Self-Expression
Self-Expression – Voices 60
Last Updated on September 3, 2020 by blendtw

In the 7th grade, I was either 12 or 13 years old, I declared that I wanted to be a big shot surgeon. My family was proud of my decision to go into the medical field, and that fueled my decision for many years- that and many seasons of Grey’s Anatomy.
Fast forward to junior year, I discovered my passion for baking and cake decorating. I quickly got my first job at the local bakery and I felt like the stars had aligned.
My years at the bakery were incredible! My job was to create edible art, and it seemed like it was a ‘too good to be true’ type of job- to wake up every day and bake cake. The cakes I decorated were a representation of myself and my skill, and I took great pride in my work.
No matter how hard the day was, or how many things went wrong, seeing the excitement on the customers face when they saw the art that I created with my own hands is a wonderful feeling.
I never considered myself as ‘artistic’ or ‘creative’ because those weren’t the qualities of a surgeon. I was meant to be critical and analytical, but at the bakery I discovered talents that I never thought I had in me.
Besides decorating cakes, coming up with new flavors was an expression of myself. Coming up with flavor combinations and recipes isn’t as easy as one might think.
It takes a lot of planning, research, and trial and error. But when you get it right, the satisfaction is worth all the trouble.
My edible art is a reflection of myself, of my passion, and of my creativity. I can express myself however I want through my decorations, colors, and techniques.
I can bake something safe and traditional. Or if I’m feeling daring, I can create something new and out of the box. I can experiment with different ingredients or techniques, and use those new skills to broaden my range of expression.
When baking, the possibilities are endless as long as you are willing to just go for it.
Self-Expression
Self-Expression – Voices 65
Last Updated on September 3, 2020 by blendtw

I do abstract art so that my feelings can be visually observed. Art, for me, is very therapeutic and it helps me to understand how I feel. My art can also be used to work out my emotions by physically drawing and visually seeing them.
For the most part, I draw mandala style. Because of that, there is usually not a specific subject that I focus on. My various lines and patterns just change based on what I am feeling at that time.
I draw in my mandala style because I like to express my emotions in this abstract way. Rather than trying to replicate something exactly, my style allows my hand to flow freely based on my feelings.
I have thought about taking art classes to improve my expertise, but I have not actually taken a serious one yet. Even though it is not in an art classroom, I do show my abstract art to people who I feel comfortable with, like close friends or relatives. I do not show it do everyone since my work is personal to and for me.
Someone negatively judging my art is the same as them negatively judging me. So, I show my art to the people I trust. For example, I show my work to my family, especially my mom.
My sister used to draw, but she does not anymore, so I am the only one who draws now. When people do see my drawings, I usually get nervous.
I am basically exposing a part of myself by showing them an art piece. But, depending on the reaction of the person I show, I may also end up feeling accomplished.
That feeling of accomplishment is partly why I would recommend drawing to others. Any art form in general. I think it’s a great outlet for people who enjoy art.
Self-Expression
Self-Expression – Voices 64
Last Updated on September 3, 2020 by blendtw

I have a bunch in my house. I started with succulents because those are almost impossible to kill.
I definitely don’t have a natural green thumb. I’ve killed my fair share of plants.
I’ve even killed a cactus before. I’m getting a lot better now. I have about 12 plants in my house and they are all alive and doing well.
I just have to remember to water them. I also talk to my plants. I like to think it helps them grow.
I feel like I’m bonding with them. I give them names too.
I love having plants in my house. They clean the air and make my house look nice and lively. It makes me so happy to see all the life in my house.
Tending to plants or even just looking at them helps me clear my mind. It’s a great stress reliever.
Next spring, I want to start planting a garden in my backyard. I’m really excited for it. I want to plant a bunch of veggies and fruits that I can eat in the summer.
It would be so amazing to have fresh produce right outside my house. It would save me money, be good for the environment, and be a good outlet for me after my stressful days at work.
I’m trying to live more sustainably and I think gardening could help. Eventually, I really want to get into urban farming. That way I’d get to spend more time gardening and working with plants.
Plus, I’d be able to grow all my own food and be self-sufficient. I’m a long way away from there, but it’s a nice goal to have.
Self-Expression
Self-Expression – Voices 63
Last Updated on September 3, 2020 by blendtw

They inspired me and gave me ideas for what type of productions I would like to be a part of. I remember when I was around four years old, I would put on plays for my family.
I would have my siblings and cousins play the supporting roles, but they never had many lines! As you can see from a young age, I enjoyed how acting gives people the ability to collaborate with others.
However, this soon was enough for me. I wanted to act in a theater group with a real organized cast. Soon enough, I was in acting classes and starred in many musicals and plays throughout my childhood.
I took pride in my work and took it very seriously. Acting in theater group also helped me expand and perfect my craft.
Learning from professionals who were so passionate about acting really inspired me to keep growing as an actress. Furthermore, I was also inspired by my cast mates who have become some of my lifelong friends to this day. Even though we all now young adults with busy lives, we still make a point to keep in touch.
Currently, acting is still a hobby of mine. However, I am not currently in a theater group and have strayed away from theater quite a bit.
It is not that I do not enjoy theater, but I found a such a profound love for comedy. Personally, I feel that comedy is very underrated and should be celebrated more in society.
It’s such a great genre that brings smiles to those who watch and those who act in the field. I first became hooked on this genre after acting in a comedy seminar around two years ago.
It complimented my outspoken and bubbly personality perfectly. Also, I never felt like I was truly being myself on stage or screen before acting in comedy.
This was never a problem for me though, as I loved portraying different characters. However, comedy makes me feel like I am truly being myself and expressing myself in the most natural way!