I am a young woman from the midwest who is looking to study fine arts and Chinese in college. I come from a family of hard-workers who have given me the opportunities I have today to study what I like and build a life about what I am most passionate about. My mother was the first in her family to go to college and successfully earned a degree for herself by applying for scholarships and working her way through school. I am very close with her, and she has instilled the same desire in me to fund my education. I grew up close to my high school along with my neighbor and best friend who inspired me to learn about Chinese culture. We hope to attend college together. I began studying Chinese via a language opportunity program at my middle school and continued to learn Chinese through high school. I even took an extra year of AP Chinese to further learn the language! I participate in many events within my school, however I especially enjoy doing dance and music programs. I play many instruments such as electric bass, guitar, and upright bass. I also perform as a vocalist for two local bands through the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy. I have also been in Orchestra for six years. Music and art have always been an outlet to get me through tough times. Unfortunately, in my sophomore year of high school I became a survivor of sexual assault. While this impacted my education somewhat, I have been working through this trauma and have become a stronger person because of it. I would like to use my art to inspire other victims such as myself, and to raise awareness about this issue.