master’s in fine arts-painting

I dedicated my cap to #MMIW+SP for awareness and movement, 2025

How does it feel having a master’s in fine arts-painting?

ME: It feels amazing!!! I have no words to express how I truly feel! I just know I did it! And thanks to my support team always having my back!

How can I use my educational degree in excellency and weaponized it for a better future for the next generation?

ME: I rather use quotes from important figures in our generation:

Wilma Mankiller (Cherokee Nation)

“We must ensure that our daughters have access to education and leadership opportunities; that’s how we build a better tomorrow.”

Michelle Obama

“The ability to read, write, and analyze; the confidence to stand up and demand justice and equality; the qualifications and connections to get your foot in the door and take your seat at the table-all of that starts with education.”

Maya Angelou

“When you know better, you do better.”

Sonia Sotomayor

“I do know one thing about me: I don’t measure myself by others’ expectations or let others define my worth”

Ellen Ochoa

“Education is what allows you to stand out”

How does it feel being the first generation in my family to hold a master’s degree?

ME: I am proud and honored to represent my lineage of brave ancestors and present human beings I called my familia!

What is my plan for the next 5 years?

ME: I will move mountains and create renewed, better pathways for others to shine and pursue their educational goals. It is my obligation and duty—with excellence and confidence—to do all I can to leave a lasting, positive impact and legacy. I have a lot to do! There is rest for the strong warriors! ;)

My Time Frame of Education

I’ve been contemplating what to write about regarding my success in the master’s program at Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD). I’ve sat with it for a while, and now I feel ready to begin. Let me take you back—about ten years.

In 2015, I had been in and out of school since graduating high school. But that year, I finally committed to finishing what I had started. It took a lot of courage and discipline to stay focused on my goals and truly embody the idea of excellence. At that point, I hadn’t yet begun my military career. First, I had to overcome a financial aid suspension, which meant paying out of pocket for community college courses just to earn enough credits to move forward toward a bachelor’s degree.

I wasn’t there yet, but in 2016, I made a pivotal decision: I joined the military. I went to boot camp, graduated, and then chose a college for my undergraduate studies. Initially, I wanted to become a chaplain in the Army, which required a degree. So, I enrolled in a private college and earned my bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies and Theology in December 2020.

My first choice for a master’s program was the Master of Divinity (MDiv) at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary at Cornerstone University. However, after a year and a half, I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me at the time. Out of courage and a desire to return to my creative roots, I applied to Kendall College of Art and Design.

Before applying, I had to reconnect with my first love—creativity. I began painting again and worked on building my portfolio. I remember walking past Kendall while attending GRCC and telling myself, “One day, I’ll go there and earn a degree.” I thought it would be a bachelor’s degree, but life had other plans.

As I transitioned from one path to another, I took a leap of faith. While waiting for an acceptance letter from Kendall, I continued my military career. Eventually, the letter came—I was accepted into the MFA program. I even asked Professor Diane why I was accepted, and she told me, “Once in a while, we accept a student outside of the norm to expand and see the progression of the student in fine arts.” I was fortunate to be that individual.

Remember when I said I’d one day attend Kendall? The universe has a funny way of reminding us how powerful our words can be—LOL. Two and a half years may seem like a long time, but it flew by.

Now, we’ve reached the celebration. I have a master’s degree. Someone recently asked me why I chose to pursue a degree as an artist. That’s not a question with a short answer—it’s one that made me sit and reflect on what it truly means to hold a master’s degree.

Here is my poetic declaration in purpose and power:

Blessed are You, O Eternal One,
Infinite Source of the Universe—
By Your word, and through Your breath,
All things are born; all things are blessed.

As it is written in Psalm 20:4:
“May the One Source grant you the desires of your heart,
And make all your plans succeed.”

Blessed is the One who gives me strength,
Who fills my spirit with courage to move mountains.
Blessed is the Source who steadies my steps,
That I may walk and never stumble.

Blessed is the fire within my being—
A force unshaken, rising to break chains,
To shatter generational curses,
To push past boundaries once thought unmovable.

I believe that challenges are divine favor in disguise.
I will not falter.
I will not bow to the snares of doubt
Or the words of those who tried to dim my light.

I carry the dreams of my ancestors—
They led me through deep waters,
And I did not give up.

With this degree, I rise to confront
The systems that oppress Black and Brown lives.
I carve my own path,
Uplifted by family who hold me in faith,
Who keep me grounded and bold.

I have laid a foundation—
Strong enough for generations to come
To build, to dream, to soar with excellence.

I am a leader unafraid of failure.
I embrace it, learn from it,
And rise higher because of it.

I bring light to the everyday soul,
With authenticity, with hope,
With love that leads.

Through the darkest nights,
Through sweat and tears,
Through whispered prayers at midnight altars—
I have ascended to a higher consciousness of self.

It is through relentless work and sacred dedication
That I stand here today.
To proclaim the blessing,
To carry the responsibility,
To honor this degree with humility and purpose—
So that others may believe in themselves too.

It is never too late
To begin again,
To finish what your soul desires most.