I have ultimately given up the idea of getting a degree in Biology. So...

I'M A DIGITAL MEDIA MAJOR!!!

Ohh, it is such a relief. All of my science classes(though incredibly fun) have left me with absolutely no time to draw. It's been killing my psyche and my creative soul. None to worry, though, I've gotten some good art in and a TON of encouragement! I can hardly believe it! Check it out~

Remember that "Definition" drawing I put up for critiques? It was for a week long campus event called 'Take Back the Night'. It is a program dedicated to raising awareness about sexual abuse, and this year's theme was 'Healing Through the Arts'. The chairwomen hosted at art contest and this([link]) was my entry. Well, guess what? I got first place! Not only did they blow it up to a big poster size(and let me have it for free!), display it in the university coffee shop for a good few weeks and project it on to a big screen throughout the entire open mic coffee house, I also received a gift certificate, it is going to be passed down through the following years of the program, AND there was an article about it in a newsletter in the sociology department. ...AND a couple of other people have told me that they want to buy prints of it!

The most rewarding part of it all, however, was when people came up to me after the open mic and expressed to me how the image had affected them individually. As one girl confessed about her past during the open mic, she used the phrase over and over that she would not let her past define her. It was amazing!


Now, my parents and friends are beginning to lean on me for art projects. I have a friend who developed an idea but couldn't draw it, so he's having me help him out. I'm almost done and I'll defiantly want critiques and such(maybe after finals I can have it up ). Also, as a gift for my grandpa, my parents are using two of my art projects in a calendar for him. Not only that, but someone in the Rett community saw the project that I did of my sister([link]) and she wants to order a couple of prints. My step mom is wondering if maybe IRSF(International Rett Syndrome Foundation([link])) couldn't use the image.

I am so excited! I've never thought that I was the best artist and I still know for a fact that I am not. Despite that, however, I can still express the message and fulfill my purpose. I can't wait to begin classes next semester so I can learn more about this!


Aaanyway, I'll stop rambling.

Besides all of the art stuff that has been going on, I absolutely love this university! The people are passionate about the things that I love, like community, peace and love, family, education, environmental sustainability and a ton of other things. I have a core group of friends on campus who have supported me and love me unconditionally. It blows my mind that they have accepted me so perfectly and encourage me so radically. I am so blessed!

And there are a ton of awesome things to do on campus! I've been practicing walking on a slack line(something like tight rope) and also have played pool(and other deviations of the game) several nights; we sleep up on the hill every Tuesday night to remember refugees and those who are less fortunate than us(one night, we saw a meteor shower!); there is a swing dance group(I'M DOING AERIALS!! So much fun!); on Friday nights, we watch the Firefly TV series together; we've played in the campus fountain; one night, we ate a Kenyan meal together; we're having a Hanukkah party together; golly, we went out to a cabin in the woods for a weekend... the list is just endless!

I've also found a great church! The truth claims of one pastor is a little off(from a Messianic Jewish perspective ), but the other pastor that I have listened to understands the cultural ties and Hebrew perspective of the Old and New Testament, and that's something that I greatly appreciate. Even more so, they have deep deep ties in the community. The church is very locally based and they have so much outreach in the city. The service is greatly composed of homeless citizens who are finding jobs through the church. They also create jobs, greatly encourage creativity, have a passion and focus on community and accountability and a variety of other things that I am still learning. Already, I have helped out at some property that the church bought; they are going to use the land to raise livestock and fish, produce food and offer homes, jobs and support to people who need it. I LOVE it!

To wrap up(bah, chemistry exam tomorrow that I need to study for, amongst other homework), I am thriving here in my university and could not be happier. One day, I shall return! Until then, I pray that God will bless you!


P.S. If you dearly miss me and wish to keep in better contact with me, drop me a note and I can give you a couple of other ways to keep in contact with me. PLEASE DO! I miss you all D: