Medical Illustration isn't a very popular or familiar career choice for many people. During my junior year of high school, I was introduced to the career of Medical Illustration by my highly supportive art teacher, Mrs.Buzzitta-Johnson. At the time, I had no idea what I wanted to do after high school. Growing up, my parents have been very encouraging and supportive of my artistic and scientific interests. I have been drawing since I have been able to grip utensils in my hand and finding ways to learn since I could read a book. However, ever since I have entered high school, my parents have been trying to steer me away from pursuing an art career. They worry I won't become financially stable if my future career is based solely on my artwork. This year is my final year of high school, and after four years of art classes, I don't plan to give up my passion now. This year I'm taking an AP art class at my high school and dual enrolling in a college art class at Kendall College of Art and Design. My vision after high school is to attend Kendall College full-time to major in Medical Illustration. But I wouldn't be able to do that without the help of scholarships. I believe this major perfectly combines my love for learning and art into something I will enjoy as a lifetime career. I have attached three original drawings that hold great importance to me. The first being "The Frog" this was a preassessment drawing of choice for an art class. The second is the "Flowerscape" this is my favorite and possibly best piece I've drawn so far. Lastly, the Great-Dotted-Owl is a drawing my teacher submitted for an art show that got canceled due to COVID-19.

Success is a goal most people want to achieve in their life. In some cases, it is the only goal a person has. However, that person often forgets a crucial thing. To live in the now. Wayne Dyer once said, "Live this day as if it were your last. The past is over and gone. The future is not guaranteed." When I first heard this quote, time stopped. I felt suspended as I floated in a sea of thoughts for what felt like an eternity. It opened a door in my mind and let me out to see from the outside how I was living my life. That day I realized I was working so hard, pushing myself so far, overworking, and draining myself to the last drop, and for what? At that point in my life, I hadn't even the slightest idea of what I wanted to do after high school. I was spending less time with the people I loved, doing the activities I enjoy only to study and ensure I was receiving surpassing grades in school, and for what? No one knows what is going to happen. No one can tell me the outcome of my future. No one knows when, where, or what will be happening on their last day. Since then, I have freed up time to experience the joys of life and the people who surround me. I have found new ways to keep up with school while still maintaining the grades I was before. Every time I study this quote, it reminds me to live my life to its full potential. Every morning I ask myself, "what will I do today that will make my life worth living for?" And each night I ask, "Did what I do today make my life worth living for?" What Wayne Dyer once said has resonated with me ever since I read the quote. I no longer have a life goal surrounded by success. Now my goal is surrounded with happiness and satisfaction with the memories I create.