My name is Sydney Dean, I am a sustainable designer with accolades from ATLSFW, Simply Buckhead, Overheated by Billie Eilish, and more. It’s nice to be recognized for talent but it still hasn't translated into a way for me to sustain or further my education. My work is a testament to every obstacle I've overcome. My pieces stand triumphant and determined to succeed despite the cards life has dealt me. To keep myself going, I remind myself that I’m in the messy middle part of my story. The part where things are hard and disorganized and uncertain and all you need is that one yes in a sea of no’s. I’m equal parts desperate for a good life and deserving of a good life. I'm a self-taught artist who lives and works out of my aunt's garage along with two other adults. I know I am capable but it’s not enough to be capable without the capital to fund it. Money talks and I have yet to have held a conversation with it. I have a fire in me that won’t allow me to give up or to call a garage my home. No one talks about how hard it is to be creative in survival mode. I know this part of my life isn't it for me- it isn't all I amount to. I’ve identified with struggle and as a result, it’s made it harder for me to ask for help when I need it- but if I don’t ask for help, I have only myself to blame and a dream and talent that won't ever leave the garage. This is me asking for help because I know in my soul I am capable, deserving, and meant for more. My work is the physical manifestation of my absolute refusal to give up despite being underserved. Believe it or not, my pieces are made using discarded materials, cardboard, and more. It shows that no matter what you are given in life, you have the ability to make something beautiful. I may not have been privileged enough to attend sewing lessons or to attend college without a care- but my art says "Life has handed me the most bitter lemons, and I chose to make lemon meringue pie." This is me, asking for the support I need to build the life I know I’m meant for. I’m capable, I’m committed, and I’m ready. I just need help getting there. Thank you for your time, your consideration, and for seeing me.

This isn't a sob story in an attempt for more financial aid- it’s a genuine request for help. All I want is to attend college and graduate- I receive absolutely no assistance from family and live in my aunt's downstairs garage along with two other adults. In spite of this, I remain persistent in my pursuit of education and a better life- one where I can utilize my passion to make a difference and sustain myself. My name is Sydney Dean, I am a sustainable designer with accolades from ATLSFW, Simply Buckhead, Overheated by Billie Eilish, and more. It’s nice to be recognized for talent but it still hasn't translated into a way for me to sustain or further my education. I’m not just an underserved individual, I’m someone with a dream, goals, and ambition and all I truly need is help getting there. I work so hard despite the conditions I live in and just by looking at me, you’d never know the financial situation I’m in. To keep myself going, I remind myself that I’m in the messy middle part of my story. The part where things are hard and disorganized and uncertain and all you need is that one yes in a sea of no’s. I’m equal parts desperate for a good life and deserving of a good life. I know I am capable but it’s not enough to be capable without the capital to fund it. Money talks and I have yet to have held a conversation with it. I have a fire in me that won’t allow me to give up or to call a garage my home. No one talks about how hard it is to be creative in survival mode. I know this part of my life isn't it for me- it isn't all I amount to. I’ve identified with struggle and as a result, it’s made it harder for me to ask for help when I need it- but if I don’t ask for help, I have only myself to blame and a dream and talent that won't ever leave the garage. This is me asking for help because I know in my soul I am capable, deserving, and meant for more. This is me, asking for the support I need to build the life I know I’m meant for. I’m capable, I’m committed, and I’m ready. I just need help getting there. Thank you for your time, your consideration, and for seeing me.

I take immense pride in being able to say that helping in my city has been a large portion of my upbringing and always will be. While in high school, I had the privilege to be frontline giving out food and toiletries to families in my town, and after graduating I'm blessed to be able to continue this effort! It is very difficult for myself and others to afford healthy food in our area, so I help to give out quality food. Canned foods are acceptable but everyone deserves fresh fruits and vegetables. We meet up at 9 am to unload massive palettes of bunches of greens, melons, squashes and so much more and portion them out according to family size and it is always so fulfilling to make sure that the people in my community leave with more than enough. We partner with stores in our area such as Kroger and Aldi who donate meat, sanitary items, snacks, and fresh produce! Giving back to my community has allowed me to be the change I want to see. It has also allowed my family to go beyond volunteering at food distribution sites to planting a community garden! Additionally, I volunteer to provide food and health-related education to equip my neighbors with the knowledge required to grow produce and make better food choices. I spoke at an event with the Earth Tomorrow Program informing my community about food deserts in our area and overall sustainability in Atlanta and gave potential solutions to the dilemma. I spent my summer showing the children in my city how to plant fruits, vegetables, and herbs and educating them about their nutritional values. I've partnered with local publications such as Simply Buckhead to shed light on sustainable fashion and how absolutely vital it is in this day and age as the fashion industry has done irreversible damage to our environment. Landfills continue to expand leaving less space for symbiotic farming practices making quality food more expensive and less accessible for the communities I serve. Food and Fashion are interlinked in more ways than one and often our wasteful practices induce comorbid symptoms that most of us are ignorant of. Through my continued education, I seek to perpetuate a future that gives back and tackles multiple issues efficiently and head-on by attaining the tools and information I need to inform. Giving back is my livelihood- its been apart of who I am for as long as I can remember. With my continued education, I will not only be equipped with the additional tools I need to be a better asset to my community, but I will also be able to educate and inform others and churn out more community assets! I personally believe that we can only elevate as a whole if we operate as a whole by helping one another and educating our communities. We have people who have nothing and people who have everything and many of us aren't aware of just how extreme the divide is and some are apathetic to it. Community service has allowed me to have stronger empathy toward people in my city and people everywhere. I believe volunteering can encourage us to interact with one another and our environment in a way that is passionate, generous, and considerate, especially to those of us who have nothing. Education can open our eyes to how many of the issues we face are interlinked and equip us with the tools to efficiently combat them. Community service truly brings together all of our nation's moving parts- the people and we undoubtedly need each other.

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” is a quote that I’ve clung to for dear life because of my upbringing in a household devoid of encouragement, guidance, or support. This message found me early on in life and instead of trudging on my path barefoot, full of despair, and hopelessness because the people who were supposed to love and support me wouldn't, I thrifted a pair of red bottom heels from Goodwill and began to strut towards my destiny- walking wouldn’t cut it. I’d absolutely love to say that a celebrity or a family member has been my biggest inspiration but instead, it has been the determination to listen to the voice inside of myself that knows absolutely who she is and what she is meant to do. With each setback, each disappointment, and each moment of doubt, that voice got louder and more audacious. It is this resilience that has carried me through the darkest of times and the most uneven of paths, propelling me forward with an unshakeable belief in my ability to overcome any obstacle that stands in my way- even in six-inch heels. As I continue my education and embark on the next chapter of my journey, I am determined to use my passion to be innovative, and unapologetically authentic. In a world that often values conformity over creativity and uniformity over individuality, I see an opportunity to redefine the very essence of fashion—to challenge conventions, push boundaries, and celebrate the beauty of diversity in all its forms. I seek to amplify marginalized voices, challenge societal norms, and spark meaningful dialogue around issues that matter most to me. From designing inclusive collections that celebrate diversity and sustainability to using fashion as a platform for social activism and advocacy, I am committed to using my creative talents to effect positive change in the world. But what truly sets my skills apart is my ability to infuse my designs with a sense of authenticity, integrity, and emotional resonance that is uniquely my own. With every garment, I draw inspiration from my own lived experiences, cultural heritage, and personal struggles. I believe my work tells a story, it evokes emotion and inspires connection on a deeply spiritual level. What makes my artistic skill different is apparent in the fact that because of my resilience and dedication to my dream, my journey of a thousand miles is no longer a journey- it is a long gorgeous runway that I will continue to strut down- I am Sydney, now watch me work!

In the tapestry of our world, woven with threads of innovation and tradition, I see an opportunity to sew together a brighter future—a future where fashion transcends mere aesthetics to become a powerful force for symbiotic change. My journey is fueled by creativity, compassion, and an innate hunger to leave behind a legacy of sustainability, inclusivity, and accessibility. Our fashion industry stands at a crossroads. It has been built on the foundation of a world plagued by environmental degradation, social inequality, and rampant consumerism. As a designer and a minority, I have been blessed to exist in a pivotal moment where conscious choices can pave the way for a more sustainable and equitable future. With each and every garment, each stitch, and each collection, I march forward to be a catalyst for change, challenging the status quo. My passion is etched and ingrained into my very being and with this lies a deep reverence for our planet and everyone on it, a recognition of the interconnectedness between humanity and the natural world. Drawing inspiration from nature's infinite beauty, I seek to harness the power of sustainable materials, innovative technologies, and ethical production practices to create fashion that not only looks good but does good. From discarded items, trash, and plastic, I embrace an eccentric approach to material selection, prioritizing sustainability, durability, and minimal environmental impact at every stage of the design process. But sustainability goes beyond the materials we use—it is about fostering a culture of respect, responsibility, and resilience within the fashion industry that also reaches far beyond it. I aim to empower marginalized and disenfranchised communities through free hands-on events that teach skills such as sewing, re-using items in our closets to keep them out of landfills, business strategies, and public speaking to encourage future sustainable entrepreneurs to chase after their dreams wholeheartedly and with the tools to do so effectively. I seek to dismantle the opaque systems of exploitation that have long plagued the fashion industry, paving the way for a more equitable and ethical future for all. What has kept me going in pursuit of this vision to give back is this very quote by Eleanor Roosevelt: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” It is pasted on every reflective surface in my dorm because I believe with every ounce of my being that the dream I have is beautiful.

In the dimly lit corners of under-resourced communities, I see potential waiting to be unleashed, dreams yearning to take flight, and voices begging to be heard. As I embark on my journey in the visual arts, I carry with me a fervent desire to illuminate these futures, to empower the youth who dwell in the shadows of disadvantage, and to ignite within them a passion for self-expression and creative exploration. Growing up in a neighborhood where opportunities were scarce and inspiration was a luxury, I intimately understand the challenges faced by young minds yearning to break free from the shackles of circumstance. But amidst the adversity, I discovered the transformative power of art – the ability to transcend barriers, bridge divides, and instill hope in even the darkest of places. Through my work in the visual arts, I envision creating safe spaces where creativity knows no bounds and imagination takes flight. I dream of establishing community art centers nestled within the heart of under-resourced neighborhoods, offering free workshops, mentorship programs, and access to artistic resources for the youth who hunger for a chance to unleash their inner brilliance. In these vibrant hubs of creativity, I will nurture budding talents, guiding them through the intricacies of various artistic mediums, from painting and sculpture to photography and digital design. But more than just honing technical skills, I will strive to cultivate confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging within each young artist – empowering them to see themselves not as products of their environment, but as architects of their own destiny. Beyond the confines of studio walls, I envision taking art to the streets – transforming barren walls into vibrant murals that tell the stories of resilience, strength, and beauty hidden within under-resourced communities. Through collaborative mural projects, I will provide youth with a platform to amplify their voices, share their narratives, and spark dialogue around issues that matter most to them – from social justice and environmental sustainability to cultural heritage and identity. But my vision extends far beyond the realm of aesthetics; it is rooted in the belief that art has the power to catalyze social change, to uplift communities, and to inspire generations to come. As I immerse myself in the world of visual arts, I pledge to use my platform to advocate for equitable access to artistic opportunities, to challenge systemic barriers that hinder creative expression, and to champion the voices of underrepresented youth on a global scale. In every stroke of the brush, every click of the camera shutter, and every sculpted masterpiece, I see not just works of art, but beacons of hope illuminating the path toward a brighter, more inclusive future. Through my unwavering dedication to empowering the youth in under-resourced communities, I aspire to ignite a spark of inspiration that will ignite passions, ignite dreams, and ignite change for generations to come. As I stand on the precipice of this transformative journey, I am reminded of the words of Vincent van Gogh: "I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart." With every fiber of my being, I am committed to giving back to the youth in under-resourced communities through my work in the visual arts – not out of obligation, but out of a profound sense of purpose and a boundless love for humanity. Together, let us paint a brighter tomorrow, one brushstroke at a time.

My favorite Disney character is Princess Tiana! Growing up there weren't any Disney princesses that looked like me- but not only that, there weren't many princesses who had dreams that didn't involve being rescued by prince charming and riding off into the sunset! I love Tiana because I see myself in her, ambitious, goal-oriented, and willing to work very hard no matter how long it takes to make her dreams a reality! I watch The Princess and The Frog when I need a mental push to remind myself that if Princess Tiana can be turned into a slimy amphibian, get lost in the New Orleans Bayou, and narrowly escape the claws of the Voodoo Man and his spiritual minions, then I can graduate college with my B.F.A! I love Tiana because she knew what she wanted out of life and was willing to put in the work. Watching The Princess and The Frog is like looking at a movie about my own life- without the "being changed into a little green creature, having to survive in the swamp, escape literal spirits, befriending an alligator who plays the trumpet and a firefly named ray" part of course. Tiana worked a full-time job at a restaurant like me and saved every penny from her job to fund her dreams like me. Tiana blew off going to parties with her friends to save up for her dreams and had laser focus on the things she wanted. I love this Disney princess because she looks like me- a black woman- and because she has a dream that she has no problem working hard to make a reality. Lastly, I love Tiana because her story wasn't engulfed by stereotypical Disney romance tropes. Like me, finding love and riding off into the sunset on horseback isn't exactly the first thing on my to-do list. I'm glad that the first princess I got to see on the screen that looked like me didn't wait for someone to save her- she did the saving! I'm glad the first black Disney princess was a businesswoman! Tiana is my favorite because if she can make all of her own dreams come true in spite of what life throws at her- then surely I can do the same! I won't have to be turned into a frog or anything but if Tiana can overcome that then the world is my bayou!

One of the very first artists I ever emotionally connected with was Vincent Van Gogh. For a long time, I didn't exactly have a very solid reason as to why Van Gogh's art resonated so deeply with me. Every time I came across his work in a museum or on a print at the second-hand shop, I stopped and stared but not at the art, I saw something deeper- I felt connected in some way. It wasn't until I was gifted with a book on Van Gogh's life that I discovered exactly why his art ignited my soul and forever changed the way I acknowledged my mental illness, and to this day I have the brush strokes of Van Gogh's Starry Night to thank for changing my psychological introspection forever. For years my mental illness had been a negative part of my personhood. It made forming and maintaining the relationships in my life extremely difficult, and everyday tasks feel like sheer torture. For a long time, I believed the only way I could be accepted was if I didn't mention my disorder to anyone. If I appeared "normal" enough then people would accept me- I hoped. My mental health became a source of shame and secrecy for me for a long time and I'd often find myself wishing that I could be normal like everyone else. When I'd accomplish great feats, I'd often invalidate myself because of my mental illness- I felt I was unworthy of good things and that success and security were reserved only for those who weren't diagnosed with a psychological disorder. It was one night alone in my room that I came to find out why I loved the works of Vincent Van Gogh so much. The pages of the book revealed to me that this iconic, historic artist struggled with mental illness just like me, it showed me that Van Gogh was a human with flaws and troubles- just like me. Van Gogh's art didn't come from times of stable mental health, his most phenomenal and notable pieces were made while he was receiving treatment and therapy. Suddenly the glowing orbs in Starry Night were more than abstractly painted stars in the sky, but gleaming beacons of hope- that I too could be an artist despite my disorder- I too could accomplish beautiful things while having a mental illness. It was because of this that I finally discovered why his work resonated with me so deeply and helped me to view my mental illness differently. This was my realization that my disorder doesn't have to be a source of shame or a dirty secret to keep in the back of my mind- my disorder could be a gentle empathetic hand to reach out and lift someone else like me- someone who at one point believed they were unworthy or unqualified for their accomplishments because of their illness. I began to embrace it- I created art in my times of feeling low and through this, I developed a solid coping mechanism that started as my crutch but soon became my ultimate superpower. Using my creativity to cope with my mental health has helped me to further my career. By creating with my hands and pushing boundaries with my imagination, I unintentionally fostered self-love through my craft and have formed a foundation to help me stand on my own two feet. Although having a mental illness is an extremely hard thing to deal with, it is a part of me, and I've learned to value not only myself as a person, but also the things I create. Van Gogh's Starry Night lit up my path to recognizing that my mental illness does not make me any less of an artist, any less worthy of good things, or inadequate in any way. And that the reasons to love and pursue my passions are as numerous and beautiful as the stars in the sky!

Why do I believe it's essential to have healthy eating habits? Well, quite frankly, I only have one body to live in, and I don't think we've reached the point where I can trade in my outer shell for the latest model like an iPhone! With my phone, I can accidentally drop it into the sink, crack the screen by sitting down with it in the back pocket of my jeans, or just be careless with it in general -and with it in bits and pieces trade it in for a new one. But I can't quite do the same with the body I live in. So, I have to be extremely considerate of how I treat myself with the things I eat, drink, and do. Clean living to me is a love letter to my future self and her ultimate well-being! I incorporate beneficial eating practices into my daily life by being mindful that healthy eating also means balance! I love to eat things that are good for my body and that helps me to feel energized when I'm in a slump. But I also treat myself with a sweet treat or two! For me, clean healthy eating is not restrictive! In fact, it's very liberating! I take care of myself when I eat a delicious Chef's Salad and when I enjoy a brownie! Honoring my relationship with food has encouraged me to eat outside of the box and explore new ways to nurture my body. I actively pay attention to how certain foods make me feel physically and mentally. Processed foods often make me feel sluggish and negatively impact my mental health, so I replace them with raw fruits and vegetables that I like to eat! But when I feel like Ben and Jerry's I can enjoy that as well- because clean living is all about balance! Having a healthy body also helps my mental health enormously, eating well is a dynamic way for me to cope with depression because when I eat healthily, I feel healthier too! By swapping out chemical-ridden/processed foods for simple organic ones, I not only take care of my body but my mind as well! In conclusion, eating nutritiously is an extremely vital part of taking care of my mental and physical well-being. Mindfulness of what I put both on and in my body has aided me in caring for myself inside and out. Clean living has helped me to place enormous value on how I treat myself through what I drink and what foods I consume! Although society hasn't quite reached the technological point where we can trade in our outer shells for shiny new ones, eating healthily has tremendously assisted me in seeing the value in the well-being of my body as it is, and quite frankly, I wouldn't trade that in for the world!

Self by Sydney Dean I love you. I say to her I love you for the color of your soul The magic in your palms And the scent of your passion I like you. I say to her I like you for the slope of your nose The shape of your eyes And the rose of your lips Do you love me? She says to me Do you love me for the glimmer on my cheeks? Do you love me for the scent of my perfume? And the shape of my eyes? No, I love you. I say to her. I love you for the rainbow that is your soul I love you for the incantations in your hands And I love you for the fragrance of your motivation. Your facade I like, but it is your essence that I truly love.

Why do I believe clean living is essential? Well, quite frankly, I only have one body to live in, and I don't think we've reached the point where I can trade in my outer shell for the latest model like an iPhone! With my phone, I can accidentally drop it into the sink, crack the screen by sitting down with it in the back pocket of my jeans, or just be careless with it in general -and with it in bits and pieces trade it in for a new one. But I can't quite do the same with the body I live in. So, I have to be extremely considerate of how I treat myself with the things I eat, think, and do. Clean living to me is a love letter to my future self and her ultimate well-being! One way I incorporate clean living practices into my daily life is by using products with natural ingredients in my skincare routine! I've found that products that are oversaturated with artificial chemicals, fragrances, and additives have a malicious impact on my epidermis! Having healthy skin also helps my mental health enormously, my daily skincare routine is a dynamic way for me to cope with depression, because when my skin is healthy, I feel healthier too! By swapping out chemical-ridden products for simple organic ones, I not only take care of my body but my mind as well! Another way I incorporate clean living practices into my daily life is not only by eating well but by being mindful that healthy eating also means balance! I love to eat things that are good for my body and that helps me to feel energized when I'm in a slump. But I also treat myself with a sweet treat or two! For me, clean living practices are not restrictive! In fact, they're very liberating! I take care of myself when I eat a delicious Chef's Salad and when I enjoy a brownie! Honoring my relationship with food has encouraged me to eat outside of the box and explore new ways to nurture my body. I actively pay attention to how certain foods make me feel physically and mentally. Processed foods often make me feel sluggish and negatively impact my mental health, so I replace them with raw fruits and vegetables that I like to eat! But when I feel like Ben and Jerry's I can enjoy that as well- because clean living is all about balance! In conclusion, clean living is an extremely vital part of taking care of my mental and physical well-being. Mindfulness of what I put both on and in my body has aided me in caring for myself inside and out. Clean living has helped me to place enormous value on how I treat myself through what products I use on my skin and what foods I consume! Although society hasn't quite reached the technological point where we can trade in our outer shells for shiny new ones, clean living has tremendously assisted me in seeing the value in the well-being of my body as it is, and quite frankly, I wouldn't trade that in for the world!

Besides food, water, and shelter, what else do we as human beings need? Is it a million dollars? Maybe a few days off of work with P.T.O? Or perhaps just a sense of belonging amongst our peers? These things are important too, but I hope you remembered that one thing we all definitely need is clothes on our backs! In the fight for sustainability, we can sometimes forget that even the clothes we wear can be detrimental to our environment. The thing we all need and can't live without paradoxically happens to be one of the many things we excessively waste and take for granted. Our current fashion industry is not only wasteful and inefficient, but it's also extremely exclusionary as well, and that is why I am pursuing my career as a sustainable clothing artist. Let me explain. Ultimately, my end goal is to build an industry where inclusiveness, accessibility, and sustainability aren't options but standards. By pursuing higher education, I will be able to gain an inside view of the workings of my career path and actively dismantle the harmful traditions and methods of production and replace them with socially and environmentally symbiotic ones. Our current garment industry mass-produces excessively. Not only this, said garments are overwhelmingly and exclusively produced for a select body type. Small, medium, and large, but what about people with disabilities, or people with different body shapes? The fashion industry has long ignored not only its terrible impact on our planet but also its impact on marginalized communities. Our current impetuous fashion industry turns a blind eye to people with disabilities, pretends like larger body types are non-existent, and is actively exclusionary to people of color. Through pursuing my education I will be able to overwhelmingly incorporate marginalized communities in my work and encourage my peers to do so as well. We all need clothes and we all deserve to see ourselves wearing them! Overall, my works will continue to incorporate recycled materials, organic fabrics, and avant-garde items, and incorporate a broad community of marginalized peoples in its wake. I plan to make a positive impact by being an exemplar of what sustainability and inclusivity looks like in the clothing industry. By pursuing higher education, I will one day be able to expand the parameters of the way we relate to our garments and their impact on ourselves and our planet. Ultimately, I seek to augment an industry that not only breaks boundaries but builds bridges- because although P.T.O. would be nice, one thing we all definitely need is clothes!

I meet with my therapist bi-weekly to talk about how adulting is not as fabulous as thirteen-year-old me thought. Thirteen-year-old me thought that adult me would be going out every night in sparkly dresses, and spending lots of money at Forever21, instead, I work a full-time job and have no time for anything. Each time, my therapist asks me to give good things and bad things that happened to me the weeks prior, and at the end of our session, she always applauds me for making an effort to take care of myself in ways that lift my spirits. Because of these sessions, its become a habit for me to practice self-care. Whenever I make the effort to pamper myself, I chuckle at the thought that two weeks from now, my therapist is totally going to approve of my doing sheet masks and exfoliation regimens. My health journey is an integral part of coping with my mental health and it motivates me to look for ways to better my life. For me, my journey isn't exclusive to just skincare, it also extends to what I eat, and what I spend my time doing. I take care of myself and honor my healthy journey when I make the choice to eat healthier, go outside, and go work out even just for thirty minutes. So you see, my wellness is a vital tool for my psyche. I maintain my wellness as a student by setting specific days to achieve tasks and be productive, and days that I will rest and regenerate. When working and preparing for school becomes too much, I'll reward myself at the end of the week. Sometimes it's as small as buying myself an iced coffee or wearing a cute outfit to exercise at the gym. Other times it's taking a day off work to clean up, or just rest. Having specific days to be productive or to pause and do nothing is how I stay on track in my health journey as a student and full-time employee. With all of this being said, it's easy for me to make healthy decisions and stay focused on my health journey because my mental health quite literally depends on it. Even though I don't party every night and frequently shop at Forever21, I think that thirteen-year-old me would be proud, because adult me is learning to take great care of herself and that is fabulous.

I meet with my therapist bi-weekly to talk about how adulting is not as fabulous as thirteen-year-old me thought. Thirteen-year-old me thought that adult me would be going out every night in sparkly dresses, and spending lots of money at Forever21, instead, I work a full-time job and have no time for anything. Each time, my therapist asks me to give good things and bad things that happened to me the weeks prior, and at the end of our session, she always applauds me for making an effort to take care of myself in ways that lift my spirits. Because of these sessions, its become a habit for me to practice self-care. Whenever I make the effort to pamper myself, I chuckle at the thought that two weeks from now, my therapist is totally going to approve of my doing sheet masks and exfoliation regimens. My health journey is an integral part of coping with my mental health and it motivates me to look for ways to better my life. For me, my journey isn't exclusive to just skincare, it also extends to what I eat, and what I spend my time doing. I take care of myself and honor my healthy journey when I make the choice to eat healthier, go outside, and go work out even just for thirty minutes. So you see, my wellness is a vital tool for my psyche. I maintain my wellness as a student by setting specific days to achieve tasks and be productive, and days that I will rest and regenerate. When working and preparing for school becomes too much, I'll reward myself at the end of the week. Sometimes it's as small as buying myself an iced coffee or wearing a cute outfit to exercise at the gym. Other times it's taking a day off work to clean up, or just rest. Having specific days to be productive or to pause and do nothing is how I stay on track in my health journey as a student and full-time employee. With all of this being said, it's easy for me to make healthy decisions and stay focused on my health journey because my mental health quite literally depends on it. Even though I don't party every night and frequently shop at Forever21, I think that thirteen-year-old me would be proud, because adult me is learning to take great care of herself and that is fabulous.

I seek to augment a fashion industry that not only breaks boundaries but builds bridges. My goal is to continue to separate myself from the label of fashion designer because inclusivity, sustainability, and community are the basis on which I create. My dream is to be able to assist in the ushering in of a new frontier in which the runway is accessible to everyone- and where the garments gracing the runway aren't environmentally detrimental either.

My life dream is to be able to live in a world where there is no extreme divide- a divide where some have dregs and others live in excess. It's hard for me to stomach seeing the people in my neighborhood sleeping on sidewalks in the rain, extreme heat, and frigid cold and then seeing a headline about how a celebrity has purchased mega mansions worth millions that they will seldom reside in. I want to see a world where food is always given to those in need, where people are treated like people and have their needs met despite their tax bracket or lack thereof. I want to live in a world where abandoned shopping malls are turned into public housing and a world where restaurants and grocery stores are willing to feed the hungry regardless of profits. You see, this world I imagine is simply one where we all care about one another and our humanity flows deeply and unwaveringly for each other. The change I want to see in my community, country, and the world is one of heartfelt empathy for those in need- because, what if it was you in their place instead? With this being said, I take pride in being able to say that helping in my city has been a large portion of my upbringing and always will be. While in high school, I had the privilege to be frontline giving out food and toiletries to families in my town. It is very difficult for myself and others to afford healthy food in our area, so I help to give quality food. Giving back to my community has allowed me to be the change I want to see. It has also provided my family with opportunities to go beyond volunteering at food distribution sites, to planting a community garden! Additionally, I volunteer to provide food and health-related education to equip my neighbors with the knowledge required to grow produce and make better food choices. I spoke at an event with the Earth Tomorrow Program informing my community about food deserts in our area and overall sustainability in Atlanta and gave potential solutions to the dilemma. I spent my summer showing the children in my city how to plant fruits, vegetables, and herbs and educating them about their nutritional values. Giving back is my livelihood. I believe we can only elevate as a whole if we operate as a whole by helping one another and educating our communities. We have people who have nothing and people who have everything and many of us aren't aware of just how extreme the divide is and some are apathetic to it. Community service has allowed me to have stronger empathy toward people in my city and people everywhere. I believe volunteering can encourage us to interact with one another in a way that is passionate and generous, especially to those of us with nothing. Community service truly brings together the community. Truthfully, we absolutely need each other.

The person who has been the most significant influence in my life is my grandmother! She has been my rock and motivation to keep going and work hard for the things I want. My grandmother has taught me that not only am I capable of achieving the goals I set for myself, but I am qualified for the opportunities life gives me. I am using my skills to propagate an environmentally synergetic clothing industry by creating pieces from not only repurposed items and discarded fabrics but hardware and anything I can prevent from taking up space in a landfill. When I graduate I also want to continue to push the boundaries of respectability politics when it comes to women's bodies. I want to encourage audiences to appreciate the beauty of people who are physically different from them- people with deformities, different body shapes, skin conditions, and older models. I want onlookers to embrace both sensuality and modesty with respect to the muse as a person. What makes my gift different is the fact that I have never been able to afford to take any sewing lessons, so I taught myself everything I know and I am still learning! Teaching myself how to sew and construct garments has fostered a strong sense of self-love and confidence that shines through in each piece! My skill is unique also because I do not use conventional methods to sew or produce pieces. I thrift curtains, table cloths, jewelry, and tons of other miscellaneous items to create the ideas in my head- my work is sustainable and that gives me pride! I seek to augment a fashion industry that not only breaks boundaries but builds bridges. I am Sydney Dean and I am so excited to pursue my career as a sustainable clothing artist. Thank you!

I take pride in being able to say that helping in my city has been a large portion of my upbringing and always will be. While in high school, I had the privilege to be frontline giving out food and toiletries to families in my town. It is very difficult for myself and others to afford healthy food in our area, so I help to give out quality food. Giving back to my community has allowed me to be the change I want to see. It has also provided my family with opportunities to go beyond volunteering at food distribution sites, to planting a community garden! Additionally, I volunteer to provide food and health-related education to equip my neighbors with the knowledge required to grow produce and make better food choices. I spoke at an event with the Earth Tomorrow Program informing my community about food deserts in our area and overall sustainability in Atlanta and gave potential solutions to the dilemma. I spent my summer showing the children in my city how to plant fruits, vegetables, and herbs and educating them about their nutritional values. Giving back is my livelihood. I believe we can only elevate as a whole if we operate as a whole by helping one another and educating our communities. We have people who have nothing and people who have everything and many of us aren't aware of just how extreme the divide is and some are apathetic to it. Community service has allowed me to have stronger empathy toward people in my city and people everywhere. I believe volunteering can encourage us to interact with one another in a way that is passionate and generous, especially to those of us with nothing. Community service truly brings together the community. Truthfully, we absolutely need each other.

When most people think of climate preservation they think of recycling plastics and things of that nature. However, having a positive impact on the climate involves far more than recycling, it also delves into food waste, the clothes we wear and discard, and our overall way of life. So, what do I do to have a positive impact on the climate? Before I answer this question I think it would be useful to note that every single piece of plastic ever produced since its invention in 1907 still exists in landfills today. With that being said, I avoid purchasing single-use plastic, if I do, my family and I repurpose them. Plastic jugs are cut in half and used as pots for our fruits and vegetables. After every meal, the uneaten scraps are used as compost to nourish our garden instead of being dumped into plastic trash bags to sit in landfills and produce toxic gases. Additionally, I volunteer to provide food and health-related education to my community, to equip my neighbors with the knowledge required in order to grow their own produce and make better food choices. I spoke at an event at Georgia Tech with the Earth Tomorrow Program to inform my community about food deserts in our area, and sustainability in Atlanta and to provide potential solutions to the dilemma. I spent my summer planting a community garden and teaching children in my city how to plant fruits, herbs, and vegetables whilst educating them on their nutritional value. My ecological conservation efforts extend to my artistic endeavors as well! I recycle discarded fabrics and miscellaneous items to create sustainable-aesthetically pleasing pieces. Being environmentally symbiotic has been a way of life that I share with others in hopes that will aim to have a positive impact on our climate!

I intend to major in fashion design and receive my Bachelor of Fine Arts! Ultimately, the end goal of my journey is to build an industry where inclusiveness and sustainability aren't options but standards. I plan to utilize my art to cultivate a life that is worth living not only for myself but for others as well. For me, this means dismantling the environmentally harmful and inhumane methods of products currently used by our clothing industry. It also means propagating an inclusive fashion industry where there is no set standard of beauty or body shape. I plan to give back to my community by being not only a living example that things will get better- as I recently lost my mother figure- but to encourage others like me to focus on what makes them truly euphoric. I want to be a role model that shows others like me that if I can do it if I can overcome adversity, they can too. What has inspired my love for the fashion industry is experiencing firsthand how freeing fashion can be as an art form. Through creating with my hands and pushing boundaries with my imagination, I unintentionally fostered self-love through my craft. I want others to experience this love, freedom, and euphoria as well. Along with these endeavors, I want to initiate a symbiotic relationship between people, their clothes, and the environment. I seek to augment an industry where garments are valued, kept, and reused for years to come- an industry where micro-trends and fast fashion are a distant thing of the past. For me, this looks like repurposing fabrics such as curtains, donated t-shirts, and other discarded items into something new to avoid needless waste. I actively employ this method in every piece! Additionally, I also seek to encourage people to completely avoid sending their unwanted clothing to be thrown in landfills. I want to demonstrate that although the life of your old t-shirt has ended, it has another life to live as a stylish skirt! I believe art is extremely vital to society because it hosts the potential for us as a species to propagate a synergetic tomorrow through our well-placed efforts in the present. Sustainable artistry enables there to be a place for everyone hereafter, including people, and the planet. I do my part by incorporating items that would have otherwise been thrown into landfills and bodies of water into my artistry. Whilst progressing in my education and future career, I refuse to engage in methods that exacerbate our already dire environmental state. Environmental conservation through art is my passion and my lifestyle. Lastly, I will accomplish my goal by pursuing higher education. It excites me to be able to assist the ushering in of a new frontier in which the runway is accessible to everyone- and where the garments gracing the runway aren't environmentally detrimental either. I seek to augment a fashion industry that not only breaks boundaries but builds bridges because we have no planet B!

What makes me happy is experiencing first hand how freeing fashion can be as an art form. The pure euphoria I experience threading my machine, sketching a concept design, and pinning the pieces together is my heaven on earth. Fashion found me early in my life and has lifted me up from some of the heaviest times in my existence. Through creating with my hands and pushing boundaries with my imagination, I unintentionally fostered self-love through my craft. The stylistic freedom, the happiness, and pure bliss it brings me are what have inspired my love for this industry. I want others to experience this love, freedom, and euphoria too- that is why I am pursuing my education! I also observed that our industry can use a bit of remodeling. Another thing that has inspired me is the subtle expansion of the fashion industry to include marginalized groups of people such as disabled people, people with different body types and skin conditions, and older models. It excites me to be able to assist the ushering in of a new frontier in which the runway is accessible to everyone- and where the garments gracing the runway aren't environmentally detrimental either! I am Sydney Dean and I am a sustainable, inclusive clothing artist I am so excited to pursue my education in the fashion industry! Thank you!

Giving back is important to me because I believe we all have a responsibility to elevate others once we elevate ourselves. I have a responsibility that when I climb to the top of the ladder, I am morally obligated to reach back down and bring someone else up with me. There is no point in only creating success for oneself because when you die, your "legacy" dies with you. However when we give and create leaders and safe spaces for each other our legacies never die because they live on in the lives of the people we've shared them with. We can only elevate as a whole if we operate as a whole, and this is why giving back is important to me. I plan to use my platform to give back to my community by introducing a creative space that encourages my community to be open to ways in which we can be more sustainable with our clothing, imperishable with our accessories, and overall environmentally conscious as a whole. A symbiotic relationship between art and the environment. My education is important to me, in fact, it is all that I have. My education is what keeps me going. I plan to use my education to propagate a positive change in the fashion industry. I seek to use my career to not only break down barriers but to build bridges.

I survived SA, multiple suicide attempts, and Major Depressive Disorder. So it's easy to say, I've won 100% of the battles life has thrown at me, survived 100% of my bad days, and have finally made it to the light at the end of the tunnel. I used to believe that life had nothing good in store for me, that it would only serve to torture me until I gave up until I decided that I wanted to make life happy for myself. Therapy helped tremendously but what saved me was my passion- clothing design. My passion found me. It became the lantern to light the dark tunnel until I made it out to the other side. I'm so proud of the person I've become because of it. I learned to love myself through creating, experimenting, and putting my hands to the plow. I learned to stand on my own two feet because I had found something that no one could take from me. Designing makes me euphoric and best of all I've been able to share this euphoria with other people! I went from feeling as though life and circumstances had a personal vendetta against me, to declaring that no matter what life threw my way I'd still wake up the next day and try again. All because my passion for clothing artistry knocked down my walls and let in a tsunami of love, hope, and an unfaltering resilience. The more skilled I become in my craft, the more reasons I find to love the person I've become. Each piece is the physical manifestation of my refusal to ever give up on myself again. Each piece is a battle cry that life may knock me down but I will never stay down forever- I will always get back up! Lastly, the impact I aim to make in the world through my education is one that consists of a symbiotic relationship between art and the environment. This mutually beneficial connection will incorporate environmentally conscious methods of production and drastically diminish the amount of clothing waste in our landfills. Through learning about new technologies, organic-biodegradable materials, and recycled fabrics, I will be able to efficiently incorporate these things into my artistic and ecological endeavors. I plan to use my degree to give back to my community by introducing a creative space that encourages my community to be open to ways in which we can be more sustainable with our clothing, imperishable with our accessories, and overall environmentally conscious as a whole. A symbiotic relationship between art and the environment because we have no "planet B".

I am passionate when it comes to dismantling the environmentally harmful and inhumane methods of production currently used by our clothing industry. Along with this, propagating an inclusive fashion industry where there is no set standard of beauty is important to me. What has inspired my love for the fashion industry is experiencing first hand how freeing fashion can be as an art form. Through creating with my hands and pushing boundaries with my imagination, I unintentionally fostered self love through my craft. I want others to experience this love, freedom, and euphoria too. Additionally, I want to initiate a symbiotic relationship between people, their clothes, and the environment. I seek to augment an industry where garments are valued, kept, and reused for years to come- an industry where micro-trends and fast fashion are a distant thing of the past. For me, this looks like re-using fabrics such as curtains, donated t-shirts, and other discarded items to create something new in order to avoid needless waste- methods I actively employ. Additionally, I also seek to encourage people to completely avoid sending their unwanted clothing to be thrown in landfills. I want to demonstrate that although the life of your old t-shirt has ended, it has another life to live as a mini skirt! Lastly, I have observed that our industry can use a ton of remodeling. Another endeavor I am passionate about is expanding the fashion industry to include marginalized groups of people such as disabled people, people with different body types, skin conditions, and older models. It excites me to be able to assist the ushering in of a new frontier in which the runway is accessible to everyone- and where the garments gracing the runway aren't environmentally detrimental either.

The impact I aim to make in the world through my education is one that consists of a symbiotic relationship between art and the environment. This mutually beneficial connection will incorporate environmentally conscious methods of production and drastically diminish the amount of clothing waste in our landfills. Through learning about new technologies, organic-biodegradable materials, and recycled fabrics, I will be able to efficiently incorporate these things into my artistic and ecological endeavors. Ultimately, the end goal of my journey is to build an industry where inclusiveness and sustainability aren't options but standards. I actively make representation of marginalized groups the foundation of my business, I employ sustainable practices in garment assembly, and I involve myself in constructing organic gardens and teaching environmental literacy in my community. I will accomplish my goal through higher education to assist the ushering in of a new frontier-where the runway is accessible to everyone, and the garments gracing the runway aren't environmentally detrimental. I plan to utilize my art to cultivate a life that is worth living not only for myself but for others. For me this means dismantling the environmentally harmful and inhumane methods of production currently used by our clothing industry. It also means propagating an inclusive fashion industry where there is no set standard of beauty. I plan to give back to my community by being not only a living example that things will get better- but to encourage others like me to focus on what makes them truly euphoric. It excites me to be a catalyst for a fashion industry that not only breaks boundaries, but builds bridges.

I survived SA, multiple suicide attempts, and Major Depressive Disorder. So its easy to say, I've won 100% of the battles life has thrown at me, survived 100% of my bad days, and have finally made it to the light at the end of the tunnel. I used to believe that life had nothing good in store for me, that it would only serve to torture me until I gave up- until I decided that I wanted to make life happy for myself. Therapy helped tremendously but what saved me was my passion- clothing design. My passion found me. It became the lantern to light the dark tunnel until I made it out on the other side. I'm so proud of the person I've become because of it. I learned to love myself through creating, experimenting, and putting my hands to the plow. I learned to stand on my own two feet because I had found something that no one could take from me. Designing makes me euphoric and best of all I've been able to share this euphoria with other people! I went from feeling as though life and circumstances had a personal vendetta against me, to declaring that no matter what life threw my way I'd still wake up the next day and try again. All because my passion for clothing artistry knocked down my walls and let in a tsunami of love, hope, and an unfaltering resilience. The more skilled I become in my craft, the more reasons I find to love the person I've become. Each piece is the physical manifestation of my refusal to ever give up on myself again. Each piece is a battle cry that life may knock me down but I will never stay down forever- I will always get back up!

May 27th 2021, the day I walked across the stage to honor the completion of my public school education was also the day I was admitted to Grady Hospital for attempted suicide. I couldn't live with myself knowing that my abuser walked across the same stage as me and were handed their diploma, and at that time decided that my life wasn't worth living if I couldn't gain the justice I needed. Instead of going out on my graduation night to party with my friends, I was strapped to a stretcher on the way to an intensive care facility. After months of intensive therapy and healing I determined that the only person who could serve me justice was myself. So, I threw myself into the one thing I love the most- clothing artistry. I chose this area of study because for me it is the physical manifestation of all the things that make life beautiful- self expression. I plan to utilize my education to cultivate a life that is worth living not only for myself but for others. This means dismantling the environmentally harmful and inhumane methods of production currently used by our clothing industry to propagate an entirely symbiotic and efficient one. I aim to create an industry where garments are valued, kept, and ultimately reused for years to come. I plan to give back to my community by being not only a living example that things will get better- but to encourage others like me to focus on what makes them truly euphoric. I want to be a role model that shows others like me that if I can do it, if I can overcome adversity, they can too. Through creating with my hands and pushing boundaries with my imagination, I unintentionally fostered self love through my craft. I want others to experience this love, freedom, and euphoria too- that is why I am pursuing my education! Another positive impact I plan to make is expanding the fashion industry to include marginalized groups of people such as disabled people, people with different body types, skin conditions, and older models. I seek to augment a fashion industry that not only breaks boundaries, but builds bridges. It excites me to be able to assist the ushering in of a new frontier in which the runway is accessible to everyone- and where the garments gracing the runway aren't environmentally detrimental either!

May 27th 2021, the day I walked across the stage to honor the completion of my public school education was also the day I was admitted to Grady Hospital for attempted suicide. I couldn't live with myself knowing that my abuser walked across the same stage as me and were handed their diploma, and at that time decided that my life wasn't worth living if I couldn't gain the justice I needed. Instead of going out on my graduation night to party with my friends, I was strapped to a stretcher on the way to an intensive care facility. After months of intensive therapy and healing I determined that the only person who could serve me justice was myself. So, I threw myself into the one thing I love the most- clothing artistry. I chose this area of study because for me it is the physical manifestation of all the things that make life beautiful- self expression. I plan to utilize my education to cultivate a life that is worth living not only for myself but for others. This means dismantling the environmentally harmful and inhumane methods of production currently used by our clothing industry to propagate an entirely symbiotic and efficient one. I aim to create an industry where garments are valued, kept, and ultimately reused for years to come. I plan to give back to my community by being not only a living example that things will get better- but to encourage others like me to focus on what makes them truly euphoric. I want to be a role model that shows others like me that if I can do it, if I can overcome adversity, they can too. Through creating with my hands and pushing boundaries with my imagination, I unintentionally fostered self love through my craft. I want others to experience this love, freedom, and euphoria too- that is why I am pursuing my education! Another positive impact I plan to make is expanding the fashion industry to include marginalized groups of people such as disabled people, people with different body types, skin conditions, and older models. I seek to augment a fashion industry that not only breaks boundaries, but builds bridges. It excites me to be able to assist the ushering in of a new frontier in which the runway is accessible to everyone- and where the garments gracing the runway aren't environmentally detrimental either!

I plan to utilize my art to cultivate a life that is worth living not only for myself but for others. For me this means dismantling the environmentally harmful and inhumane methods of production currently used by our clothing industry. It also means propagating an inclusive fashion industry where there is no set standard of beauty. I plan to give back to my community by being not only a living example that things will get better- but to encourage others like me to focus on what makes them truly euphoric. I want to be a role model that shows others like me that if I can do it, if I can overcome adversity, they can too. What has inspired my love for the fashion industry is experiencing first hand how freeing fashion can be as an art form. Through creating with my hands and pushing boundaries with my imagination, I unintentionally fostered self love through my craft. I want others to experience this love, freedom, and euphoria too- that is why I am pursuing my education! Along with these things I want to initiate a symbiotic relationship between people, their clothes, and the environment. I seek to augment an industry where garments are valued, kept, and reused for years to come- an industry where micro-trends and fast fashion are a distant thing of the past. For me, this looks like repurposing fabrics such as curtains, donated t-shirts, and other discarded items into something new to avoid needless waste. I actively employ this method in every piece! Additionally, I also seek to encourage people to completely avoid sending their unwanted clothing to be thrown in landfills. I want to demonstrate that although the life of your old t-shirt has ended, it has another life to live as a mini skirt! Lastly, I have observed that our industry can use a tremendous amount of remodeling. Another positive impact I plan to make is expanding the fashion industry to include marginalized groups of people such as disabled people, people with different body types, skin conditions, and older models. It excites me to be able to assist the ushering in of a new frontier in which the runway is accessible to everyone- and where the garments gracing the runway aren't environmentally detrimental either. I seek to augment a fashion industry that not only breaks boundaries, but builds bridges, because we have no planet B!

I am Sydney Dean. I create clothing pieces and with each piece I learn something new. One quality I posses is not being afraid to experiment, and I also enjoy being the catalyst that encourages people to be true to themselves. I really like to challenge the public's idea of what is beautiful and repeatedly show that beauty is found hidden in the most mundane things. I am Sydney Dean and I am my favorite designer! Or better yet, I am my favorite "clothing artist". I am my favorite designer/ clothing artist, because inclusivity, sustainability, and community are the guidelines in which I create every piece. I seek to set myself and my work apart from our contemporary impetuous fashion industry because of the mass production of garments in an unsustainable way and its current exclusionary practices. I genuinely do not seek to trek the same trodden track-way, but to go where there is no path and to leave a trail. The impact I aim to make in the world through my education is one that consists of a symbiotic relationship between art and the environment. This mutually beneficial connection will incorporate environmentally conscious methods of production and drastically diminish the amount of clothing waste in our landfills. Through learning about new technologies, organic-biodegradable materials, and recycled fabrics, I will be able to efficiently incorporate these things into my artistic and ecological endeavors. Additionally, I have observed how freeing fashion can be as an art form. The stylistic freedom, the happiness and pure bliss it brings the people involved is what has inspired my love for this industry. I want others to experience this love, freedom, and euphoria too- that is why I am pursuing my education! Another concept I observed is how the industry can use a bit of remodeling. The subtle expansion of the fashion industry to include marginalized groups of people such as disabled people, people with different body types and skin conditions, and older models is slowly but surely appearing on the horizon. It excites me to be able to assist the ushering in of a new frontier in which the runway is accessible to everyone- and where the garments gracing the runway aren't environmentally detrimental either! I am Sydney Dean and I am my favorite sustainable, inclusive clothing artist and I am so excited to pursue my education in the fashion industry! Thank you!

I am Sydney Dean. I create clothing pieces and with each piece I learn something new. One quality I posses is not being afraid to experiment, and I also enjoy being the catalyst that encourages people to be true to themselves. I really like to challenge the public's idea of what is beautiful and repeatedly show that beauty is found hidden in the most mundane things. I am Sydney Dean and I am my favorite designer! Or better yet, I am my favorite "clothing artist". I am my favorite designer/ clothing artist, because inclusivity, sustainability, and community are the guidelines in which I create every piece. I seek to set myself and my work apart from our contemporary impetuous fashion industry because of the mass production of garments in an unsustainable way and its current exclusionary practices. I genuinely do not seek to trek the same trodden track-way, but to go where there is no path and to leave a trail. The impact I aim to make in the world through my education is one that consists of a symbiotic relationship between art and the environment. This mutually beneficial connection will incorporate environmentally conscious methods of production and drastically diminish the amount of clothing waste in our landfills. Through learning about new technologies, organic-biodegradable materials, and recycled fabrics, I will be able to efficiently incorporate these things into my artistic and ecological endeavors. Lastly, one thing that stuck out to me from books about the fashion industry, is how freeing fashion can be as an art form. The stylistic freedom, the happiness and pure bliss it brings the people involved is what has inspired my love for this industry. I want others to experience this love, freedom, and euphoria too- that is why I am pursuing my education! Another concept I observed from reading is how the industry can use a bit of remodeling. The subtle expansion of the fashion industry to include marginalized groups of people such as disabled people, people with different body types and skin conditions, and older models is slowly but surely appearing on the horizon. It excites me to be able to assist the ushering in of a new frontier in which the runway is accessible to everyone- and where the garments gracing the runway aren't environmentally detrimental either! I am Sydney Dean and I am my favorite sustainable, inclusive clothing artist and I am so excited to pursue my education in the fashion industry! Thank you!

My favorite fashion designer is a woman named Sydney Dean. She grows and learns with each project. She is not afraid to experiment, and she enjoys being a catalyst that encourages people to be true to themselves. I really like Sydney because she challenges the public's idea of what is beautiful and repeatedly shows how beauty is found hidden in the most mundane things. I am Sydney Dean and I am my favorite designer! Or better yet, I am my favorite "clothing artist". I am my favorite designer/ clothing artist, because inclusivity, sustainability, and community are the guidelines in which I create every piece. I seek to set myself and my work apart from our contemporary impetuous fashion industry because of the mass production of garments in an unsustainable way and its current exclusionary practices. I have always been hard pressed to find a fashion designer that inspires me or someone that I want to follow in their footsteps- to be the next Donatella Versace, or Alexander Mcqueen perhaps. While their works are marvelous, I don't have a favorite designer- but I do have a favorite clothing artist. I genuinely do not seek to trek the same trodden track-way, but to go where there is no path and to leave a trail. What has inspired my love for the fashion industry is experiencing first hand how freeing fashion can be as an art form. The pure euphoria I experience threading my machine, sketching a concept design, and pinning the pieces together is my heaven on earth. Fashion found me early in my life and has lifted me up from some of the heaviest times in my existence. Through creating with my hands and pushing boundaries with my imagination, I unintentionally fostered self love through my craft. The stylistic freedom, the happiness and pure bliss it brings me is what has inspired my love for this industry. I want others to experience this love, freedom, and euphoria too- that is why I am pursuing my education! I also observed that our industry can use a bit of remodeling. Another thing that has inspired me is the subtle expansion of the fashion industry to include marginalized groups of people such as disabled people, people with different body types and skin conditions, and older models. It excites me to be able to assist the ushering in of a new frontier in which the runway is accessible to everyone- and where the garments gracing the runway aren't environmentally detrimental either! I am Sydney Dean and I am my favorite sustainable, inclusive clothing artist and I am so excited to pursue my education in the fashion industry! Thank you!

I am Sydney Dean, and I am a clothing artist-not a fashion designer- a clothing artist. I have always been captivated by the aesthetics of fashion design, however, growing up, I've observed how it can be extremely and unnecessarily wasteful. I've sought to distinguish myself from the label of fashion designer (as fast fashion is a hefty contributor to climate change), and designate myself as a clothing artist instead. As a clothing artist, I seek ways in which I can indulge in the aesthetics of maximalism without following in the footsteps of our current impetuous fashion industry. Giving back is vital for our people because we all have a responsibility to elevate others once we elevate ourselves. I have a responsibility that when I climb to the top of the ladder, I am morally obligated to reach back down and bring someone else up with me. All we have is each other and if we won't help one another no one else will. There is no point in only creating success for oneself because when you die, your "legacy" dies with you, solely because you were self centered. However when we give and create leaders and safe spaces for each other our legacies never die because they live on in the lives of the people we've shared it with. We can only elevate as a whole if we operate as a whole, and this is why giving back is important to me. I plan to use my platform to give back to my community by introducing a creative space that showcases how African American people are editorial, high fashion, revolutionary, and are works of art themselves. My work encapsulates the ideology that there is no one way to be black. We are creative, we are alternative and we are pioneers of not only the fashion industry but every single industry that exists-regardless if they want to give us credit or not. Alongside this endeavor, I want to encourage our community to be open to ways in which we can be more sustainable with our clothing, imperishable with our accessories, and overall environmentally conscious as a whole. A symbiotic relationship between art and the environment. My education is important to me, in fact it is all that I have. My education is what keeps me going. I plan to use my education to propagate a positive change in the fashion industry. I seek to use my career to not only break down barriers but to build bridges. This is why I am a clothing artist and not a fashion designer, because inclusivity, sustainability, and community are the basis in which I create beauty.

My name is Sydney Dean, and a characteristic I value most in myself is my ability to see beauty in the mundane. Where others see dregs or futility, I am able to see magnificence and artistry. Items such as old laptop keyboards, tangled wires, second hand clothing items, or even discarded scraps of fabric, can be formed into something striking and alluring. So you see, where others see trash, I see treasure. I am tremendously grateful for this quality in myself because it allows for me to efficiently identify ways in which I can be environmentally conscious through my work. By taking things that society deems as waste, I am able to prolong its use and keep it out of the landfills. This is vital considering how single use plastics and clothing items exacerbate our already dire climate crisis. Additionally, this characteristic assists me in encouraging others to think beyond the parameters of their minds. Where the eyes see garbage, you have to open your mind in order to see opportunity. When I create beauty from things that were not beautiful initially, I motivate others around me to find ways to do the same. Not only does this motivate myself and my peers to expand our creative horizons, it stimulates myself and others to acknowledge the many different ways that beauty presents itself. This intern fosters an environment where waste is diminished because it is put to use once more. I believe that possessing this characteristic will aid me immensely in my life journey as well as my career path because it enables me to think in unconventional ways. This means that I am able to utilize things that people without this characteristic would view as useless because of my ability to see its potential to be something wonderful. To add to this, my ability to see beyond the obvious will assist me in group settings were collaboration is necessary- meaning I am able to provide others with alternative ways of accomplishing goals. In conclusion, my ability to see past the conspicuous-to find beauty in the mundane- has prepared me both creatively and psychologically to be overly qualified in tackling a multitude of challenges that my life journey will present to me. This quality has been a multifaceted characteristic that extends into numerous parts of my being. It serves me in my artistry, my ecological endeavors, and my collaborative ones as well. As stated before, one man's trash is another man's treasure, but, I believe that there is no such thing as trash. Trash can only be considered as such if the mind of the man lacks creativity. Thank you.

The entirety of my life I haven't been able to afford name brands, and high class garments, so, I make my own using what is available to me. In this process I've discovered something even more priceless than couture, sustainability. My trips to the second hand shops in my neighborhood opened doors that were once closed by my family's tax bracket. Through using pieces that someone no longer had use for, I could create something outstanding, all while keeping one less item out of our landfills. So you see, what drives my passion for my artistry is the symbiotic combination of voguish designs and environmentalism. With the aid of this scholarship, I will be able to continue my endeavors in being a catalyst for change in one of the most environmentally damaging industries- the fashion industry. In addition to this, the much appreciated support of this scholarship will help to take financial strain off of me and my family. I want- like many others- to make my family proud, however, I also want to leave behind a more environmentally sound clothing industry for everyone else. Thank you!

5/27/21, the day I graduated was the day I was admitted to Grady Hospital for attempted suicide. When I arrived home I decided that the only person who could save me was me. I remember telling myself that if I was going to continue with life that I would cultivate a life that is worth living for myself and for others. This meant dismantling environmentally inhumane methods used by our clothing industry. I aimed to augment a fashion industry that breaks boundaries, & builds bridges. This was the day I decided to heal this was my happy memory.

May 27th 2021, the day I walked across the stage to honor the completion of my public school education was also the day I was admitted to Grady Hospital for attempted suicide. I couldn't live with myself knowing that my abuser walked across the same stage as me and were handed their diploma, and at that time decided that my life wasn't worth living if I couldn't gain the justice I needed. Instead of going out on my graduation night to celebrate with my friends, I was strapped to a stretcher on the way to an intensive care facility. After months of intensive therapy and healing I determined that the only person who could serve me justice was myself. So, I threw myself into the one thing I love the most- clothing artistry. I chose this area of study because for me it is the physical manifestation of all the things that make life beautiful- self expression. I plan to utilize my education to cultivate a life that is worth living- not only for myself but for others. This means dismantling the environmentally harmful and inhumane methods of production currently used by our clothing industry to propagate an entirely symbiotic and efficient one. I plan to give back to my community by being not only a living example that things will get better- but to encourage others like me to focus on what makes them truly euphoric. I want to be a role model that shows others like me that if I can do it, if I can overcome adversity, they can too. Along with this I seek to augment a fashion industry that not only breaks boundaries, but builds bridges. Thank you.

May 27th 2021, the day I walked across the stage to honor the completion of my public school education was also the day I was admitted to Grady Hospital for attempted suicide. I couldn't live with myself knowing that my abuser walked across the same stage as me and were handed their diploma, and at that time decided that my life wasn't worth living if I couldn't gain the justice I needed. Instead of going out on my graduation night to party with my friends, I purposefully took an entire bottle of medication. It wasn't until months after this situation that I came to the consensus that it was not my time to go. You see, the same night after I took these pills, my friend called me, and whilst on the phone saying my goodbyes, I vomited terribly and passed out. According to my family, my friend remained on the line after I lost consciousness and contacted the rest of my friends to figure out where I lived to send an ambulance. Coincidentally enough, it turns out that not only had they called for help but all of my friends from middle and high school called for help. After months of intensive therapy and healing I determined that the only person who could serve me justice was myself. So, I threw myself into the one thing I love the most- artistry. You see, I overcame adversity through my determination to cultivate a life that is worth living and healing for. I plan to give back to my community by being not only a living example that things will get better- but to also leave behind a more environmentally conscious and humane clothing industry. I want to be a role model that shows others like me that if I can do it, if I can overcome adversity, they can too. Along with this I seek to augment a fashion industry that not only breaks boundaries, but builds bridges. Thank you.

The entirety of my life I haven't been able to afford name brands, and high class garments, so, I make my own using what is available to me. In this process I've discovered something even more priceless than couture, sustainability. My trips to the second hand shops in my neighborhood opened doors that were once closed by my family's tax bracket. Through using pieces that someone no longer had use for, I could create something outstanding, all while keeping one less item out of our landfills. So you see, what drives my passion for my artistry is the symbiotic combination of voguish designs and environmentalism. With the aid of this scholarship, I will be able to continue my endeavors in being a catalyst for change in one of the most environmentally damaging industries- the fashion industry. In addition to this, the much appreciated support of this scholarship will help to take financial strain off of me and my family. I want- like many others- to make my family proud, however, I also want to leave behind a more environmentally sound clothing industry for everyone else. Thank you!

I am Sydney Dean, a sustainable clothing artist based in Atlanta Georgia, and I have been a creative since pre-k. I have always been enchanted by the aesthetics of clothing artistry. However, growing up, I've observed how it can unfortunately be wasteful. As a result of living on a planet where waste is abundant, I do not want to contribute to the excess. So, to supplement this, I sought ways in which I can indulge in the aesthetics of clothing artistry without following in the footsteps of our current impetuous fashion industry. The impact I aim to make in the world through my education is one that consists of a symbiotic relationship between art and the environment. This mutually beneficial connection will incorporate environmentally conscious methods of production and drastically diminish the amount of clothing waste in our landfills. Through learning about new technologies, organic-biodegradable materials, and recycled fabrics, I will be able to efficiently incorporate these things into my artistic and ecological endeavors. I believe art is important to society because it hosts the potential for us as a species to propagate a synergetic tomorrow through our well placed efforts in the present. Sustainable artistry enables for there to be a place for everyone hereafter, including people, and the planet. I do my part by incorporating reclaimed articles such as blankets, shirts, scrap fabrics, and miscellaneous items. Items that would have otherwise been thrown into landfills and bodies of water and exacerbate our already dire environmental state. Environmental conservation through art is my passion because there is no "planet B". Thank you!

I am Sydney Dean, a sustainable clothing artist based in Atlanta Georgia, and I have been a creative since pre-k. I have always been enchanted by the aesthetics of clothing artistry. However, growing up, I've observed how it can unfortunately be wasteful. As a result of living on a planet where waste is abundant, I do not want to contribute to the excess. So, to supplement this, I sought ways in which I can indulge in the aesthetics of clothing artistry without following in the footsteps of our current impetuous fashion industry. The impact I aim to make in the world through my education is one that consists of a symbiotic relationship between art and the environment. This mutually beneficial connection will incorporate environmentally conscious methods of production and drastically diminish the amount of clothing waste in our landfills. Through learning about new technologies, organic-biodegradable materials, and recycled fabrics, I will be able to efficiently incorporate these things into my artistic and ecological endeavors. Art is important to society because it hosts the potential for us as a species to propagate a synergetic tomorrow through our well placed efforts in the present. Sustainable artistry enables for there to be a place for everyone hereafter, including people, and the planet. My work incorporates reclaimed articles such as blankets, shirts, scrap fabrics, and miscellaneous items. Items that would have otherwise been thrown into landfills and bodies of water and exacerbate our already dire environmental state.

I am Sydney Dean, a sustainable clothing artist based in Atlanta Georgia, and I plan to propagate a synergetic and environmentally conscious fashion industry. I have always been enchanted by the aesthetics of clothing artistry. However, growing up, I've observed how it can unfortunately be wasteful. As a result of living on a planet where waste is abundant, I do not want to contribute to the excess. So, to supplement this, I sought ways in which I can indulge in the aesthetics of clothing artistry without following in the footsteps of our current impetuous fashion industry. The impact I aim to make in the world through my education is one that consists of a symbiotic relationship between art and the environment. This mutually beneficial connection will incorporate environmentally conscious methods of production and drastically diminish the amount of clothing waste in our landfills. Through learning about new technologies, organic-biodegradable materials, and recycled fabrics, I will be able to efficiently incorporate these things into my artistic and ecological endeavors. I plan to achieve this vision through fine tuning the methods of production used in the clothing industry- leading by example. My work incorporates reclaimed articles such as blankets, shirts, scrap fabrics, and miscellaneous items. Items that would have otherwise been thrown into landfills and bodies of water and exacerbate our already dire environmental state. With the aid of this scholarship I will be able to make a lasting and beneficial impact in order to secure a more sustainable and humane clothing industry.

I am Sydney Dean, and I am passionate about sustainable clothing. I have always been enchanted by the aesthetics of clothing artistry. However, growing up, I've observed how it can unfortunately be wasteful. As a result of living on a planet where waste is abundant, I do not want to contribute to the excess. So, to supplement this, I sought ways in which I can indulge in the aesthetics of clothing artistry without following in the footsteps of our current impetuous fashion industry. The impact I aim to make in the world through my education is one that consists of a symbiotic relationship between art and the environment. This mutually beneficial connection will incorporate environmentally conscious methods of production and drastically diminish the amount of clothing waste in our landfills. Through learning about new technologies, organic-biodegradable materials, and recycled fabrics, I will be able to efficiently incorporate these things into my artistic and ecological endeavors.

I am Sydney Dean, a sustainable clothing artist based in Atlanta Georgia. I have always been enchanted by the aesthetics of clothing artistry. However, growing up, I've observed how it can unfortunately be wasteful. As a result of living on a planet where waste is abundant, I do not want to contribute to the excess. So, to supplement this, I sought ways in which I can indulge in the aesthetics of clothing artistry without following in the footsteps of our current impetuous fashion industry. The impact I aim to make in the world through my education is one that consists of a symbiotic relationship between art and the environment. This mutually beneficial connection will incorporate environmentally conscious methods of production and drastically diminish the amount of clothing waste in our landfills. Through learning about new technologies, organic-biodegradable materials, and recycled fabrics, I will be able to efficiently incorporate these things into my artistic and ecological endeavors.

I am Sydney Dean, a sustainable clothing artist based in Atlanta Georgia, and I have been involved in STEAM since middle school. I have always been enchanted by the aesthetics of clothing artistry. However, growing up, I've observed how it can unfortunately be wasteful. As a result of living on a planet where waste is abundant, I do not want to contribute to the excess. So, to supplement this, I sought ways in which I can indulge in the aesthetics of clothing artistry without following in the footsteps of our current impetuous fashion industry. The impact I aim to make in the world through my education is one that consists of a symbiotic relationship between art and the environment. This mutually beneficial connection will incorporate environmentally conscious methods of production and drastically diminish the amount of clothing waste in our landfills. Through learning about new technologies, organic-biodegradable materials, and recycled fabrics, I will be able to efficiently incorporate these things into my artistic and ecological endeavors. What interests me about STEAM is the potential for us as a species to propagate a synergetic tomorrow through our well placed efforts in the present. STEAM enables for there to be a place for everyone hereafter, including people, and the planet. My work incorporates reclaimed articles such as blankets, shirts, scrap fabrics, and miscellaneous items. Items that would have otherwise been thrown into landfills and bodies of water and exacerbate our already dire environmental state. If I were to choose what truly fascinates me about STEAM I would say that the seamless marrying of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics proves that seemingly different things can be interconnected.

The entirety of my life I haven't been able to afford name brands, and high class garments, so, I make my own using what is available to me. In this process I've discovered something even more priceless than couture, sustainability. My trips to the second hand shops in my neighborhood opened doors that we're once closed by my family's tax bracket. Through using pieces that someone no longer had use for, I could create something outstanding, all while keeping one less item out of our landfills. So you see, what drives my passion for my artistry is the symbiotic combination of voguish designs and environmentalism. With the aid of this scholarship, I will be able to continue my endeavors in being a catalyst for change in one of the most environmentally damaging industries- the fashion industry. In addition to this, the much appreciated support of this scholarship will help to take financial strain off of me and my family. I want- like many others- to make my family proud, however, I also want to leave behind a more environmentally sound clothing industry for everyone else. Thank you!