When people think of self portraits, the image that usually comes to mind is a picture of a person's face or body. However, anything can be a self portrait as long as it reflects the self in some sort of way. My favorite piece that I have created is an abstract collage version of this type of portrait. Everything that makes up this piece (aside from the fun stickers) was made by me; I printed out some artwork that I am most proud of and added stamps, bracelets, and a doodle on an etch-a-sketch. I chose an untraditional shape because I have desired to experiment with making art outside of the rectangular form for a long time and plan to continue. This piece reflects the art that I have made in the past and the art that I will make in the future. Its crazy shape, overwhelming detail, and bright colors represent my desire to break the expectations of art and develop my ideas of merging realism with abstract, almost psychedelic patterns. So far, it is the ultimate compilation of what brings me joy to create, and an introduction to a series of crazy inexpectation.

As someone who has been playing Minecraft for a decade, I find that my favorite aspect of the game is how it benefits people of all ages regarding education and career development. Envision a classroom environment where students of all ages are completely immersed in lessons across all subjects and can collaborate in problem-solving, critical thinking, engineering, artistry, experimentation, and more, all thanks to one tool. Now, imagine if that same tool could be used beyond the educational system by teenagers and adults new to the vast and intimidating job industry or even by the older generations to ease into the rapid and complex digital world. While this may sound like a futuristic idea, it already exists in the form of Minecraft. When I was nine years old, this blocky game's infinite and expansive possibilities drew me in and have had me hooked ever since. Minecraft: Education Edition is a unique edition of the game that offers pre-made lesson plans, curriculum guides, webinars, and tutorials for science, math, computer science, language arts, history and culture, art and design, digital citizenship, social and emotional behaviors, equity and inclusion, and climate and sustainability; a splendid fit for young minds that need to have stimulation, challenges, and well-roundedness. It is friendly towards both teachers and students; teachers are free to choose which lessons to engage in and how, assess and communicate with students, and manage settings while said students receive much better opportunities to learn by simultaneously having fun and getting access to accessible and adaptable reading and learning features. Even though I was not fortunate enough to have this fantastic experience at school, I was elated when I learned that my favorite video game became a feature for other students. Even the game outside Education Edition fosters collaboration, creativity, technical skills, and strategic planning. The vast and ever-growing variety of blocks and items invites players to build anything that comes to mind, whether it be artistic, architectural, or technical. Minecraft’s three-dimensional grid, cubic nature, and some limited color palettes can be limiting, but in a positive, challenging way that pushes players to think outside the box. Additionally, the game includes wood types, rocks, minerals, plants, and animals from the real world, introducing geological and biological terms to younger users. During my time playing Minecraft, it has taught me several names. Despite generally being perceived as a game for children, Minecraft is a powerful tool for adults, aiding in career development beyond problem-solving. Learning commands and codes, creating mods, and using the Redstone feature to build complex mechanisms and functional computers are excellent starting points for those wanting to go down a technological path. Creating custom maps helps aspiring game designers understand level design, gameplay mechanics, and user experience. Multiplayer mode and servers encourage teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills, which are crucial in any professional setting. Resource management and the in-game trading system teach basic principles of economics and entrepreneurship. Using Minecraft and its tools enhances digital literacy and proficiency with technology. The creative mode allows players to design and construct elaborate structures, fostering skills in architecture and urban planning. Designing characters, creatures, environments, and scenes enhances aspiring artists' and designers' ability to create concept art and visual communications. My way of utilizing Minecraft artistically includes pixel art and experimenting with color palettes and block placement, mirroring how I brainstorm personal and school projects. The encompassing virtual environment of Minecraft makes children, teenagers, and adults want to learn while having fun and exercising skills needed in the educational, career, and personal aspects of their lives.