Much to do about nothing.

Until a presentation in my art class Junior year, I didn't really know anything about Graphic Design. I had no idea what to do with my life, I knew I wanted to help people, and started to look at art as something that could be more than just an intense passion. Before then, I said I was going to be a social worker, because it would fulfill my commitment to the human race, and I wanted to save children's lives. The more I learned about it, however, the more bureaucracy I found, and I could actually make much of a difference, everything is controlled by higher ups, and it turns into nothing but endless paperwork at a desk. The only other possibility I had was the military (I'm currently in Army ROTC). I've always had a strong desire to serve my country. Not to mention, war pay as an officer is ridiculously high, and with no bills or dependents I'll have massive savings when I'm out, and I can pursue what I really want, Graphic Design. It allows me to communicate to others, use composition, color, and other elements to grab their attention and make them think.

I didn't have much going for me when I entered high school, as a result of my childhood, I was very angry and wandering with no focus. I slacked off in school, but made friends with teachers so I wouldn't have to go home after my last class. My sophomore year I had an English teacher that really made me want to try, so I got nearly 100% in her class. I also started taking art (because it was required, I liked to draw, but I was absolutely horrible, and I thought I could never make something good). My art teacher, Mrs. Schmidt, encouraged me and worked with me, she always said, "Drawing is not a talent, it is a learned skill." that anyone could learn how to draw, the only difference in talent was creativity, and I had that going for me. I worked with her for hours and hours outside of class, stayed after school until 8 at night some days and improved considerably by my senior year. I had gone from draw a shoe that looked like a deformed brick, to mixed media paintings rooted in emotional expressionism. I was always working on independent paintings simultaneously with assigned work, always in the art room, even after I graduated. At graduation she presented me with a "Most Improved Artist" award and medal.

During the same time period I discovered and became enthralled with organization such as The Joyful Heart Foundation (Started by Mariska Hargitay, the actress who plays my favorite character on Law and Order: SVU) and Safe Horizon. These organizations provide information and assistance to survivors of domestic and child abuse. It is my life goal to be a Graphic Designer for one of these or another like it. And with my intense savings from the Army, I can paint outside of my work and not really have to worry about much. I also want to work with Big Brothers Big Sisters and after school art programs with kids.