My name is Rossana Kelton, and I am eager to pursue a master's degree in Fine Arts from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Because of the superior Painting program faculty and its focus on the application of paint to emerging technologies, SCAD is my first college choice. After careful research about the reputation of SCAD's Painting faculty and the ability of the school to prepare students to succeed in a creative career, I have decided to apply. I discovered my passion for art when I was a child in South America. I am originally from Montevideo, Uruguay. I am also a disabled artist. I have discovered that everything in my work related to my life and disability. The most dramatic change in my disability began in 1972 when I left my entire family in Uruguay and came to the United States alone, with my parents and brother. I have been disabled since birth. My disability does not discourage me from continuing painting. I realized my passion for art while enrolled in a Watercolor class in my freshman year in college. I continued to work in oil painting but was open to other different media. As a junior in college, I joined a Studio Art class where I could learn to improve my oil painting technique with the assistance of other, more experienced artists. My perseverance and commitment to fine art continued beyond the college-level classes. I became a member of multiple fine art organizations, including the Roswell Fine Arts Alliance in Roswell, Georgia. I volunteer my time in this organization to help in the local High School art show and to sit in a gallery on the weekends. I cut the mats for framing to assist art students attending the juried art competitions. My focused interest relates to the work created by Professor Josh Z. Yu. I want to learn from Professor Yu to paint with the realism and attention to detail. I have been studying his work, and I want to create that realistic look that seems easy, but it requires skill and knowledge to create. Admission to the Savannah College of Art and Design is a dream come true to me. I will dedicate myself to learning as much as I can and to influence my peers positively. My strength, perseverance, and ability to overcome obstacles will play a huge role in my life as a student and a professional. Watching my parents persevere through obstacles living in the US alone, with no family support, has made me more committed to overcoming obstacles and never giving up. My success will become SCAD's success. I think that SCAD will benefit by admitting a student, such as myself, that will enhance their image of academic excellence.