An Artist made of Opportunities by Cheyenne

An Artist made of Opportunities by Cheyenne - January 2025 Scholarship Essay

My future began with a tour of my high school. My eighth grade class had been invited to the high school to prepare us all for freshman year. We toured the building, stopping in the occasional classroom so the teachers could give us a speech on what to expect if we ever made our way into their class. We were introduced to history teachers, librarians, the principal and many more staff that composed the school. However, it was only the art teacher that I spoke of when I went home that day. Not only did I tell my parents about her lively personality and playful style of clothes, but I could not stop reminiscing about her classroom, of all things. It was a young artist's dream. Made up of colorful portraits, students artwork, painted ceiling tiles, an abundance of supplies, and even stuffed animals, it was the most inviting room in the whole school. There even laid a giant bean bag in the corner just for her students. I had dabbled in the arts my whole life but never felt so drawn to let my creativity flow as I had standing in that room. That is when I knew I had found where I belonged.
However, like most things, deciding one's future is not all that simple. When the time came to choose our classes for freshman year, I was told the art class was full and I would instead be put in an animal science class. As disappointing as that was, I knew if I patiently waited there would come an opportunity at some point. And so it did. Second semester of sophomore year, I was put into Mrs. Varner's first level art class. The joy that I felt was unimaginable, but if I am being realistic, I had no clue how much of a blessing I was really receiving.
My first semester in art class was a whirlwind of learning the basics of art. As Mrs. Varner taught us the elements of art and how perspective affects even paintings, I began to learn more about her as well. I came to know her as a fun and exciting teacher. Even on a bad day, Mrs. Varner's passion and eccentric energy could be contagious. However, she also knew when to be strict and relentless. She was able to tell when we were not giving our all in our art and would make sure to drive us to do our best in every piece we made. By my second art class, Mrs. Varner became a mentor that I will always look to for approval and advice. I believe it was then that I started to let my passion for art grow into something much more than a hobby and I began putting a piece of myself into all the art I created. This passion is how I won my first art contest that Mrs. Varner gave to the class as an assignment. And from there, the opportunities only kept coming.
From the first time I met Mrs. Varner I knew she loved her students with her whole being. She only solidified my belief as she began to secure all sorts of artistic opportunities for me and her other students. One day it would be a contest and the next would be a field trip to an art gallery. She always searched for more experience to share with us. Now, as a senior in my last semester of high school, I have had the absolute pleasure of sharing four art classes with her. I have placed in four contests, won three awards, and had my art hung in the local library and coffee shop during my time at high school only because she gave me the skills and searched for these rare opportunities. Without her, I would have never known what I was capable of. I would have never known that I have it in me to go to college for the arts. I would have never had the opportunity to be recognized for my work as I have been. So, the person that has impacted my educational journey and future most significantly is my deserving art teacher, Mrs. Varner.