My Artistic Awakening by Meridian

My Artistic Awakening by Meridian - February 2024 Scholarship Essay

Without realizing it, my older sister has influenced my entire world, from my mannerisms and personality traits to how I make decisions. I've grown up seeing her as the perfect individual to model myself after. I admire several qualities about my sister: her ability to engage with adults in a fun and mature way, her creativity and passion for drawing and painting, and her strong relationship with our mom that is built on a foundation of communication and vulnerability; she represents the parts of myself I struggle with the most. I saw her strengths as my shortcomings and learned how to cope by becoming her. I assumed that love was conditional, equating who she was with how to be loved and accepted.
In 2021, my sister moved out of our one-bedroom house into my grandparents for independence. During the initial phase of this transition, I experienced a heavy burden of anxiety due to my role changing in the family. While adjusting to this uncomfortable stage, my mom sat me down. She told me the importance of being your own person, explaining why authenticity and being genuine with others starts with being honest with yourself. She encouraged me to find something for myself, who I was when my sister wasn't looking. We had this conversation before, but somehow, the weight of her words struck me. The concept of doing something for myself, being my own person, seemed so foreign.
With a newly discovered conviction and curiosity, I went on a mission of self-discovery. I had no idea where to start, so I started small. Step one: finding my own creative outlet. Creativity has always played a significant role in my upbringing, with my mom actively encouraging my sisters and me to explore by spending the weekends drawing with chalk on the sidewalk, sculpting food out of playdough, and building towns out of Legos. Knowing there were various art forms, I started a Pinterest board. This is where I found my joy in wire rings. I was mesmerized by how thin strands of wire intertwined to create beautiful and intricate accessories. A new door had been unlocked; crafting jewelry allowed my mind to wander; by creating rings, I realized I loved working with my hands. The satisfaction of completing a project fueled my curiosity. I stoked the flames of my newfound intrigue, and with my sights firmly on the next pursuit, I bought crochet hooks and yarn. For my first project, I decided to try crocheting a scarf, which not only came out horribly but also took me about a year to finish, but I finished it nonetheless. Step two: Continue finding ways to experiment within my chosen outlet. I attempted a bright orange and red checkered bag for my second project. I finished it in a week. The wheels were in motion, and I was hooked on this feeling of freedom between my fingers and the fibers. After learning how to crochet, I learned how to knit, embroider, and work with clay.
Learning various art mediums has impacted all aspects of my life, from academic endeavors to my overall perspective on life. When faced with a challenge, instead of staying quiet, I engage with my work by asking questions, going to tutoring weekly, and finding online resources. I have the courage and foresight to explore new opportunities. When given the chance to apply for the yearbook editor, despite my lack of experience, I quickly jumped in. I wanted to take the risk, recognizing that the reward and satisfaction outweighed the odds of rejection. Putting hours of time and effort into projects has made me more appreciative of people's accomplishments; each person has a unique role that is needed, and comparison diminishes that.
Going on this journey of self discovery, I have found an unexpected passion for design. By manipulating different materials, experimenting with colors, and learning various art techniques, I have found a desire to pursue a major in Graphic Design. Combined with my experience as Yearbook Editor, I am excited to merge my diverse artistic journey with formal education.