I am the first to go to high school, so my parents were precarious about extracurricular activities. This didn’t mean I couldn't take part in school activities, my parents loved to see me volunteer. I got involved in the organization League of United Latin American Citizens, referred to as LULAC. To be a member in good standing, we had to do 40 hours of community service hours per year. I would volunteer at churches, thrift stores, and other local organizations. This helped me understand the importance of servitude and the joy it brings to the soul. I wanted more, though. During my junior year, I discovered a program by the Dallas mayor called Dallas Works. Dallas Works helps teenagers in Dallas find summer jobs and internships. I told my parents about it and they thought it was a great opportunity. To become a leader I first had to guide myself, and I was one step closer to doing so. When the interviews started in early April, I received one from Parkland Hospital. The Workforce Development Program Manager interviewed me. After a week she offered me a part-time position in the executive office with no clue about how to start this job. The pandemic was still severe, so I had to be prudent with the decision I made. I took a leap of faith and accepted the job. The only way for me to learn about the world was to get exposed to it. This was a time when I could prove to myself how to stand up for myself and learn. I had to navigate my way around the hospital without any help. Luckily, the first day was orientation day so I got to meet my supervisor. I am a soft-spoken person, so I had to project my voice to show my confidence. I learned to introduce myself to others and be a guide to those who needed it. The main project I worked on was to create a PowerPoint template that the whole company would use. Alongside my supervisor and the Chief Governance Officer, I created three templates that they approved. I made acquaintances and connections. Everyone in the office congratulated me for being where I was. They saw my motivation through my work ethic. One of the most memorable connections I made was through the Chief Governance Officer. I told him about my plans for college and after college and he was proud that I knew what I wanted to do. He wanted to help me out, so he presented me to an art therapist. He even encouraged me to seek a Ph.D., something that had never crossed my mind. I learned that the best way to be one’s leader is to speak up for oneself. For seven weeks I did what I couldn’t have done in a year. A life fueled by determination creates fulfillment. I hope to bring positivity to others and help others engage with one another. By chance was that I found art therapy existed. I always knew art would lead my career, but when I discovered art therapy, I knew that was my calling. There has always been an affinity to serve others. I want others to heal through art and understand themselves through creative processes. By furthering others’ mental health, I will further my purpose, my dream. All my decisions in life have led to my involvement with others, and I hope to continue to do so throughout my life. Leadership came through self-determination, and I know I can help others become leaders through their courageousness.

What is your dream, and how will going to college support this dream? Thanks to the hard work of my family, I will be making an impact in the mental health field through creative uses. I am a studio art major at The University of Texas at Austin. This spring, I will be applying to double major in Psychology. My hope is to graduate from college with a double major in Art and Psychology. After my Bachelor’s degree, I will pursue a Master’s degree in Art therapy. While in pursuit of my Master’s degree, I hope to be a part-time art teacher to fund my education. One of my biggest inspirations to want to make an impact in education is my high school art teacher, Ms. Clark. When she found out that I plan to become an art therapist, she teared up which gave me the confidence to know this is where I belong. Since Texas does not offer an Art Therapy License, I will have the amazing opportunity to go out of state. Coming from an immigrant household, my parents always made sure I was well-fed, clothed, with a roof over my head, but the matters of mental health were hardly touched. Recently, I learned about how my trauma has affected my everyday life, my relationships, and the way I view the world. My dad does not show emotions, and my mom does not know how to express her emotions before getting to the anger. Being the oldest sibling, I have taken everything in and created an environment where I do not speak, do not show emotions, and do not cry. Only until now have I been making a conscious effort to stand up for me. I’m hoping to make an impact in similar households. To help parents express what they feel and think to their children, for their children to trust in their parents. Having to walk around eggshells in a house led by trauma should not be the only way of living. I want to help people become a better version of themselves through art therapy. For children to grow up expressing themselves, not only through art but through their words and actions. By chance was that I found art therapy existed. I always knew art would lead my career, but when I discovered art therapy, I knew that was my calling. There has always been an affinity to serve others. I want others to heal through art and understand themselves through creative processes. By furthering others’ mental health, I will further my purpose, my dream.

Thanks to the hard work of my family, I will be making an impact in the mental health field through creative uses. I am a studio art major at The University of Texas at Austin. This spring, I will be applying to double major in Psychology. My hope is to graduate from college with a double major in Art and Psychology. After my Bachelor’s degree, I will pursue a Master’s degree in Art therapy. While in pursuit of my Master’s degree, I hope to be a part-time art teacher to fund my education. One of my biggest inspirations to want to make an impact in education is my high school art teacher, Ms. Clark. When she found out that I plan to become an art therapist, she teared up which gave me the confidence to know this is where I belong. Since Texas does not offer an Art Therapy License, I will have the amazing opportunity to go out of state. Coming from an immigrant household, my parents always made sure I was well-fed, clothed, with a roof over my head, but the matters of mental health were hardly touched. Recently, I learned about how my trauma has affected my everyday life, my relationships, and the way I view the world. My dad does not show emotions, and my mom does not know how to express her emotions before getting to the anger. Being the oldest sibling, I have taken everything in and created an environment where I do not speak, do not show emotions, and do not cry. Only until now have I been making a conscious effort to stand up for me. I’m hoping to make an impact in similar households. To help parents express what they feel and think to their children, for their children to trust in their parents. Having to walk around eggshells in a house led by trauma should not be the only way of living. I want to help people become a better version of themselves through art therapy. For children to grow up expressing themselves, not only through art but through their words and actions. By chance was that I found art therapy existed. I always knew art would lead my career, but when I discovered art therapy, I knew that was my calling. There has always been an affinity to serve others. I want others to heal through art and understand themselves through creative processes. By furthering others’ mental health, I will further my purpose.

At the beginning of high school, my mom noticed the life once in me was nowhere to be found. I couldn’t handle or express my emotions. I had to let go of them with streams of tears. She wanted me to get better, so she suggested I see a counselor. I was hesitant, believing I could deal with everything by myself. I remember walking up to her room and listening to her pray I get better. My nightly prayers consisted of me begging God to save me from my tormented mind and ended with tears pouring down my face so often it felt like a chronic disease, so I finally accepted the help I needed. In therapy, I told the counselor about what I thought the root of my problems was. My distrust came from people leaving me. My once beloved friends were no longer in my life, even though I trusted them with my defects. I trusted with ease and saw the good in people, and I believed vulnerability was a weakness I had to control. The scars left by the words others speak are much deeper than those left by their hands. I created a mental barrier between my thoughts and the words I spoke. I distanced myself from people and never expressed unshielded emotions. "Life is a train where sometimes people board it and don’t get off until the end. Sometimes their unexpected stop requires them to leave," my counselor said. God gives us a purpose in everybody’s life, whether it’s good or bad, we all deliver lessons to others. Our memories remain with the wisdom given through these relationships. I learned to be grateful for everybody and unapologetic about my emotions. When quarantine started, my counseling appointments came to an end. I began to feel the lightness my heart deeply ached for. I decided to do more than lament my situation. While I searched for answers in my mind and my heart, I found them through my body. I got up, got my dusty mat, and my dumbbells, and started moving. I saw strength in the word of God, and I knew God wanted me to progress even if I didn’t know what was to come. I had to take a leap of faith for my good. As I pushed my body for more, I saw my pain evolve into strength. Every drop of sweat meant I was becoming stronger. I acknowledged my limits and pushed them. As I pushed my physical limits I began to push my mental and emotional limits. Understanding why I went through what I went through helped me realize I survived. I look back at the beginning of high school, a place of desolation and pursuit of a better life. Now, my once-believed weaknesses shape who I am. I know vulnerability comes from strength, and it takes courage to be vulnerable. I appreciate the resilience I have found within me. I see the reflection of my physical strength in my ability to push through. I never gave up on my family, God, and myself. My loved ones noticed a change in me, a glow that helped me persevere. The effort to exercise turned into the discovery of my strength and perseverance. I believed my life lacked love because of my depression. One thing desolation never took over, though, was the essence of my soul. I am yet to find all the answers in life, but with the resilience I have, the vulnerability I embrace, and the strength I grow, I know I can get through anything.

Thanks to the hard work of my family, I will be making an impact in the mental health field through creative uses. I am a studio art major at The University of Texas at Austin. This spring, I will be applying to double major in Psychology. I hope to graduate from college with a double major in Art and Psychology. After my Bachelor’s degree, I will pursue a Master’s degree in Art therapy. While in pursuit of my Master’s degree, I hope to be a part-time art teacher to fund my education. One of my biggest inspirations to want to make an impact in education is my high school art teacher, Ms. Clark. When she found out that I plan to become an art therapist, she teared up which gave me the confidence to know this is where I belong. Since Texas does not offer an Art Therapy License, I will have the amazing opportunity to go out of state. Coming from an immigrant household, my parents always made sure I was well-fed, clothed, with a roof over my head, but the matters of mental health were hardly touched. Recently, I learned about how my trauma has affected my everyday life, my relationships, and the way I view the world. My dad does not show emotions, and my mom does not know how to express her emotions before getting to the anger. Being the oldest sibling, I have taken everything in and created an environment where I do not speak, do not show emotions, and do not cry. Only until now have I been making a conscious effort to stand up for me. I’m hoping to make an impact in similar households. To help parents express what they feel and think to their children, for their children to trust in their parents. Having to walk around eggshells in a house led by trauma should not be the only way of living. I want to help people become a better version of themselves through art therapy. For children to grow up expressing themselves, not only through art but through their words and actions. By chance was that I found art therapy existed. I always knew art would lead my career, but when I discovered art therapy, I knew that was my calling. There has always been an affinity to serve others. I want others to heal through art and understand themselves through creative processes. By furthering others’ mental health, I will further my purpose.

Thanks to the hard work of my family, I will be making an impact in the mental health field through creative uses. I am a studio art major at The University of Texas at Austin. This spring, I will be applying to double major in Psychology. My hope is to graduate from college with a double major in Art and Psychology. After my Bachelor’s degree, I will pursue a Master’s degree in Art therapy. While in pursuit of my Master’s degree, I hope to be a part-time art teacher to fund my education. One of my biggest inspirations to want to make an impact in education is my high school art teacher, Ms. Clark. When she found out that I plan to become an art therapist, she teared up which gave me the confidence to know this is where I belong. Since Texas does not offer an Art Therapy License, I will have the amazing opportunity to go out of state. Coming from an immigrant household, my parents always made sure I was well-fed, clothed, with a roof over my head, but the matters of mental health were hardly touched. Recently, I learned about how my trauma has affected my everyday life, my relationships, and the way I view the world. My dad does not show emotions, and my mom does not know how to express her emotions before getting to the anger. Being the oldest sibling, I have taken everything in and created an environment where I do not speak, do not show emotions, and do not cry. Only until now have I been making a conscious effort to stand up for me. I’m hoping to make an impact in similar households. To help parents express what they feel and think to their children, for their children to trust in their parents. Having to walk around eggshells in a house led by trauma should not be the only way of living. I want to help people become a better version of themselves through art therapy. For children to grow up expressing themselves, not only through art but through their words and actions. By chance was that I found art therapy existed. I always knew art would lead my career, but when I discovered art therapy, I knew that was my calling. There has always been an affinity to serve others. I want others to heal through art and understand themselves through creative processes. By furthering others’ mental health, I will further my purpose.

Mental health is acknowledging the soul’s need to live and work. Acknowledging the neglect towards my mental health served as a first step to healing myself with God's help. My search for a purpose in life led me to think about what I like to do. Realizing that I have never experienced something that I’ve liked in its entirety revealed to me that it’s more than just doing something you’ll like. It will be something you love, and the things or people you love aren’t always to our complete liking. At a very young age, I understood my sensitivity. This was once seen as a weakness of mine, but I learned to make it my strength. Creativity has led my life which is why I am majoring in Studio Art, but servitude and fellowship also guide me. The world is a place where mental health is not seen as important as our physical health. Because we can’t see the emotional scars that are left on our hearts the way we can the scars left on our knees we often neglect them. I want this to change, so I will be an art therapist. Oftentimes, people ask me if I’m ready to hear about people’s trauma and problems, and I would wonder if I was. The truth is, I’m not, but I want to be ready by the time my first session comes around. During my first therapy session, my mind was blank. My therapist allowed me to process my words with the everlasting patience I strive to have. She helped me connect my mental health to my spiritual life by allowing me not to fall back on myself but to rely on God. I’ve had encounters with people who have gone to art therapy or know someone who has, and they say it’s more than analyzing someone’s behavior through art. It’s about talking to the person while they let go of their stress and tension through art. We often hear of children or younger teens that will go to art therapy since they often have a harder time expressing themselves. I see myself in them. Those who don’t have the words to say what they feel or are afraid to do so. If I can help at least one person, I know more than enough has been done. If there is one thing I tell people to put first it is their mental health. Whenever a friend or a family member comes to me about problems I remind them that they are simply human. We often think that being stressed is part of being a father, a mother, a son, or a friend, but it isn’t the main reason one is there for the other. We forget to breathe and often get suffocated by our duties. Our minds need to rest. I have learned that people don’t always want advice when they are talking about their lives. We just want to let go of the tension and responsibilities. My friend recently came to me to tell me he feels nothing, he’s just empty. The last thing I wanted to do was overwhelm him with words. Words that won’t make a difference, but instead show him ways to be where he needs to be mentally. He already visited a therapist for a diagnosis and is now on his way to a psychiatrist. Even though it hurts me I can’t do much for him but to be there, I know he will be in better hands. I have even encouraged him to re-invite God into his life. Now, we are doing so, little by little, verse by verse. We both understand it will take some time, but I have faith in him. As the world continues to grow and technology continues to advance, we become more and more materialistic. Not necessarily by being greedy, but when it comes to what we can see and touch. Even though awareness for mental health is active now more than ever, we often fail to see when it matters the most. We are aware of it because we can see when someone is upset, not eating, or can’t breathe. When we understand beyond what we can see is when we find the peace our minds seek. We often give a lot to the body and not enough to our soul. By providing for our mental health, we are providing for our whole self.

Back in eighth grade, I started thinking about what I wanted to study. Crime shows interested me, and I wanted to be a forensic psychologist for some time. The thought of not having art in my life led me to believe I would be unhappy. The reason I started to take art seriously is that my happiness and peace were elevated through art. With each stroke of paint and each mark of charcoal, I let go of my stress. My emotions would dissipate from my hands onto the canvas. I continued to study studio art and photography through all four years of high school. My teacher allowed us to explore different mediums like clay, printmaking, charcoal, paint, and 3D pieces. Every B day from 9 to 10:40 AM was I the happiest, sleekest version of myself. There wasn’t a way I would deprive myself of this, so I was determined to find a way to include art in my career. Psychology was an interesting topic to me. I believe the psyche, our mind, is our soul. To be able to give my soul the answers it needs was important. I want to understand who I am at the core, so that I may be able to understand and give answers to others. During sophomore year, I discovered Art Therapy. I remember doing a Google search on a Saturday morning. I was looking for answers, but I was a bit hopeless. I only had two years to figure out what I want to do, I thought. When Art Therapy turned out to be real, my heart filled with joy. The smile brought to me is still in my mind. Then and there, my future was decided. Being able to fill my life while helping others could not bring me more satisfaction. I remember what it was like to feel hopeless, without light. Being in a state of isolation and absentmindedness led me to lose relationships. These relationships are still affected since I can no longer go back to the person I used to be. I have made peace with this, going back would mean my depression would come back once trials came my way. Who I am now is stronger. It wasn’t until I went to therapy that I knew I had to help myself. I had to pick myself up so I could move on and be there for those around me. Once I found the light, I knew I couldn’t let others go through the same thing. With art therapy, I will be able to give answers to those in need. My patients will release everything they have through different mediums of art. I believe everybody deserves to unchain themselves from trauma, depression, anxiety, and so many more illnesses which torment our souls. Through art, one will be able to do so even if one isn’t able to vocalize, help is still available.

My father came to this country to send money to his wife. Once they got pregnant with me, my parents decided to move to the United States. It was now or never. My dad waited patiently for my mom to get here. My mother, five months pregnant with me, risked her life for her first child. They risked their lives so their future children wouldn’t have to work at only five years of age, they risked their lives so their children wouldn’t have to walk more than an hour to go to school, they risked their lives so their children would have the opportunity that was unreachable for them. They risked their lives so their children wouldn’t have to endure hunger, so they wouldn’t have to sit by a lantern at nine in the night to do their homework, so they wouldn’t wonder who they could have been if they would have had the chance to further their education. They risked their lives so my siblings and I wouldn’t suffer as they did. My student career began because of them. Everything I am cannot be without my parents’ sweat and tears. I know I have worked hard for where I am, but I took my first step with the help of my parents. To this day, my dad has put my success over his own. Although they have already given me more than I could ask for, my parents continue to support me. My life has been full of blessings that have shaped the way I am. It is full of dreams and aspirations. Dreams that will not have to be turned down for a lack of money or scarce opportunities to succeed. I have been able to freely explore what I want because my parents want to see success. By going to college, my life will serve as an example for others to persevere and chase after their dreams. Every time I am asked if I will continue to study, my heart fills with warmth as I say yes. Although the main reason I want to further my education is to succeed in life, it is also to give my parents back the sacrifices they went through because of my siblings and me. I will be the first to graduate high school and the first to go to college. Many other first-generation students can relate to me. We do it to create a better community. One that is known for perseverance and overcoming cultural and mental barriers. Whenever I see a first-gen student graduate high school, get their diploma, or go to college I am reminded that this is a path I will follow as well.

I have an affinity for helping others. When I discovered art therapy, I knew it would help me achieve my purpose in life. I want to become an art therapist to help others find comfort through different art forms hoping their lives will improve. The internship I acquired at Parkland Hospital oriented me to know I want to work in the mental health field. One of the most memorable connections I made was through the Chief Governance Officer. I told him about my plans for college and after college and he was proud that I knew what I wanted to do. He wanted to help me out, so he presented me to an art therapist. He even encouraged me to seek a Ph.D., something that had never crossed my mind. I learned that the best way to be one’s leader is to speak up for oneself. I got the opportunity to meet with different people in this field, I learned that art therapy is a form of healing. For seven weeks I did what I couldn’t have done in a year. To help others one must start with oneself. Seeking opportunities that will help one grow is the best way to later help others achieve their goals. I have always been a people-pleaser, but I learned to turn this to my advantage, so that I may help others while standing up for myself. Commonly, people will integrate their hurt, angry feelings because they forget to heal and let go. Art can bring awareness to this issue. People should give importance to their emotions and mental health. I want others to love themselves so they may love and help others. Graduating from college with a Studio Arts Degree, I hope to be a teacher while pursuing my Art Therapy Degree. I will complete a Master’s degree in art therapy. I will be able to guide others in the nurturing of self-awareness and mental improvement through the use of creative processes. Art therapy focuses on the healing of our minds. My current art teacher has helped me learn about ways one can create art. She has pushed me to explore different art mediums which have become my favorite. I am aiming to be like her, so I may encourage future students to pursue art as a career or even incorporate art into their lives. One of my biggest desires is to inspire others throughout my life. Whether it be through weaving, wire-making, sculptures, oil painting, I know art-making will make a difference. My love for others has guided me to serve and help others. My purpose in life is to give back everything I have been blessed with. If I am only able to change one person’s life, I know I have achieved more than I could have imagined.

My parents were born in small ranches in Mexico, where the only option was to work in the fields or come to the United States. My parents chose the latter. My mom emigrated here when she was five months pregnant with me. Without her hard work and effort, I wouldn’t have had the opportunities I have. Every opportunity I face, I take. I used to be afraid to do so, but I have seen my parents take opportunities and have the greatest outcomes. I realized the only way I will become the person I aspire to be I have to take risks, even if they seem unreachable. Eighteen years ago, my parents came to this country with nothing, and now my dad is starting his own company. He took risks, he failed, but he overcame. I want to go to school because they weren’t able to finish high school. I want to get a master’s degree-- and even strive for a doctorate-- because they never gave up. I want to repay them by making them proud. I want a career for myself, but I also want to honor my parents with my successes. My parents have seen me explore my creativity since I was little. I have always known I want to work with art. I went from wanting to be a fashion designer, to an architect, to an art teacher. In middle school, I became interested in the possibilities of the human brain. By the time I entered high school, I went from wanting to be a psychologist, to a forensic psychologist, to an art therapist. I started to research art therapy and the benefits behind it. To be an art therapist I have to get a master’s degree in it, so while I work towards this degree I want to be an art teacher. I want to impact students’ lives, even if it’s for a few years. I have always known I want to help people, and I learned I could do so with art. As an art therapist, I will be able to see clients use creative media to explore their feelings. I want to become an art therapist and help others’ well-being. Mental health has been something I have struggled with. I see the importance of seeking help and reconciling emotional and mental conflicts. Creating art has been an outlet where I can soul-search. I love to know why I am doing the piece. Whether it be photography, mixed media, drawing, or another form of media, I want to have an impact on my viewer. I love to leave the meaning up to interpretation. I want to provoke feelings, I want the viewer to question why I have positioned something where it’s at. I like when others can see their reflection in my artwork. I know I will make a piece that brings comfort for one and bring confusion to another. I want others to think about their lives and the decisions they make. My pieces are more of other people than they are mine, and I will continue to explore this. I know wherever I am placed, I will find my purpose and be able to fulfill it with creativity.

When I was in fifth grade, my counselor encouraged me to apply to Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, an all-girls magnet school, so I did. I was excited because I knew it was a great school. I applied, took a test, and received the news I was accepted. I felt so blessed and thought this was the start of something good. The first day of school gave me a lot of insight into what I would do. I was told I would learn sixth and seventh grade math and science in one year. Every single day I would struggle and see my friends struggle. I would get home and start crying because I didn’t understand a thing. I didn’t know how to study or ask for help. Everything was handed to me in elementary school. I started to spend more time in my room, trying to do my homework trying to make sense of it. I would barely eat, barely sleep, barely see my family. I had no energy, and I was emotionally and mentally drained. When I was surrounded by others I felt fine, though. I thought I couldn’t be depressed if I could laugh around others. When I was alone in my small room with homework piling up, though, I didn’t want to live. I didn’t know why I was here. As time passed, I learned to manage myself. I learned I couldn’t keep lamenting myself. With the years, school work wasn’t as hard as the beginning. I taught myself everything I needed to know to help myself. I started to work out to have some life out of school. It wasn’t until tenth grade that I saw a therapist who helped me deal with my anxiety. I saw how much impact therapy made on me. I learned to manage my anxiety without medication, and I helped others with these techniques. I knew I wanted to help other teenagers who deal with anxiety and depression. I know how important it is for teenagers to feel like they are important and needed.

This series is named "The Self" as I highlight what I want to project through self-portraiture. In this series, I wanted to go for an expressionless, deadpan feel to my work. I want the viewers to decide what I’m feeling and thinking. The faint hints of color demonstrate hope in life. They demonstrate reality and the dream-like characteristics of life. I love art, and I want to pursue a career in Art Therapy. Helping people and seeing others turn their emotions into art pieces is something I dream of. I know going into a psychology school will be challenging, but I will not give up. I have seen my resilience and love to portray it in my photography. Art isn't only meant to be pleasing to the eye; it can express our feelings when words are not enough. I am a quiet person. I only speak when I need to, so I take advantage of other forms of expression like drawing, painting, photographing, and writing. I believe love and creativity keep the world going.

There is no such thing as a coincidence. This sentence has been reworded through time, but in its essence, it means that everything in life has a reason. I didn’t understand this quote until I saw it act in my life. At the beginning of the year, I was getting ready to apply for summer internships. I was excited because my first job would not be only about working to make money, it would be about learning while working. My first interview came in late April from Parkland Health & Hospital System, I did the interview and waited. While this was going on, I was researching universities in Texas that would help me create a career, and after doing this I concluded Texas Tech University was one of the best options. After a week of waiting, the workforce recruiter from Parkland gave me the news that I got the internship! I had not expected to be so excited about it since I hadn’t necessarily thought about working in a hospital. I want to become an art therapist after I graduate, so I thought it would be good to work in a hospital, and I accepted the job. I received an email saying I had to provide my vaccination records to work there, and that same day I received an interview from the Dallas Museum of Art. I was crushed. I was regretting accepting the internship at Parkland, but there wasn’t anything I could do. That day I received a message that told me to trust and accept because it would turn out for the best. I was fortified by that message and started to understand the meaning behind the quote. On my first day, I met my supervisor. We got to know each other and he told me he went to Texas Tech University. I started to see how everything was falling into place. We connected through LinkedIn and noticed that he was an Admissions Counselor at Texas Tech University for some time. This week, I started my application for the university and told him about it. He offered to help me through the admission process. I became so grateful and optimistic about my future. All of these events started when I questioned my life events. I asked and I received. I can see that my life has been structured, and it continues to do so. I used to believe in coincidences, that life was full of randomness. Maybe there is randomness in life, or it seems like it, but it all connects and places us where we stand today. Day by day, I see events in my life that were once coincidences turn into steps to a bright future.