Art has been an essential part of my life, serving as an outlet in ways words never could. For as long as I can remember, drawing and sketching has always been a way for me to navigate complex emotions and connect with others who share similar experiences. My portfolio is an expression of my emotional journey out of childhood. These feelings of sentimentality paired with the feeling of losing a part of yourself fueled the inspiration behind my piece “The Future Stares Back” the most, as I feel a bittersweet feeling with becoming an adult. Art has been a means of understanding and evolving my identity, and I aspire to use it to connect and inspire others.