I became a mentor because I believe everyone deserves a safe, gentle, and nonjudgmental space to be themselves. As an open and curious person, I’m driven by a love for following my dreams and exploring my imagination. Empathy is central to who I am, and I’m passionate about creating spaces where people can unmask and express their authentic selves, however that shows up in their actions and thoughts. Growing up thrifting nurtured my love for vintage and all things adornment, which I see as creative outlets for self-affirmation and identity expression. I’m inspired by the ebbs and flows of transitioning through different facets of my identity, and these transitions often inform my creative practice. I’m deeply immersed in mixed media art, working with rug making, jewelry design, and crochet to craft textured, tactile pieces that materialize my experiences. I also have a deep love for archives, research, writing, and reading—passions that fuel my ongoing participation in writing workshops and the development of a class on shifting perspectives. I’m particularly drawn to formless writing and enjoy experimenting with innovative research methodologies as extensions of my love for the humanities. For me, all of these practices—whether creative or intellectual—are about grounding myself, fostering connection, and cultivating spaces for self-expression and exploration.