17, aspiring graphic designer. Loved drawing since I was a young lad. As school became more academic, my creative side was shut up; art doesn't get you a job, after all. Went through middleschool lonely and talentless. Did my homework, got the grades, but had no outlet for what I wanted to do. Summer - Got into photography one day, used my dad's old camera. It was something creative and practical. I became obsessed, took pictures constantly. Saved up for a better camera. Finally got it one day, became more interested. Helped friends and family do portraits, and product photography. Come high school, freshman year, I take less pictures. The academic environment again suppresses the arts within me. "Artists don't get paid, you'll never go anywhere in life. Life is serious now". I listened and accepted. Did my work, studied. Became depressed and lonely once again.

I was procrastinating on homework one day, doodling on the back of my worksheet in the hallway during a free period. Art teacher liked what I was doing, wanted me in her class. I almost refused at first, for I felt it would be a waste of time - it would detract from my schoolwork. Something within me compelled me to do it anyway. I was crap at it, my art sucked. I hadn't drawn anything seriously for years. I was almost discouraged. No - I told myself I would defy all those who told me art was a dead end. I had for so long complied to the mindset of the academics, and become so lost. Doing art was the only thing that made me happy. So I drew constantly, several times a week. I was determined to prove everyone wrong, and it motivated me every day.

I didn't let it ruin my grades, I tried my best to keep both balanced. It was obviously hard, but I realized that it was my calling, I had to do it. I often lost hope, hated my work and wanted to quit. But I kept at it. And here I am. At the threshold of the rest of my life; heading off to college soon. I have worked so hard and so long, I can only hope my efforts were enough to make a future of graphic design feasible. I just want to prove everyone wrong, and that I can do it. I hope I can.