Growing up in school I always had trouble with learning how to read. When I tried to read, I kept struggling to understand or pronounce the words because Spanish was my first language. It felt as if I was missing something that everyone else understood. I was feeling stuck and unable to keep up with the other kids as they kept climbing higher into new reading levels. It was frustrating and, to be honest, made me dislike reading. I couldn't figure out why everyone else seemed to like reading, while I had fallen so far behind. When I came across picture books in class, everything changed. Even when I couldn't understand the stories, I was still able to attach meaning to them because of the illustrations. Slowly, the illustrations helped break down parts of the story and give hints about what was happening. For once I became interested in reading through picture books. I was able to read thanks to them, and soon I developed a new love for storytelling. I saw that stories are more than just words; it is how the words come to life, especially with illustrations. Picture books not only helped me to catch up on my reading but also inspired me. The combination of art and literacy captivated my interest in visual communication. Now that I am older, I learned how much those early books influenced my approach to design. The importance of communicating a message, either via words or visuals. As designers, our goal is to help guide readers through our designs such as illustrations, use of type, or pictographs. Being a graphic design student, I apply everything I've learned to every project. I think about how each graphic piece adds to a larger message or understanding of the context, as picture books taught me. If I win this prize, I intend to continue developing my skills in graphic communication by creating graphics in books, even if they are only charts or minor illustrations. I wish to help those who, like myself, may have had problems reading. I understand what it's like to feel disconnected from a story, and I want to create visuals to help readers grasp both the words and the content, just like picture books did for me. The award will allow me to pursue my studies while working towards my main goal of using visuals to support other's growth and learning in schools.

I've always loved the arts. I began as a traditional artist, but graphic design completely changed my concept of what art can be. It has challenged me to think differently and push my artistic limits. My graphic design style is vibrant, bold, and illustrative; it is a representation of who I am. My journey into graphic design started in high school when I attended my first class. I clearly remember a sense of excitement when opening Adobe Illustrator for the very first time. It was like discovering a whole new world where my love of traditional art could be merged into the world of digital art. Instantly after, I knew that pursuing a career in graphic design became my dream. Following my passion led me to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where I can explore more deeply into the field of design. SCAD provided me with the tools and opportunities to develop my creativity beyond anything I could have imagined. The atmosphere here is motivating, with amazing designers and professors who always push me toward growth. Every project at SCAD encouraged me to develop my design further. What I enjoy most about graphic design is the opportunity to tackle challenges creatively. I believe that a single design may have such a major impact. It has the power to say something that deeply connects with people and creates change. I'm extremely passionate about using my skills to speak out for causes that I trust in and promote awareness about major issues in society. I also love that graphic design encourages me to try new things, whether I'm creating a simple minimal design or a more complex one. I love seeing my designs come to life, whether it’s on a piece of clothing, a magazine, or a banner at an event. Along with experimenting with design, I also attempted motion graphics, and I was amazed to see how easily you were able to make the designs move. Each client offers a new challenge, pushing me to think critically. I need that kind of variety since I get bored doing the same thing over and over again. Graphic design keeps things interesting and constantly supports me to grow, which is what I like best about it. In the end, it was my passion for art and my determination to pursue graphic design that brought me to where I am today at attending my dream school. I am grateful for the journey that led me to this point, and I am excited to continue growing and contributing to the field of graphic design.