You Tell No One: My Complicated Relationship with Art and being a First Generation Student

You Tell No One, a mixed media piece, represents my love for making art and the process of it, despite it not being my best talent. As a first generation student, I have done everything alone and never asked for help from loved ones. I used to be really secretive and untrue to myself. I was never a fan of showing off my accomplishments or projects in fear of not being seen as “good enough.” Being the first to go to college in my family is such a scary feeling. I was terrified that I would be completely alone after leaving my support system at home.

Through UCSD this winter quarter, I took my first ever art class, VIS 2, and it was there that I learned that there is so much more to art than a piece “looking good.” I truly opened my mind to all kinds of mediums and have gained so much more respect for people who are passionate about what they create. I realize it is such a privilege to be here at a UC where I now have the opportunity to connect with similar people from various places. People from all over the world come to our campus to seek higher education. We are all here to better ourselves in one way or another and I am slowly finding like minded people that support me through anything.

I have always known that I liked to create art and being able to create brings me much joy. It is a chance to express myself, get out of my anxious headspace, and give myself a chance to think with no boundaries. The film negatives glued on are of places and friends in San Diego, my new home. I am so grateful and proud of myself that I have come this far.