Southwest Detroit native raised in Metro Detroit and Jalisco, Mexico, Julianna Sanroman Rojas is a visual artist candidate to receive her BFA and teaching certificate from College for Creative Studies. I was inspired by the positive and negative experiences of being separated from my family due to deportation. I am very fortunate to be in a space that allows me to find myself and reclaim my heritage. I used traditional narratives throughout my work, which will enable me to challenge my past and attempt to reimagine my future. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 16 years now. I am choosing to reclaim my heritage and reconnect to what has been taken for me affirming love and healing. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I am exploring how to carry my home with me in my work. Look into my past as something I can recognize as an aspect of my life that is mine yet is not, Longing for what I had and realizing I can longer live there. My experiences with immigration, heartbreak, and transitions allow me to explore these constant shifts and examine myself breaking down and rebuilding in new ways. These homes, in my memory, are homes of love, isolation, tenderness, and violence. I am inspired by the city I live in, working with my community, and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. I've been working at a Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation; With my degree, I want to be an Art Educator and pursue higher education, participate in galleries and attend an artist residency. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers have done for me in the past. I hope to continue making art for myself as I become myself over again, connect with my family community, and make art accessible to the youth who inspire me constantly.

Southwest Detroit native raised in Metro Detroit and Jalisco, Mexico, Julianna Sanroman Rojas is a visual artist candidate to receive her BFA and teaching certificate from College for Creative Studies. I was inspired by the positive and negative experiences of being separated from my family due to deportation. I am very fortunate to be in a space that allows me to find myself and reclaim my heritage. I used traditional narratives throughout my work, which will enable me to challenge my past and attempt to reimagine my future. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 16 years now. I am choosing to reclaim my heritage and reconnect to what has been taken for me affirming love and healing. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I am exploring how to carry my home with me in my work. Look into my past as something I can recognize as an aspect of my life that is mine yet is not, Longing for what I had and realizing I can longer live there. My experiences with immigration, heartbreak, and transitions allow me to explore these constant shifts and examine myself breaking down and rebuilding in new ways. These homes, in my memory, are homes of love, isolation, tenderness, and violence. I am inspired by the city I live in, working with my community, and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. I've been working at a Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation; With my degree, I want to be an Art Educator and pursue higher education, participate in galleries and attend an artist residency. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers have done for me in the past. I hope to continue making art for myself as I become myself over again, connect with my family community, and make art accessible to the youth who inspire me constantly.

Southwest Detroit native raised in Metro Detroit and Jalisco, Mexico, Julianna Sanroman Rojas is a visual artist candidate to receive her BFA and teaching certificate from College for Creative Studies. I was inspired by the positive and negative experiences of being separated from my family due to deportation. I am very fortunate to be in a space that allows me to find myself and reclaim my heritage. I used traditional narratives throughout my work, which will enable me to challenge my past and attempt to reimagine my future. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 16 years now. I am choosing to reclaim my heritage and reconnect to what has been taken for me affirming love and healing. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I am exploring how to carry my home with me in my work. Look into my past as something I can recognize as an aspect of my life that is mine yet is not, Longing for what I had and realizing I can longer live there. My experiences with immigration, heartbreak, and transitions allow me to explore these constant shifts and examine myself breaking down and rebuilding in new ways. These homes, in my memory, are homes of love, isolation, tenderness, and violence. I am inspired by the city I live in, working with my community, and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. I've been working at a Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation; With my degree, I want to be an Art Educator and pursue higher education, participate in galleries and attend an artist residency. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers have done for me in the past. I hope to continue making art for myself as I become myself over again, connect with my family community, and make art accessible to the youth who inspire me constantly.

Southwest Detroit native raised in Metro Detroit and Jalisco, Mexico, Julianna Sanroman Rojas is a visual artist candidate to receive her BFA and teaching certificate from College for Creative Studies. I was inspired by the positive and negative experiences of being separated from my family due to deportation. I am very fortunate to be in a space that allows me to find myself and reclaim my heritage. I used traditional narratives throughout my work, which will enable me to challenge my past and attempt to reimagine my future. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 16 years now. I am choosing to reclaim my heritage and reconnect to what has been taken for me affirming love and healing. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I am exploring how to carry my home with me in my work. Look into my past as something I can recognize as an aspect of my life that is mine yet is not, Longing for what I had and realizing I can longer live there. My experiences with immigration, heartbreak, and transitions allow me to explore these constant shifts and examine myself breaking down and rebuilding in new ways. These homes, in my memory, are homes of love, isolation, tenderness, and violence. I am inspired by the city I live in, working with my community, and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. I've been working at a Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation; With my degree, I want to be an Art Educator and pursue higher education, participate in galleries and attend an artist residency. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers have done for me in the past. I hope to continue making art for myself as I become myself over again, connect with my family community, and make art accessible to the youth who inspire me constantly.

Southwest Detroit native raised in Metro Detroit and Jalisco, Mexico, Julianna Sanroman Rojas is a visual artist candidate to receive her BFA and teaching certificate from College for Creative Studies. I was inspired by the positive and negative experiences of being separated from my family due to deportation. I am very fortunate to be in a space that allows me to find myself and reclaim my heritage. I used traditional narratives throughout my work, which will enable me to challenge my past and attempt to reimagine my future. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 16 years now. I am choosing to reclaim my heritage and reconnect to what has been taken for me affirming love and healing. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I am exploring how to carry my home with me in my work. Look into my past as something I can recognize as an aspect of my life that is mine yet is not, Longing for what I had and realizing I can longer live there. My experiences with immigration, heartbreak, and transitions allow me to explore these constant shifts and examine myself breaking down and rebuilding in new ways. These homes, in my memory, are homes of love, isolation, tenderness, and violence. I am inspired by the city I live in, working with my community, and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. I've been working at a Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation; With my degree, I want to be an Art Educator and pursue higher education, participate in galleries and attend an artist residency. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers have done for me in the past. I hope to continue making art for myself as I become myself over again, connect with my family community, and make art accessible to the youth who inspire me constantly.

I am inspired by the positive and negative experiences of being separated from my family due to deportation. I am very fortunate to be in a space that allows me to find myself and reclaim my heritage. I used traditional narratives throughout my work, which will enable me to challenge my past and attempt to reimagine my future. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 16 years now. I am choosing to reclaim my heritage and reconnect to what has been taken for me affirming love and healing. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I am exploring how to carry my home with me in my work. Look into my past as something I can recognize as an aspect of my life that is mine yet is not, Longing for what I had and realizing I can longer live there. My experiences with immigration, heartbreak, and transitions allow me to explore these constant shifts and examine myself breaking down and rebuilding in new ways. These homes, in my memory, are homes of love, isolation, tenderness, and violence. I am inspired by the city I live in, working with my community. With my degree, I want to be an Art Educator and pursue higher education, participate in galleries and attend an artist residency. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers have done for me in the past. I hope to continue making art for myself as I become myself over again, connect with my family community, and make art accessible to the youth who inspire me constantly.

Southwest Detroit native raised in Metro Detroit and Jalisco, Mexico, Julianna Sanroman Rojas is a visual artist candidate to receive her BFA and teaching certificate from College for Creative Studies. I was inspired by the positive and negative experiences of being separated from my family due to deportation. I am very fortunate to be in a space that allows me to find myself and reclaim my heritage. I used traditional narratives throughout my work, which will enable me to challenge my past and attempt to reimagine my future. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 16 years now. I am choosing to reclaim my heritage and reconnect to what has been taken for me affirming love and healing. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I am exploring how to carry my home with me in my work. Look into my past as something I can recognize as an aspect of my life that is mine yet is not, Longing for what I had and realizing I can longer live there. My experiences with immigration, heartbreak, and transitions allow me to explore these constant shifts and examine myself breaking down and rebuilding in new ways. These homes, in my memory, are homes of love, isolation, tenderness, and violence. I am inspired by the city I live in, working with my community, and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. I've been working at a Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation; With my degree, I want to be an Art Educator and pursue higher education, participate in galleries and attend an artist residency. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers have done for me in the past. I hope to continue making art for myself as I become myself over again, connect with my family community, and make art accessible to the youth who inspire me constantly.

Southwest Detroit native raised in Metro Detroit and Jalisco, Mexico, Julianna Sanroman Rojas is a visual artist candidate to receive her BFA and teaching certificate from College for Creative Studies. I was inspired by the positive and negative experiences of being separated from my family due to deportation. I am very fortunate to be in a space that allows me to find myself and reclaim my heritage. I used traditional narratives throughout my work, which will enable me to challenge my past and attempt to reimagine my future. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 16 years now. I am choosing to reclaim my heritage and reconnect to what has been taken for me affirming love and healing. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I am exploring how to carry my home with me in my work. Look into my past as something I can recognize as an aspect of my life that is mine yet is not, Longing for what I had and realizing I can longer live there. My experiences with immigration, heartbreak, and transitions allow me to explore these constant shifts and examine myself breaking down and rebuilding in new ways. These homes, in my memory, are homes of love, isolation, tenderness, and violence. I am inspired by the city I live in, working with my community, and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. I've been working at a Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation; With my degree, I want to be an Art Educator and pursue higher education, participate in galleries and attend an artist residency. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers have done for me in the past. I hope to continue making art for myself as I become myself over again, connect with my family community, and make art accessible to the youth who inspire me constantly.

Southwest Detroit native raised in Metro Detroit and Jalisco, Mexico, Julianna Sanroman Rojas is a visual artist candidate to receive her BFA and teaching certificate from College for Creative Studies. I was inspired by the positive and negative experiences of being separated from my family due to deportation. I am very fortunate to be in a space that allows me to find myself and reclaim my heritage. I used traditional narratives throughout my work, which will enable me to challenge my past and attempt to reimagine my future. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 16 years now. I am choosing to reclaim my heritage and reconnect to what has been taken for me affirming love and healing. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I am exploring how to carry my home with me in my work. Look into my past as something I can recognize as an aspect of my life that is mine yet is not, Longing for what I had and realizing I can longer live there. My experiences with immigration, heartbreak, and transitions allow me to explore these constant shifts and examine myself breaking down and rebuilding in new ways. These homes, in my memory, are homes of love, isolation, tenderness, and violence. I am inspired by the city I live in, working with my community, and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. I've been working at a Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation; With my degree, I want to be an Art Educator and pursue higher education, participate in galleries and attend an artist residency. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers have done for me in the past. I hope to continue making art for myself as I become myself over again, connect with my family community, and make art accessible to the youth who inspire me constantly.

Southwest Detroit native raised in Metro Detroit and Jalisco, Mexico, Julianna Sanroman Rojas is a visual artist candidate to receive her BFA and teaching certificate from College for Creative Studies. I was inspired by the positive and negative experiences of being separated from my family due to deportation. I am very fortunate to be in a space that allows me to find myself and reclaim my heritage. I used traditional narratives throughout my work, which will enable me to challenge my past and attempt to reimagine my future. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 16 years now. I am choosing to reclaim my heritage and reconnect to what has been taken for me affirming love and healing. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I am exploring how to carry my home with me in my work. Look into my past as something I can recognize as an aspect of my life that is mine yet is not, Longing for what I had and realizing I can longer live there. My experiences with immigration, heartbreak, and transitions allow me to explore these constant shifts and examine myself breaking down and rebuilding in new ways. These homes, in my memory, are homes of love, isolation, tenderness, and violence. I am inspired by the city I live in, working with my community, and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. I've been working at a Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation; With my degree, I want to be an Art Educator and pursue higher education, participate in galleries and attend an artist residency. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers have done for me in the past. I hope to continue making art for myself as I become myself over again, connect with my family community, and make art accessible to the youth who inspire me constantly.

Southwest Detroit native raised in Metro Detroit and Jalisco, Mexico, Julianna Sanroman Rojas is a visual artist candidate to receive her BFA and teaching certificate from College for Creative Studies. I was inspired by the positive and negative experiences of being separated from my family due to deportation. I am very fortunate to be in a space that allows me to find myself and reclaim my heritage. I used traditional narratives throughout my work, which will enable me to challenge my past and attempt to reimagine my future. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 16 years now. I am choosing to reclaim my heritage and reconnect to what has been taken for me affirming love and healing. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I am exploring how to carry my home with me in my work. Look into my past as something I can recognize as an aspect of my life that is mine yet is not, Longing for what I had and realizing I can longer live there. My experiences with immigration, heartbreak, and transitions allow me to explore these constant shifts and examine myself breaking down and rebuilding in new ways. These homes, in my memory, are homes of love, isolation, tenderness, and violence. I am inspired by the city I live in, working with my community, and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. I've been working at a Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation; With my degree, I want to be an Art Educator and pursue higher education, participate in galleries and attend an artist residency. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers have done for me in the past. I hope to continue making art for myself as I become myself over again, connect with my family community, and make art accessible to the youth who inspire me constantly.

I was inspired by positive and negative experiences of being separated from my family due to deportation. I am very fortunate to be in a space that allows me to find myself and reclaim my heritage. I used traditional narratives throughout my work, which will enable me to challenge my past and attempt to reimagine my future. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 16 years now. I am choosing to reclaim my heritage and reconnect to what has been taken for me affirming love and healing. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I am exploring how to carry my home with me in my work. Look into my past as something I can recognize as an aspect of my life that is mine yet is not, Longing for what I had and realizing I can longer live there. My experiences with immigration, heartbreak, and transitions allow me to explore these constant shifts and examine myself breaking down and rebuilding in new ways. These homes, in my memory, are homes of love, isolation, tenderness, and violence. I am inspired by the city I live in, working with my community, and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. I've been working at a Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation; With my degree, I want to be an Art Educator and pursue higher education, participate in galleries and attend an artist residency. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers have done for me in the past. I hope to continue making art for myself as I become myself over again, connect with my family community and make art accessible to the youth who inspire me constantly.

My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. Growing up away from my parents always motivated me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my high school teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access to it, and listen to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me full creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. As well as introducing me to fine art, women art figures, and book recommendations. I loved learning about that and wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. I would wake up early to paint before school would begin or stay as late as possible to continue working on things. No one forgets meaningful teachers. Her being able to take the time to offer extra help was something I respect. I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. For almost two years now, I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. Growing up away from my parents always motivated me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my high school teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access to it, and listen to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me full creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. As well as introducing me to fine art, women art figures, and book recommendations. I loved learning about that and wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. I would wake up early to paint before school would begin or stay as late as possible to continue working on things. No one forgets meaningful teachers. Her being able to take the time to offer extra help was something I respect. I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. For almost two years now, I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. Growing up away from my parents always motivated me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my high school teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access to it, and listen to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me full creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. As well as introducing me to fine art, women art figures, and book recommendations. I loved learning about that and wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. I would wake up early to paint before school would begin or stay as late as possible to continue working on things. No one forgets meaningful teachers. Her being able to take the time to offer extra help was something I respect. I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. For almost two years now, I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

I want you to imagine waking up one morning, and your father is just gone. I want you to imagine going home telling yourself and those around you that everything will be OK when you are not even sure about that, And try to sleep every night only to find yourself lying awake for hours because you can’t sleep that worry will end you And it will try to break you You can say well this is too bad. Still, it’s just something you are watching on tv, and you can turn it off. You can go about your life. I am thankful now for the time that I spent without my parents; I had to find ways to help me cope with the emotional and mental anguish and pain that pushed me to keep exploring, I lived in fear, but still, I think I had a better life than most I don’t feel lost, I know who I am I know what I’m supposed to be doing, and I embrace that. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be motivated continuously by their absence. Growing up away from my parents always encouraged me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my high school teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access, and listen to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. I wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. The unconventional techniques inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

I want you to imagine waking up one morning, and your father is just gone. I want you to imagine going home telling yourself and those around you that everything will be OK when you are not even sure about that, And try to sleep every night only to find yourself lying awake for hours because you can’t sleep that worry will end you And it will try to break you You can say well this is too bad. Still, it’s just something you are watching on tv, and you can turn it off. You can go about your life. I am thankful now for the time that I spent without my parents; I had to find ways to help me cope with the emotional and mental anguish and pain that pushed me to keep exploring, I lived in fear, but still, I think I had a better life than most I don’t feel lost, I know who I am I know what I’m supposed to be doing, and I embrace that. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be motivated continuously by their absence. Growing up away from my parents always encouraged me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my high school teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access, and listen to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. I wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. The unconventional techniques inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

I want you to imagine waking up one morning, and your father is just gone. I want you to imagine going home telling yourself and those around you that everything will be OK when you are not even sure about that, And try to sleep every night only to find yourself lying awake for hours because you can’t sleep that worry will end you And it will try to break you You can say well this is too bad. Still, it’s just something you are watching on tv, and you can turn it off. You can go about your life. I am thankful now for the time that I spent without my parents; I had to find ways to help me cope with the emotional and mental anguish and pain that pushed me to keep exploring, I lived in fear, but still, I think I had a better life than most I don’t feel lost, I know who I am I know what I’m supposed to be doing, and I embrace that. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be motivated continuously by their absence. Growing up away from my parents always encouraged me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my high school teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access, and listen to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. I wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. The unconventional techniques inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

I want you to imagine waking up one morning, and your father is just gone. I want you to imagine going home telling yourself and those around you that everything will be OK when you are not even sure about that, And try to sleep every night only to find yourself lying awake for hours because you can’t sleep that worry will end you And it will try to break you You can say well this is too bad. Still, it’s just something you are watching on tv, and you can turn it off. You can go about your life. I am thankful now for the time that I spent without my parents; I had to find ways to help me cope with the emotional and mental anguish and pain that pushed me to keep exploring, I lived in fear, but still, I think I had a better life than most I don’t feel lost, I know who I am I know what I’m supposed to be doing, and I embrace that. My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be motivated continuously by their absence. Growing up away from my parents always encouraged me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my high school teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access, and listen to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. I wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. The unconventional techniques inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I live in Southwest Detroit, a community that is best known for being Mexicantown. I am inspired by the city I live in. Working with my community and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. Growing up away from my parents always motivated me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my highschool teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access to it and listened to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me full creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. As well as introducing me to fine art, women art figures, and book recommendations. I loved learning about that and wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. I would wake up early to paint before school would begin or stay as late as possible to continue working on things. No one forgets meaningful teachers. Her being able to take the time to offer extra help was something I respect. The unconventional techniques she used inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. For almost two years now, I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. Before Covid-19, The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I live in Southwest Detroit, a community that is best known for being Mexicantown. I am inspired by the city I live in. Working with my community and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. Growing up away from my parents always motivated me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my highschool teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access to it and listened to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me full creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. As well as introducing me to fine art, women art figures, and book recommendations. I loved learning about that and wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. I would wake up early to paint before school would begin or stay as late as possible to continue working on things. No one forgets meaningful teachers. Her being able to take the time to offer extra help was something I respect. The unconventional techniques she used inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. For almost two years now, I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. Before Covid-19, The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. Growing up away from my parents always motivated me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my highschool teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access to it and listened to me.I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me full creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. The unconventional techniques she used inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I live in Southwest Detroit, a community that is best known for being Mexicantown. I am inspired by the city I live in. Working with my community and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. Growing up away from my parents always motivated me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my highschool teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access to it and listened to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me full creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. As well as introducing me to fine art, women art figures, and book recommendations. I loved learning about that and wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. I would wake up early to paint before school would begin or stay as late as possible to continue working on things. No one forgets meaningful teachers. Her being able to take the time to offer extra help was something I respect. The unconventional techniques she used inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. For almost two years now, I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. Before Covid-19, The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I live in Southwest Detroit, a community that is best known for being Mexicantown. I am inspired by the city I live in. Working with my community and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. Growing up away from my parents always motivated me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my highschool teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access to it and listened to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me full creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. As well as introducing me to fine art, women art figures, and book recommendations. I loved learning about that and wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. I would wake up early to paint before school would begin or stay as late as possible to continue working on things. No one forgets meaningful teachers. Her being able to take the time to offer extra help was something I respect. The unconventional techniques she used inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. For almost two years now, I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. Before Covid-19, The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I live in Southwest Detroit, a community that is best known for being Mexicantown. I am inspired by the city I live in. Working with my community and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. Growing up away from my parents always motivated me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my highschool teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access to it and listened to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me full creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. As well as introducing me to fine art, women art figures, and book recommendations. I loved learning about that and wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. I would wake up early to paint before school would begin or stay as late as possible to continue working on things. No one forgets meaningful teachers. Her being able to take the time to offer extra help was something I respect. The unconventional techniques she used inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. For almost two years now, I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. Before Covid-19, The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I live in Southwest Detroit, a community that is best known for being Mexicantown. I am inspired by the city I live in. Working with my community and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. Growing up away from my parents always motivated me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my highschool teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access to it and listened to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me full creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. As well as introducing me to fine art, women art figures, and book recommendations. I loved learning about that and wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. I would wake up early to paint before school would begin or stay as late as possible to continue working on things. No one forgets meaningful teachers. Her being able to take the time to offer extra help was something I respect. The unconventional techniques she used inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. For almost two years now, I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. Before Covid-19, The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I live in Southwest Detroit, a community that is best known for being Mexicantown. I am inspired by the city I live in. Working with my community and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. Growing up away from my parents always motivated me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my highschool teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access to it and listened to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me full creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. As well as introducing me to fine art, women art figures, and book recommendations. I loved learning about that and wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. I would wake up early to paint before school would begin or stay as late as possible to continue working on things. No one forgets meaningful teachers. Her being able to take the time to offer extra help was something I respect. The unconventional techniques she used inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. For almost two years now, I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. Before Covid-19, The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I live in Southwest Detroit, a community that is best known for being Mexicantown. I am inspired by the city I live in. Working with my community and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. Growing up away from my parents always motivated me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my highschool teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access to it and listened to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me full creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. As well as introducing me to fine art, women art figures, and book recommendations. I loved learning about that and wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. I would wake up early to paint before school would begin or stay as late as possible to continue working on things. No one forgets meaningful teachers. Her being able to take the time to offer extra help was something I respect. The unconventional techniques she used inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. For almost two years now, I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. Before Covid-19, The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I live in Southwest Detroit, a community that is best known for being Mexicantown. I am inspired by the city I live in. Working with my community and I hope to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. Growing up away from my parents always motivated me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my highschool teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access to it and listened to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me full creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. As well as introducing me to fine art, women art figures, and book recommendations. I loved learning about that and wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. I would wake up early to paint before school would begin or stay as late as possible to continue working on things. No one forgets meaningful teachers. Her being able to take the time to offer extra help was something I respect. The unconventional techniques she used inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. For almost two years now, I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. Before Covid-19, The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I live in Southwest Detroit, a community that is best known for being Mexicantown. I am inspired by the city I live in. Working with my community and hoping to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. Growing up away from my parents always motivated me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my highschool teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access to it and listened to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me full creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. As well as introducing me to fine art, women art figures, and book recommendations. I loved learning about that and wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. I would wake up early to paint before school would begin or stay as late as possible to continue working on things. No one forgets meaningful teachers. Her being able to take the time to offer extra help was something I respect. The unconventional techniques she used inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. For almost two years now, I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. Before Covid-19, The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.

My parent's deportation inspires me every day to create art. To push me creatively and to heal from the pain of constantly missing them. I have lived away from my parents for 12 years now. To receive a better education and be constantly motivated by their absence. I live in Southwest Detroit, a community that is best known for being Mexicantown. I am inspired by the city I live in. Working with my community and I hope to use this scholarship to succeed in getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA focused in Art Teacher Education from College for Creative Studies. Growing up away from my parents always motivated me to do the best I could in school. My teachers became parental figures; I always looked up to them and felt very comfortable and distracted in an academic setting. I can genuinely say I would not be who I am without my highschool teachers. My teachers would push me to talk to the school counselor, provide meals/clothing when I didn’t have access to it and listened to me. I grew apart from art; I think being angry and upset over things I could not control and the frustration of feeling like art always had to be “perfect. My art teacher gave me full creative freedom, which opened a door where I did not feel limited to rules and grading standards. As well as introducing me to fine art, women art figures, and book recommendations. I loved learning about that and wanted to share what I learned. Her classroom became my haven. I would wake up early to paint before school would begin or stay as late as possible to continue working on things. No one forgets meaningful teachers. Her being able to take the time to offer extra help was something I respect. The unconventional techniques she used inspired me, and I aim to bring the same passion for innovative ways to learn to my classroom. For almost two years now, I’ve been working at a non-profit in Southwest Detroit. Before Covid-19, The kids I would paint with would share the hardships they were facing or just how they felt on that day and how it felt even better to listen and learn from them. To see them feel fulfilled in their passion. It clicked; I enjoyed days where I saw the kids and felt like I had a sense of purpose. I want to share my love of art and pass that off as teachers in my past have done for me.