I always had a decent appreciation for the fine arts, ever since I was a young child. But to be quite honest, we all were. Raise your hand if your parents hung up every painting you did in daycare!

At first, I just simply admired the whole. I liked looking at the colors and shapes. My child mind appreciated the placement of everything. Later on, I started to become very invested in colors. I was that girl with the one hundred and something crayon pack with the sharpener. I remembered the Crayola type names, such as Macaroni and Cheese yellow.

Growing up, I thought that an artist was either a painter or illustrator. So I aspired to be a painter. It did not work out. My parents bought me this paint kit that came with an easel, canvas, brush set and a few oil paints. I painted a smiley face on that canvas and never touched the easel again. Sorry, mom.

During that time, I experienced a shift. I became a little less concerned with the colors and the shapes. I just thought it looked pretty, then I move on. Soon after, I became interested in fashion design. I was pretty good too! I remember I was so proud when my designs would be hung on the walls of the local YMCA. So I aspired to be a fashion designer. It did not work out. I still have a perfectly functioning sewing machine in my room that I barely touch. Again, sorry mom.

Enter middle school. I still admired the color and shapes and now textiles, but just briefly — just enough to be creative in art class. I was involved in the drama club for some time. So I later aspired to become an actress. This did not work out too well, either. This time, my parents really couldn't afford to briefly support this wild dream. Once I hit high school, I was no longer a budding artist. I just wanted to pass, and I thought that the fine arts courses were not for me ... until senior year.

Senior year was my peak in high school because that was when I changed the most. I would like to personally thank the new friends I made my senior year for allowing me to be myself, and teaching me that everything in life has colors and shapes to notice. I began to understand that an artist is more than a painter. An artist creates visuals, whatever they are. So my parents invested in my photography hobby. I'm calling it a hobby, just to play it safe, and ever since, I've stuck with it.

From my senior year, I have been interested in paintings, photography, and illustrations. My childlike appreciation is budding back into existence. I finally found an outlet that allows me to not only express myself, but also find and express the beauty of what is around me. And I appreciate those who are divulging into their passion for the fine arts and wanting a profession out of it.

I wish I was as daring as you guys.

Photography right now is my interest. Will it be my aspiration? I don't know mom.