From scribbling messy lines and deformed shapes on my family’s wall to drawing characters from cartoons I enjoyed, I have always had a knack for art. A certain kind of passion to create anything that ran through my mind. I was truly adamant that I would become an artist when I grew up, even as a small child. As I got older and practiced to develop my artistic skills, I thought deeply about what I wanted to create in life. What I wanted to be known for, and how others in the future will see my pieces of work. I still do not have a definite answer for what I want my purpose to be, but I have several ideas. For the last year or so, the political, social, and racial climate has become severely tense. More and more people are beginning to see the true injustice that occurs in our society and the lack of representation for people of color in the United States. As I would see people protest for change and others riot for their corrupted leaders, I began to look back at my art and how I could help others with it. I thought back on the lack of representation here in the United States, especially for people from lower-income homes and different racial backgrounds. That's when I decided that I wanted my pieces to represent those people. To bring joy to children's faces when they read a comic book or watch a show with a character that looks like them. I know that some people would say " It shouldn't matter what the character race is, it should be the character's personality and traits that children should look up to. " and they are completely right. But the issue for me is what is wrong with having both. If it doesn't matter, then why do people groan when a character is black in an upcoming animation movie or a woman is set to be the main lead in a show. Why is there some much hostility to change if everyone claims, " it doesn't matter." Well, it does matter. Like everything else, race should be an aspect of a character but not something that defines them as a whole person. It would just be supportive and encouraging to the younger generation if they could see and relate to characters that have a similar look and lifestyle to them. For example, shows like Craig of the Creek display a wide range of characters from different races and backgrounds and by doing this, we inspire children to speak up and understand that they too have a voice in this country, and showcasing that through media is the best start. So what I want to create stories from people who are rarely heard. To tell tales of adventure with children of color and to uplift them with their hopes and dreams. To tell narratives that inspire others to do that same. It's vital to help create more artistic freedom within others. To have more people communicate their feelings with visual, performing, or any other type of art. By sharing our thoughts, by understanding other perspectives, we can form a relationship that isn't filled with anger and hatred but instead with forgiveness and love. I know it sounds quite cheesy but I truly believe that without communicating with others, we will never make progress in finding unity. It also goes without saying that this type of goal can't happen overnight. That is why it's important to share these ideas with others, to at least get the ball rolling. By pursuing further education, I will acquire the skills from my studies to apply to my creations. To apply to the narratives I want to create for others with my artwork. To create animations, comics, or just simply illustrations with people from a wider range of life and culture. To tell stories not about suffering but about friendships, love, compassion, and simply fun tales to share with others. Through that, hopefully, we can build a community that is able to talk about their differences and come together to better help not only our polarized country but the world as a whole. To help others up and display the type of creative freedom that millions deserve.