Artist Statement

My creativity sparks from my inner child-like flame; I have an almost naive outlook on life and I believe that there is innocence in every situation. You see, I never got to be a child because of my extracurricular activities that forced me to grow up when I could've stayed immature a little longer. I started as a ballet dancer at the age of five, for a little girl from an impoverished neighborhood, I wasn't expected to experience such a sport. As I began to excel, I was recommended to take pre-professional classes with the sixteen year old teenagers when I was only 8. Because I was surrounded by older influences, I began to mature at an early age, this set me apart from most of the kids in my own neighborhood because they believed I thought I was a "know-it-all". My outlook on life began to change because I was being exposed to different areas. My mom always wanted me to know that there were better things waiting for me outside my own neighborhood. I was fortunate because many of the other kids didn't travel like I did, they didn't know that there were greater things than what we were predisposed to. My way of thinking was different than the kids in my age group, at that time I was the only child and didn't have many friends to play with. I was alone so often that I began to think and analyze the world around me. I knew that nothing was really expected of me because of where I'm from, but I also knew that where I was from didn't make who I was. At dance school, people knew me for my talent and wanted to befriend me because they were intrigued by my rapid advancement, whereas, kids from my own neighborhood only saw me as a "bougie rich girl" because I went to one of the most prestigious dance schools in NYC. I began to notice the real reason why I didn't have friends at home; I was a challenge. Anyone with a powerful dream or a dedication to anything that will allow you to be exposed to something better than what you're used to, you become a threat in your own community. I posed a threat to those of my neighborhood because I was the proof that my neighborhood didn't define my being and wouldn't define my future. In my future endeavors as a writer, filmmaker or actress, I want to show that no matter what limitations seem to be set for you, you can always break the barriers and reach for the stars AND the galaxy. My motivation is my neighborhood because it showed me the good and the bad that comes along with anything in life. I know that I want to escape this psychological jail that tries to restrain my talent and creativity. I'm constantly influenced by people who excelled greatly that came from impoverished neighborhoods such as Michael Jordan or Esther Rolle (who is a Hunter alum). I want to show everyone in my neighborhood that you can do anything you set your mind to and if you allow where you're from to define who you are, then you'll be a slave to your own mind.