Art has always been my passion—a way to express myself and connect with others. In high school, I was selected for a Magnet/AP Art Program, and it changed my life. My teachers invested in me, nurtured my talent, and gave me the confidence to overcome personal struggles. Art became my lifeline, guiding me toward academic success and a future I never imagined. I became a teacher to give students that same opportunity—to show them that art can empower, heal, and open doors to endless possibilities.

Compassion isn’t a teaching standard, but I weave it into my curriculum because it shapes how students think and act. Through photography and installation art, my students collaborate with the Red Sand Project to fight human trafficking, document events for childhood cancer awareness, and host an Empty Bowl fundraiser to combat hunger. Seeing them use their art to inspire change is my most memorable experience—proof that creativity, empathy, and action can make a lasting impact.

With $25,000, I will invest in industry-standard cameras, lenses, backdrops, and a professional computer to expand my craft as both an art teacher and photographer. This will allow me to create, grow, and inspire my students with real-world experience. By strengthening my own skills, I can better equip my students with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed, showing them firsthand that art is a powerful vehicle for storytelling, advocacy, and personal growth.