Having been given the chance to visualize my college graduation and my career path afterward, I will use my newly discovered futuristic strength., for it is that strength that will carry me through life. My zeal in life is reflected in words making up chosen major, Creative Art Therapy in Visual Arts. I deny my journey being fulfilled by a job or career as I seek a calling. In my opinion, the purpose of graduating from a college is to able to complete the calling given to God due to your evolved form of education. Being able to imagine an accurate portrayal of your life four years into the future is an excellent strength for anyone wanting to achieve the most from their major. The reason I chose Creative Art Therapy in Visual arts as my major was because the key-wording described my ultimate passion., which is visual art and mental/physical health. These paths personally spoke to me, and they are actually apart of my being in some aspects that I'll identify. I have always been connected to visual art, as it was a gift I received from my late father, but as I grew my mind became susceptible to fits of psychosis. Now being diagnosed with schizophrenia, I have sought out ways to help others like as at times it can be a dreadful experience. The hallucinations and bits of delusional senses make quite the battle at times.. However, the war that is in my mind will be won through a future calling. That brings me to the issue of receiving a calling. My art was the main reliever to my reoccurring symptoms from schizophrenia. I realized this during high school, and it also occurred to me that without a college degree I have a small chance at convincing others of my coping mechanism through word alone. A college diploma would provide me the influence and credibility I need to get through to others like me. Again, this ties to the fact that my futuristic strength gave me the foresight to counter the opposition to my calling. A job or career will not grant me the satisfaction to push on. Those paths are finite when I can help infinite generations to come. In conclusion, the future I envision is to obtain the degree based on my true passion and the calling that will encompass that passion to the fullest degree. I am aware that creative visual art was a gift, and the schizophrenia that followed was a curse. This is a reality for many others, so combining the two in a selfless calling would be beneficial for all. This goal is far ahead of me, but my futuristic strength will carry most of the burden. Most importantly, however, is education. This is the assurance that this dream of mind will not succumb to the likes of the common job or never-ending a career. This expanse in professional knowledge shall allow my dream to become an everlasting calling that will help those beyond my time.

Having been given the chance to visualize my college graduation and my career path afterward, I will use my newly discovered futuristic strength., for it is that strength that will carry me through life. My zeal in life is reflected in words making up chosen major, Creative Art Therapy in Visual Arts. I deny my journey being fulfilled by a job or career as I seek a calling. In my opinion, the purpose of graduating from a college is to able to complete the calling given to God due to your evolved form of education. Being able to imagine an accurate portrayal of your life four years into the future is an excellent strength for anyone wanting to achieve the most from their major. The reason I chose Creative Art Therapy in Visual arts as my major was because the key-wording described my ultimate passion., which is visual art and mental/physical health. These paths personally spoke to me, and they are actually apart of my being in some aspects that I'll identify. I have always been connected to visual art, as it was a gift I received from my late father, but as I grew my mind became susceptible to fits of psychosis. Now being diagnosed with schizophrenia, I have sought out ways to help others like as at times it can be a dreadful experience. The hallucinations and bits of delusional senses make quite the battle at times.. However, the war that is in my mind will be won through a future calling. That brings me to the issue of receiving a calling. My art was the main reliever to my reoccurring symptoms from schizophrenia. I realized this during high school, and it also occurred to me that without a college degree I have a small chance at convincing others of my coping mechanism through word alone. A college diploma would provide me the influence and credibility I need to get through to others like me. Again, this ties to the fact that my futuristic strength gave me the foresight to counter the opposition to my calling. A job or career will not grant me the satisfaction to push on. Those paths are finite when I can help infinite generations to come. In conclusion, the future I envision is to obtain the degree based on my true passion and the calling that will encompass that passion to the fullest degree. I am aware that creative visual art was a gift, and the schizophrenia that followed was a curse. This is a reality for many others, so combining the two in a selfless calling would be beneficial for all. This goal is far ahead of me, but my futuristic strength will carry most of the burden. Most importantly, however, is education. This is the assurance that this dream of mind will not succumb to the likes of the common job or never-ending a career. This expanse in professional knowledge shall allow my dream to become an everlasting calling that will help those beyond my time.

Having been given the chance to visualize my college graduation and my career path afterward, I will use my newly discovered futuristic strength., for it is that strength that will carry me through life. My zeal in life is reflected in words making up chosen major, Creative Art Therapy in Visual Arts. I deny my journey being fulfilled by a job or career as I seek a calling. In my opinion, the purpose of graduating from a college is to able to complete the calling given to God due to your evolved form of education. Being able to imagine an accurate portrayal of your life four years into the future is an excellent strength for anyone wanting to achieve the most from their major. The reason I chose Creative Art Therapy in Visual arts as my major was because the key-wording described my ultimate passion., which is visual art and mental/physical health. These paths personally spoke to me, and they are actually apart of my being in some aspects that I'll identify. I have always been connected to visual art, as it was a gift I received from my late father, but as I grew my mind became susceptible to fits of psychosis. Now being diagnosed with schizophrenia, I have sought out ways to help others like as at times it can be a dreadful experience. The hallucinations and bits of delusional senses make quite the battle at times.. However, the war that is in my mind will be won through a future calling. That brings me to the issue of receiving a calling. My art was the main reliever to my reoccurring symptoms from schizophrenia. I realized this during high school, and it also occurred to me that without a college degree I have a small chance at convincing others of my coping mechanism through word alone. A college diploma would provide me the influence and credibility I need to get through to others like me. Again, this ties to the fact that my futuristic strength gave me the foresight to counter the opposition to my calling. A job or career will not grant me the satisfaction to push on. Those paths are finite when I can help infinite generations to come. In conclusion, the future I envision is to obtain the degree based on my true passion and the calling that will encompass that passion to the fullest degree. I am aware that creative visual art was a gift, and the schizophrenia that followed was a curse. This is a reality for many others, so combining the two in a selfless calling would be beneficial for all. This goal is far ahead of me, but my futuristic strength will carry most of the burden. Most importantly, however, is education. This is the assurance that this dream of mind will not succumb to the likes of the common job or never-ending a career. This expanse in professional knowledge shall allow my dream to become an everlasting calling that will help those beyond my time.

For context into the situation, the Colin stein created a contest supporting the continuation of a 2018 aired cartoon of the TMNT franchise.This drawing if mine was entered into a Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle contest on Twitter. I personally had to configure a TV character infected by the fictional Krang from the TMNT universe. The character himself is from the show. He is always dressed in a snazzy suit and so I put two and two together and made him look like Jim Carrey from the mask. I personally feel this was my best entry into the contest due to the absurdity of it all. I did not win, but I am so glad I got to share it again with you all. Looking over the drawing itself, it is not the best of the best. It looks like that clay putty form the nineties was draped over the face of a sharply dressed Chucky Cheese. Still, this is not necessarily a drawing only a mother could love because there is a level of charm it was birthed from. There was no extravagant background. The hand is creepily hyperrealistic. Also, I just had to write my name obnoxiously on the side of the artwork. As if anyone would recognize me in the instant of viewing the picture. When it was posted I happened to see another artist post their take on the challenge with the same character. They were very earnest in saying that someone posted this particular character before them sadly. They mentioned procrastination was their undoing. I did always pride myself on getting homework done before the last minute, so I guessed that worked in my favor. While this was no deep-seated issue in their regard, I got slightly nervous. As a self-proclaimed pacifist, I did not want to cause any sort of conflict. So me being me, had to respond with this statement. "I hope it wasn't me lol." The artist in question did ultimately respond with yes it was definitely you. Oof that was something I did in an oblivious stride. However, there was a sense of pride in being the first to transform this character. Dear Colin Stein would note in Spongebob terms, "He was Number One." Of course, that dialogue was only read from my imagination. I'm a pacifist remember? I tribute this situation as the first moment of Twitter greatness. You know just without the ridiculous assumptions that happen on the platform.

Having been given the chance to visualize my college graduation and my career path afterward, I will use my newly discovered futuristic strength., for it is that strength that will carry me through life. My zeal in life is reflected in words making up chosen major, Creative Art Therapy in Visual Arts. I deny my journey being fulfilled by a job or career as I seek a calling. In my opinion, the purpose of graduating from a college is to able to complete the calling given to God due to your evolved form of education. Being able to imagine an accurate portrayal of your life four years into the future is an excellent strength for anyone wanting to achieve the most from their major. The reason I chose Creative Art Therapy in Visual arts as my major was because the key-wording described my ultimate passion., which is visual art and mental/physical health. These paths personally spoke to me, and they are actually apart of my being in some aspects that I'll identify. I have always been connected to visual art, as it was a gift I received from my late father, but as I grew my mind became susceptible to fits of psychosis. Now being diagnosed with schizophrenia, I have sought out ways to help others like as at times it can be a dreadful experience. The hallucinations and bits of delusional senses make quite the battle at times.. However, the war that is in my mind will be won through a future calling. That brings me to the issue of receiving a calling. My art was the main reliever to my reoccurring symptoms from schizophrenia. I realized this during high school, and it also occurred to me that without a college degree I have a small chance at convincing others of my coping mechanism through word alone. A college diploma would provide me the influence and credibility I need to get through to others like me. Again, this ties to the fact that my futuristic strength gave me the foresight to counter the opposition to my calling. A job or career will not grant me the satisfaction to push on. Those paths are finite when I can help infinite generations to come. In conclusion, the future I envision is to obtain the degree based on my true passion and the calling that will encompass that passion to the fullest degree. I am aware that creative visual art was a gift, and the schizophrenia that followed was a curse. This is a reality for many others, so combining the two in a selfless calling would be beneficial for all. This goal is far ahead of me, but my futuristic strength will carry most of the burden. Most importantly, however, is education. This is the assurance that this dream of mind will not succumb to the likes of the common job or never-ending a career. This expanse in professional knowledge shall allow my dream to become an everlasting calling that will help those beyond my time.

Due to the current Christmas atmosphere, I choose this artwork to represent my submission. Here is the history of its creation. It was during the holiday period that I asked my dad to an ' outing at the movies. We were going to view the black comedy Krampus. I never actually heard of the folklore of the pagan creature, yet the practical effects within the movie intrigued me enough to invest in the experience. After seeing the film I was practically starved for extra content. I took to looking up various fan fiction and projects to satisfy my new addiction. Honestly it had to be related to the actual film and it’s universe, so existing works did not necessarily catch my attention. After a less than fruitful search, I attempted to form my own creation. In this piece is a young apprentice for Krampus. His name is Niche as he always trying to find his role in life. He is a bashful character, but the little fur ball has a curiosity streak that leads him into trouble. Within the picture he ventures down a dimly lit cave; he is exploring the outskirts of Krampus’s domain. Niche wants to know more about his master, and as the little guy grows bored in the underground lair of Krampus, he begins to seek out the ancient goat’s purpose. Cautiously, he steps through the murky corridors. Every few minutes his loped ear perks up to tune in to his surroundings, but only his shadow and the flickering of passing light is there to greet him. He is being quite the disobedient kid because he was instructed never to venture this far. Still he has almost made it to his destination as the young child has found the secretive spot of his master. From what the cursed elves had told him, this is the main spot that is essentially Krampus’s gateway to the human world. It supposedly holds the portal within it. My main inspiration for this piece was the final scene in the movie. It depicts Krampus lingering hand over a glass snow globe. Many others like it surround the area as the scene pans out. This certified the revelation for the movie i, and I was kinda disappointed for the most part. After a couple of futile attempts spent scrolling through internet, I gave in to my artistic instincts I drew something myself. It was greatly worth it in the end.

I was 16 years old when it happened. To be honest maybe I grew too weary of the harsh coughing throughout the night. The globs of blood in almost all the trash cans were poor sight to see. Even as I felt the cold, frail hand, I had no regrets at that funeral. These senses I endured were a constant reminder of my last moments with my “Deddy”. On April 7 ,in 2018, I lost my dear father Raymond Geeston. He died of lung disease and a weakened body recked by throat, pancreatic, and blood cancer. I imagine how he would have suffered through Covid with such issues. He was a preacher and an artist for most of my life, yet most of all he was a fighter. He was a veteran who ,due to being born in 1955 ,managed to fight in the Vietnam war before he was even 20. Close friends even called him Rambo. I continue his fight every day. I’m in college now, sophomore to be exact. There is not a day I don’t think about him and why I’m here in the first place. I suffer from psychosis, and that is a continuous battle of mine. Too remedy the life of my father and my mental health I turned to education. After graduating Valedictorian of my high school, The Piney Woods School, I entered into Belhaven University. I’m majoring in creative art therapy and biblical studies at Belhaven University it was my promise to him that I’ll find a way to put those little characters in my mind in a place where others can read them, see them, and relate to them. I wonder what he thinks of me now, but I already knew what I thought of him. He was a brilliant man who is gone too soon. With Covid happening in our world today, I consider it an actual blessing that my father would not have to endure such as environment. I imagine the mask hindering his shallow breathe even more, and the outside world could become nonexistent in his life. It is a slight positive that he died before this modern pandemic. Personally I still have a ever presence of fear in my life because I myself might inherit his ailments. Sometime in the future I could be a shell of my former self due to disease and cancer. However , also like my father, I will be brave to the end, and I might even pass down that courage to a child of my own.

Having been given the chance to visualize my college graduation and my career path afterward, I will use my newly discovered futuristic strength., for it is that strength that will carry me through life. My zeal in life is reflected in words making up chosen major, Creative Art Therapy in Visual Arts. I deny my journey being fulfilled by a job or career as I seek a calling. In my opinion, the purpose of graduating from a college is to able to complete the calling given to God due to your evolved form of education. Being able to imagine an accurate portrayal of your life four years into the future is an excellent strength for anyone wanting to achieve the most from their major. The reason I chose Creative Art Therapy in Visual arts as my major was because the key-wording described my ultimate passion., which is visual art and mental/physical health. These paths personally spoke to me, and they are actually apart of my being in some aspects that I'll identify. I have always been connected to visual art, as it was a gift I received from my late father, but as I grew my mind became susceptible to fits of psychosis. Now being diagnosed with schizophrenia, I have sought out ways to help others like as at times it can be a dreadful experience. The hallucinations and bits of delusional senses make quite the battle at times.. However, the war that is in my mind will be won through a future calling. That brings me to the issue of receiving a calling. My art was the main reliever to my reoccurring symptoms from schizophrenia. I realized this during high school, and it also occurred to me that without a college degree I have a small chance at convincing others of my coping mechanism through word alone. A college diploma would provide me the influence and credibility I need to get through to others like me. Again, this ties to the fact that my futuristic strength gave me the foresight to counter the opposition to my calling. A job or career will not grant me the satisfaction to push on. Those paths are finite when I can help infinite generations to come. In conclusion, the future I envision is to obtain the degree based on my true passion and the calling that will encompass that passion to the fullest degree. I am aware that creative visual art was a gift, and the schizophrenia that followed was a curse. This is a reality for many others, so combining the two in a selfless calling would be beneficial for all. This goal is far ahead of me, but my futuristic strength will carry most of the burden. Most importantly, however, is education. This is the assurance that this dream of mind will not succumb to the likes of the common job or never-ending a career. This expanse in professional knowledge shall allow my dream to become an everlasting calling that will help those beyond my time.

I’m small in my single contributions to be honest. A little kind word here and there. A small gift to a troubled friend. A chin up for a person too focused on their mirror. My majors are Creative Art Therapy and Biblical Studies. I wish to provide help to those with mental health issues while also giving them something of a healing word. I believe in prayer for others, but I am not discriminatory towards any group of people and their life styles. Everyone is equal and deserves a kind validation in my eyes. We I was much younger I used to give prophesies of good will to adults who needed that extra assurance in life. I honestly get this from my parent as he was a humble pastor who helped those in our community. I will be like him one day. Pouring out my heart for others who need to receive a little love. I often wish the best for my country as tragedies are prevalent this year. We are a strong human race that can build upon our faults when push comes to shove, so I always believe in the goodness of love. There is never a moment we love is not given to another. With the coming holidays I will offer twice the kind words, chin ups, and caring presents. There is always somebody who needs and deserves it.

I take the biblical scripture concerning the issue of earning money.Ecclesiastes 5:10 For those who seek after riches and gaining them quickly, their appetite will never be satisfied. The purpose of bold is to be bold and be recognized for our strides to financial achievement. Everyday we may apply to a scholarship, but it might never be promised to us. In turn we wait. Patience is a virtue. Suffering for the sake of yourself is bold in itself. However, their is progress being formed through patience. Patience is probably the only subject worthy of having time on its side as it is a divine term too As a Christian, I know I must wait on the lord, yet he is punctual God. As the old saying goes "he may not come when you want it,but he'll be there right on time. Keeping the faith in patience ensures that out prayers will one day be answered.

To embody the essence of a Rupaul’s lip sync, I created this artwork. This piece was done in favor of the look that Krystal Versace had during drag race on RuPaul‘s drag race UK. He looks so beautiful ,and personally, I never believe I’ll look that enraptured in a musical piece. At that moment she captured every feeling of the song “total eclipse of the heart”, so I wanted to capture that moment forward her emotions onto myself. Re-creating it in digital art form, so I can have the whole process in a video, is one of the best decisions I ever made. I hope you enjoy my delightful attempt at a masterpiece.

I was into a few hospitals in my time. In the final time that I was admitted into a mental hospital, I met a young black man close to my age. He had an air of clarity about him, and he often treated me with more respect than I deserved. I was sick with bipolar and schizophrenia, and I made quite the scene sometimes in the hospital. We were honestly very much different. In fact I never knew why he was there. His mindset and his passions were pure, and he never had episodes. We discussed our lively hoods and what are we going to do after we got out. I gave him my information so we can contact each other again. As a young girl maybe this was my chance for a different kind of future. A future with a friend and possible partner. I may be a dreamer, but I kept that hope. However, he never called me back. I wonder if he didn’t make it out. There was something truly wrong with him then, and I could not see it. My major is creative art therapy and biblical studies. I like to think I’m pursuing it for people like him. Someone meek and Christlike with inner demons. It is these type of things that I think about daily. I survived that place with hope for a prosperous future. Making it back to college, I thought I would have another person to bring happiness too. Still half of those expectations will never be fulfilled. People my age and race should not suffer with impaired minds, but it is commonplace in our demographic. In fact there are millions like us. Alone and looking for someone to give them hope. I looked for someone, yet I can look to give hope to another. God gave me gifts to do just that. I am a decent artist and singer in my personal life, and a future therapist in education. I’m young and ready to pore out my talents, time, and treasures for others. Applying to this application, I am completely aware of my previous short comings. It my be short coming in the timing of things as our world is filled with a lower grade pestilence. Still there are young people out there who may need hope. Change is upon us everywhere. We the black community have dreams. Both past and present. Our somewhat feeble minds can not be the end of us. We have overcome too far for a non physical threat to put us down. The fire of better further is near if we keep the faith. I envision is those millions of people banning together to push the importance of mental health. Everyday will be dedicated to giving hope to a person. That is the Christian way. Poor mental health will not dwindle into being defective. It will soar into sufficiency. The main leaders to fight the mental health crisis should be those dealing with it themselves. “God helps those who help themselves”. Church organizations should live by that motto and step out from the shadows of ignorance. We have been called to do God’s work as we have relied on him since our beginning as slaves. What is another chain and whip to the body but an impairment of the mind. If we can get out of this mindset we will be free. Thank you for your time Slywenda Geeston.

It was a rough time for me during the pandemic. I could not get a job in the area, so I turned to drawing five dollar portraits in the community. I was in my small town at the time, so I did not expect to get anything from the attempt. However, I was greeted by a older gentleman with some young boys. For five dollars I could do it in five minutes. I did a decent job, but I felt weaken by the fact that I had to use the least of my talent for petty cash. Surprisingly, one of the boys swiftly handed me some folded dollar bills. He face was very serious. “That is good” is what he said. His young friend agreed. The old man was actually an artist himself, and he had never had someone to capture his looks that well. He wanted me to continue to be an artist. He then made a deal and took the bills from the boy to replace it with a proper five dollar bill. The boys were busy admiring the picture. After they left, I felt two things. One was that even the smallest of my abilities had worth to someone. Two is that I had impacted my community and they have impacted me. I had a sense of accomplishment, but I never wanted to do it again because I couldn’t repeat the experience. I will never get that look from a child again. The look of a fiercely pleased face. I wonder if he will become an artist.

I was 16 years old when it happened. To be honest maybe I grew too weary of the harsh coughing throughout the night. The globs of blood in almost all the trash cans were poor sight to see. Even as I felt the cold, frail hand, I had no regrets at that funeral. These senses I endured were a constant reminder of my last moments with my “Deddy”. On April 7 ,in 2018, I lost my dear father Raymond Geeston. He died of lung disease and a weakened body recked by throat, pancreatic, and blood cancer. I imagine how he would have suffered through Covid with such issues. He was a preacher and an artist for most of my life, yet most of all he was a fighter. He was a veteran who ,due to being born in 1955 ,managed to fight in the Vietnam war before he was even 20. Close friends even called him Rambo. I continue his fight every day. I’m in college now, sophomore to be exact. There is not a day I don’t think about him and why I’m here in the first place. I suffer from psychosis, and that is a continuous battle of mine. Too remedy the life of my father and my mental health I turned to education. After graduating Valedictorian of my high school, The Piney Woods School, I entered into Belhaven University. I’m majoring in creative art therapy and biblical studies at Belhaven University it was my promise to him that I’ll find a way to put those little characters in my mind in a place where others can read them, see them, and relate to them. I wonder what he thinks of me now, but I already knew what I thought of him. He was a brilliant man who is gone too soon. thank you for this opportunity of getting this off my chest and hopefully I will be rewarded for the strength I receive from a strong man .