semester, I never considered pursuing it as a career since I thought it was close to impossible to succeed as a fine artist. Unfortunately, the art education at my middle school was designed to fail me and put an emphasis on realism which made me lack creativity. However, my sophomore year introduced me to game art, which changed everything. I had only played games with a cartoon art style as a kid, so I assumed every game looked like that until I played League of Legends, which had a semi-realistic art style that I loved. Despite my school not giving me the best opportunities and advice about being an artist, it helped me become more self-sufficient and independent. Unlike students in more "academic" majors who were spoon-fed about what to do in the future, I had to figure it out on my own. Fortunately, one of my high school art teachers, Eric Keweakane, brought out the best in me. He provided me with an iPad Pro funded from the school’s leftover Covid funds, which enabled me to practice using digital software that was in line with my career aspirations. There was only one iPad Pro for the art department, and he let me borrow it because he believed in me. He trusted that I was self-sufficient enough to learn how to use Procreate by myself. Currently, I am taking sculpture with him, and my 3D sculptures reflect game art aspects like character designs and 3D sculpting. I utilize this 3D sculpture class because, even though the materials are traditional like clay and paper mache, it helps me understand form and anatomy–allowing me to apply them to the illustrations I create on my iPad. While he was an art teacher, he lacked knowledge of Game Art, but he gave me access to tools and advice that furthered my art education. From the beginning of the year, he gave me critiques that forced me to restart many of my projects, which taught me the value of trial and error. Even though it is a classic saying, he would always say, “You cannot say you can’t do something if you haven’t even tried.” Mr. Keweakane pushed me to try new things and threw me into the deep end, never doubting me for a moment. He nominated me for Orange County Artist of the Year, and while I did not win, I was one of the sixteen semi-finalists for Fine Arts. In preparation for the interview, he asked me to explain my art to his family during the school district art show, which put me in the spotlight and helped me overcome my shyness. Although I was not chosen as the Orange County Artist of the Year, I was one step closer to becoming a game artist since I was able to articulate my art to others and showcase who I am as an artist and person, thanks to Mr. Keweakane.

Walking into my cousin’s game shop at the age of nine, I would have never thought that one day I would want to be the artist behind those games. At the age of fifteen, I found joy as a player playing those games–I realized that it was a way for me to escape reality. Since then, I knew a job as an artist is possible and that it is not a requirement to work in STEM or education to be successful. With the emergence of entertainment, artists are more needed than ever. However, being an artist is often neglected even though artists are a staple in society that makes each person’s life more entertaining and colorful. Although this positive impact is small, it creates a chain effect of positive impacts. When an individual is happy, they have the motivation and discipline to explore and live their life. Because of this, in the future, I want to work as a game artist to design unique characters that will make playing the game more immersive for players and generate excitement for new heroes, agents, or champions. Being able to design concepts for new characters is awesome to me because one that could be a player's favorite or comfort character. With that in mind, a big part of video games being enjoyable is because of the altered reality that it allows players to step into. I am aware that individuals of different ages play video games to cope with personal challenges or simply for fun. In either case, having a positive impact on someone's life will be heartwarming. I appreciate the role that video games play in creating bonds and relationships, as I have experienced this with my friends. It is a means of communication and a way to spend quality time together. Furthermore, if a character that I design is universally loved, it will make me happy. Even with the exposure to art every day, people do not realize the significance of an artist’s job in their everyday life. Who is designing concepts for Mario Kart or Spongebob Squarepants? I would love to be a part of the entertainment industry–to work with small indie companies as they aim to create a new reality and world using nothing but their imagination and the tools they have at home. They are at the first step of becoming successful in the game industry; the step of just starting. I want to help these start-up companies with their goal of creating a game with well-loved characters. The act of assisting aspiring game creators not only helps me achieve my own goals but also allows me to contribute to the success of others. Through this collaboration, we can create a product that is appreciated by many, and at the same time, inspire other young artists to pursue their dreams regardless of any doubts or discouragement from others. This positive chain effect not only benefits those directly involved but can also have a broader impact on the art industry as a whole. By encouraging young artists to pursue their passions, I can help to create an industry full of innovative and talented individuals. Ultimately, by working together and supporting each other, we can help to foster a thriving and dynamic community of artists and creatives.

During my sophomore year, the year spent online because of Covid-19, I was able to plan and find my aspiration while playing video games with my friends. In the future, I want to work as a game artist. My goal is to design unique characters that will make playing the game more immersive for players and generate excitement for new heroes, agents, or champions. Despite Riot Games being my main company, I would love to work with small indie companies as they support my idea that you do not need expensive materials to create art but rather imagination and perseverance. Being able to design concepts for new characters is super awesome to me because one that could be a player's favorite or comfort character. I am aware that individuals of different ages play video games to cope with personal challenges or simply for fun. In either case, having a positive impact on someone's life will be heartwarming. I appreciate the role that video games play in creating bonds and relationships, as I have experienced this with my friends. It is a means of communication and a way to spend quality time together. Regardless of the deeper impact that video games may have, if a character that I design is universally loved, it will make me happy. This scholarship would allow me to ease financial burdens and focus on improving my art as a Game Artist. With this scholarship, I can attend my dream college, Laguna College of Art and Design, and afford equipment that will allow me to achieve these goals more smoothly. Moreover, with Game Art being both a hardware and software-based major, I can not learn the techniques utilized on a laptop or tablet using pencil and paper. Additionally, being able to afford a school that teaches technique, and offers critiques from professors who work for reputable companies will prepare me to work for them one day--allowing for a portfolio that showcases the best of my abilities to show to my future employers. As an artist going into the Game Art industry, I want to practice with the desired tools as much as possible. Moreover, receiving financial aid would not only alleviate the financial burden on me but also on my parents. They are constantly seeking new ways to finance my education, such as taking on additional jobs. My dad’s monthly income is roughly around 2000 and he rents out cars to people to make more money. This causes him to receive less sleep because he is driving late to the airport to drop off the car for customers and drive back home. Furthermore, as a nail technician, my mom's monthly income varies, and she is also a part-time student to improve her English language skills and gain a better understanding of the American system so that she can provide me with guidance. Because I am their child, I do not want to see them overworking themselves and sacrificing their quality of life. They should not be constrained in terms of where they can go on vacation or how much takeout they can afford because they have to pay for my tuition. As a full-time student, I do not want to be distracted by the need to work a job to pay for my education. Instead, I want to focus on my studies to secure a good job in the future, which is also what my parents desire for me. Because I have passion and motivation for this career path, I do not want an obstacle, as measly as money, to stop me from pursuing it.

"No, why would I? It doesn't affect me," is a common response in the United States. Unfortunately, in a country that values individualism, society prioritizes the needs of the privileged over those of the disadvantaged. People of color and those living in poverty often find themselves at the bottom of the barrel, struggling to access the same resources, education, and opportunities as those who are more fortunate. The issue of privilege is particularly stark when it comes to race. White individuals born into wealthy families have access to the advantages of generational wealth, as well as freedom from hate crimes based on the color of their skin. Meanwhile, people of color, especially African Americans, experience more obstacles in getting a better education and jobs due to the historical legacy of slavery and systemic racism. Moreover, to this day, people of color experience racism such as lynching, deportation of illegal immigrants, and hate crimes towards Asians after the Covid-19 pandemic. It makes no sense that the United States can expel people who do not have the same skin color as the majority. Furthermore, our society places an unfair emphasis on wealth, making it seem necessary for a decent quality of life. While some people are surviving, others are living lavishly because of their wealth. Homelessness is a significant problem, but it is only seen in areas society deems "poor" such as Compton. Instead of making an effort to help the homeless and provide them with a second chance, society often neglects them and merely pushes them aside into undesirable areas. Little to no effort is made to give them a second chance. They are not offered jobs because they are stereotyped as lazy and drug addicts. However, this is not always the case. The majority of them are veterans, foster kids, or just unlucky. Because of this, they turn to drugs to keep themselves sane. It is a form of learned helplessness that society continues to reinforce. We cannot judge them for coping by using drugs to avoid their unfortunate circumstances. While they continue to dig themselves into a hole, our society continues to step over the hole, ignoring whoever could be in there. Our society continues to favor numerous cliches over individuals. The quality of life should not be based on external factors that humans cannot control. If individuals are willing to put in the effort to be better, it is society's job to help them become the best version of themselves - as cliché as that sounds. Instead of a society that operates on the principle of survival of the fittest, it is better to build a community that promotes safety, equality, and happiness for all individuals.

In my ideal future, I am a more confident, patient, and persistent version of present myself, with amplified drive, creativity, and discipline to effectively navigate challenges as a game artist.

As an artist, I am interested in creating art that goes beyond expressing just my emotions. It gets boring over time for me to always express my feelings through art. Moreover, as a teenage girl, I have noticed that people assume my art is often feminine, about my feelings, and that I am a painter. Because of this, I do the opposite. Instead, I use my art to create new realms and address societal issues through sculpture. The artwork that I have attached is “AI Artist” and is part of a portfolio that showcases how technology and society interact. For example, emerging AI-powered art apps like Go Art, Fotor, and Wombo are making it easy for anyone to create art fast, cheaply, or even free. While it is great for consumers, it is demolishing fair pay for artists–I, unfortunately, experienced this firsthand. While in a conversation with my cousin, she showed me an art piece she paid an AI to make for seven dollars. In my head, I was thinking, “What did she just say to me?” but did not express my frustration. I was frustrated and upset by the realization that fast, AI-generated art was becoming more popular than traditional, expensive art that required time and effort to create. To bring awareness to this issue, I created the sculpture "AI Artist" using only supplies that humans can use: paper mache, cardboard, wires, et cetera. This sculpture is a personified version of an AI but simultaneously is a human art. It highlights the negative effects AI has on the art community and the irony that AI art would not exist without humans but is overtaking us. As an artist, I struggled to figure out how to make a living from my art because the education system is not set up to aid artists but instead focuses on STEM and education majors. With AI art emerging, it is becoming even more difficult. I worry that there will be fewer jobs for the creatives of our society. I worry that people will choose more affordable AI-generated art over traditional, expensive art that requires time and effort to create and that artists will be living below the minimum wage. I emphasize all of these points through the blood-stained dress on my sculpture, symbolizing the fall of artists. However, I also want to reassure others that with this sculpture, AI can never replace a human in art. Fortunately, art itself is a form of identity and human culture that AI cannot represent. By choosing to give the sculpture a mask instead of a distinguished face, I can convey that art relies on the stories given by human artists. Even though the sculpture is created using AI and portrayed gracefully, it's important to note that AI is only capable of producing aesthetically pleasing artwork and not ones that have deep meaning. AI cannot replicate the human experience that drives artists to create. People will always be curious about the artist and their process as it gives meaning to art. I firmly believe that providing a significant narrative and emotional experience with artwork is something that AI will never be able to accomplish.

As an aspiring Asian game artist, my peers and family worry that I will not succeed in the future if I do not major in STEM. Being bombarded by the idea that being a computer science major or a doctor is the only way you can be successful can be discouraging. Furthermore, I was never a socially acceptable girl, especially in my culture. I like to play games, go to the gym, run hurdles, and speak up for myself. Girls often feel discouraged or embarrassed to participate in these male-dominated activities, and even when they do, they may face criticism for not being feminine enough. Because I have no desire to conform, I want to be a role model for the younger generation to prove that there is not only one road to success. Success does not have a fixed blueprint but rather is based on passion, discipline, and one's perception of success. Unfortunately, the education system has set up one blueprint that favors those who are majoring in STEM or teaching. Throughout middle and high school, I did not get the same guidance and opportunities as others. I was not handfed what schools I should go to, what classes I should take, or how I would find a career as an artist. Because of this, I took AP courses just to bandwagon with my friends until sophomore year. I dropped every unnecessary class and focused on taking art electives to improve my craft. Even then, no one told me that being a game artist was possible. Counselors doubted me every year as I dropped my classes but I knew what I needed. In the end, I kept my stance to prove my point which I did. I got into my dream college, Laguna College of Art and Design, along with a 9,500 yearly merit scholarship; a school that will allow me to network with professional artists and eventually become a female game artist among the male majority. I created and followed the blueprint that fitted my dreams instead of societies. It is essential to me that the younger generation of creatives has the opportunity to create their own success story. I mentor and guide underclassmen who are unsure of their art major, educating them on available jobs such as graphic design, 3D modeling, animation, and illustration. Since new creative jobs are emerging, many art instructors may not be aware of them. Therefore, I strive to stay up-to-date on the latest job opportunities to provide answers to questions that my teachers and counselors could not. I will keep in touch with underclassmen, encouraging them to ask for help in selecting a college that best suits their major and financial situation. Moreover, as a future student at Laguna College of Art and Design, I plan to volunteer and give speeches at my high school about current opportunities for artists.