Growing up I loved art. I doodled on everything, drew on every sticky note I could find, and colored until my crayons were no longer crayons.

 

I always thought that my creativity was just a hobby, an after-school activity, probably because it wasn’t a priority in my early education systems. 

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I had to stop doodling to focus on my math test and put down the crayons so I could finish my social studies homework.

 

My life was missing so much joy when I would shut out my creativity.

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Sophomore year of High School I joined Journalism classes. 

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I was put on a yearbook team where we were encouraged to let our creativity run wild, we created style guides, covered content that mattered, and produced award-worthy publications

 

My yearbook teacher saw so much potential in me as a designer, and this was such a memorable time in my life because 

 

I discovered that my creativity is a gift.

 

I learned that creativity can be turned into a career and the common question “what do you want to be when you grow up” was suddenly answered.

 

Applying to colleges marked the start of my creative-discovery. 

 

Getting into Carolina and Hussman School of Journalism & Media wiped away the self-doubt I previously had. I was smart enough, I was creative enough, and I am talented.

 

Coming to Carolina, I have consistently been surrounded by light, talent, passion, and knowledge. I knew I wanted to do magazine design but I still doubted my skills in illustration. 

 

Every day I went to class, I chipped away at this doubt. I have become a strong designer, and can show this instead of just telling.

 

At Carolina I have had access to so many opportunities to grow as a leader, designer, teammate, and person. 

 

This past year I was elected Apparel Director for my sorority. 

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I designed apparel for our social and philanthropy events and was able to create a brand that catered to our chapter at Carolina. I worked alongside my chapter of 240 girls, and printing companies to design, print, and fulfill apparel orders for a year. 

This was such a developmental role for my illustration and organizational skills, efficiency, and communication.

 

This past November, I was elected VP of Communications for UNC’s Panhellenic Exec Board,

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I have recently transitioned into this role and I will now not only represent Panhellenic on the exec board but create and implement marketing and branding strategies in every element of Panhellenic’s communication. 

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I am on a creative journey that fulfills me every day, 

but most importantly I have become a person that an 8-year-old MK would be so proud of. Someone who radiates light, authenticity, empathy, kindness, and limitless creativity.