Becoming

My curiosity and desire for truth and clarity have always led me into new adventures and discoveries. I use my innate ability to draw connections, form insights, and empathize for clarity, truth, and harmony; moreover, I combine rational thinking and emotional data with aesthetics.

Creative Beginnings (High School Years: 1999-2003)

Entering high school, I began writing creative short stories and poems, and drawing from observation while continuing to use my imagination to explore various styles and techniques. The summer before 9th grade, I took Intensive Reading and Intensive Mathematics as instructed by my 8th-grade teacher. She mentioned that these courses weren’t required to enter high school but recommended them for a deeper understanding and practice. During the Intensive Reading course, I started expressing my creativity through writing, participating in poetry readings with a small group of students at the school library. This experience sparked a passion that led me to take a creative writing course in my 12th-grade year, fulfilling most of my electives through art courses.

My journey through high school was marked by artistic growth and academic exploration. I was accepted into Advanced Placement Art by Jacquelin Downey, my art instructor for four years, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from the Pratt Institute. In the 11th grade, I took Art-Drawing Portfolio, focusing on a metaphysical theme by asking, “What is Life?” After the college board graded my work, I received a 3 (qualified). I proceeded by taking Advanced Placement 2D Design during my 12th-grade year, focusing on Abstract Architecture, recalling memories of living in New York. This work earned me a 4 (well qualified) from the College Board.

I was given the option to graduate early but chose to stay and participate in the Academy of Finance, a vocational program that introduced me to the stock market, Microsoft Excel, and resume design. Through this program and a recommendation from Jacquelin Downey, I won a spot to be mentored in graphic design and advertising, meeting professionals from Sun-Sentinel and other companies. I graduated from the Broward County Academy of Finance on May 21, 2003.

I completed 118 community service hours, mainly volunteering at an after-school program at Horizon Elementary in Sunrise, Florida. My involvement in various school clubs, including SWAT, SADD, DECA, BPA, and HELP, helped shape my interests, but I focused primarily on Reach for Peace/Human Relations Council and Character Corps during my senior year. As Vice President of Character Corps, a crime watch program, I engaged in activities outside of school. On June 13, 2003, I graduated from Piper High School with a district class rank of 137 out of 725 students, placing me in the 19th percentile with a district GPA of 3.63 and a state GPA of 3.36.

Early Aspirations and Initial Education (2003-2004)

As an art student, critiques were frequently held to judge our visual expressions for beauty and meaning, leading to a sense of pride in my work. The summer following my high school graduation in 2003 was a time of excitement and ambition. Eager to pursue my passion, I enrolled at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale with the goal of obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design.

It was encouraging to see friends from Piper High School join me for orientation, fostering a sense of community. Over the course of a year, from summer 2003 to summer 2004, I immersed myself in courses such as Illustration, Topics for Composition, Typography, and Introduction to Psychology. However, on October 18, 2004, I made the difficult decision to withdraw from the program and all its courses, marking the end of my initial foray into graphic design.

Balancing Work and Contemplation (2004-2005)

During this period, I worked as a Customer Service Cashier at Burlington Coat Factory in Sawgrass Mills Mall. Starting in January 2004, my role evolved as I became a Customer Service Specialist, taking on responsibilities such as training new hires, managing layaways and returns, and handling various tasks to support the store’s operations. This experience not only honed my customer service skills but also provided financial stability as I contemplated my next steps.

In parallel, I engaged in introspection, journaling my thoughts on graphic design. I envisioned myself not just as a designer selling to clients but as an artist expressing my own ideas and creativity. This internal dialogue fueled my desire to find a path that aligned more closely with my personal artistic aspirations.

Returning to Education: Broward College (2005-2006)

On August 22, 2005, I decided to return to school, enrolling in the Recreation Technology Program at Broward College’s A. Hugh Adams Central Campus in Davie, Florida. Despite my enthusiasm, the transition was challenging. I struggled academically, earning a GPA of 1.75 with grades of D in Environmental Science and Social Psychology, a C in Principles of Supervision, and a B in Public Speaking. Disheartened by my performance, I took a hiatus from my studies to regain focus and emotional stability.

Embracing Visual Fine Arts (2006-2008)

By August 21, 2006, I chose to follow my heart rather than financial considerations, switching my major to Visual Fine Arts. This decision reinvigorated my passion for art, and my academic performance improved significantly. I dedicated myself to my studies, enrolling in courses like Art History Survey: Renaissance to Modern, Life Drawing, Astronomy Lab, Professional/Technical Writing, and Theatre Appreciation.

My hard work paid off on May 5, 2008, when I was named to the President’s List for achieving straight A’s and a 4.0 GPA during the winter term. The following day, I was awarded an Associate in Arts degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.22, having completed 68 credit hours.

Transition to Florida Atlantic University (2008-2011)

In August 2008, I made the pivotal decision to further my education at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in Boca Raton. Resigning from my position at Burlington Coat Factory, I began working at FAU’s Communication Services Infrastructure department as a Switchboard Operator on August 25, 2008. This role provided me with valuable administrative experience while I pursued my Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art.

Living in the school dorms for my first year, I formed a meaningful relationship with my first boyfriend, Pavel S., whom I met online after overcoming several unsuccessful attempts on dating sites. His family welcomed me, allowing me to live with him during my final two years at FAU. This period was marked by both personal growth and academic achievement. On May 6, 2011, I graduated from FAU with a BA in Art: Studio, concentrating on drawing, painting, and printmaking.

Personal Growth and Challenges

Living in Florida presented its own set of challenges, from adjusting to the intense heat to navigating social dynamics in school. My perseverance was tested as I dealt with personal issues, including hormonal acne and post-graduation depression. Despite these obstacles, I remained committed to my artistic and personal development.

My journey after high school took unexpected turns. Despite my aspirations for a career in Graphic Design, I found myself grappling with financial challenges, the loss of my father, and a lifelong battle for overall wellness. I attended The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale (AIFL) after graduating from high school, driven by a desire to merge my creative passion with a career that emphasized profit. However, after accumulating significant debt, I left the field of Graphic Design to pursue something with intrinsic value, ultimately realizing my calling as a studio artist.

This realization led me to Broward College, where I pursued my passions and received a quality education. My former drawing teacher, Jan Johnson, recognized my talent and encouraged me to enter the Bachelor of Fine Arts program at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), where I graduated magna cum laude in 2011. My time at FAU was pivotal in developing my distinctive artistic style, which explores complex narratives using symbols, allegories, and colors.

Throughout my educational journey, I continued to express myself through writing and art, maintaining blogs to explore questions about love and life. These creative outlets were instrumental in helping me navigate complex emotions and set future goals.

Since leaving the field of Graphic Design, I had considered attending an educator’s preparation institute and becoming a teacher, so I wasn’t concerned about finding employment. I believed I could secure a temporary teaching license while fulfilling the requirements to teach art in public schools. By now, I’ve accumulated approximately thirty thousand dollars in debt, which is manageable compared to the forty thousand dollars I might have owed if I had continued at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. However, I no longer qualified for Federal Pell Grants, and without a job, I couldn’t afford to attend the Education Preparation Institute at Broward College in Sunrise, Florida.

Initially, I expected similar benefits to those I received at FAU when I enrolled in Broward College’s Educator Preparation Institute program. I also assumed I could secure a job while meeting the program requirements, just as I did when I became a Pharmacy Technician. As an autodidact, I entered the medical field, ensuring I met the pharmacist’s expectations regarding training, self-education, and passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam.

Post-Graduation and Future Aspirations

After graduating from FAU, I returned to Broward College to further my education in teaching and leadership. With the guidance of professors like Jeannette Verboom, I strengthened my research and writing skills, ultimately receiving a graduate certificate in 2020. This journey of self-discovery has given me a deeper sense of self-awareness and the capability to manifest my artistic vision into reality.

In 2016, Victoria Skinner, my former narrative drawing teacher at FAU, wrote a letter of support for me, highlighting my work ethic, creativity, and perseverance. Her words were a testament to the growth I experienced during my time at FAU and the dedication I have to my craft.

Through it all, I have always seen the world through the lens of “Line Art,” a skill honed from a young age. Over time, I learned to focus on shapes as forms and the play of light and shadow, yet “line” remains a prominent element in my work.

After graduating from FAU in 2011, I faced the reality of financial responsibilities, including consolidated loans that emphasized the need for financial independence. Determined to achieve financial freedom, I embarked on various initiatives:

• Vision for the Future: Developed my brand “Time2Bloom” to symbolize my commitment to personal and professional growth starting in 2011.
• Child Care Training: Enrolled in the Child Care Training program at Nova Southeastern University, completing it online in 2016.
• Building an Online Art Store: Launched an online platform to showcase and sell my artwork, integrating my passion for art with entrepreneurial endeavors in 2024.

Struggles with Employment After Graduating from FAU

Finding a job became challenging. Some employers found me overqualified, while others deemed me under-qualified. I attempted to enter the childcare profession, but my financial struggles and lack of mental focus made it difficult to succeed. The best option I saw at the time was to become a Pharmacy Technician, while still holding onto hope.

As a Certified Pharmacy Technician for CVS Health (Aug 2012 – Jun 2016), I focused on pharmacology for recertification and license renewal, leaving little time to advance my education in arts or teaching. Eventually, I decided to leave CVS Health without a backup plan, relying solely on my will to survive and continue learning online.

Despite veering off course, I felt more confident in my decisions and continued to move forward. In 2016, I dove into online learning, enrolling in the Child Care Professional Credential Program through Nova Southeastern University in partnership with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). I also became a certified CPR and first aid responder, building the credentials to work in a school environment. I received two job offers and chose the one closer to home.

Transitioning to Art Education After Leaving the Medical Field

In the fall of 2016, I started working at a private preschool. I aspired to complete the EPI program after graduating from FAU, but personal struggles and financial difficulties caused me to meander through various paths. I worked with elementary students as an after-school teacher and camp counselor for approximately five years, struggling to prioritize my time. I often put others’ needs before my own, which affected my ability to achieve my goals. I had to learn to prioritize my dreams and value my time and self-worth.

Throughout this journey, I struggled with codependency, often helping people with fixed mindsets or limiting beliefs. I’ve realized the importance of prioritizing my aspirations to achieve self-actualization and inspire others. Each experience has been a learning opportunity, often stemming from my own ignorance as I continuously sought truth and understanding.

While I received formal training as a pharmacy technician, I was underprepared for the independent learning emphasized in the EPI program. I had previously applied for an Art Teacher position and was called in for an interview, but I canceled due to feeling unprepared. However, the invitation gave me the confidence to continue pursuing my goals. I eventually followed the path of childcare, meeting all the requirements within six months.

During this time, I struggled with managing my time, often feeling that personal time was only for those performing labor-intensive tasks. Although hired as a part-time employee, I agreed to work full-time to help with coverage, which lasted for an entire year without benefits. I eventually demanded a vacation, which had to be negotiated. When I finally reduced my hours to part-time, I was still frequently called in, undervaluing my time outside of work. My goal was to gain experience while pursuing the EPI program, paying for it out of pocket. When I was ready, I limited my work availability and completed the program at an accelerated pace.

I was a few months away from completing the EPI program when I went in for my first interview for an art teacher position on March 2nd, 2020. I realized that much of what I had learned was pro-education reform, while many schools still adhered to traditional approaches, often with incongruence between their verbalized goals and actual practices. Approximately two months after the interview, significant changes occurred at my job and globally due to Covid-19. I received my graduate certificate from the Education Professional Institute on May 6th, 2020, and continued to develop my skills to become an influential artist, leader, and educator in the field of art during the pandemic.

I left my job and the field of education on May 28th, 2021, to pursue my aspirations (with prospects of becoming a practicing artist and potentially a teaching artist- on the side, as opposed to an art teacher). Nevertheless, every job that I have undertaken has played a major role in who I am becoming.

If I had been encouraged to pursue my passion regardless of income, I would have had significantly less debt. If I had known about the alternative teacher certification at FAU after pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art, I likely would have invested in that instead of attending The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. I might have stayed at FAU longer, sought work-study opportunities, or considered employment at the university instead of moving back to Sunrise, Florida, and entering the medical field.

If I had been taught to prioritize my goals, I wouldn’t have felt obligated to sacrifice so much time in temporary jobs that only valued my productivity. I would have avoided becoming emotionally involved in what was ultimately just a business transaction. After graduating from high school, I would have given less time to temporary jobs or immediately limited my availability to focus on my creative passions and love for humanity and the greater good.

Several alternatives could have been pursued, but I didn’t consider them at the time. I wanted to attend an out-of-state school, such as New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire, or Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. After graduating from FAU, I considered pursuing a master’s degree in Art Education and/or Art Therapy at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee, Florida, or a master’s degree in painting at FAU, which would have allowed me to teach at a university level. However, both options were too costly.

When I moved back to Sunrise, Florida, I applied for positions at museums and art galleries but was never called in for an interview. So, I explored other options, such as pharmaceuticals. To avoid this “dry soil” outcome, I needed a different mindset regarding “people over money” and “wishes and desires,” as well as the appropriate resources and knowledge with proper guidance. As an idealist with aspects of a realist, I would have preferred to pursue my passion and love for humanity immediately after graduating from high school. However, this was challenging, if not impossible, due to our monetary system and preconceived notions of “success” and the “American dream.”

Simon Sinek’s vision of a world where “the vast majority of people wake up every single morning inspired to go to work, feel safe when they’re there, then return home at the end of the day fulfilled by the work that they do” resonates with me. Fulfillment, as Sinek stated, is a basic human right, not a privilege. We should all have the ability to say, “I love my work and what I do” (Sinek, 2016).

As I continue on this journey, I am inspired by the words of Simon Sinek and strive to create a world where people wake up every day inspired to do what they love. My passion for design, art, and writing drives me to keep pushing forward, always seeking new ways to share my creativity with the world.

The Passing of My Father & Focus on Good Health

Since 2020, Covid-19 has brought many challenges, as has the environment. My father passed away on January 16, 2020, from “natural causes” that could have been avoided if he had lived a healthier life. He was in denial about his health, and his chronic conditions went unnoticed amid the pandemic. Unfortunately, it was too late for my dad.

Despite this, with a positive-pessimistic attitude, I believe it doesn’t have to be too late for me. The Standard American Diet (SAD) affects us all in different ways, but I hope to continue improving and maintaining my well-being emotionally, physically, and spiritually. I aim to age gracefully and believe it is our inalienable right as human beings to cultivate the soil we share, allowing us all the opportunity to grow gracefully and share our strengths and brilliance with one another in authenticity and harmony.

I’ve come a long way. I’ve struggled with weight loss since high school and have been overweight since my teens. I’ve stress-eaten, developed bad eating habits, and never learned about proper nutrition. Since 2010, my body began rejecting foods high in caffeine, hydrogenated oils, and trans fats. By 2014, I started experiencing hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. In my early 20s, I once temporarily peaked at 210 lbs., with my highest average weight being 200 lbs. Since then, I’ve lost roughly 70-80 pounds, a series of small successes that have built my confidence. My vision and destination have become clearer with each step, and the journey continues to lift the brain fog I’ve experienced. My health and fitness journey has been a success, and I continue to make progress.

Catch Limiting Beliefs

I’ve learned to emphasize my love for humanity. I’ve learned to see limiting beliefs as illusions, allowing me to align myself with positive beliefs to achieve their goals and desires. I see “hope” as something intangible, a gift we can give to ourselves and others, and with a little patience, one day it will blossom.

Embracing the Journey

My journey through education and personal development has been marked by resilience, adaptability, and unwavering dedication to my artistic pursuits. As I continued to build my online art store and pursued further training, I remain focused on blooming into the artist and individual I aspire to be. The domain and logo “time2bloom” encapsulates this ongoing transformation, representing both the challenges overcome and the bright future ahead.

MelissAllegories: A Fusion of Creative Writing and Allegory

MelissAllegories blends creative writing with allegorical representations. My studio and written work integrate imagery with a range of artistic techniques, forming a gradually expanding body of work. This body of work unfolds across five distinct realms within one interconnected world called, Lében (German for Life): “At the Garden,” “The Deep-Sea,” “Caged-City,” “Inside the Cave,” and “The Electric Forest.” Collectively, they present a multitude of metaphors to convey secular principles and values. MelissAllegories focuses on personal growth and enlightenment, contemplation and discernment, protection versus power and mind control, and the art of writing or solving codes.

Wishes and Dreams for the Future

I hope to live a healthy and balanced lifestyle with enough resources to comfortably continue developing my skills as an artist, writer, and creative professional. I aim to finish writing my book(s) and produce more meaningful and impactful works of art that will allow me to establish a good reputation in the arts. I’m open to collaboration and hope to meet other like-minded artists and creative professionals who share my ideals and vision.

I’ve adopted the perspective that the greater good is realized when I work on myself first and foremost. I often act with love, empathy, kindness, and consideration, and I continue to seek truth and understanding. Despite everything, I’ve chosen to hope and see goodness in myself and others, always.

Sinek, Simon. People come before money [Video file]. (2016, July 28). Retrieved March 20, 2021, from People, come before money