While facing a difficult challenge early in childhood, my interest began to take form. I had a mild speech impediment—a fact that was immensely frustrating, because when I attempted to channel my thoughts through spoken language, the words came out jumbled or in some strange voice—yet it was through this challenge that I was introduced to the medium of art as a refuge. Although I have fully overcome my speech impediment, and now thoroughly enjoy oral communication, art will forever be my first and most powerful voice. Art is the continual theme that holds my life story together.