Second year transfer student at The George Washington University, Washington, D.C. studying psychology. Spent my freshman year at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and originally from the San Francisco Peninsula, CA.
If I could sketch my personal statement, I would submit a portrait of me with pen in hand and Lightning McQueen Crocs on my feet.
It may seem odd for a 17-year-old to pridefully treasure a pair of children's shoes, but given my creative eye, they are a constant inspiration for how I choose to empower those around me. My whimsical crimson Crocs depict the cartoon racecar's glistening smile, white block eyes, and iconic #95-- the artistic details necessary to invoke a unifying feeling of nostalgic fun, no matter where they are worn.
I am aware that words alone cannot always invoke feeling or experience in the way that artistry can. Line, shape, texture, color, pattern, contrast, symbol, and shadow are all unique in their power to communicate meaningfully. As an artist, I apply these tools through graphic art, logo design, and editorial cartoons to inspire my peers and shape a stronger community.
When designing spirit apparel for Carlmont, I aim to promote acceptance and belonging. I've found that shape and contrast convey the intangible feeling of how diverse student participation builds school pride and promotes inclusivity.
One memorable t-shirt captures the unified rumble of the "Screamin' Scots" student section at sporting events. My design is carefully sketched to include a pack of people stomping their feet and swaying rhythmically in the bleachers. While each figure is drawn with unique features, they wave blue arms and smile war-painted cheeks in unison. This image, representing diverse individuals knit together for a common cause, evokes a palatable visual spirit. Ultimately, my art is a non-verbal, emotional portrayal of belonging. As both Student Body VP and a proud Scot myself, I want my peers to feel the same pride in, and ownership of, Carlmont that I do. My spirit wear design promotes participation in our dynamic school culture.
But to genuinely cheer for the Scots requires familiarity with the opportunities offered on campus. I kept this in mind when designing the logo for CHAMP, a peer-mentorship program I founded as a way for freshmen to map their extracurricular journey.
One of CHAMP's goals is for participants to develop confidence through camaraderie and introspection. To capture these emotions, I designed the program's logo using symbol, color, and texture. The reflective gold trophy, embellished with Carlmont blue, emulates the experience of looking into a mirror to see personalized success within the Carlmont community. When someone feels invested in a mission, they will exert their best effort. My logo resonated with the participants-- the image itself embodies the shape and culture of the program.
If not used to inspire camaraderie, I craft art to galvanize intellectual and meaningful conversations. Through my editorial cartoons, complex issues become digestible. I've found that powerful imagery can be more effective than words to educate and spark dialogue.
This rang true when I illustrated a response to school shootings and chose to personify innocence as my protagonist-- a wide-eyed little boy. He stood in the store holding a yo-yo and, yet, was handed an AR-15 rifle as if it were a toy. This cartoon evoked an emotional response and my peers felt stirred to share their viewpoints. Likewise, I was impassioned by this form of communication. Soon thereafter, I established an official editorial cartoonist position for my school newspaper, giving other artists the platform to shape their community through this medium.
Whether it is used to digest societal challenges or cultivate school spirit, art is my tool for fostering community. And although, within this essay, I cannot sketch you a portrait of me and my Lightning McQueen Crocs, I hope these words illustrate the importance of art in my life. As I take the next step, my Crocs will be there-- not only do they light up when I walk, but they will shine the path toward finding new artistic destinations.
