I’m a student at SHSU studying 2D Studio Art with a minor in Art History and Management. I started my journey as a photojournalist in the Marine Corps, making records of our Marines via articles and photos and sending them back home to the families utilizing DVIDS, publishing them on the base newspaper, and sharing them on Marines.net. After honorably discharging in 2017, I went on to major in University Studies of Architecture with minors in Parks & Recreation and Historic Preservation at Texas A&M. This prompted the question of whose history do we remember and why that question is vital for our present and future. Due to COVID, I went on to work as an over the road driver of an 18 wheeler and finished my degree while training other drivers. That was an experience I don’t recommend (very stressful balancing both) but it was very enlightening. Being over the road allowed me the opportunity to see the rest of the lower 48 from a different perspective and exposed me to some incredible views. Art is alive and we use it everywhere. I began building my portfolio over the road to pursue my dream of going to school for art. And here I am.I believe my background not only allows me to recognize places, their significance, but also how culture and background impact art and how the pieces stories are also told now versus then. I love learning and seeing the symbolism in pieces.