Beyond regular classroom instruction, I have a lot more personal experience in art at home. Since the days I was able to pick up a pencil I have always enjoyed drawing. In elementary school I was very well noticed and I had my art submitted a few times to a newspaper called Just Us Kids. My work appeared on the front cover a few times in some issues and some displayed within the newspaper content too. Around 3rd grade I wrote my own books and stories with illustrations that became published within our school library. Within the classes at our school my books were very much admired. I was told that my passion to draw and to bring creativity was always seen in my eyes. It is what I love to do as my major hobby. My art is a seriously big deal to me and I spend a lot of my time and effort dedicated to being creative. Being the creative one is who I am, what I do, how I think, how I feel it is the heart of my soul. I would always be seen with a sketchbook at hand or my binders filled with artwork ready to show to the world around me.
     Drawing also is not the only thing I did. I also loved to create crafts. Around my preteen years I started making jewelry and taught myself to sew handbags and clothing. I used my mother's old sewing machine and eventually figured out how many amazing things I could do with it. In my public all the jewelry and handbags I make are highly noticed, popular, and admired by many. Random people I did not even know would come up to me and tell me how successful I could become if I continue with my creations in the future. The things I make are definitely different, and something I wish to introduce some more to the world. I create a lot of jewelry not just from beads, but also from random everyday objects like bottle caps or cards. The handbags and wallets I created were very popular because they were made not only from fabrics but also from things like candy wrappers, chips bags, Caprisun juice pouches, playing cards, or magazines. I started a trend that some people today attempt to imitate making. Requests to make something or draw something are always asked from me.
     Dozens of people all over the world have recognized my achievements as well. In my early middle school years I had a fond interest in using the computer. Eventually on the internet I learned HTML and created personal websites and forums using tutorials I found. I learned to use graphics editors programs such as Paint Shop Pro and Animation Shop. Eventually I learned to use Adobe Photoshop after becoming accepted into an internship during my summer of 2005 at the Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense in APG, Maryland. I considered as the first and only graphics design intern at the department creating posters, logos, and brochures for companies and organizations. Being in their department for the summer was such a great learning experience and I benefited greatly from it. Eventually I taught myself web design techniques and learned more about graphics design. From all of my self-taught learning I met a lot of other talented people online whom I have found inspiration from and millions who have admired the work they have seen from me too. I joined forums, affiliated with other websites, and tried my best to advertise and promote my personal site with all my creations. From those interactions I became more recognized on the web by putting myself out there so I can someday be found and make my creations into good use. All my creations have been successful experiences so far in my life.

     In the last two years I have been to exhibitions locally and to famous museums. At school we have an annual Art Show that features all of the student's work from the year. My work has been featured at our show every year since freshman year. I always take admiration in many of the local artists around me. Not only have I found inspiration from others at the shows I have attended at our school but people have also found inspiration from what I have submitted. The art show last in May of last year was one of the best I have seen from our school and many of us "blew away" the breaths of many viewers. It was an exciting experience.
     I also attended the exhibitions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York last year. I was so excited to see the collections from prominently famous artists I have only heard about from books such as some artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh, and Georgia O'Keeffe. During my visit I remember there was a special exhibition of some of Dali's work such as the piece, "Soft Construction with Boiled Beans," which was a piece my Spanish class discussed on a lot. Other artists we discussed in class had pieces at the museum which I found were incredible. I could not believe I was seeing the real thing in person, it was simply astonishing. The experience was extremely different in comparison from seeing the photo of copy of it in a book. I was able to truly admire all the pieces in bewilderment and admiration. Seeing all these artists make me feel inspired in hopes that someday I could have work good enough to be in big exhibitions like in this museum.

     The types of literature I read vary and I find to be very indecisive when it comes to figuring out which two books are my favorites. I enjoy almost any book I pick up and read. Recently, one of my favorite books would be The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold.
     Alice Sebold wrote in an astounding and original perspective about a young girl full of wonder, detailing how tragic predicaments can rupture families in pieces but eventually they learn to come closer than ever. Rather than just writing about an ordinary story of a rape experience and death full of despair, she wrote something more extraordinary. The omniscient point of view and unique perspective of a young spirit looking down upon life after death is a very aesthetic subject that brings readers curiosity and wonder. It convinces readers of an imaginative visual of what it would be like living within these worlds. She also gives the reader a sense of sentimentality about the horrific death of Susie Salmon, as she watches the rest of the earth continue life without her. Her subject brings readers to believe and ponder about life and the events that unfold after Susie's spirit passes that boundary line of heaven and earth.
     Alice Sebold's story is a great achievement she has accomplished, and readers can find this compelling novel to be like a beautiful piece of art. She is an artist that imagined an aesthetic portrait of the world and more. The masterpiece she has written is recommended to all who would like to envisage a beautiful world inside this detailed, coherent, and remarkable form of art. Alice Sebold's novel would be loved very much by various audiences who are often into stories full of sentimentality, imagination, suspense, humor, romance, joy, tragedy, reminiscence and happy endings. The book achieved its goal of making readers think of the un-thinkable, and exemplifying lessons that can be learned about significant things in life on earth despite their consequences. It brings insight to reality and how death tragedies can happen similarly in our own lives. "That in the air between the living, spirits bob and weave and laugh with us. They are the oxygen we breathe."
     My second favorite book I have read would be The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. Chbosky created an excellent portrayal of a typical wallflower that comes out from the sidelines to "get involved" in life. Prone towards depression and shyness, a young 14-year-old teenager named Charlie, is one such wallflower that goes through unique life experiences and makes discoveries. With the help of his closest friends around him, he learns a lot about life and interaction. They support his individuality and love for writing, music, and poetry. This book shares the highs and lows of growing up. It is so deep and inspiring it makes the reader look at their own life and their past by providing many life insights and ideas. From the way it was incredibly written, readers can share and relate with Charlie's discoveries of himself through his period of depression and helping him understand how important his past was; whether it was good or bad.
     Chbosky's unique style of writing using letters to a mystery friend exemplified the progress of Charlie's maturity throughout the novel. At the beginning, the sentences seemed simpler and more stagnant, and as the pages progressed they became longer and more detailed with information. Stephen Chbosky created an amazingly accurate picture of him as an introverted teenager growing up. He is one of those rare characters who feel like a friend you never want to lose. This book paints a beautiful picture that everyone should read. It provides a self analysis for the reader, providing inspiration and contemplative thoughts. It is one of those books where you can pick it up, start to read, and never put it down until you finish the last page.

     My involvement in various activities and organizations are definitely one of the most significant pieces about me. From after school to the community, I like to take part in being involved with the society around me.
     Even since my childhood days I have had my artwork published in various places. In elementary school my work was published on covers or content pages of the Just Us Kids newspaper. I also wrote books and stories with illustrations which were published in our elementary school library. In middle school I designed the cover for our school literary magazine called The Talon, and I won first place for the design. I have also participated in a large culturally patterned poster design competition in the 7th grade where I won first place.
     As I entered high school I have entered in our annual art shows, featured in the posters advertising the art shows, had my work featured in county wide exhibitions, published in the county calendars, created and sold holiday ornaments, donated holiday cards to patients in the hospital, created and sold hand-made bags and jewelry, and so much more.
     Besides art I also enjoy theatrical and performing arts. I have attended a few plays at the high school and I started Drama Club when I was in the 8th grade. I assisted in the plays and played important roles in such as one notable play we performed for children at various schools called, "Charlotte's Web."
     In school I have been in quite a few clubs and organizations. I was a member in the National Art Honors Society, National Honors Society, Spanish Honors Society, Leo Club, Language Mentoring, and Historian in Future Business Leaders of America. In National Art Honors Society we would raise money for the benefit of the school and community by creating crafts for sale. We made crafts like hand-painted ornaments for the holidays and hand-painted pots for the spring. As a member of National Honors Society we participated in services such as tutoring fellow students at our school who have trouble with subjects in class. For Spanish Honors Society we made a dedication to advancing the Spanish language and participating in community and school services. Events such as fundraising by car washing, cookie dough sales, and participating in the Language Mentoring program were some of the activities we did. Within the language mentoring program we tutored elementary school students with their language skills to better improve their speaking, reading, and writing. Participation in Future Business Leaders of America club included activities such as attending leadership conferences which helps students to prepare for careers in business. This program gave a competitive to learn about leadership events, finding success, learning ideas about shaping future careers, and developing character. As a Historian I took part in a leadership position by organizing and writing articles about our conferences.
     Besides student organizations and programs I also participated in various athletics especially during physical education class. One such sport I favorably enjoy is tennis. During the spring time since 2005, I tried out and made the Junior Varsity Aberdeen Tennis team with my position as a 1st doubles player. In 10th grade, I was nominated as the JV team captain playing 1st singles. Then in spring 2007 I made it to Varsity as a 2nd doubles player.
     Outside of school I participated in the community by attending to some church festivities at St. Joan of Arc Parish. I joined The Edge youth group every week and then in 10th grade I became confirmed to my church. I have assisted with young children during their group meetings every week, teaching them about our faith and religion.
     During the summer of 2005 from June 20 - August 12, I participated in the Maryland Research Institute of Chemical Defense (MRICD) as a first-time intern. It is administered by the George Washington University and becoming an intern there was a great opportunity for plenty of learning while making a little money. After my acceptance, they placed me in their Graphics Department where the graphic designers there create medical related designs. Instead of being placed as an intern with one of the scientists, this was the department that I was placed in which provided a greater opportunity to learn to do graphics design. I learned to create scientific posters for the research staff to present their data at national and international professional meetings. I also created logo designs for a small company in Edgewood, Maryland dedicated to Parent Child Care Development. I learned a lot about the process of design and how my art and technology from today can be combined to communicate information.

- Principal's Award for Academic Excellence

- Student of the Month

- Distinguished Honor Roll

- Certificates of Recognition in Artistic Excellence from 2006, 2007, 2008

- Art Exhibition at County Level on Sept 25 - Nov 29, 2006

- Community Services Award

- Nomination in The National Society of High School Scholars

- Aberdeen High School Art Show Exhibition 2006

2nd place - Drawing

- Aberdeen High School Art Show Exhibition 2007

People's Choice Award

1st place - Drawing

3rd place - Drawing

- Second Place Harford County Earth Day Shirt Design Competition

- Maryland Distinguished Scholar (Honorable Mention)

- 1st place Winner in Aberdeen High School Psychology Fair