Developing in the instability of divorce, I am no stranger to change. Throughout seven moves and eight school changes, I’ve had the unique opportunity to taste a sliver of the world, as each new location gave way to new adventures. Fine-tuning the pieces of myself through a constant game of trial and error, I have learned much about myself in the pursuit of self-discovery. Through the storm-tossed waves that life has sent me, three traits have remained unshaken. 1) I am resilient, 2) I am adventurous, 3) I am driven. Like a stone in a tumultuous ocean, I have become well-rounded through adversity. I am resilient. Time and time again life has pummeled me in its waves, and yet I have risen where others may have broken. Throughout the shifts and changes of my life, I have found comfort in experimentation, setting out on expeditions in self-discovery as I was met with new challenges and experiences. My adventurous nature thrives in the unknown, as I set out in pursuit of the unique and unusual. I have always been determined to succeed, from the classroom to the volleyball court, my ambition has sent me far. I hunger for progress in myself, as I continue to chase after my dreams. As I look back on my life, I see the immense importance of keeping life in perspective. With this in mind, I aim to allow myself to thrive outside of my comfort zone with a unique growth mindset.I dream of creating waves, setting out on an expedition towards a better world.Here I stand, eager to discover what the world has to offer and resolved to make my mark.

Throughout seven moves and eight school changes, I have discovered that some things in life remain true despite the circumstances. While I’ve learned simple truths, like how the DMV is hell on earth no matter what state you’re in, and that not all pizza is created equal, I’ve also found a few principle philosophical elements that have woven their way into my outlook. Primarily, I’ve come to know that the beauties of life will go unnoticed unless you let yourself experience them, and therefore everything in life deserves a bit of patience. I’m an explorer. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been seeking out adventure. Like an ocean-churned stone, my sharp edges have rounded in the trial and error of self-discovery. I’ve done quite a bit of experimenting, everything from volleyball to falconry to building a small stained glass business. I’ve learned that everything deserves a chance. People, activities, places, you’ll never know their beauty unless you choose to experience them, an act that requires an immense amount of patience. People deserve kindness and patience, as none of us know exactly what those around us are dealing with. In the future I aim to utilize a sense of patience to become a safe space for others to experiment in self-expression and live in unapologetic vulnerability.

My fingers are covered in a web of thin cuts. Hand sanitizer is my worst enemy at the moment. I stand in the lunch-line, my thumbs hovering over my phone’s keyboard in a note titled “Stained Glass Ideas”. Turkey, green beans, and box mashed potatoes for lunch today. My thumbs move across the keyboard: Green beans - olive green textured glass Mashed potatoes - semi-transparent white glass Gravy - transparent amber glass Turkey - white/brown swirl glass In the year since I started making stained glass art, I’ve seen my world in colored glass. Sushi from a local Japanese restaurant, birds perched on telephone lines, the pattern on my math teacher’s shirt, all nuggets of inspiration for glass art. From the humble beginnings of a local class, I grew to love the craft of making stained glass. At the close of the eight weeks, I knew that I couldn't walk away from the thrilling pride that came from completing a stained glass piece. Leaping into the unknown, I bought the necessary equipment and started creating. Soon I was swept up in the hectic nature of a budding business. From communicating with customers and creating an active online presence, to calculating costs through spreadsheets and finishing commissions in a timely fashion, I began my entrepreneurship journey along a steep learning curve of growth. Having the unconventional opportunity to embark on an artistic and entrepreneurial journey early on in my life, I am determined to turn my drive and ambition to turn my aspirations into reality. Here I stand, hungry to discover what the world has to offer and resolved to create and inspire. As a fledgling creator, I now stretch my wings in anticipation of my flight towards success.