Art school isn’t just a random choice for me—it’s my chance to fix something that’s been bothering me for ages. Growing up as a girl of color, the characters in the stories I read were like a mismatched puzzle. They didn’t quite look like me, and that got me thinking: why aren’t there characters who represent all the different kids out there? I’d sit with my family, listening to these incredible stories steeped in our culture and strength. But when I’d grab a storybook, those characters were missing. It felt like my world was invisible in those pages. So, art school is my shot at changing that. It’s more than just learning about the art of illustration, it’s about diving into those blank pages and filling them up with characters that show off the amazing diversity of our world. I want to draw illustrations where any kid, no matter where they’re from, can go, “Hey, that’s just like me!” Imagine opening up a book and finding this explosion of cultures and backgrounds beaming back at you. That’s the kind of magic I want to create—the sort of stories that make every kid feel like they’re the star of the adventure, proud of who they are. That’s why the idea of art school excites me beyond measure. My drawings are more than just pretty pictures, they’re invitations to talk about how awesome our differences are. Pictures have this crazy power—they bring people together and help us understand each other better. And that’s exactly what I want my art to do, especially for the little ones. Everyone has a story to tell and that includes BIPOC kids. We aren't invisible. We more than just side characters who are there to help tell someone else's story. This isn’t just about my art. I want to blaze a trail for the next batch of illustrators of color. I want them to feel like they totally belong here, that their stories matter, and that their drawings deserve to be seen. Art school isn’t just a stop on the road for me; it’s what makes it possible for me to help change the whole scene. I’m itching to be that illustrator who doesn’t just draw but tells stories that light up kids’ imaginations. I want to be the artist who ensures that every child flipping through a book finds a part of themselves beaming back from those colorful pages.