My favorite type of art to create are paintings. I feel there is a flow in which painting allows. I like creating visual arts because it allows one to escape their reality temporarily and view somebody else’s world or perspective. I like painting with acrylic paint as well as watercolor because of the thought process that goes into it, such as mixing colors or editing my drawings before I start painting. There’s also a contentment I feel when I’m painting.

I draw inspiration from various places. For example, I’m inspired by nature and seeing trees and flowers and wildlife such as butterflies. I also draw inspiration from my surroundings, like my favorite foods, a pet that I’ve had, or a certain feeling that I’m feeling that day. Sometimes, I just start drawing or painting and see where my creative works take me. I also am inspired by my community in which I live and work. Lastly, I’m inspired by other people‘s creative work.

I would do various things with $25,000. I would first donate money to Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, where I was treated for a malignant brain tumor when I was an infant. I would also donate money to foundations supporting research for pediatric brain tumor patients and survivors. In addition, I would use some of the money to get student housing for a masters program I got accepted into. Lastly, I would use the money to learn more artistic techniques such as drawing or painting people.