Art has always been a form of therapy for me, allowing me to express my emotions and thoughts in a way that words often cannot. With each stroke of my paintbrush, I feel a sense of relief, as if the weight of life's pressures is slowly lifting off my shoulders. Painting provides me with a creative outlet, a place where I can let go of stress and truly be myself. It has become an essential part of my life, shaping not only my artistic abilities but also my confidence and personal growth. My preferred medium is acrylic paint on canvas. I am drawn to acrylics because they blend easily, allowing me to create smooth transitions between colors. They also dry quickly, which enables me to layer colors and make adjustments without long waiting times. This versatility makes acrylic paint an ideal medium for me, as it aligns with my creative process and allows me to bring my artistic visions to life. Over time, I have developed a unique style that reflects my personality and emotions. Each painting I create tells a story, revealing a piece of who I am. Since I started painting, I have noticed significant changes in myself. I have allowed myself to step out of my comfort zone and embrace my individuality. Before I fully immersed myself in art, I often felt the pressure to conform to societal expectations and fit into a mold that was not truly me. However, through painting, I have discovered the courage to be unapologetically authentic. My artwork serves as a reflection of my inner self, capturing my thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This newfound boldness has positively impacted various aspects of my life, including my relationships and academic performance. In my relationships, I have become more open and expressive. I no longer feel the need to hide my true self or pretend to be someone I am not. Instead, I embrace my uniqueness and allow others to see the real me. Art has taught me that there is beauty in individuality and that being different is something to be celebrated. As I continue on my artistic journey, I have developed a strong passion for using art as a tool for healing and self-discovery. I have experienced firsthand the therapeutic benefits of painting, and I want to share this gift with others. My ultimate goal is to become an art therapist so that I can help individuals navigate their mental health struggles through creative expression. Art has the power to heal, to bring comfort, and to provide a sense of purpose. By becoming an art therapist, I hope to inspire others to use art as a means of self-expression and emotional healing, just as I have. In conclusion, art is more than just a hobby for me; it is a form of therapy, a source of self-discovery, and a means of personal growth. It has taught me invaluable lessons about authenticity, resilience, and self-expression. Through my own experiences, I have come to understand the profound impact that art can have on mental well-being. My passion for art and my desire to help others have led me to pursue a career in art therapy. I am excited about the future and the opportunity to use my artistic talents to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Just as painting has been a source of healing for me, I hope to guide others in finding their own sense of peace and empowerment through art.

Art has always been a form of therapy for me, allowing me to express my emotions and thoughts in a way that words often cannot. With each stroke of my paintbrush, I feel a sense of relief, as if the weight of life's pressures is slowly lifting off my shoulders. Painting provides me with a creative outlet, a place where I can let go of stress and truly be myself. It has become an essential part of my life, shaping not only my artistic abilities but also my confidence and personal growth. My preferred medium is acrylic paint on canvas. They dry quickly, which enables me to layer colors and make adjustments without long waiting times. This versatility makes acrylic paint an ideal medium for me, as it aligns with my creative process and allows me to bring my artistic visions to life. Over time, I have developed a unique style that reflects my personality and emotions. Each painting I create tells a story, revealing a piece of who I am. Since I started painting, I have noticed significant changes in myself. I have allowed myself to step out of my comfort zone and embrace my individuality. Before I fully immersed myself in art, I often felt the pressure to conform to societal expectations and fit into a mold that was not truly me. However, through painting, I have discovered the courage to be unapologetically authentic. My artwork serves as a reflection of my inner self, capturing my thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This newfound boldness has positively impacted various aspects of my life, including my relationships and academic performance. In my relationships, I have become more open and expressive. I no longer feel the need to hide my true self or pretend to be someone I am not. Instead, I embrace my uniqueness and allow others to see the real me. Art has taught me that there is beauty in individuality and that being different is something to be celebrated. This lesson has helped me build stronger connections with others, as I have learned to appreciate both my own authenticity and that of those around me. Academically, painting has also played a crucial role in my growth. It has taught me patience, perseverance, and the importance of embracing challenges. When working on a painting, I often encounter moments of frustration when things do not go as planned. However, I have learned to push through these difficulties and find creative solutions. This mindset has translated into my academic work, where I now approach challenges with determination and resilience. I have realized that mistakes are not failures but rather opportunities for growth and improvement. My art does not have to be a carbon copy of someone else's work; it is a personal expression that is uniquely mine. This realization has given me the freedom to explore different styles, techniques, and ideas without fear of judgment. I no longer feel the need to compare myself to others or strive for perfection. Instead, I focus on creating art that is meaningful to me and brings me joy. I have experienced firsthand the therapeutic benefits of painting, and I want to share this gift with others. My ultimate goal is to become an art therapist so that I can help individuals navigate their mental health struggles through creative expression. Art has the power to heal, to bring comfort, and to provide a sense of purpose. By becoming an art therapist, I hope to inspire others to use art as a means of self-expression and emotional healing, just as I have.

I want to be an artist because it allows me to express my emotions and share my raw, authentic self with the world. Art is a form of communication that goes beyond words, allowing me to convey feelings and ideas that I struggle to put into sentences. Through my art, I can explore the depths of my imagination and present my unique perspective on life. Unlike many other aspects of society where people are expected to conform, art allows me to embrace my individuality. I don’t have to fit into a mold or follow strict guidelines—I can be as unique and quirky as I want, and it's not only acceptable but celebrated. I am inspired by abstract and surrealist artists who take risks in their work. These artists have taught me that art isn’t about perfection—it’s about expression. In the past, I often felt discouraged when my pieces didn’t exactly match my reference images. I used to believe that good art meant creating something realistic or technically flawless. However, over time, I realized that I wasn’t meant to copy other people’s work—I was meant to create my own. This realization was freeing because it allowed me to focus on originality rather than comparison. Now, I see imperfections as part of the creative process rather than something to fix. Each brushstroke carries meaning, and every unexpected detail adds to the uniqueness of the piece. Art has pushed me to think outside the box and incorporate deeper themes beyond just colors and brushstrokes. I have learned that every piece I create can tell a story, evoke emotions, or challenge perspectives. Instead of being judged for my distinct style, I am praised for it. This has given me a sense of confidence and validation that I struggled to find elsewhere. Art is a form of self-discovery, allowing me to explore my thoughts, dreams, and fears in a way that feels natural. It also serves as a form of healing. Through my artwork, I can reconnect with my inner child, revisit old memories, and express emotions that I may not be able to articulate otherwise. Art is not just something I do for fun—it is a vital part of my identity and my personal growth. One of my favorite mediums to work with is acrylic paint on canvas. I love acrylics because of their versatility and fast-drying nature. Unlike other types of paint, such as oil, acrylic allows me to layer quickly, experiment with textures, and make adjustments without having to wait for long drying times. This aspect of acrylic painting makes me feel empowered because I know that if I make a mistake, I am not stuck with it—I can simply paint over it and try again. This reminds me that mistakes are not failures but opportunities for growth. Beyond personal fulfillment, I want to be an artist because I want to inspire others. Just as other artists have inspired me, I hope that my work will encourage people to embrace their creativity and express themselves fearlessly. Art has the power to move people, challenge perceptions, and bring joy. If I can create something that resonates with someone, makes them feel understood, or even brightens their day, then I know I have made a meaningful impact.

The phrase, "diamonds are created under pressure," is a good way to describe how I view my life. I think that every one of my life experiences, both good and bad, have shaped me into the person who I am and will become in the future. It is through the hard times that my character is developed, faith is strengthened, and growth takes place. I would like to share some of my personal experiences that have helped to mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised with both parents, and as the years progressed, I was raised only by my mother. It wasn't until later, that my mother told me that they separated because he had a substance abuse problem. It was so hard to accept the news. The question , " Why me?" cycled in my head for a long time. At school, I was having a hard time because there were times that I would become sad and it would affect my concentration. As a result, it started affecting my schoolwork. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed some professional help, and I started therapy. It was the beginning of self-discovery for me. My problems weren't solved, but I was learning how to control my emotions and verbalize my frustration . She listened to my issues and administered a couple of tests. It was discovered that I suffer from ADHD. When she diagnosed me, I felt so much relief. It was good to know that there was a legitimate reason to explain why my brain processed things differently and why I was experiencing such impulsive behavior. I almost felt empowered. My therapist taught me how to properly deal with my emotions and gave me strategies that would help improve my academic performance . I can not explain how difficult it has been having ADHD, maintaining all A's in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parent and grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers who died in the same year. This "diamond" has been through a lot of pressure. In the last few years, I have discovered a way to positively deal with my issues by drawing and painting . Art has become both my passion and another form of therapy. I'm able to express myself openly on canvas. It allows me to properly allow my ADHD symptoms to run wild and create something beautiful and inspirational. I have learned how to turn my weaknesses into strengths. I am determined to be successful and to perservere no matter what obstacles I may endure in the future. I want to be an artist because it allows me to be my true self. Also, I want to become an art teacher or an art therapist One day, I want to open a small art gallery for young people that offers classes for upcoming artists. Art helped me in my healing process, and I desire to share what I have learned with the generations to come. I believe that through art, we can turn things that are tragic and hurtful into something that is beautiful and inspiring. My art represents the stories of my life that I have the confidence to share. It shows my fears, vulnerability, dark moments, as well as the moments of hope, growth, and renewal. I want my art to inspire others to use their art as therapy and as a motivator for others.

One of my favorite pieces is entitled, "Disappearance." It is a portrait of an African-American woman wearing an 18th-century wig, with five chameleons on her face and hair. This piece explores the concept of code-switching. It represents the way African-American individuals often feel pressured to alter their behavior and appearance to conform to societal expectations. Chameleons, known for their ability to change color to communicate and adapt, symbolize this struggle. Two chameleons on her face are vibrant, representing her true personality, while one is slightly dimmer, signifying the times she has had to suppress herself. The remaining two blend with her skin tone, illustrating the necessity of code-switching in certain environments. Her hairstyle represents an “acceptable” European aesthetic that conflicts with natural, curly/coily Afrocentric hair. The chameleon in her hair depicts the suppression of her traditional Afrocentric roots, addressing the ongoing debate about African-American hair and professionalism.

This scholarship would be a tremendous help in funding goals to become an art teacher. My mother is an educator and the importance of receiving and education has been instilled in my all of my life. As a child, I used to pretend to be a teacher and my mom was the student. Eventhough I have set goals for myself, there is an important factor that hinders my dreams from coming true. My mother is a single parent and she has done her best to take care of me on her teacher salary but many times we still face financial struggles. I know that my mom will do whatever it takes to make sure I go to college, but I don't want to add another huge burden to her life. I am trying to find a way to help lesson the financial responsibility for he so that is why I decided to apply for this scholarship. Without this scholarship, my mother would have to apply for a loan and get another job. I plan to apply for workstudy while I go to school full-time but I am not sure that it will be enough. I am in need of some assistance and if I received this scholarship, I could finally give my mom a financial break and make her proud of me at the same time.

I want to be an artist because it allows me to express my emotions and share my raw, authentic self with the world. Art is a form of communication that goes beyond words, allowing me to convey feelings and ideas that I struggle to put into sentences. Through my art, I can explore the depths of my imagination and present my unique perspective on life. Unlike many other aspects of society where people are expected to conform, art allows me to embrace my individuality. I don’t have to fit into a mold or follow strict guidelines. I can be as unique and quirky as I want, and it's not only acceptable but celebrated. I am inspired by abstract and surrealist artists who take risks in their work. These artists have taught me that art isn’t about perfection—it’s about expression. In the past, I often felt discouraged when my pieces didn’t exactly match my reference images. I used to believe that good art meant creating something realistic or technically flawless. However, over time, I realized that I wasn’t meant to copy other people’s work—I was meant to create my own. This realization was freeing because it allowed me to focus on originality rather than comparison. Now, I see imperfections as part of the creative process rather than something to fix. Each brushstroke carries meaning, and every unexpected detail adds to the uniqueness of the piece. Art has pushed me to think outside the box and incorporate deeper themes beyond just colors and brushstrokes. I have learned that every piece I create can tell a story, evoke emotions, or challenge perspectives. Instead of being judged for my distinct style, I am praised for it. This has given me a sense of confidence and validation that I struggled to find elsewhere. Art is a form of self-discovery, allowing me to explore my thoughts, dreams, and fears in a way that feels natural. It also serves as a form of healing. One of my favorite mediums to work with is acrylic paint on canvas. I love acrylics because of their versatility and fast-drying nature. Unlike other types of paint, such as oil, acrylic allows me to layer quickly, experiment with textures, and make adjustments without having to wait for long drying times. This aspect of acrylic painting makes me feel empowered because I know that if I make a mistake, I am not stuck with it, I can simply paint over it and try again. This reminds me that mistakes are not failures but opportunities for growth. Beyond personal fulfillment, I want to be an artist because I want to inspire others. Just as other artists have inspired me, I hope that my work will encourage people to embrace their creativity and express themselves fearlessly. In the end, my desire to be an artist is not just about creating beautiful images—it is about self-expression, growth, and connection. Art allows me to be true to myself, to heal, and to share my perspective with the world. It gives me freedom, purpose, and a voice without limitations. No matter where life takes me, I know that art will always be a part of who I am.

The phrase, "diamonds are created under pressure," is a good way to describe how I view my life. I think that every one of my life experiences, both good and bad, have shaped me into the person who I am and will become in the future. It is through the hard times that my character is developed, faith is strengthened, and growth takes place. I would like to share some of my personal experiences that have helped to mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised with both parents, and as the years progressed, I was raised only by my mother. As a child, you don't realize that adults have issues that do not concern you. Instead, you internalize things and take them personally. I noticed that my dad was home less and that he no longer played with me or talked to me much. I often wondered, "What did I do to make him go away?" It wasn't until later, my mother told me that they were separating and that he had a substance abuse problem. It was so hard to accept the news. The question , " Why me?" cycled in my head for a long time. At school, I was having a hard time because there were times that I would become sad. I was emotional quite often, and it started affecting my concentration. As a result, I became frustrated, and it started affecting my schoolwork. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed some professional help, and I started therapy. It was the beginning of self-discovery for me. My problems weren't solved, but I was learning how to control my emotions and verbalize my frustration . She listened to my issues and administered a couple of tests. It was discovered that I suffer from ADHD. When she diagnosed me, I felt so much relief. It was good to know that there was a legitimate reason to explain why my brain processed things differently and why I was experiencing such impulsive behavior. I almost felt empowered. My therapist taught me how to properly deal with my emotions and gave me strategies that would help improve my academic performance . I can not explain how difficult it has been having ADHD, maintaining all A's in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parent and grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers who died in the same year. This "diamond" has been through a lot of pressure. In the last few years, I have discovered a way to positively deal with my issues by drawing and painting . Art has become both my passion and another form of therapy. I'm able to express myself openly on canvas. It allows me to properly allow my ADHD symptoms to run wild and create something beautiful and inspirational. I have learned how to turn my weaknesses into strengths. I am determined to be successful and to perservere no matter what obstacles I may endure in the future. I want to be an artist because it allows me to be my true self. Also, I want to become an art teacher and one day open an art gallery that offers classes for upcoming artists. Art helped me in my healing process, and I desire to share what I have learned with the generations to come. I believe that through art, we can turn things that are tragic and hurtful into something that is beautiful and inspiring. My art represents the stories of my life that I have the confidence to share. It shows my fears, vulnerability, dark moments, as well as the moments of hope, growth, and renewal. I want my art to inspire others to use their art as therapy and as a motivator for others.

The phrase, "diamonds are created under pressure," is a good way to describe how I view my life. I think that every one of my life experiences, both good and bad have shaped me into the person who I am and will become in the future. It is through the hard times that my character is developed, faith is strengthened, and growth takes place. I would like to share some of my personal experiences that have helped to mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised with both parents, and as the years progressed, I was raised only by my mother. As a child, you don't realize that adults have issues that do not concern you. Instead, you internalize things and take them personally. I noticed that my dad was home less and less and that he no longer played with me or talked to me much. I often wondered, "What did I do to make him go away?" It wasn't until later, my mother told me that they were separating and that he had a substance abuse problem. It was so hard to accept the news. The question , " Why me?" cycled in my head for a long time. At school, I was having a hard time because there were times that I would become so sad. I was emotional quite often, and it started affecting my concentration and caused me to become frustrated when I couldn't stay focused or figure out an assignment. I'm so thankful that I had great teachers who were patient and stern with me. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed some professional help, and I started therapy. It was the beginning of self-discovery for me. My problems weren't solved, but I was learning how to control my emotions and verbalize my frustration . It wasn't until I met my second therapist that I finally started to see the light at the end of the tunnel. She listened to my issues and administered a couple of tests. It was discovered that I suffer from ADHD. When she diagnosed me, I felt so much relief. It was good to know that there was a legitimate reason to explain why my brain processed things differently and why I was experiencing such impulsive behavior. I almost felt empowered. My therapist taught me how to properly deal with my emotions and gave me strategies that would help improve my academic performance . I can not explain how difficult it has been having ADHD, maintaining all A's in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parent and grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers who died in the same year. This "diamond" has been through a lot of pressure. In the last few years, I have discovered a way to positively deal with my issues by drawing and painting . Art has become both my passion and another form of therapy. I'm able to express myself openly on canvas. It allows me to properly allow my ADHD symptoms to run wild and create something beautiful and inspirational. I have learned how to turn my weaknesses into strengths. I am determined to be successful and to perservere no matter what obstacles I may endure in the future. I think that your school will supply with the experiences and knowledge needed to achieve my goal.

I think that all of my life experiences have shaped me into the person who I am and will become in the future. It is through the hard times that my character is developed, faith is strengthened, and growth takes place. I would like to share some of my personal experiences that have helped to mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised with both parents, and as the years progressed, I was raised only by my mother. As a child, you don't realize that adults have issues that do not concern you. Instead, you internalize things and take them personally. I noticed that my dad was home less and that he no longer played with me or talked to me much. I often wondered, "What did I do to make him go away?" It wasn't until later, my mother told me that they were separating and that he had a substance abuse problem. It was so hard to accept the news. I want to be an artist because it allows me to be my true self. Also, I want to become an art teacher and one day open an art gallery that offers classes for upcoming artists. Art helped me in my healing process, and I desire to share what I have learned with the generations to come. I believe that through art, we can turn things that are tragic and hurtful into something that is beautiful and inspiring. My art represents the stories of my life that I have the confidence to share. It shows my fears, vulnerability, dark moments, as well as the moments of hope, growth, and renewal. I want my art to inspire others to use their art as therapy and as a motivator for others.

Finding Confidence Through Art and Community Service Growing up as an only child, I was shy and preferred staying in my room, watching TV or using my iPad. This changed in high school when my former teacher and mentor encouraged me to tutor elementary students through the Pink STEM educational program. Initially nervous, I gradually gained confidence and discovered the joy of mentorship and helping others learn. Beyond tutoring, I had the chance to use my artistic talents by painting two murals at the center, which led to more opportunities. Pink STEM also involved me in various community service projects that improved my communication skills and ability to engage with others. A particularly memorable experience was leading STEM activities at the Genesis House and providing face painting at school giveaways and church events. These experiences pushed me beyond my comfort zone, helping me become more compassionate, outgoing, and confident. Throughout high school, I dedicated myself to art, community service, and personal growth. Art has always been my way of expressing myself, but I also realized its potential to inspire and heal others. Seeing how creativity brings people together strengthened my passion for education and my desire to help young students discover their artistic potential. Because of these experiences, I have decided to become a teacher. I want to inspire students just as my mentor did for me. One of my biggest dreams is to open an art gallery that offers children’s art classes, providing a space where they can express themselves and build confidence. My journey has shown me that stepping outside one’s comfort zone leads to growth, opportunities, and deeper connections with the community.

The phrase, "diamonds are created under pressure," is a good way to describe how I view my life. I think that every one of my life experiences, both good and bad, has shaped me into the person who I am and will become in the future. It is through the hard times that my character is developed, faith is strengthened, and growth takes place. I would like to share some of my personal experiences that have helped to mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised with both parents, and as the years progressed, I was raised only by my mother. As a child, you don't realize that adults have issues that do not concern you. At school, I was having a hard time because there were times that I would become so sad. I was emotional quite often, and it started affecting my concentration and caused me to become frustrated when I couldn't stay focused or figure out an assignment. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed some professional help, and I started therapy. It was the beginning of self-discovery for me. My problems weren't solved, but I was learning how to control my emotions and verbalize my frustration . She listened to my issues and administered a couple of tests. It was discovered that I suffer from ADHD. When she diagnosed me, I felt so much relief. It was good to know that there was a legitimate reason to explain why my brain processed things differently and why I was experiencing such impulsive behavior. I almost felt empowered. My therapist taught me how to properly deal with my emotions and gave me strategies that would help improve my academic performance . I can not explain how difficult it has been having ADHD, maintaining all A's in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parent and grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers who died in the same year. This "diamond" has been through a lot of pressure. In the last few years, I have discovered a way to positively deal with my issues by drawing and painting . Art has become both my passion and another form of therapy. I'm able to express myself openly on canvas. It allows me to properly allow my ADHD symptoms to run wild and create something beautiful and inspirational. I have learned how to turn my weaknesses into strengths. I am determined to be successful and to perservere no matter what obstacles I may endure in the future. I want to be an artist because it allows me to be my true self. Also, I want to become an art teacher and one day open an art gallery that offers classes for upcoming artists. Art helped me in my healing process, and I desire to share what I have learned with the generations to come. I believe that through art, we can turn things that are tragic and hurtful into something that is beautiful and inspiring. My art represents the stories of my life that I have the confidence to share. It shows my fears, vulnerability, dark moments, as well as the moments of hope, growth, and renewal. I want my art to inspire others to use their art as therapy and as a motivator for others.

The phrase, "diamonds are created under pressure," is a good way to describe how I view my life. I think that every one of my life experiences, both good and bad, has shaped me into the person who I am and will become in the future. It is through the hard times that my character is developed, faith is strengthened, and growth takes place. I would like to share some of my personal experiences that have helped to mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised with both parents, and as the years progressed, I was raised only by my mother. As a child, you don't realize that adults have issues that do not concern you. Instead, you internalize things and take them personally. I noticed that my dad was home less and that he no longer played with me or talked to me much. I often wondered, "What did I do to make him go away?" It wasn't until later, my mother told me that they were separating and that he had a substance abuse problem. It was so hard to accept the news. The question , " Why me?" cycled in my head for a long time. At school, I was having a hard time because there were times that I would become so sad. I was emotional quite often, and it started affecting my concentration and caused me to become frustrated when I couldn't stay focused or figure out an assignment. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed some professional help, and I started therapy. It was the beginning of self-discovery for me. My problems weren't solved, but I was learning how to control my emotions and verbalize my frustration . She listened to my issues and administered a couple of tests. It was discovered that I suffer from ADHD. When she diagnosed me, I felt so much relief. It was good to know that there was a legitimate reason to explain why my brain processed things differently and why I was experiencing such impulsive behavior. I almost felt empowered. My therapist taught me how to properly deal with my emotions and gave me strategies that would help improve my academic performance . I can not explain how difficult it has been having ADHD, maintaining all A's in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parent and grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers who died in the same year. This "diamond" has been through a lot of pressure. In the last few years, I have discovered a way to positively deal with my issues by drawing and painting . Art has become both my passion and another form of therapy. I'm able to express myself openly on canvas. It allows me to properly allow my ADHD symptoms to run wild and create something beautiful and inspirational. I have learned how to turn my weaknesses into strengths. I am determined to be successful and to perservere no matter what obstacles I may endure in the future. I want to be an artist because it allows me to be my true self. Also, I want to become an art teacher and one day open an art gallery that offers classes for upcoming artists. Art helped me in my healing process, and I desire to share what I have learned with the generations to come. I believe that through art, we can turn things that are tragic and hurtful into something that is beautiful and inspiring.

The phrase "diamonds are created under pressure" is a perfect way to describe how I view my life. I believe that every life experience, both good and bad, has shaped me into the person I am today and the one I will become in the future. It is through difficult times that my character is developed, my faith is strengthened, and my growth takes place. I would like to share some of the personal experiences that have helped mold and refine me. At school, I struggled because my sadness often overwhelmed me. I was emotional quite often, which affected my concentration and caused frustration when I couldn't stay focused or complete assignments. I'm so thankful that I had great teachers who were both patient and firm with me. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed professional help, and I started therapy. That was the beginning of my journey toward self-discovery. My problems weren’t magically solved, but I began learning how to control my emotions and verbalize my frustrations. It wasn’t until I met my second therapist that I finally started to see the light at the end of the tunnel. She listened to my concerns and administered several tests, eventually diagnosing me with ADHD. When I received the diagnosis, I felt an immense sense of relief. It was reassuring to know that there was a legitimate reason why my brain processed things differently and why I exhibited such impulsive behavior. In a way, I felt empowered. My therapist taught me how to properly manage my emotions and provided me with strategies to improve my academic performance. I cannot explain how difficult it has been to manage ADHD while maintaining straight A’s in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parent, and grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers, who passed away in the same year. This "diamond" has certainly endured a lot of pressure. I want to be an artist because it allows me to express my emotions and share my raw, authentic self with the world. I don’t have to fit in with my art. It allows me to be unique and quirky, and it's acceptable. I am inspired by abstract and surrealist artists who take risks in their work. Through them, I have learned that art isn’t about perfection—it’s about expression. I used to feel discouraged when my pieces didn’t exactly match my reference images. But one day, I realized that I wasn’t meant to copy other people's work—I was meant to create my own. Art has pushed me to think outside the box and incorporate deeper themes beyond just colors and brushstrokes. Instead of being judged for my distinct style, I am praised for it. I love that I can freely express myself, heal my inner child, and inspire others at the same time. It is my dream to inspire and teach other children who struggle with mental illness, disabilities, low self-esteem, or broken homes a healthier way to cope with their situations. The reality is that many kids my age turn to destructive behaviors such as violence, drugs, and self-harm to deal with their pain. Growing up in an environment where my parents struggled with addiction, I know firsthand how substance abuse affects everyone around you. Through therapy, I have learned that the solution to our problems lies within us, rather than relying on outside forces to numb the pain.

Finding Confidence Through Art and Community Service Growing up as an only child, I was always somewhat sheltered and shy in social settings. I preferred the comfort of my room, where I spent most of my time watching TV or playing on my iPad. This routine remained unchanged until my first year of high school when my former teacher, who is also my mentor, encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone. She invited me to become a tutor for her Pink STEM educational program, where I worked with elementary-aged students. At first, I was nervous, but over time, I began gaining confidence in social settings. The experience taught me the value of mentorship and the joy of helping others learn. In addition to tutoring, I was given the opportunity to use my artistic talents by painting two murals on the walls of the center. My work caught the attention of others, which led to an offer for another painting job. Through the Pink STEM program, I also participated in various community service opportunities, which further pushed me beyond my comfort zone. These events required me to improve my communication skills and learn how to interact with others in a professional and engaging manner. One of the most memorable experiences was participating in STEM Day at the Genesis House, where I helped lead activities for children. Additionally, I had the pleasure of providing face painting for local school supply giveaways and church events. These experiences allowed me to become more compassionate, outgoing, and confident in my ability to connect with others. Throughout high school, I dedicated my time to improving my artistic skills, giving back to my community, and using art as a form of therapy. Art has always been my way of expressing myself, and I realized that it could serve as a powerful tool for others as well. I have seen firsthand how art can inspire, heal, and bring people together, and I want to continue using my talents to make a difference. My experiences with tutoring, community service, and art have shaped my passion for education and my desire to help young students discover their own creative potential. As a result of these experiences, I have decided to become a teacher. I want to inspire and guide students, just as my mentor did for me. One of my biggest dreams is to open an art gallery that offers art classes for children, providing them with a space to express themselves creatively and develop confidence in their abilities. I hope to use my journey as proof that stepping outside of one’s comfort zone can lead to personal growth, new opportunities, and a stronger connection with the community.

The phrase, "diamonds are created under pressure," is a good way to describe how I view my life. I think that every one of my life experiences, both good and bad, has shaped me into the person who I am and will become in the future. It is through the hard times that my character is developed, faith is strengthened, and growth takes place. I would like to share some of my personal experiences that have helped to mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised with both parents, and as the years progressed, I was raised only by my mother. As a child, you don't realize that adults have issues that do not concern you. Instead, you internalize things and take them personally. At school, I was having a hard time because there were times that I would become so sad. I was emotional quite often, and it started affecting my concentration and caused me to become frustrated when I couldn't stay focused or figure out an assignment. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed some professional help, and I started therapy. It was the beginning of self-discovery for me. My problems weren't solved, but I was learning how to control my emotions and verbalize my frustration . She listened to my issues and administered a couple of tests. It was discovered that I suffer from ADHD. When she diagnosed me, I felt so much relief. It was good to know that there was a legitimate reason to explain why my brain processed things differently and why I was experiencing such impulsive behavior. I almost felt empowered. My therapist taught me how to properly deal with my emotions and gave me strategies that would help improve my academic performance . I can not explain how difficult it has been having ADHD, maintaining all A's in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parent and grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers who died in the same year. This "diamond" has been through a lot of pressure. In the last few years, I have discovered a way to positively deal with my issues by drawing and painting . Art has become both my passion and another form of therapy. I'm able to express myself openly on canvas. It allows me to properly allow my ADHD symptoms to run wild and create something beautiful and inspirational. I have learned how to turn my weaknesses into strengths. I am determined to be successful and to perservere no matter what obstacles I may endure in the future. I want to be an artist because it allows me to be my true self. Also, I want to become an art teacher and one day open an art gallery that offers classes for upcoming artists. Art helped me in my healing process, and I desire to share what I have learned with the generations to come. I believe that through art, we can turn things that are tragic and hurtful into something that is beautiful and inspiring. My art represents the stories of my life that I have the confidence to share. It shows my fears, vulnerability, dark moments, as well as the moments of hope, growth, and renewal. I want my art to inspire others to use their art as therapy and as a motivator for others.

Why I Want to Be an Artist I want to be an artist because it allows me to express my emotions and share my raw, authentic self with the world. Art is a form of communication that goes beyond words, allowing me to convey feelings and ideas that I struggle to put into sentences. Through my art, I can explore the depths of my imagination and present my unique perspective on life. Unlike many other aspects of society where people are expected to conform, art allows me to embrace my individuality. I don’t have to fit into a mold or follow strict guidelines—I can be as unique and quirky as I want, and it's not only acceptable but celebrated. I am inspired by abstract and surrealist artists who take risks in their work. These artists have taught me that art isn’t about perfection—it’s about expression. In the past, I often felt discouraged when my pieces didn’t exactly match my reference images. I used to believe that good art meant creating something realistic or technically flawless. However, over time, I realized that I wasn’t meant to copy other people’s work—I was meant to create my own. This realization was freeing because it allowed me to focus on originality rather than comparison. Now, I see imperfections as part of the creative process rather than something to fix. Each brushstroke carries meaning, and every unexpected detail adds to the uniqueness of the piece. Art has pushed me to think outside the box and incorporate deeper themes beyond just colors and brushstrokes. I have learned that every piece I create can tell a story, evoke emotions, or challenge perspectives. Instead of being judged for my distinct style, I am praised for it. This has given me a sense of confidence and validation that I struggled to find elsewhere. Art is a form of self-discovery, allowing me to explore my thoughts, dreams, and fears in a way that feels natural. It also serves as a form of healing. Through my artwork, I can reconnect with my inner child, revisit old memories, and express emotions that I may not be able to articulate otherwise. Art is not just something I do for fun—it is a vital part of my identity and my personal growth. One of my favorite mediums to work with is acrylic paint on canvas. I love acrylics because of their versatility and fast-drying nature. Unlike other types of paint, such as oil, acrylic allows me to layer quickly, experiment with textures, and make adjustments without having to wait for long drying times. This aspect of acrylic painting makes me feel empowered because I know that if I make a mistake, I am not stuck with it—I can simply paint over it and try again. This reminds me that mistakes are not failures but opportunities for growth. Art provides me with an escape from the chaos of reality. There are many things in life that I cannot control, but when I am painting, I have complete authority over the outcome. Every color choice, every brushstroke, and every composition decision is mine to make. Beyond personal fulfillment, I want to be an artist because I want to inspire others. Just as other artists have inspired me, I hope that my work will encourage people to embrace their creativity and express themselves fearlessly. Art has the power to move people, challenge perceptions, and bring joy. If I can create something that resonates with someone, makes them feel understood, or even brightens their day, then I know I have made a meaningful impact.

Why I Want to Be an Artist I want to be an artist because it allows me to express my emotions and share my raw, authentic self with the world. Art is a form of communication that goes beyond words, allowing me to convey feelings and ideas that I struggle to put into sentences. Through my art, I can explore the depths of my imagination and present my unique perspective on life. Unlike many other aspects of society where people are expected to conform, art allows me to embrace my individuality. I don’t have to fit into a mold or follow strict guidelines—I can be as unique and quirky as I want, and it's not only acceptable but celebrated. I am inspired by abstract and surrealist artists who take risks in their work. These artists have taught me that art isn’t about perfection—it’s about expression. In the past, I often felt discouraged when my pieces didn’t exactly match my reference images. I used to believe that good art meant creating something realistic or technically flawless. However, over time, I realized that I wasn’t meant to copy other people’s work—I was meant to create my own. This realization was freeing because it allowed me to focus on originality rather than comparison. Now, I see imperfections as part of the creative process rather than something to fix. Each brushstroke carries meaning, and every unexpected detail adds to the uniqueness of the piece. Art has pushed me to think outside the box and incorporate deeper themes beyond just colors and brushstrokes. I have learned that every piece I create can tell a story, evoke emotions, or challenge perspectives. Instead of being judged for my distinct style, I am praised for it. This has given me a sense of confidence and validation that I struggled to find elsewhere. Art is a form of self-discovery, allowing me to explore my thoughts, dreams, and fears in a way that feels natural. It also serves as a form of healing. Through my artwork, I can reconnect with my inner child, revisit old memories, and express emotions that I may not be able to articulate otherwise. Art is not just something I do for fun—it is a vital part of my identity and my personal growth. One of my favorite mediums to work with is acrylic paint on canvas. I love acrylics because of their versatility and fast-drying nature. Unlike other types of paint, such as oil, acrylic allows me to layer quickly, experiment with textures, and make adjustments without having to wait for long drying times. Art provides me with an escape from the chaos of reality. There are many things in life that I cannot control, but when I am painting, I have complete authority over the outcome. Every color choice, every brushstroke, and every composition decision is mine to make. This sense of control is comforting, especially in times of uncertainty or stress. When I paint, I am able to enter a state of flow where time seems to disappear, and all that matters is the creative process. It is in these moments that I feel the most at peace. In the end, my desire to be an artist is not just about creating beautiful images—it is about self-expression, growth, and connection. Art allows me to be true to myself, to heal, and to share my perspective with the world. It gives me freedom, purpose, and a voice without limitations. No matter where life takes me, I know that art will always be a part of who I am.

The phrase, "diamonds are created under pressure," is a good way to describe how I view my life. I think that every one of my life experiences, both good and bad, has shaped me into the person who I am and will become in the future. It is through the hard times that my character is developed, faith is strengthened, and growth takes place. I would like to share some of my personal experiences that have helped to mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised with both parents, and as the years progressed, I was raised only by my mother. As a child, you don't realize that adults have issues that do not concern you. Instead, you internalize things and take them personally. I noticed that my dad was home less and that he no longer played with me or talked to me much. I often wondered, "What did I do to make him go away?" It wasn't until later, my mother told me that they were separating and that he had a substance abuse problem. It was so hard to accept the news. The question , " Why me?" cycled in my head for a long time. At school, I was having a hard time because there were times that I would become so sad. I was emotional quite often, and it started affecting my concentration and caused me to become frustrated when I couldn't stay focused or figure out an assignment. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed some professional help, and I started therapy. It was the beginning of self-discovery for me. My problems weren't solved, but I was learning how to control my emotions and verbalize my frustration . She listened to my issues and administered a couple of tests. It was discovered that I suffer from ADHD. When she diagnosed me, I felt so much relief. It was good to know that there was a legitimate reason to explain why my brain processed things differently and why I was experiencing such impulsive behavior. I almost felt empowered. My therapist taught me how to properly deal with my emotions and gave me strategies that would help improve my academic performance . I can not explain how difficult it has been having ADHD, maintaining all A's in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parent and grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers who died in the same year. This "diamond" has been through a lot of pressure. In the last few years, I have discovered a way to positively deal with my issues by drawing and painting . Art has become both my passion and another form of therapy. I'm able to express myself openly on canvas. It allows me to properly allow my ADHD symptoms to run wild and create something beautiful and inspirational. I have learned how to turn my weaknesses into strengths. I am determined to be successful and to perservere no matter what obstacles I may endure in the future. I want to be an artist because it allows me to be my true self. Also, I want to become an art teacher and one day open an art gallery that offers classes for upcoming artists. Art helped me in my healing process, and I desire to share what I have learned with the generations to come. I believe that through art, we can turn things that are tragic and hurtful into something that is beautiful and inspiring.

The phrase, "diamonds are created under pressure," is a good way to describe how I view my life. I think that every one of my life experiences, both good and bad, has shaped me into the person who I am and will become in the future. It is through the hard times that my character is developed, faith is strengthened, and growth takes place. I would like to share some of my personal experiences that have helped to mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised with both parents, and as the years progressed, I was raised only by my mother. As a child, you don't realize that adults have issues that do not concern you. Instead, you internalize things and take them personally. I noticed that my dad was home less and that he no longer played with me or talked to me much. I often wondered, "What did I do to make him go away?" It wasn't until later, my mother told me that they were separating and that he had a substance abuse problem. It was so hard to accept the news. The question , " Why me?" cycled in my head for a long time. At school, I was having a hard time because there were times that I would become so sad. I was emotional quite often, and it started affecting my concentration and caused me to become frustrated when I couldn't stay focused or figure out an assignment. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed some professional help, and I started therapy. It was the beginning of self-discovery for me. My problems weren't solved, but I was learning how to control my emotions and verbalize my frustration . She listened to my issues and administered a couple of tests. It was discovered that I suffer from ADHD. When she diagnosed me, I felt so much relief. It was good to know that there was a legitimate reason to explain why my brain processed things differently and why I was experiencing such impulsive behavior. I almost felt empowered. My therapist taught me how to properly deal with my emotions and gave me strategies that would help improve my academic performance . I can not explain how difficult it has been having ADHD, maintaining all A's in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parent and grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers who died in the same year. This "diamond" has been through a lot of pressure. In the last few years, I have discovered a way to positively deal with my issues by drawing and painting . Art has become both my passion and another form of therapy. I'm able to express myself openly on canvas. It allows me to properly allow my ADHD symptoms to run wild and create something beautiful and inspirational. I have learned how to turn my weaknesses into strengths. I am determined to be successful and to perservere no matter what obstacles I may endure in the future. I want to be an artist because it allows me to be my true self. Also, I want to become an art teacher and one day open an art gallery that offers classes for upcoming artists. Art helped me in my healing process, and I desire to share what I have learned with the generations to come. I believe that through art, we can turn things that are tragic and hurtful into something that is beautiful and inspiring.

The phrase, "diamonds are created under pressure," is a good way to describe how I view my life. I think that every one of my life experiences, both good and bad, has shaped me into the person who I am and will become in the future. It is through the hard times that my character is developed, faith is strengthened, and growth takes place. I would like to share some of my personal experiences that have helped to mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised with both parents, and as the years progressed, I was raised only by my mother. As a child, you don't realize that adults have issues that do not concern you. Instead, you internalize things and take them personally. I noticed that my dad was home less and that he no longer played with me or talked to me much. I often wondered, "What did I do to make him go away?" It wasn't until later, my mother told me that they were separating and that he had a substance abuse problem. It was so hard to accept the news. The question , " Why me?" cycled in my head for a long time. At school, I was having a hard time because there were times that I would become so sad. I was emotional quite often, and it started affecting my concentration and caused me to become frustrated when I couldn't stay focused or figure out an assignment. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed some professional help, and I started therapy. It was the beginning of self-discovery for me. My problems weren't solved, but I was learning how to control my emotions and verbalize my frustration . She listened to my issues and administered a couple of tests. It was discovered that I suffer from ADHD. When she diagnosed me, I felt so much relief. It was good to know that there was a legitimate reason to explain why my brain processed things differently and why I was experiencing such impulsive behavior. I almost felt empowered. My therapist taught me how to properly deal with my emotions and gave me strategies that would help improve my academic performance . I can not explain how difficult it has been having ADHD, maintaining all A's in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parent and grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers who died in the same year. This "diamond" has been through a lot of pressure. In the last few years, I have discovered a way to positively deal with my issues by drawing and painting . Art has become both my passion and another form of therapy. I'm able to express myself openly on canvas. It allows me to properly allow my ADHD symptoms to run wild and create something beautiful and inspirational. I have learned how to turn my weaknesses into strengths. I am determined to be successful and to perservere no matter what obstacles I may endure in the future. I want to be an artist because it allows me to be my true self. Also, I want to become an art teacher and one day open an art gallery that offers classes for upcoming artists. Art helped me in my healing process, and I desire to share what I have learned with the generations to come. I believe that through art, we can turn things that are tragic and hurtful into something that is beautiful and inspiring.

The phrase "diamonds are created under pressure" is a great way to describe how I view my life. I believe that every life experience, both good and bad, has shaped me into the person I am today and will continue to shape who I become in the future. It is through difficult times that my character is developed, my faith is strengthened, and my growth takes place. I would like to share some personal experiences that have helped mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised by both of my parents, but as the years passed, I was raised solely by my mother. As a child, you don’t realize that adults have issues that do not concern you. Instead, you internalize things and take them personally. I noticed that my dad was home less and less and that he no longer played with me or talked to me much. I often wondered, "What did I do to make him go away?" It wasn’t until later that my mother told me they were separating and that he had a substance abuse problem. It was incredibly difficult to accept the news. The question "Why me?" cycled through my mind for a long time. At school, I struggled because my sadness often overwhelmed me. I became emotional frequently, which affected my concentration and caused frustration when I couldn’t stay focused or figure out an assignment. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed professional help, and I started therapy. That was the beginning of self-discovery for me. My problems weren’t solved overnight, but I was learning how to control my emotions and verbalize my frustrations. During therapy, my counselor listened to my concerns and administered several tests. It was then discovered that I have ADHD. When she diagnosed me, I felt an immense sense of relief. It was comforting to know that there was a legitimate reason why my brain processed things differently and why I often exhibited impulsive behavior. In a way, I almost felt empowered. My therapist taught me how to properly manage my emotions and provided strategies to help improve my academic performance. I cannot fully explain how difficult it has been to manage ADHD while maintaining all A’s in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parent, and grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers, who passed away in the same year. This "diamond" has been through a lot of pressure. In recent years, I have discovered a positive way to cope with my challenges—drawing and painting. Art has become both my passion and a form of therapy. Through art, I can express myself openly on canvas. It allows me to channel my ADHD symptoms in a productive way, creating something beautiful and inspirational. I have learned how to transform my weaknesses into strengths. I am determined to be successful and to persevere no matter what obstacles I may face in the future. I want to be an artist because it allows me to be my true self. I also aspire to become an art therapist and establish an art program for aspiring artists. Art played a crucial role in my healing process, and I hope to share what I have learned with future generations. I believe that through art, we can transform tragedy and pain into something beautiful and inspiring.

The phrase "diamonds are created under pressure" is a great way to describe how I view my life. I believe that every life experience, both good and bad, has shaped me into the person I am today and will continue to shape who I become in the future. It is through difficult times that my character is developed, my faith is strengthened, and my growth takes place. I would like to share some personal experiences that have helped mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised by both of my parents, but as the years passed, I was raised solely by my mother. As a child, you don’t realize that adults have issues that do not concern you. Instead, you internalize things and take them personally. I noticed that my dad was home less and less and that he no longer played with me or talked to me much. I often wondered, "What did I do to make him go away?" It wasn’t until later that my mother told me they were separating and that he had a substance abuse problem. It was incredibly difficult to accept the news. The question "Why me?" cycled through my mind for a long time. At school, I struggled because my sadness often overwhelmed me. I became emotional frequently, which affected my concentration and caused frustration when I couldn’t stay focused or figure out an assignment. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed professional help, and I started therapy. That was the beginning of self-discovery for me. My problems weren’t solved overnight, but I was learning how to control my emotions and verbalize my frustrations. During therapy, my counselor listened to my concerns and administered several tests. It was then discovered that I have ADHD. When she diagnosed me, I felt an immense sense of relief. It was comforting to know that there was a legitimate reason why my brain processed things differently and why I often exhibited impulsive behavior. In a way, I almost felt empowered. My therapist taught me how to properly manage my emotions and provided strategies to help improve my academic performance. I cannot fully explain how difficult it has been to manage ADHD while maintaining all A’s in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parent, and grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers, who passed away in the same year. This "diamond" has been through a lot of pressure. In recent years, I have discovered a positive way to cope with my challenges—drawing and painting. Art has become both my passion and a form of therapy. Through art, I can express myself openly on canvas. It allows me to channel my ADHD symptoms in a productive way, creating something beautiful and inspirational. I have learned how to transform my weaknesses into strengths. I am determined to be successful and to persevere no matter what obstacles I may face in the future. I want to be an artist because it allows me to be my true self. I also aspire to become an art therapist and establish an art program for aspiring artists. Art played a crucial role in my healing process, and I hope to share what I have learned with future generations. I believe that through art, we can transform tragedy and pain into something beautiful and inspiring.

The phrase "diamonds are created under pressure" is a great way to describe how I view my life. I believe that every life experience, both good and bad, has shaped me into the person I am today and will continue to shape who I become in the future. It is through difficult times that my character is developed, my faith is strengthened, and my growth takes place. I would like to share some personal experiences that have helped mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised by both of my parents, but as the years passed, I was raised solely by my mother. As a child, you don’t realize that adults have issues that do not concern you. Instead, you internalize things and take them personally. I noticed that my dad was home less and less and that he no longer played with me or talked to me much. I often wondered, "What did I do to make him go away?" It wasn’t until later that my mother told me they were separating and that he had a substance abuse problem. It was incredibly difficult to accept the news. The question "Why me?" cycled through my mind for a long time. At school, I struggled because my sadness often overwhelmed me. I became emotional frequently, which affected my concentration and caused frustration when I couldn’t stay focused or figure out an assignment. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed professional help, and I started therapy. That was the beginning of self-discovery for me. My problems weren’t solved overnight, but I was learning how to control my emotions and verbalize my frustrations. During therapy, my counselor listened to my concerns and administered several tests. It was then discovered that I have ADHD. When she diagnosed me, I felt an immense sense of relief. It was comforting to know that there was a legitimate reason why my brain processed things differently and why I often exhibited impulsive behavior. In a way, I almost felt empowered. My therapist taught me how to properly manage my emotions and provided strategies to help improve my academic performance. I cannot fully explain how difficult it has been to manage ADHD while maintaining all A’s in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parent, and grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers, who passed away in the same year. This "diamond" has been through a lot of pressure. In recent years, I have discovered a positive way to cope with my challenges—drawing and painting. Art has become both my passion and a form of therapy. Through art, I can express myself openly on canvas. It allows me to channel my ADHD symptoms in a productive way, creating something beautiful and inspirational. I have learned how to transform my weaknesses into strengths. I am determined to be successful and to persevere no matter what obstacles I may face in the future. I want to be an artist because it allows me to be my true self. I also aspire to become an art therapist and establish an art program for aspiring artists. Art played a crucial role in my healing process, and I hope to share what I have learned with future generations. I believe that through art, we can transform tragedy and pain into something beautiful and inspiring. ---

The phrase "diamonds are created under pressure" is a great way to describe how I view my life. I believe that every life experience, both good and bad, has shaped me into the person I am today and will continue to shape who I become in the future. It is through difficult times that my character is developed, my faith is strengthened, and my growth takes place. I would like to share some personal experiences that have helped mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised by both of my parents, but as the years passed, I was raised solely by my mother. As a child, you don’t realize that adults have issues that do not concern you. Instead, you internalize things and take them personally. I noticed that my dad was home less and less and that he no longer played with me or talked to me much. I often wondered, "What did I do to make him go away?" It wasn’t until later that my mother told me they were separating and that he had a substance abuse problem. It was incredibly difficult to accept the news. The question "Why me?" cycled through my mind for a long time. At school, I struggled because my sadness often overwhelmed me. I became emotional frequently, which affected my concentration and caused frustration when I couldn’t stay focused or figure out an assignment. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed professional help, and I started therapy. That was the beginning of self-discovery for me. My problems weren’t solved overnight, but I was learning how to control my emotions and verbalize my frustrations. During therapy, my counselor listened to my concerns and administered several tests. It was then discovered that I have ADHD. When she diagnosed me, I felt an immense sense of relief. It was comforting to know that there was a legitimate reason why my brain processed things differently and why I often exhibited impulsive behavior. In a way, I almost felt empowered. My therapist taught me how to properly manage my emotions and provided strategies to help improve my academic performance. I cannot fully explain how difficult it has been to manage ADHD while maintaining all A’s in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parent, and grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers, who passed away in the same year. This "diamond" has been through a lot of pressure. In recent years, I have discovered a positive way to cope with my challenges—drawing and painting. Art has become both my passion and a form of therapy. Through art, I can express myself openly on canvas. It allows me to channel my ADHD symptoms in a productive way, creating something beautiful and inspirational. I have learned how to transform my weaknesses into strengths. I am determined to be successful and to persevere no matter what obstacles I may face in the future. I want to be an artist because it allows me to be my true self. I also aspire to become an art therapist and establish an art program for aspiring artists. Art played a crucial role in my healing process, and I hope to share what I have learned with future generations. I believe that through art, we can transform tragedy and pain into something beautiful and inspiring. ---

The phrase, "diamonds are created under pressure," is a good way to describe how I view my life. I think that every one of my life experiences, both good and bad, has shaped me into the person who I am and will become in the future. It is through the hard times that my character is developed, faith is strengthened, and growth takes place. I would like to share some of my personal experiences that have helped to mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised with both parents, and as the years progressed, I was raised only by my mother. As a child, you don't realize that adults have issues that do not concern you. Instead, you internalize things and take them personally. I noticed that my dad was home less and less and that he no longer played with me or talked to me much. I often wondered, "What did I do to make him go away?" It wasn't until later, my mother told me that they were separating and that he had a substance abuse problem. It was so hard to accept the news. The question , " Why me?" cycled in my head for a long time. At school, I was having a hard time because there were times that I would become so sad. I was emotional quite often, and it started affecting my concentration and caused me to become frustrated when I couldn't stay focused or figure out an assignment. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed some professional help, and I started therapy. It was the beginning of self-discovery for me. My problems weren't solved, but I was learning how to control my emotions and verbalize my frustration . She listened to my issues and administered a couple of tests. It was discovered that I suffer from ADHD. When she diagnosed me, I felt so much relief. It was good to know that there was a legitimate reason to explain why my brain processed things differently and why I was experiencing such impulsive behavior. I almost felt empowered. My therapist taught me how to properly deal with my emotions and gave me strategies that would help improve my academic performance . I can not explain how difficult it has been having ADHD, maintaining all A's in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parent and grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers who died in the same year. This "diamond" has been through a lot of pressure. In the last few years, I have discovered a way to positively deal with my issues by drawing and painting . Art has become both my passion and another form of therapy. I'm able to express myself openly on canvas. It allows me to properly allow my ADHD symptoms to run wild and create something beautiful and inspirational. I have learned how to turn my weaknesses into strengths. I am determined to be successful and to perservere no matter what obstacles I may endure in the future. I want to be an artist because it allows me to be my true self. I want to become an art therapist and open an art program for upcI want to become an art therapist and open an art program for upcoming artists. Art helped me in my healing process, and I desire to share what I have learned with the generations to come. I believe that through art, we can turn things that are tragic and hurtful into something that is beautiful and inspiring.

The phrase, "diamonds are created under pressure," is a good way to describe how I view my life. I think that every one of my life experiences, both good and bad, has shaped me into the person who I am and will become in the future. It is through the hard times that my character is developed, faith is strengthened, and growth takes place. I would like to share some of my personal experiences that have helped to mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised with both parents, and as the years progressed, I was raised only by my mother. As a child, you don't realize that adults have issues that do not concern you. Instead, you internalize things and take them personally. I noticed that my dad was home less and less and that he no longer played with me or talked to me much. I often wondered, "What did I do to make him go away?" It wasn't until later, my mother told me that they were separating and that he had a substance abuse problem. It was so hard to accept the news. The question , " Why me?" cycled in my head for a long time. At school, I was having a hard time because there were times that I would become so sad. I was emotional quite often, and it started affecting my concentration and caused me to become frustrated when I couldn't stay focused or figure out an assignment. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed some professional help, and I started therapy. It was the beginning of self-discovery for me. My problems weren't solved, but I was learning how to control my emotions and verbalize my frustration . She listened to my issues and administered a couple of tests. It was discovered that I suffer from ADHD. When she diagnosed me, I felt so much relief. It was good to know that there was a legitimate reason to explain why my brain processed things differently and why I was experiencing such impulsive behavior. I almost felt empowered. My therapist taught me how to properly deal with my emotions and gave me strategies that would help improve my academic performance . I can not explain how difficult it has been having ADHD, maintaining all A's in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parent and grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers who died in the same year. This "diamond" has been through a lot of pressure. In the last few years, I have discovered a way to positively deal with my issues by drawing and painting . Art has become both my passion and another form of therapy. I'm able to express myself openly on canvas. It allows me to properly allow my ADHD symptoms to run wild and create something beautiful and inspirational. I have learned how to turn my weaknesses into strengths. I am determined to be successful and to perservere no matter what obstacles I may endure in the future. I want to be an artist because it allows me to be my true self. I want to become an art therapist and open an art program for upcI want to become an art therapist and open an art program for upcoming artists. Art helped me in my healing process, and I desire to share what I have learned with the generations to come. I believe that through art, we can turn things that are tragic and hurtful into something that is beautiful and inspiring.

The phrase, "diamonds are created under pressure," is a good way to describe how I view my life. I think that every one of my life experiences, both good and bad, has shaped me into the person who I am and will become in the future. It is through the hard times that my character is developed, faith is strengthened, and growth takes place. I would like to share some of my personal experiences that have helped to mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised with both parents, and as the years progressed, I was raised only by my mother. As a child, you don't realize that adults have issues that do not concern you. Instead, you internalize things and take them personally. I noticed that my dad was home less and less and that he no longer played with me or talked to me much. I often wondered, "What did I do to make him go away?" It wasn't until later, my mother told me that they were separating and that he had a substance abuse problem. It was so hard to accept the news. The question , " Why me?" cycled in my head for a long time. At school, I was having a hard time because there were times that I would become so sad. I was emotional quite often, and it started affecting my concentration and caused me to become frustrated when I couldn't stay focused or figure out an assignment. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed some professional help, and I started therapy. It was the beginning of self-discovery for me. My problems weren't solved, but I was learning how to control my emotions and verbalize my frustration . She listened to my issues and administered a couple of tests. It was discovered that I suffer from ADHD. When she diagnosed me, I felt so much relief. It was good to know that there was a legitimate reason to explain why my brain processed things differently and why I was experiencing such impulsive behavior. I almost felt empowered. My therapist taught me how to properly deal with my emotions and gave me strategies that would help improve my academic performance . I can not explain how difficult it has been having ADHD, maintaining all A's in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parent and grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers who died in the same year. This "diamond" has been through a lot of pressure. In the last few years, I have discovered a way to positively deal with my issues by drawing and painting . Art has become both my passion and another form of therapy. I'm able to express myself openly on canvas. It allows me to properly allow my ADHD symptoms to run wild and create something beautiful and inspirational. I have learned how to turn my weaknesses into strengths. I am determined to be successful and to perservere no matter what obstacles I may endure in the future. I want to be an artist because it allows me to be my true self. I want to become an art therapist and open an art program for upcI want to become an art therapist and open an art program for upcoming artists. Art helped me in my healing process, and I desire to share what I have learned with the generations to come. I believe that through art, we can turn things that are tragic and hurtful into something that is beautiful and inspiring.

The phrase, "diamonds are created under pressure," is a good way to describe how I view my life. I think that every one of my life experiences, both good and bad, has shaped me into the person who I am and will become in the future. It is through the hard times that my character is developed, faith is strengthened, and growth takes place. I would like to share some of my personal experiences that have helped to mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised with both parents, and as the years progressed, I was raised only by my mother. As a child, you don't realize that adults have issues that do not concern you. Instead, you internalize things and take them personally. I noticed that my dad was home less and less and that he no longer played with me or talked to me much. I often wondered, "What did I do to make him go away?" It wasn't until later, my mother told me that they were separating and that he had a substance abuse problem. It was so hard to accept the news. The question , " Why me?" cycled in my head for a long time. At school, I was having a hard time because there were times that I would become so sad. I was emotional quite often, and it started affecting my concentration and caused me to become frustrated when I couldn't stay focused or figure out an assignment. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed some professional help, and I started therapy. It was the beginning of self-discovery for me. My problems weren't solved, but I was learning how to control my emotions and verbalize my frustration . She listened to my issues and administered a couple of tests. It was discovered that I suffer from ADHD. When she diagnosed me, I felt so much relief. It was good to know that there was a legitimate reason to explain why my brain processed things differently and why I was experiencing such impulsive behavior. I almost felt empowered. My therapist taught me how to properly deal with my emotions and gave me strategies that would help improve my academic performance . I can not explain how difficult it has been having ADHD, maintaining all A's in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parent and grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers who died in the same year. This "diamond" has been through a lot of pressure. In the last few years, I have discovered a way to positively deal with my issues by drawing and painting . Art has become both my passion and another form of therapy. I'm able to express myself openly on canvas. It allows me to properly allow my ADHD symptoms to run wild and create something beautiful and inspirational. I have learned how to turn my weaknesses into strengths. I am determined to be successful and to perservere no matter what obstacles I may endure in the future. I want to be an artist because it allows me to be my true self. I want to become an art therapist and open an art program for upcI want to become an art therapist and open an art program for upcoming artists. Art helped me in my healing process, and I desire to share what I have learned with the generations to come. I believe that through art, we can turn things that are tragic and hurtful into something that is beautiful and inspiring.

The phrase, "diamonds are created under pressure," is a good way to describe how I view my life. I think that every one of my life experiences, both good and bad, have shaped me into the person who I am and will become in the future. It is through the hard times that my character is developed, faith is strengthened, and growth takes place. I would like to share some of my personal experiences that have helped to mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised with both parents, and as the years progressed, I was raised only by my mother. As a child, you don't realize that adults have issues that do not concern you. Instead, you internalize things and take them personally. I noticed that my dad was home less and less and that he no longer played with me or talked to me much. I often wondered, "What did I do to make him go away?" It wasn't until later, my mother told me that they were separating and that he had a substance abuse problem. It was so hard to accept the news. The question , " Why me?" cycled in my head for a long time. At school, I was having a hard time because there were times that I would become so sad. I was emotional quite often, and it started affecting my concentration and caused me to become frustrated when I couldn't stay focused or figure out an assignment. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed some professional help, and I started therapy. It was the beginning of self-discovery for me. My problems weren't solved, but I was learning how to control my emotions and verbalize my frustration . She listened to my issues and administered a couple of tests. It was discovered that I suffer from ADHD. When she diagnosed me, I felt so much relief. It was good to know that there was a legitimate reason to explain why my brain processed things differently and why I was experiencing such impulsive behavior. I almost felt empowered. My therapist taught me how to properly deal with my emotions and gave me strategies that would help improve my academic performance . I can not explain how difficult it has been having ADHD, maintaining all A's in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parent and grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers who died in the same year. This "diamond" has been through a lot of pressure. In the last few years, I have discovered a way to positively deal with my issues by drawing and painting . Art has become both my passion and another form of therapy. I'm able to express myself openly on canvas. It allows me to properly allow my ADHD symptoms to run wild and create something beautiful and inspirational. I have learned how to turn my weaknesses into strengths. I am determined to be successful and to perservere no matter what obstacles I may endure in the future. I want to be an artist because it allows me to be my true self. I want to become an art therapist and open an art program for upcI want to become an art therapist and open an art program for upcoming artists. Art helped me in my healing process, and I desire to share what I have learned with the generations to come. I believe that through art, we can turn things that are tragic and hurtful into something that is beautiful and inspiring.

My dream is to become an art teacher while pursuing my dream as a painter in my free time. In middle school, I met some teachers who inspired me and encouraged me during some of the most difficult times in my life. Meeting these teachers were life changing for me. They gave me the courage to perservere when I wanted to give up. They also encouraged me to continue to paint and helped me to gain confidence in that area. As a result. I want to be that type of person for a child. I love education since my mom is an educator. Since I was a little girl, the importance of education and helping people has been instilled into me. Not only do I want to educate, I want to help student believe in themselves and work toward their dreams. My ultimate dream is to open up an art studio for young artists.

The phrase, "diamonds are created under pressure," is a good way to describe how I view my life. I think that every one of my life experiences, both good and bad, have shaped me into the person who I am and will become in the future. It is through the hard times that my character is developed, faith is strengthened, and growth takes place. I would like to share some of my personal experiences that have helped to mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised with both parents, and as the years progressed, I was raised only by my mother. As a child, you don't realize that adults have issues that do not concern you. Instead, you internalize things and take them personally. I noticed that my dad was home less and less and that he no longer played with me or talked to me much. I often wondered, "What did I do to make him go away?" It wasn't until later, my mother told me that they were separating and that he had a substance abuse problem. It was so hard to accept the news. The question , " Why me?" cycled in my head for a long time. At school, I was having a hard time because there were times that I would become so sad. I was emotional quite often, and it started affecting my concentration and caused me to become frustrated when I couldn't stay focused or figure out an assignment. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed some professional help, and I started therapy. It was the beginning of self-discovery for me. My problems weren't solved, but I was learning how to control my emotions and verbalize my frustration . She listened to my issues and administered a couple of tests. It was discovered that I suffer from ADHD. When she diagnosed me, I felt so much relief. It was good to know that there was a legitimate reason to explain why my brain processed things differently and why I was experiencing such impulsive behavior. I almost felt empowered. My therapist taught me how to properly deal with my emotions and gave me strategies that would help improve my academic performance . I can not explain how difficult it has been having ADHD, maintaining all A's in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parent and grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers who died in the same year. This "diamond" has been through a lot of pressure. In the last few years, I have discovered a way to positively deal with my issues by drawing and painting . Art has become both my passion and another form of therapy. I'm able to express myself openly on canvas. It allows me to properly allow my ADHD symptoms to run wild and create something beautiful and inspirational. I have learned how to turn my weaknesses into strengths. I am determined to be successful and to perservere no matter what obstacles I may endure in the future. I want to be an artist because it allows me to be my true self. I want to become an art therapist and open an art program for upcI want to become an art therapist and open an art program for upcoming artists. Art helped me in my healing process, and I desire to share what I have learned with the generations to come. I believe that through art, we can turn things that are tragic and hurtful into something that is beautiful and inspiring.

The phrase, "diamonds are created under pressure," is a good way to describe how I view my life. I think that every one of my life experiences, both good and bad have shaped me into the person who I am and will become in the future. It is through the hard times that my character is developed, faith is strengthened, and growth takes place. I would like to share some of my personal experiences that have helped to mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised with both parents, and as the years progressed, I was raised only by my mother. As a child, you don't realize that adults have issues that do not concern you. Instead, you internalize things and take them personally. At school, I was having a hard time because there were times that I would become so sad. I was emotional quite often, and it started affecting my concentration and caused me to become frustrated when I couldn't stay focused or figure out an assignment. I'm so thankful that I had great teachers who were patient and stern with me. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed some professional help, and I started therapy. It wasn't until I met my second therapist that I finally started to see the light at the end of the tunnel. She listened to my issues and administered a couple of tests. It was discovered that I suffer from ADHD. When she diagnosed me, I felt so much relief. It was good to know that there was a legitimate reason to explain why my brain processed things differently and why I was experiencing such impulsive behavior. I almost felt empowered. I can not explain how difficult it has been having ADHD, maintaining all A's in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parent and grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers who died in the same year. This "diamond" has been through a lot of pressure. In the last few years, I have discovered a way to positively deal with my issues by drawing and painting . Art has become both my passion and another form of therapy. I'm able to express myself openly on canvas. It allows me to properly allow my ADHD symptoms to run wild and create something beautiful and inspirational. I have learned how to turn my weaknesses into strengths.

The phrase, "diamonds are created under pressure," is a good way to describe how I view my life. I think that every one of my life experiences, both good and bad have shaped me into the person who I am and will become in the future. It is through the hard times that my character is developed, faith is strengthened, and growth takes place. I would like to share some of my personal experiences that have helped to mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised with both parents, and as the years progressed, I was raised only by my mother. As a child, you don't realize that adults have issues that do not concern you. Instead, you internalize things and take them personally. I noticed that my dad was home less and less and that he no longer played with me or talked to me much. I often wondered, "What did I do to make him go away?" It wasn't until later, my mother told me that they were separating and that he had a substance abuse problem. It was so hard to accept the news. The question , " Why me?" cycled in my head for a long time. At school, I was having a hard time because there were times that I would become so sad. I was emotional quite often, and it started affecting my concentration and caused me to become frustrated when I couldn't stay focused or figure out an assignment. I'm so thankful that I had great teachers who were patient and stern with me. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed some professional help, and I started therapy. It was the beginning of self-discovery for me. My problems weren't solved, but I was learning how to control my emotions and verbalize my frustration . It wasn't until I met my second therapist that I finally started to see the light at the end of the tunnel. She listened to my issues and administered a couple of tests. It was discovered that I suffer from ADHD. When she diagnosed me, I felt so much relief. It was good to know that there was a legitimate reason to explain why my brain processed things differently and why I was experiencing such impulsive behavior. I almost felt empowered. My therapist taught me how to properly deal with my emotions and gave me strategies that would help improve my academic performance . I can not explain how difficult it has been having ADHD, maintaining all A's in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parentand grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers who died in the same year. This "diamond" has been through a lot of pressure. In the last few years, I have discovered a way to positively deal with my issues by drawing and painting . Art has become both my passion and another form of therapy. I'm able to express myself openly on canvas. It allows me to properly allow my ADHD symptoms to run wild and create something beautiful and inspirational. I have learned how to turn my weaknesses into strengths. I am determined to be successful and to perservere no matter what obstacles I may endure in the future. I want to be an artist because it allows me to be my true self I don't have to fit in with my art. It's acceptable to be unique and quirky. Instead of being judged for a unique style, as an artist, I get praised for it. I love that I can freely express myself and use my canvas to heal my inner child and inspire others at the same time. I am inspired by my therapist. She was the one who convinced me to find a more positive outlet to express my feelings and show my emotions. She inspired me to share my raw and authentic self to the world through my art. I am also inspired by the artist who paints abstract art or surrealism. They aren't afraid to take risks in their art. I learned that art isn't about perfection, but it's about expression. I used to become discouraged when my pieces didn't exactly match my reference piece. At that moment? I realized that I wasn't meant to copy other people's art, but I was meant to create my own. My art pushes me to step out of the box and incorporate themes that have a deeper meaning beyond the color and brush strokes. It is my dream to inspire and teach other kids who struggle with mental illness, disabilities, low self-esteem, or broken home a better way to deal with their situation. The reality is that kids my age find other destructive ways to deal with their problems such as violence, drugs, and self-harm. Since I was raised in the environment in which my parents were on drugs, I know how it affects the people around you. Through therapy, I have learned that the solution to your issues can be found inside of yourself instead of relying on outside forces to numb the pain. I want to become an art therapist and open an art program for upcoming artists. Art helped me in my healing process, and I desire to share what I have learned with the generations to come. I believe that through art, we can turn things that are tragic and hurtful into something that is beautiful and inspiring.

The phrase, "diamonds are created under pressure," is a good way to describe how I view my life. I think that every one of my life experiences, both good and bad have shaped me into the person who I am and will become in the future. It is through the hard times that my character is developed, faith is strengthened, and growth takes place. I would like to share some of my personal experiences that have helped to mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised with both parents, and as the years progressed, I was raised only by my mother. As a child, you don't realize that adults have issues that do not concern you. Instead, you internalize things and take them personally. I noticed that my dad was home less and less and that he no longer played with me or talked to me much. I often wondered, "What did I do to make him go away?" It wasn't until later, my mother told me that they were separating and that he had a substance abuse problem. It was so hard to accept the news. The question , " Why me?" cycled in my head for a long time. At school, I was having a hard time because there were times that I would become so sad. I was emotional quite often, and it started affecting my concentration and caused me to become frustrated when I couldn't stay focused or figure out an assignment. I'm so thankful that I had great teachers who were patient and stern with me. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed some professional help, and I started therapy. It was the beginning of self-discovery for me. My problems weren't solved, but I was learning how to control my emotions and verbalize my frustration . It wasn't until I met my second therapist that I finally started to see the light at the end of the tunnel. She listened to my issues and administered a couple of tests. It was discovered that I suffer from ADHD. When she diagnosed me, I felt so much relief. It was good to know that there was a legitimate reason to explain why my brain processed things differently and why I was experiencing such impulsive behavior. I almost felt empowered. My therapist taught me how to properly deal with my emotions and gave me strategies that would help improve my academic performance . I can not explain how difficult it has been having ADHD, maintaining all A's in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parent and grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers who died in the same year. This "diamond" has been through a lot of pressure. In the last few years, I have discovered a way to positively deal with my issues by drawing and painting . Art has become both my passion and another form of therapy. I'm able to express myself openly on canvas. It allows me to properly allow my ADHD symptoms to run wild and create something beautiful and inspirational. I have learned how to turn my weaknesses into strengths. I am determined to be successful and to perservere no matter what obstacles I may endure in the future.

The phrase, "diamonds are created under pressure," is a good way to describe how I view my life. I think that every one of my life experiences, both good and bad have shaped me into the person who I am and will become in the future. It is through the hard times that my character is developed, faith is strengthened, and growth takes place. I would like to share some of my personal experiences that have helped to mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised with both parents, and as the years progressed, I was raised only by my mother. As a child, you don't realize that adults have issues that do not concern you. Instead, you internalize things and take them personally. I noticed that my dad was home less and less and that he no longer played with me or talked to me much. I often wondered, "What did I do to make him go away?" It wasn't until later, my mother told me that they were separating and that he had a substance abuse problem. It was so hard to accept the news. The question , " Why me?" cycled in my head for a long time. At school, I was having a hard time because there were times that I would become so sad. I was emotional quite often, and it started affecting my concentration and caused me to become frustrated when I couldn't stay focused or figure out an assignment. I'm so thankful that I had great teachers who were patient and stern with me. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed some professional help, and I started therapy. It was the beginning of self-discovery for me. My problems weren't solved, but I was learning how to control my emotions and verbalize my frustration . It wasn't until I met my second therapist that I finally started to see the light at the end of the tunnel. She listened to my issues and administered a couple of tests. It was discovered that I suffer from ADHD. When she diagnosed me, I felt so much relief. It was good to know that there was a legitimate reason to explain why my brain processed things differently and why I was experiencing such impulsive behavior. I almost felt empowered. My therapist taught me how to properly deal with my emotions and gave me strategies that would help improve my academic performance . I can not explain how difficult it has been having ADHD, maintaining all A's in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parent and grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers who died in the same year. This "diamond" has been through a lot of pressure. In the last few years, I have discovered a way to positively deal with my issues by drawing and painting . Art has become both my passion and another form of therapy. I'm able to express myself openly on canvas. It allows me to properly allow my ADHD symptoms to run wild and create something beautiful and inspirational. I have learned how to turn my weaknesses into strengths. I am determined to be successful and to perservere no matter what obstacles I may endure in the future.

The phrase, "diamonds are created under pressure," is a good way to describe how I view my life. I think that every one of my life experiences, both good and bad have shaped me into the person who I am and will become in the future. It is through the hard times that my character is developed, faith is strengthened, and growth takes place. I would like to share some of my personal experiences that have helped to mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised with both parents, and as the years progressed, I was raised only by my mother. As a child, you don't realize that adults have issues that do not concern you. Instead, you internalize things and take them personally. I noticed that my dad was home less and less and that he no longer played with me or talked to me much. I often wondered, "What did I do to make him go away?" It wasn't until later, my mother told me that they were separating and that he had a substance abuse problem. It was so hard to accept the news. The question , " Why me?" cycled in my head for a long time. At school, I was having a hard time because there were times that I would become so sad. I was emotional quite often, and it started affecting my concentration and caused me to become frustrated when I couldn't stay focused or figure out an assignment. I'm so thankful that I had great teachers who were patient and stern with me. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed some professional help, and I started therapy. It was the beginning of self-discovery for me. My problems weren't solved, but I was learning how to control my emotions and verbalize my frustration . It wasn't until I met my second therapist that I finally started to see the light at the end of the tunnel. She listened to my issues and administered a couple of tests. It was discovered that I suffer from ADHD. When she diagnosed me, I felt so much relief. It was good to know that there was a legitimate reason to explain why my brain processed things differently and why I was experiencing such impulsive behavior. I almost felt empowered. My therapist taught me how to properly deal with my emotions and gave me strategies that would help improve my academic performance . I can not explain how difficult it has been having ADHD, maintaining all A's in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parent and grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers who died in the same year. This "diamond" has been through a lot of pressure. In the last few years, I have discovered a way to positively deal with my issues by drawing and painting . Art has become both my passion and another form of therapy. I'm able to express myself openly on canvas. It allows me to properly allow my ADHD symptoms to run wild and create something beautiful and inspirational. I have learned how to turn my weaknesses into strengths. I am determined to be successful and to perservere no matter what obstacles I may endure in the future.

It is through the hard times that my character is developed, faith is strengthened, and growth takes place. I would like to share some of my personal experiences that have helped to mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised with both parents, and as the years progressed, I was raised only by my mother. At school, I was having a hard time because there were times that I would become so sad. I was emotional quite often, and it started affecting my concentration and caused me to become frustrated when I couldn't stay focused or figure out an assignment. I'm so thankful that I had great teachers who were patient and stern with me. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed some professional help, and I started therapy. It was the beginning of self-discovery for me. My problems weren't solved, but I was learning how to control my emotions and verbalize my frustration . It wasn't until I met my second therapist that I finally started to see the light at the end of the tunnel. She listened to my issues and administered a couple of tests. It was discovered that I suffer from ADHD. When she diagnosed me, I felt so much relief. It was good to know that there was a legitimate reason to explain why my brain processed things differently and why I was experiencing such impulsive behavior. I almost felt empowered. My therapist taught me how to properly deal with my emotions and gave me strategies that would help improve my academic performance . I can not explain how difficult it has been having ADHD, maintaining all A's in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parent and grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers who died in the same year. This "diamond" has been through a lot of pressure. In the last few years, I have discovered a way to positively deal with my issues by drawing and painting . Art has become both my passion and another form of therapy. I'm able to express myself openly on canvas. It allows me to properly allow my ADHD symptoms to run wild and create something beautiful and inspirational. I have learned how to turn my weaknesses into strengths. I am determined to be successful and to perservere no matter what obstacles I may endure in the future.

The phrase, "diamonds are created under pressure," is a good way to describe how I view my life. I think that every one of my life experiences, both good and bad have shaped me into the person who I am and will become in the future. It is through the hard times that my character is developed, faith is strengthened, and growth takes place. I would like to share some of my personal experiences that have helped to mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised with both parents, and as the years progressed, I was raised only by my mother. As a child, you don't realize that adults have issues that do not concern you. Instead, you internalize things and take them personally. I noticed that my dad was home less and less and that he no longer played with me or talked to me much. I often wondered, "What did I do to make him go away?" It wasn't until later, my mother told me that they were separating and that he had a substance abuse problem. It was so hard to accept the news. The question , " Why me?" cycled in my head for a long time. At school, I was having a hard time because there were times that I would become so sad. I was emotional quite often, and it started affecting my concentration and caused me to become frustrated when I couldn't stay focused or figure out an assignment. I'm so thankful that I had great teachers who were patient and stern with me. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed some professional help, and I started therapy. It was the beginning of self-discovery for me. My problems weren't solved, but I was learning how to control my emotions and verbalize my frustration . It wasn't until I met my second therapist that I finally started to see the light at the end of the tunnel. She listened to my issues and administered a couple of tests. It was discovered that I suffer from ADHD. When she diagnosed me, I felt so much relief. It was good to know that there was a legitimate reason to explain why my brain processed things differently and why I was experiencing such impulsive behavior. I almost felt empowered. My therapist taught me how to properly deal with my emotions and gave me strategies that would help improve my academic performance . I can not explain how difficult it has been having ADHD, maintaining all A's in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parent and grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers who died in the same year. This "diamond" has been through a lot of pressure. In the last few years, I have discovered a way to positively deal with my issues by drawing and painting . Art has become both my passion and another form of therapy. I'm able to express myself openly on canvas. It allows me to properly allow my ADHD symptoms to run wild and create something beautiful and inspirational. I have learned how to turn my weaknesses into strengths. I am determined to be successful and to perservere no matter what obstacles I may endure in the future.

The phrase, "diamonds are created under pressure," is a good way to describe how I view my life. I think that every one of my life experiences, both good and bad have shaped me into the person who I am and will become in the future. It is through the hard times that my character is developed, faith is strengthened, and growth takes place. I would like to share some of my personal experiences that have helped to mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised with both parents, and as the years progressed, I was raised only by my mother. As a child, you don't realize that adults have issues that do not concern you. Instead, you internalize things and take them personally. I noticed that my dad was home less and less and that he no longer played with me or talked to me much. I often wondered, "What did I do to make him go away?" It wasn't until later, my mother told me that they were separating and that he had a substance abuse problem. It was so hard to accept the news. The question , " Why me?" cycled in my head for a long time. At school, I was having a hard time because there were times that I would become so sad. I was emotional quite often, and it started affecting my concentration and caused me to become frustrated when I couldn't stay focused or figure out an assignment. I'm so thankful that I had great teachers who were patient and stern with me. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed some professional help, and I started therapy. It was the beginning of self-discovery for me. My problems weren't solved, but I was learning how to control my emotions and verbalize my frustration . It wasn't until I met my second therapist that I finally started to see the light at the end of the tunnel. She listened to my issues and administered a couple of tests. It was discovered that I suffer from ADHD. When she diagnosed me, I felt so much relief. It was good to know that there was a legitimate reason to explain why my brain processed things differently and why I was experiencing such impulsive behavior. I almost felt empowered. My therapist taught me how to properly deal with my emotions and gave me strategies that would help improve my academic performance . I can not explain how difficult it has been having ADHD, maintaining all A's in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parent and grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers who died in the same year. This "diamond" has been through a lot of pressure. In the last few years, I have discovered a way to positively deal with my issues by drawing and painting . Art has become both my passion and another form of therapy. I'm able to express myself openly on canvas. It allows me to properly allow my ADHD symptoms to run wild and create something beautiful and inspirational. I have learned how to turn my weaknesses into strengths. I am determined to be successful and to perservere no matter what obstacles I may endure in the future.

The phrase, "diamonds are created under pressure," is a good way to describe how I view my life. I think that every one of my life experiences, both good and bad have shaped me into the person who I am and will become in the future. It is through the hard times that my character is developed, faith is strengthened, and growth takes place. I would like to share some of my personal experiences that have helped to mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised with both parents, and as the years progressed, I was raised only by my mother. As a child, you don't realize that adults have issues that do not concern you. Instead, you internalize things and take them personally. I noticed that my dad was home less and less and that he no longer played with me or talked to me much. I often wondered, "What did I do to make him go away?" It wasn't until later, my mother told me that they were separating and that he had a substance abuse problem. It was so hard to accept the news. The question , " Why me?" cycled in my head for a long time. At school, I was having a hard time because there were times that I would become so sad. I was emotional quite often, and it started affecting my concentration and caused me to become frustrated when I couldn't stay focused or figure out an assignment. I'm so thankful that I had great teachers who were patient and stern with me. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed some professional help, and I started therapy. It was the beginning of self-discovery for me. My problems weren't solved, but I was learning how to control my emotions and verbalize my frustration . It wasn't until I met my second therapist that I finally started to see the light at the end of the tunnel. She listened to my issues and administered a couple of tests. It was discovered that I suffer from ADHD. When she diagnosed me, I felt so much relief. It was good to know that there was a legitimate reason to explain why my brain processed things differently and why I was experiencing such impulsive behavior. I almost felt empowered. My therapist taught me how to properly deal with my emotions and gave me strategies that would help improve my academic performance . I can not explain how difficult it has been having ADHD, maintaining all A's in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parent and grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers who died in the same year. This "diamond" has been through a lot of pressure. In the last few years, I have discovered a way to positively deal with my issues by drawing and painting . Art has become both my passion and another form of therapy. I'm able to express myself openly on canvas. It allows me to properly allow my ADHD symptoms to run wild and create something beautiful and inspirational. I have learned how to turn my weaknesses into strengths. I am determined to be successful and to perservere no matter what obstacles I may endure in the future.

The phrase, "diamonds are created under pressure," is a good way to describe how I view my life. I think that every one of my life experiences, both good and bad have shaped me into the person who I am and will become in the future. It is through the hard times that my character is developed, faith is strengthened, and growth takes place. I would like to share some of my personal experiences that have helped to mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised with both parents, and as the years progressed, I was raised only by my mother. As a child, you don't realize that adults have issues that do not concern you. Instead, you internalize things and take them personally. I noticed that my dad was home less and less and that he no longer played with me or talked to me much. I often wondered, "What did I do to make him go away?" It wasn't until later, my mother told me that they were separating and that he had a substance abuse problem. It was so hard to accept the news. The question , " Why me?" cycled in my head for a long time. At school, I was having a hard time because there were times that I would become so sad. I was emotional quite often, and it started affecting my concentration and caused me to become frustrated when I couldn't stay focused or figure out an assignment. I'm so thankful that I had great teachers who were patient and stern with me. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed some professional help, and I started therapy. It was the beginning of self-discovery for me. My problems weren't solved, but I was learning how to control my emotions and verbalize my frustration . It wasn't until I met my second therapist that I finally started to see the light at the end of the tunnel. She listened to my issues and administered a couple of tests. It was discovered that I suffer from ADHD. When she diagnosed me, I felt so much relief. It was good to know that there was a legitimate reason to explain why my brain processed things differently and why I was experiencing such impulsive behavior. I almost felt empowered. My therapist taught me how to properly deal with my emotions and gave me strategies that would help improve my academic performance . I can not explain how difficult it has been having ADHD, maintaining all A's in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parent and grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers who died in the same year. This "diamond" has been through a lot of pressure. In the last few years, I have discovered a way to positively deal with my issues by drawing and painting . Art has become both my passion and another form of therapy. I'm able to express myself openly on canvas. It allows me to properly allow my ADHD symptoms to run wild and create something beautiful and inspirational. I have learned how to turn my weaknesses into strengths. I am determined to be successful and to perservere no matter what obstacles I may endure in the future.

The phrase, "diamonds are created under pressure," is a good way to describe how I view my life. I think that every one of my life experiences, both good and bad have shaped me into the person who I am and will become in the future. It is through the hard times that my character is developed, faith is strengthened, and growth takes place. I would like to share some of my personal experiences that have helped to mold and refine me. Initially, I was raised with both parents, and as the years progressed, I was raised only by my mother. As a child, you don't realize that adults have issues that do not concern you. Instead, you internalize things and take them personally. I noticed that my dad was home less and less and that he no longer played with me or talked to me much. I often wondered, "What did I do to make him go away?" It wasn't until later, my mother told me that they were separating and that he had a substance abuse problem. It was so hard to accept the news. The question , " Why me?" cycled in my head for a long time. At school, I was having a hard time because there were times that I would become so sad. I was emotional quite often, and it started affecting my concentration and caused me to become frustrated when I couldn't stay focused or figure out an assignment. I'm so thankful that I had great teachers who were patient and stern with me. Eventually, I told my mother that I needed some professional help, and I started therapy. It was the beginning of self-discovery for me. My problems weren't solved, but I was learning how to control my emotions and verbalize my frustration . It wasn't until I met my second therapist that I finally started to see the light at the end of the tunnel. She listened to my issues and administered a couple of tests. It was discovered that I suffer from ADHD. When she diagnosed me, I felt so much relief. It was good to know that there was a legitimate reason to explain why my brain processed things differently and why I was experiencing such impulsive behavior. I almost felt empowered. My therapist taught me how to properly deal with my emotions and gave me strategies that would help improve my academic performance . I can not explain how difficult it has been having ADHD, maintaining all A's in honors and AP classes, dealing with an absent parent and grieving the deaths of both of my grandmothers who died in the same year. This "diamond" has been through a lot of pressure. In the last few years, I have discovered a way to positively deal with my issues by drawing and painting . Art has become both my passion and another form of therapy. I'm able to express myself openly on canvas. It allows me to properly allow my ADHD symptoms to run wild and create something beautiful and inspirational. I have learned how to turn my weaknesses into strengths. I am determined to be successful and to perservere no matter what obstacles I may endure in the future.