Being a senior in high school definitely has its perks: painting parking spots, getting privilege lunches, and having a considerable amount of leverage when it comes to event planning. However, one of my favorite experiences as a senior is having the opportunity to help my younger friends as they seek advice. I helped my friends in a way that made them feel seen and encouraged, and by doing so I was rewarded by lasting friendships. This particular opportunity came about in the fall. I have been part of the cross country team for two years, but this year was different. The two other seniors and myself all felt an equal amount of responsibility to lead the team and try our best in these last few races. Most importantly, we wanted to take advantage of our friendships with our fellow teammates in these last few months of high school before we departed on our own paths. This year was different from other years because I was looked up to as a leader. I did not expect this treatment from my friends, but it helped me be more experienced and give them confidence. I was not used to my younger friends asking for my advice, but I found it rewarding when my advice helped them run races better and have better relationships. There was especially one person who I helped lead not only in races, but also in a chapter of their life. My friend had done cross country with me my junior year, and we had both learned a lot, but she had lost her motivation to run due to doubting what others thought of her. Mainly, she was afraid of being called out for being slow. I did not want her to give up running just because she was fearful of what others would think, so I encouraged her to keep running with the team even on days when she had lost her motivation. I was doing this because I knew it would help her in the long run, and now she says she wants to run for her two remaining years of high school! This was when I realized that as a leader I have the power to encourage others when they are doubting themselves. I learned that when people look up to you, it is amazing to pour back into them and make them stronger. I have enjoyed being a leader who encourages others during the cross country season since it gives me the opportunity to uplift my teammates and fellow runners. As the girls team watches the boys team finish running, I always love to give my teammates cheers for inspiration. I yell to the top of my lungs, and see my teammates sprint towards the end. I pray with the girls at the starting line, when nerves are at their highest, and I remind them that they have the power to run the race to be their very best. Looking back, I remember looking at my older teammates as being a beacon of encouragement to me, and I was always grateful for them and desired to be around them. Today I finally know that being a leader is a rewarding experience and it shows me my growth as I help others grow as well.

Some of my earliest childhood memories take place at the dining room table of my home in Indianapolis. Early on Saturday mornings, my father would let me use his well-kept markers, and he and I would devour the 18” by 24” drawing page, which to five-year-old me felt like a 36” by 48” canvas, with a frenzy of wild characters and places. Without realizing it, my love for art had begun. Being an artist is never a steady course, and I have been discovering this my whole life. Since elementary, I have entered competitions without the training of an external art teacher. I was especially proud when my drawing was selected to be the cover of the elementary’s yearbook. Producing a craft that can help someone and look beautiful was so fun! In high school, I truly opened my eyes to the use of art and its purpose to convey life. With experienced artists as teachers, I learned how to give depth to my art by expressing narratives while creating. My teachers and parents have revealed to me that I can have a future in a career that embodies my passion for art. With their wisdom and encouragement, I have been able to envision a better understanding of what a career in art can look like for my life; whereas, others may say that being an artist is not profitable or realistic. Seeing how so many people today are drawn to what is aesthetically pleasing and creative, I would enjoy helping people have their own voice heard and expressed through art that is created specifically for them. My goal while attending college is to hone my artistic skills under the education and unique critique of the art faculty in order to become a skilled illustrator after I graduate. Once I have received a unique perspective and advice from different teachers and students, I will be more prepared to create artwork for clients. I believe that with my drive, I can provide a unique style of work for clients. The work I envision takes many forms, whether it is editorial illustration, package design, or art that can be applied to physical products or buildings. I wish to convey a message visually and physically for the person who may not know how to for themself. I am certain that whichever path I follow in life for my career, I will always maintain my practice of creating art since it is what brings me joy–knowing that I have been blessed with a unique power in my hands, eyes, and mind. I am naturally drawn to create, and one way or another I love to share creativity with others. No matter what stage in life I am in, I will always create art.