Project Showcase

This project serves as a reflection of my perspective on the social justice issue of poverty. Guided by the encouragement of my art teacher, Mrs. Mary Catherine Ruby, and my government instructor, Mrs. Folz, I chose to focus on poverty after conducting research on this pressing global issue.

This project represents a collaborative learning experience with my Government instructor, Mrs. Valerie Folz, and my Visual Art and Design instructor, Mrs. Mary Catherine Ruby. In our Government class, we studied the articles of human rights, and Mrs. Folz encouraged us to choose a topic for further research. After considering various issues, I decided to focus on poverty and its widespread impact.

Through my research, I deepened my understanding of poverty and how it affects millions of people worldwide. In countries like Haiti, factors such as inadequate housing, poor nutrition, limited access to education and healthcare, high infant mortality rates, and environmental challenges significantly influence daily life. Organizations like Love a Child, Inc. are actively working to support these communities, helping them to thrive and secure the opportunities they deserve.

Poverty was a significant issue even before the pandemic, but the effects of COVID-19 exacerbated the problem. The crisis led many people to lose access to basic necessities, with some even losing their homes due to financial hardship. Many individuals and families are left without the resources to meet their daily needs. The daily struggle to secure food or basic survival essentials remains a harsh reality for countless people around the world.

Through the research and process of this Social Justice Project, I have developed a deep emotional empathy for the issue of poverty. While I had some knowledge of this topic beforehand, delving deeper into it has profoundly impacted me. Learning more about the widespread nature of poverty and understanding its root causes has truly touched my heart.

Witnessing the waste of food sitting unused on grocery store shelves or seeing people engage in price gouging out of greed is unsettling to me. In a world where many individuals struggle just to find a meal, it is disheartening to see that some people not only fail to help but actively contribute to the problems.

This project has not only sparked feelings of sympathy, but it has also ignited a genuine desire in me to take action. I feel compelled to help others and be part of a movement that works toward providing the resources necessary for people to lead comfortable, fulfilling lives. I am more determined than ever to contribute to positive change and support those in need.

My upbringing has had a profound impact on my life. My mother, a creative soul herself, runs a business called Ms. Nette’s Fine Gifts and Shared Blessings, where she crafts various items. While she is a skilled crafter, she also has a passion for music and instruments, a love she shares with my father, who played the bass. Their creativity and talents were passed down to me, sparking my interest in music, instruments, and art. In our home, it was only natural to incorporate the arts, and I am truly grateful to have been raised in an environment where my creativity was not only encouraged but also cherished.

I initially decided to attend Butler Tech to pursue my passion for art. I have always admired art and yearned to explore it further. After researching options with my mom, we discovered the Visual Art and Design program at Butler Tech, which seemed like the perfect opportunity to nurture my artistic ambitions. This decision marked the beginning of my journey toward becoming an artist at Butler Tech School of the Arts.

I came to the School of the Arts (SOA) to embark on an artistic learning journey. From a young age, I have loved creating new things. I chose to major in Visual Art and Design because I had the creativity; I simply needed the tools and guidance to channel it. I knew that at Butler Tech, I would have the opportunity to create art that would hold personal meaning. As I enter my senior year, my goal is to leave behind a legacy of authenticity. I want others to see that growth is real and that talent continues to evolve. I hope to be recognized for my integrity and respectfulness and, through my work, inspire others to embrace their true selves—whether that means expressing your unique style or pursuing your interests. I encourage everyone to never give up and to learn to love their art, regardless of the outcome, because the meaning and thought behind the work are what truly shine.

Growing up, I have always had a deep empathy for others. In a world where so many people are struggling to make ends meet, my heart naturally reaches out to those in need. My mother and I have always been drawn to helping others, whether it’s through church outreach, working with local food banks, or donating to charitable foundations. We are committed to making a positive change in the world around us.

Through the research and process of this Social Justice Project, I have developed a deeper emotional understanding of poverty. While I had some knowledge of the issue, diving deeper into the topic has had a profound impact on me. Gaining insight into the widespread nature of poverty and its root causes has truly moved me.

It is deeply unsettling to witness the waste of food sitting unused on grocery store shelves, or to see people exploiting others through price gouging driven by greed. In a world where countless individuals struggle daily to secure basic necessities like food, it is disheartening to realize that, rather than offering help, some are contributing to the very problems that exacerbate poverty.

This project has sparked not only a sense of empathy but also a strong desire to take action. I feel more motivated than ever to contribute to meaningful change and work toward providing the resources people need to live comfortable and dignified lives. I am committed to supporting those in need and being part of a movement that strives to create a more just and equitable world for all.