I like to explore different types of art, but my favorite things to create are pieces inspired by my native culture and cartoons. I enjoy drawing cartoon characters, especially on canvas, because it lets me be creative and have fun with my work. I’m also working on improving my skills by teaching myself how to draw faces, which has been a challenge but something I’m really interested in getting better at.

I find my inspiration in my life experiences. I’ve struggled with a disability in reading and writing, but art gives me a different way to express myself. When I create, I don’t feel limited—I feel like I have a talent that allows me to show people what I love to do. That motivates me to keep drawing and improving, and to share my work with others.

I would use the $25,000 to take art classes so I can improve my skills, especially learning how to draw faces. One of my biggest goals is to create a portrait of my birth dad, who passed away when I was under a year old. That piece would be very meaningful to me. I also want to keep growing as an artist so I can share my work with the people in my life and create art that others can connect with.