When I first started middle school I was unsure of what I wanted to do with my life. The thought hadn’t really crossed my mind, however, people would bring it up here and there. One thing I was sure of at the time though was that I didn’t like art class. I wasn’t any good and I didn’t see a point to it if I wasn’t ever going to get better. After my first year in middle school I decided I wanted to try something new and chose a dance elective. A few days into my second year I was switched classes and ended up in art once again. My art teacher Mr. Garrard had switched me and said that he wanted me in the class and that he wanted me to continue with it. I felt so angry that he had done that without first talking to me about it. Despite my anger, I accepted the situation and figured I might as well put real effort into it. I thought perhaps I could get better with time and maybe do something with it in the future. While in the class, Mr. Garrard would talk to me about the different artists of the world and would go on and on about his personal beliefs, mottos, philosophies and everything that crossed his mind. It was mind boggling how he could go on and on but everything he said was so motivating and captivating. He carried himself around very proudly and I felt like he could never be wrong. He became an idol to me someone who was fearless and could do whatever he wanted. When he set his mind to a task he would do it whether it was painting, sculpture, drawing, making masks, everything. I thought if I follow the same path as he did I could also become like him; and so I pursued my studies in art with the goal of eventually being able to become just like him. Even now I still want to be like him but I’ve also realized that I want to find my own way of inspiring others. I want to find a path for myself and become my own person that can motivate kids to pursue the arts and overall just pursue whatever it is their hearts desire. Art is a pathway to expressing your beliefs, thoughts, and more importantly your dreams. I believe that art education is important to students because it helps them realize their full potential and provides an outlet for students to put their ideas out into the world.