My dream is to promote change, enact action, and foster conversations on a variety of social matters my generation is facing through art. Throughout high school, I found myself questioning and confused by so much of what was happening in the world and used art as an outlet. I created my own characters modeled after people in my life and put them in some of these situations. It helped me process my thoughts, articulate my questions, and explore solutions.

To my surprise I found out that I was not the only one with these thoughts and feeling and that I could use art as a catalyst for conversations on these topics. I had unknowingly created this forum for questions to be heard, feelings to be expressed, and ideas to be shared. I realized that this is what I am meant to do: bring awareness to what is happening in the world and help those of us that feel powerless and confused have a voice.

My “artivism” portfolio gained recognition from several art institutes (California College of the Arts, Kansas City Art Institute, and School of Visual Arts - New York), ultimately earning my acceptance and a substantial merit scholarship from my dream school, School of the Art Institute of Chicago! I've shared some of my trademarked pieces below.

I'm the oldest of five children and the first in my family to pursue a higher education. I have been able to secure more than half of my tuition and other college fees through grants and scholarships, and my family has been able to save enough to cover another quarter of the cost. While my parents are working multiple jobs to make tuition payments, I just need a little more help to cross the finish line. I believe the opportunity to study at one of the best art institutes in the world under the tutelage of some of the greatest artistic minds in my generation is an opportunity of a lifetime. An opportunity to challenge my view of the world and its issues, to be exposed to other forms of artistic expression, and to expand my knowledge of those that came before me and laid the groundwork for art activism. Please help me pursue my dream to make a difference.

Funds will go toward decreasing the remaining tuition balances owed:

$7,000 tuition

$1,870 room & board

$1,000 books & supplies

$1,800 required laptop