School was a safe space for exciting discovery. I valued my teachers who helped me face obstacles and authentically built relationships. Many children experience trauma that not just plateaus their growth but hinders it. Art has helped me through experiences I couldn’t put words to, gain a voice, and feel connected to others in a genuine way. Creativity and problem-solving are the heart of art, and when given those tools, my students understand there’s nothing that can stop the path they forge.

In 2020, to offset the prejudice on China, I planned lessons celebrating the Lunar New Year. A shy 1st grader raised her hand. “I was adopted from China. Can I tell the class a little more about it?” Fully engaged and curious, she was accepted. They realized China isn’t so far away, it was right there in that classroom with them. She told me she always felt different than everyone else because she looked different, but that day it was like the different was a good thing. That is why I teach art.

First, buy new art brushes! More seriously, I wish to begin the process of building my own art business to manage in the summers and alongside teaching during the school year. I would travel and engage respectfully in different cultures to bring back first hand accounts and knowledge to my students. I also want to pursue my masters in Art Education and gain more tools and resources to help students not only to find their voice, but how to use it to connect and understand others.