During the COVID-19 lockdown, as a junior in college, I began creating shirts and stickers to raise money for causes I cared about. Art became a way for me to process emotions and advocate for others. That experience inspired me to become an elementary art teacher at a Title 1 school, where I pass my enthusiasm for art onto my students and create a safe space for them to express themselves and explore their feelings through creativity.

My most memorable teaching moment was when a second-grade student told me, “I love the way you love us. My favorite thing about you is love.” That moment reminds me why I teach. I strive to lead with a heart posture of love so my students feel cared for and safe in my art room. I want my class to be a place students can express themselves, take creative risks and simply be kids without the pressures of their world weighing on them. I try to remember it's their first time experiencing life too.

If I won the $25,000 I would use it to kick start a non-profit. My dream is to have an art studio for kids to be able to create after school on weekends, or during holiday breaks. This would be a free art studio that provides classes for kids who would otherwise not have access to art education. I think that it's so important to have safe and productive spaces for at risk youth to encourage healthy outlets for expression.