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I grew up in West Palm Beach, Florida. I started making art around the age of 2 or 3, relatively the same time I learned to read and use a toilet. Even at a very early age, I used visual references observed in my everyday life to create ideal imagined worlds. In elementary school I drifted away from art, but in middle school everything changed when I saw the behind-the-scenes footage on a DVD of Pixar's Finding Nemo. They discusses the process of making the film and I realized that it was possible to have a career and get paid to make animated films. My interest in drawing was piqued yet again. I began doing reproductions of my favorite cartoon characters, and they were praised by my peers so I did more. Unsure of where my focus should be to achieve my career goals, I dabbled in upper level math, computer science, and art. Drawing was always my peace; my zen outlet compared to the monotonous task of completing school work.



As my high school career drew to a close, I was mesmerized and enchanted by the idea of attending a private art college and spending all my time soaking up the creative juices of my surroundings and peers. Unfortunately, the financial realities of this dream were unattainable and I was relegated to a state university [*GASP*]. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the University of Central Florida had a strong arts program, including an intensive and selective Character Animation program. I planned my courses correctly, completing all the necessary prerequisites and was excepted into the 2-year program at the end of my sophomore year. After having completed my first year in the program I can honestly say that choosing UCF is the best possible decision I could have made. I am receiving a top-notch, well rounded education from professors who have worked at studios such as Rhythm & Hues and Walt Disney Animation at a fraction of the price that a private school would have cost. 



As for the future, the next year will be dedicated to completing our team's short film, Celestial, and preparing my demo reel to enter the entertainment workforce once I graduate next spring. I also hope to finish some of the personal projects I have in the works as well. But all in all, I just hope to continue creating and bringing joy to others through my own self-expression.