I have always been intrigued by the idea of immortality, and how living forever might alter one's views on life and emotions that we as mortals feel so strongly.

Throughout this year, I've found myself through three stages of self-growth: awareness, self-discovery, and change.

I used to have an old oak tree that had been there since before my dad was alive, and I liked to sit there as a child or climb it.

To me, eating has been not just a passion but really just something that has shaped my norms.

My artwork encapsulates my struggle with an eating disorder as I grew up, which stemmed from competitive dance.

My artwork has become a container for myself. Besides this container, I jam myself up, silencing self-exposure and limiting expression.

I wrote a small piece about a woman sacred to love a man and when she speaks of this and gives her grandparents as an example, he convinces her to give him a chance.

I find solace in the words I write. Turning to the page in times of struggle and uncertainty.

I allowed myself to write whatever I wanted with no limits.

It's a way for me to explore concepts and play with words in a way that I don't have the opportunity to in regular conversation.

As one of my assignments, I had to write a poem about who I am. I had to think about who I actually am.

I draw a lot of inspiration for writing from my experience as a nonbinary lesbian, and how it affects me both physically and emotionally.

I used my experiences, inspiration from other poets and media that shaped me, and thoughts I've kept to myself for years.

In my writing, I enjoy exploring the depth of human emotion through metaphorical storytelling.

I used Sandra Cisneros' novel The House on Mango Street as a mentor text and she helped me try a new writing style and take risks in my writing.