I have always considered myself a creative person. I like to participate in many activities, from aerial gymnastics and glass cutting to choir and photography. I believe art can take on many different forms and have many different impacts on people, which is why I love trying new things and sharing my ideas with others. One way I plan to share my art is through photography, taking the phrase " A picture is worth a thousand words" to heart. My preference of focus is nature and stationary objects. I like showing different perspectives of simple objects and telling a new story than the one often told. I want my photography to tell my audience a story they have never heard, and give them something new to think about as they take in my work. Another form of art I want to share with the world is the art of music. The form of music I most excel in is singing. I sing for fun, in church, and in my university choir. I like performing different genres of music and singing for different demographics of people, sharing different messages, and spreading the word of God. I believe music moves people in a unique way, makes them feel something new every time a new song is played- and that can be very powerful. Most of all, I want to use my skills in graphic design to go into the advertising and marketing field and make and share commercials and adverts that are inspirational to viewers. I plan to create ads that are not only eye-catching and beautiful but also thought-provoking as well. As you can see, the overarching theme of all my creative projects is to give the audience something to think about. No matter if that is a new vantage point on politics, nature, religion, or society. I feel it is important we all look from all sides on different matters and aren't too close-minded when it comes to others' opinions. That is what I hope my art achieves.

I was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma a week after my 7th birthday. It was a hard thing to go through as a kid, especially when I didn't always understand what was going on. Thankfully I was always surrounded by loved ones and had faith in God that everything would work out in His favor. That would have to be the biggest impact on my life, my strong faith in God. Even though I was young, I knew that with God anything is possible. I believe my faith has been made stronger because I have gone through such a traumatic event in my life. I also know that after seeing God work miracles in my life, he can work miracles in other people's lives as well. I tend to look to God first in times of need for myself or others and I often find myself telling others to pray about the things that are going sideways in their lives. Another impact of having a brain tumor at such a young age is growing up faster than my peers. As a kid, I often missed school because I had MRIs and different appointments with an array of doctors. I had to learn all kinds of medical terms and my medical history, and I eventually started filling out medical forms myself. I had to keep track of all these things and be on top of my schoolwork. So, while my classmates worried about if they passed the last math test (I worried too), I was worried if my creatinine levels had gone up too much. Over time, I'm glad I got so used to being in control of all my medical information. I can confidently call the doctor's office and ask any questions and I know what the doctor means when we discuss my lab results. So, in a way, I'm glad I was able to go through everything that I have so I can be a bit ahead of my peers in this way. My motivation to move forward with my life would have to be my family. I want to be the best version of myself so they can be even more proud of me. I want to set an example for the younger members of my family and be someone they can look up to. When I'm feeling discouraged, I always think about my family being in my corner, cheering me on and pushing me to keep going again. I know I'm not perfect and mess up sometimes but I always pick myself back up. That is probably the most important thing I want to convey to my younger family members- that it is ok to make mistakes as long as you make the effort to do better and try again. In the future, I want to join more organizations that can help me meet more people and be of service to others. Currently, that includes a women's empowerment organization on campus and an organization of the Divine 9 in the Spring term. In terms of my future career, I am working to get my degree in business management. I want to use my degree to pursue a career in graphic design and advertisement. I have always loved finding new ways to express myself. I would love to help others express themselves through different art forms and ultimately share that art with the world.

Education is like a compass that guides us through the uncharted territories of knowledge, shaping our understanding of the world and ourselves. Its importance transcends the mere acquisition of facts; rather, it is a transformative force that shapes character, instills resilience and empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of life. For me, education has been the cornerstone of personal growth and empowerment. It has provided me with the tools to navigate the complexities of life, fostering intellectual curiosity and a deep sense of purpose. At its core, education is a gateway to knowledge—an invaluable asset that has equipped me with the skills and insights I need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Beyond the acquisition of information, education has fostered critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability. These skills are not just confined to the classroom but serve as a compass in the real world, enabling me to make informed decisions, overcome challenges, and contribute meaningfully to society. Education has been a cornerstone of my personal development, providing me with the tools to explore and understand the world around me. It has been a journey of self-discovery, shaping my identity and refining my aspirations. Through exposure to diverse subjects and ideas, education has broadened my horizons, allowing me to discover my passions and strengths. This self-awareness has been instrumental in setting meaningful goals and pursuing a path aligned with my values. Moreover, education has been a gateway to diverse perspectives, expanding my worldview and fostering empathy. It has connected me with a community of learners, sparking meaningful discussions and collaborations that transcend cultural and geographical boundaries. This sense of interconnectedness has been invaluable in a globalized world, where understanding and appreciating different perspectives is crucial for fostering harmony and cooperation. In my own life, education has served as a springboard, propelling me toward opportunities that have fueled my personal and professional growth. It has been the key that unlocks doors, inviting me to explore and contribute to diverse fields of knowledge. In essence, education is not just a means to an end; it is a lifelong journey that enriches the mind and soul. It has empowered me to overcome challenges, adapt to change, and become an active contributor to a dynamic and ever-evolving world. As I pursue further education, I am not just seeking knowledge; I am investing in a future where the transformative power of education continues to shape both my personal narrative and the broader tapestry of human progress.