Where I See Myself in 10 Years by Aidan

Where I See Myself in 10 Years by Aidan - March 2025 Scholarship Essay

I am currently a Studio Arts major at Cuesta College, planning to transfer in the Fall of 2025. As I eagerly await admission decisions, I have spent a great deal of time contemplating the future I want to create for myself.

Ten years from now, I see myself as a public art coordinator, working to bring visual storytelling and cultural expression to underserved communities. I am originally from Louisville, Kentucky, where I grew up in an environment with little access to public art. That absence left a lasting impression on me. I believe art is more than just decoration—it is a tool for fostering community, preserving history, and even preventing crime and violence by instilling a sense of pride in shared spaces. My goal is to engage with communities that, like my hometown, find themselves in “art deserts” and to help transform them through public art initiatives.

My educational journey has been anything but linear, and I consider that to be one of my greatest strengths. Of course, I have taken studio courses to refine my technical skills, but just as importantly, I have sought out opportunities that deepen my understanding of how art interacts with the public. During my time at Cuesta College, I interned with the SLO Museum of Art, where I gained firsthand experience in community engagement and learned how visual art institutions serve as cultural pillars. Additionally, as the manager of a hair salon, I expanded an existing art display program into a dynamic community event, collaborating with local wineries and artists to increase visibility for the arts in San Luis Obispo. These experiences have reinforced my belief that art is meant to be shared, experienced, and accessible.

Beyond my art education, my general education courses - ranging from politics to ethnic studies to English - have been equally instrumental in shaping my perspective. They have broadened my understanding of systemic inequalities, the complexities of human struggle, and the power of storytelling. These insights have influenced my artistic approach, allowing me to bridge the gap between social issues and creative expression.

In ten years, I hope to be an agent of change, using visual arts to inspire, educate, and advocate for the communities that need it most. My education has given me the tools to turn that vision into reality, and I am eager to continue this journey—one mural, one installation, and one conversation at a time.