“Art has always been a big part of my life. Even though deciding to attend the School of the Art Institute of Chicago was a big leap it also was a natural choice for me. Even though it’s cliche, it’s hard to remember a time when I wasn’t drawing. It’s one of those things that I’ve always attributed to myself or have had others say about me; being an artist is part of my identity. In these past few years I’ve really been able to solidify why art is so important to me. Art is something that is unique to me. It can’t be replicated because what I create comes from my personal thoughts, emotions, and ideas. I think it’s really important to be an individual and art is really a perfect place for it. I don’t think I would want to live in a world without art. It’s something that people from all background and all parts of the world can understand. It’s a beautiful universal language that can really speak to anyone. Being able to do that is incredible to me. Art has such an important place in society, and by pursuing it I know I’m helping preserve it for years and years to come.”