Page 3 – The Waltonian

While students stay on campus due to COVID-19 regulations, what are they supposed to eat when one of their only dining options fails to open during work hours?

Eastern University only has three dining options available on campus; however, on the weekends, the options are limited to the Dining Commons and Breezeway. During a normal school year, students return home most weekends or go out to eat, which is why the irregular hours and inconsistency of the dining
facilities never seemed to truly bother anyone.

The 2020-2021 academic year is not a normal year, however. This semester, students are not allowed to go home or go out to eat. Students depend on the dining options more than ever. Despite this, Sodexo’s operations are not consistent or dependable. On the weekend of September 25, Breezeway did not open for Eastern students. There was no email sent out, no notice. When students went to get their dinner, they were greeted with a black room and locked doors. Students then had to find other alternatives since the Dining Commons closes especially early on Sundays at 6 p.m.

Many students depend on Breezeway for meals as it is much closer to a majority of the residential halls and has extended hours of service. When missing the early weekend hours for the Dining Commons, students rely on Breezeway for food, but how can students rely on their meal plans when the one source of food on weekends doesn’t open?

Some may argue that students should then get food delivered on campus, but many students don’t have this privilege. A portion of students pay for their own books, tuition, bills, and more out of pocket and can’t afford dinner out, much less the extra five-dollar charge for delivery. Students should not be forced to go hungry or pay for dinner when they are already paying for a meal plan.

Breezeway is a staple for the majority of students on campus. When the establishment does not open when it’s supposed to, students are left with little to no options. During the times of COVID-19, it is vital that the dining facilities are open during their operation hours. Students are not allowed to leave campus, and many cannot afford the luxury of getting food delivered.

The bottom line is that Eastern University students are paying for a meal plan in which they cannot use consistently due to Sodexo’s inability to show up. Food is a basic need, and students currently cannot depend on the dining options that Eastern has to offer.

In 2019, Eastern students thought they were saying goodbye to the last ever dance majors to
graduate from the university; however, dancers were happily surprised at the reinstatement of the major
last spring.

Eastern University’s Dance Department is now offering the dance major, starting this semester, with a
course load of 36-37 credits. The overall credits for the major have been reduced down from the major back in 2019 but is more comprehensive than the minor. The 33-credit major is flexible, allowing students to pursue their love for the arts, and potentially a different passion as well.

Laura Schoenhals, a junior dance and psychology major, discusses her experience of juggling both majors. “I am double majoring in psychology and dance, and also pursuing minors in math and Spanish,” Schoenhals said. “The course load is similar to the course load for the psychology major, because it is 33 credits and the psychology major is 39 credits. Balancing both majors has been quite doable because both majors are fairly flexible about which order you take classes in.”

Unlike some of the other newly offered majors, the Dance Department is offering all classes needed to
graduate with the major this year; however, some of the courses are only offered every other year.

Courses are taught by Dance Program Director, Stephen Welsh, and Adjunct Faculty, Michelle Wurtz.
Professors are well versed in their training, which allows courses to vary in technique and style. The senior seminar for the major includes a self-produced and choreographed performance as the senior thesis. The class of 2022 will be the first class to graduate with the reinvented major.

Eastern’s Dance Department takes a different approach to learning than some other studios or
universities. “I have had to take a lot more initiative as a dancer and be more responsible for my own continuing education” Schoenhals said. “Sometimes I find this frustrating, but ultimately I think it has been a really valuable skill to develop that will ensure I continue dancing after graduation. The community of the dance department has been very welcoming and supportive, which I really appreciate.”

The Dance Department is still offering the dance minor, which consists of 18-20 credits. Many of the
requirements for the minor overlap with the major; however, the major gives a more in-depth study into the world of dance.

Schoenhals describes her experience in the dance classes she’s taken. “I have taken ten dance classes with the department. My favorite classes are the technique classes, particularly modern dance,” Schoenhals said. “I also really enjoyed World Dance, which fulfills a Gen-ed requirement. Another class that was really interesting to me was Liturgical Dance History, where we looked into how church and dance have related throughout history. This course is fairly unique to Eastern because there are a few places where you can study dance history with regards to church practice.”

Eastern University’s Dance Department strives to engage students physically, intellectually, socially, and
emotionally, while anchored in Christ. The department is always looking for students who want to be in the dance major, minor, or just looking to dance. Contact Stephen Welsh, swelsh@eastern.edu, for more information.

Sources: Eastern University

The Aftermath: How an uncle’s suicide shapes a young girl

by Gabrielle Pardocchi

My uncle committed suicide when I was nine years old. At least, I think he did. He had been battling with a drug addiction for years, before overdosing in 2008. He had told my grandmother a few months before that he wished he could end his suffering. There was no note. There was no goodbye.

At nine years old, you don’t really understand death, much less suicide. You don’t understand why they won’t be able to have wrestling matches with you anymore or why they won’t be there to play makeover. You just know that they won’t. I didn’t understand what had happened to my uncle until I was much older. I didn’t understand the pain of the world that weighed on him, until I started to feel it myself.

When I finally started to understand what he did, I was angry and confused. I didn’t understand why my uncle couldn’t fight it. I didn’t understand why he just gave in.

The most troubling part of my uncle’s death is that no one really knows if it was an accident or not. My family is split in the middle, believing what they like. As someone who knows people that have experience depression and suicidal thoughts, I don’t believe it was an accident. The pain that some people feel is overwhelming; it feels like it will never stop.

Even after suicide, the pain never does stop. The pain was transferred to my grandparents, my mother, my sister, and I. When a person ends their life, the pain may leave them, but it moves on to those they left behind. Even after eleven years, the pain still weighs in my chest. I have always wondered what life would have been like if my uncle would have stayed to see another day.

Sources: Insider

Systemic Suffering: How the mental health crisis can be seen as a systemic issue going into the election.

By Abigail Brooke

Suicide prevention is challenging and important work. It is crucial that we show up for each other in times of suffering, and that we end the stigma surrounding mental health, and all else that goes into the traditional understanding of caring for mental health. However, the issue is bigger than just the conversations we have.

In order to truly prevent suicide, we as a society must make strides toward systemic change in the ways in which we treat one another and what is expected of us. Common causes of suicide include financial trouble, substance abuse issues, being a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and more. Though this list is not exhaustive, it represents many aspects of what can drive people to hopelessness and even suicidal ideation – and they are all fixable.

Ensuring universal access to substance abuse treatment, for example, can save lives. Support for LGBTQIA+ people, both in interpersonal and professional instances, can save lives. Adequate care for the people who are poor or houseless can save lives. Instituting programs and laws that make it easier for people of all walks of life to live saves lives.

Suicide prevention is bigger than being kind to others and sending a caring text. It means thinking outside of yourself and advocating for change that can truly save lives. If you truly want to prevent suicide, work to counteract the issues that drive people to it. Consider the experiences of marginalized people in your voting, donating, and volunteering, as it could save lives.

Source: Mayo Clinic

Coping with Suicidal Thoughts: An Interview with Dr. Lisa Hemlick, director of the Cushing Center

By Megan Schoenleb

According to National Today, “There are an average of 123 suicides each day in this country. It’s the tenth leading cause of death in America — second leading for ages 25-34, and third leading for ages 15-24.” While this is an awful reality, it is perhaps unsurprising; after all, college life is challenging. Depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and mental health in general need to be taken seriously – both by college students and the people and institutions that host them.

At Eastern University, the Cushing Center for Counselling and Academic Support (CCAS), located on the third floor of Walton Hall and headed by Director Dr. Lisa Hemlick, provides free counselling. According to Dr. Hemlick in an interview, everyone at CCAS has experience, is hand-picked for each student, and is committed “to help students to function well in the role of the student, and help them get the most out of that experience.” Despite being free, the “Services here are professional counseling services.” For those who have never received counseling before, it can be difficult to take that step.

In my case, I felt like my problems were easy compared to those of others. Dr. Hemlick pointed out that “People feel it’s a sign of weakness, that they need help,” but that “It can be a sign of strength to take care of a problem.” If you are unsure, you can try a session before deciding to commit. Personally, I have received counseling at Eastern for two years and am better for it. When asked what students should do if they are having suicidal thoughts, Dr. Hemlick said that “they should take it seriously and not condemn themselves for having those thoughts.” She also said that “scriptures tell us to shine the light on things… telling someone is the first step to moving on.” For mental health in general, she said to “put your focus on the things you’re doing well.” There is hope, and there is help if you need it. CCAS is only open and on-call from eight-thirty am to five pm. If you are in a crisis outside those hours, please call one of the Hotlines.

Source: National Today

Caring as God Commanded: Understanding the signs of suicidal thoughts, faith, and support.

By Colton Domblesky

It’s never an easy thing to discuss, but with mental health becoming less and less of a priority among college students and young adults, it needs to be discussed. Some of you may have connections with it, whether it’s personal or through a loved one. Either way, the effects are lasting for individuals who have experienced it firsthand or felt the shockwaves of it from another.

To avoid this trauma, we need to be aware of the signs of suicidal thoughts in ourselves and our peers. Suicidal thoughts and tendencies are never the same between individuals. However, there are three general areas in which a peer may express suicidal thoughts: talk, behavior, and mood. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), people expressing suicidal thoughts may talk about how they feel hopeless, like a burden to others, or how they feel trapped. Behaviorally, they may appear withdrawn from certain situations, isolate themselves from others, or increase risky behaviors such as drinking or doing drugs.

Emotionally, suicidal individuals may express a wide variety of emotions like sadness, fear, indifference, or irritability. Suicidal thoughts are not always expressed uniformly; the key is to notice and talk to the person about any vast differences you notice in them.

As Christians, faith can play a major part in our mental well-being and health. In fact, we might think of self-care as turning to scripture, prayer, worship, journaling, or talking to a pastor about our problems. While these are all valid options, they are not the only choices. Self-care is by no means uniform, whether you are a Christian or not. How we pour into ourselves is different from how a friend pours into themselves.

In fact, as a Student Chaplain, I can say that the Student Chaplain Program is an advocate for self-care in any form because we are all unique beings made in the image of God. Whether your self-care looks like praying, worshipping, watching movies, or ordering food, God has your back, and so do we. The Student Chaplains are here for you in your times of need, as it is our job to love you and make sure you are taking care of yourself.

Source: ASFP

Most students live at home with their parents before coming to college, therefore not everyone has the knowledge of how to properly fuel their bodies when making their own decisions about food.

While nutrition for athletes looks a little different, the general principles remain the same. The average person eats around 2,000 calories each day to maintain a healthy style. Calories are defined as the amount of energy that food contains. A well-balanced diet should include a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, nuts, and legumes.

The essential nutrients are separated into two categories: macro and micronutrients. According to
the American Council on Exercise, a macro-based diet should contain 45 to 65 percent of carbohydrates, 10 to 35 percent of protein, and 20 to 35 percent of fat. These percentages vary based on age, gender, body type, and activity levels. Although it is important to reach macro goals, it is also critical to reach these goals by eating whole and nutritious food.

In trying to reach a well-balanced diet, a person should emphasize eating fresh fruits and vegetables with every meal to maintain a healthy carbohydrate goal. While refraining from refined carbs, a person should focus on eating potatoes and whole grains for energy. Both carbohydrates and fats are energy providers to the body. The difference is that carbohydrates allow the body to make glucose, which is the body’s main energy source.

Fats being the body’s other main energy source are important to consume on a daily basis; however, a person needs to be certain they are eating “good” fats over “bad” fats. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are known as the healthy fats. These include avocadoes, nuts, olives, seeds, and fatty fish. Women tend to eat a higher percentage of fats to balance hormones, but fats are also beneficial to fight inflammation, regulate body temperature, and enhance brain health.

Protein is the last macronutrient that is to be consumed daily. This macro is beneficial for maintaining heart health, keeping the immune system functioning properly, and to boost overall mood. High quality protein examples are fish, poultry, dairy, beans, nuts, seeds, tofu, and soy products. Protein supplements are also a good source of protein; however, many adults do not need protein supplements unless they are engaging in regular exercising. While the three types of macronutrients can be generalized into percentages and categories, it’s important to understand what the individual body needs.

Athletes’ consumption of food looks a little different to the average person. Very active people need to
consume more calories a day because of the extra energy they are expending by working out and staying active. While athletes need to consume more fat and carbohydrates for energy, they also need to eat a larger amount of protein throughout the day in order to repair and maintain muscle mass. As a dancer, I eat a high-protein, high-fat diet to repair muscle and fight inflammation.

Nutrition can be overwhelming, especially when first learning about technical terms like macro and
micronutrients. The key point to remember is everyone’s body is different. Not everyone’s diet and consumption of food is going to look the same. As a rule of thumb, you will get your essential nutrients in by making your plates colorful and well-rounded with fats, carbohydrates, and protein. Nutrition isn’t all about percentages and calories, it’s also about eating what makes you feel your best and happy.

Sources: The American Council on Exercise

Emilee Carey was once a familiar face on campus but has returned to Eastern University in a new position.

Carey graduated from Eastern in 2016 with a Dance major and Business minor and returned last spring to take over the position as Dance Department Administrator. Her first appearance on campus as a faculty member was cut short due to COVID-19, but she is back this semester and is ready to get the Dance Department back in action.

Carey is a native of the Philadelphia area and started dancing when she was just three years old in Paoli. Since discovering her love for dance, she continued lessons in ballet and modern. In high school, Carey started to perform in plays and musicals, continuing her love for the stage beyond dance. Carey’s senior year at Eastern University, she was hired for Roger Lee Dance Company, a jazz, modern- funk company based in Philadelphia, which carried her into the next stage of her dance journey.

Upon graduating, Carey started teaching classes at Kristina Pulcini Ballet Academy and Twirl in Newtown
Square. Carey is still teaching for both dance studios as well as choreographing musicals for Agnes Irwin High School and St. Anastasia’s Middle School. Carey is most recently performing with Apex Dance Company centered in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh regions. For the last six years, Carey has performed in the Philadelphia Nutcracker as a professional performer. “Performing is one of my favorite things in the world,” Carey said. “I love being on stage.”

Carey has experience in both sides of dance: choreographing and dancing. “I love to choreograph any type of jazz: performance, old school, Fosse, musical theatre,” Carey said. “But ballet has always had my heart. I love teaching ballet. I think because I know it so well and because I’ve taught millions of ballet classes over my life.”

Throughout her countless performances, her all-time favorite performances were the ones that were the most fun. One of these is her high school’s production of the hit based in the 1950’s, “Grease.” Another memorable performance for Carey is an Afro-Jazz piece that she choreographed with a friend while still
studying at Eastern University. “We combined African movement with jazz choreography. We worked really well together and to perform your own work is just really cool,” Carey said.

Despite these memorites, one of Carey’s most creative pieces was for her senior thesis here at Eastern. She had a total of five pieces that were all based on a different Shakespearean play, which Carey then formulated her choreography around the Pythagorean Theorem. For each play, the number was centered around a different style of dancing, starting out level-headed and then building in intensity. “I’m a big concept person,” Carey said. “I like working with big groups of people and having it all come together.”

Now, working for Eastern University, her job revolves around making schedules, sending emails, and putting on the dance shows. Despite Carey’s hectic start as a faculty member, she has high hopes for this year. “I only had half of a semester last year, so this year, I’m looking forward to producing two shows and helping the Dance Department get back on its feet.”

As students begin the fall semester, Eastern University’s campus doesn’t look like previous years.

The Coronavirus, also referred to as COVID-19, changed the world in 2020. Students were sent home to finish the 2019-2020 school year online. Over the summer, schools and universities had to decide whether conditions were safe for in-person classes to continue or if students should remain online in the fall.

While college students all over the U.S. received emails informing them of continued campus closures, Eastern students were asked to return to the university. Eastern University created policies to protect the campus from the Coronavirus; however, it appears that the university isn’t putting the student’s safety as the first priority.

According to The Chronicles of Higher Education, out of 3,000 colleges and universities, only 15 percent will continue educational studies in the online and in-person format. Data shows that a large portion of schools in the Northeast planned to use a primarily online format; however, Eastern University did not.

Students are concerned the return to campus was not decided with the student’s safety in mind, rather, the decision was made to ensure financial support from students’ room and board fees. Many colleges and universities that have opened for in-person classes have evacuated their students due to a spike in COVID-19 cases on campus. This poses the question: was the reopening of campuses for the benefit of students or universities’ finances?

Despite this question, the majority of Eastern students have returned to campus and have started classes under the added COVID-19 policies. The most recent policies sent to students on Aug. 21 require students to wear face coverings at all times, practice social distancing, and refrain from nonessential travel. While these rules appear to protect students from the virus, the university’s efforts are contradicted by their policies regarding commuter students.

Commuters are not required to get tested despite their continuous contact with the world outside of Eastern’s campus. These students are going into classrooms, public facilities, and dining areas without being regularly tested. While it is impractical to ask commuter students to be regularly tested for Coronavirus, it stirs debate if all the restrictions placed on residential students are necessary.

Even though commuter students are limited to their whereabouts on campus, they are interacting with other students and communal spaces. Despite the possibility of bringing COVID-19 onto Eastern’s campus, residential students are not even allowed to get food
off campus as it is inessential. The policies established conflict between too many rules and not enough.

No matter the opinion on Eastern’s policies, there needs to be consistency throughout. It is unreasonable to require residential students to refrain from “inessential” travel to get food and toiletries when they see their friends with the freedom to make their own decisions. While the university is attempting to protect students and faculty from the virus, there is a lack of consistency within the regulations.

Most people understand that the world in which we live now is very different from the one we lived in the fall of 2019, however, what students don’t understand is why they are paying the same amount to attend Eastern University when the college experience is not that of its full extent? Why are students paying the same rates for a dulled education and stripped freedom?

Based on the ever-changing policies, it appears that Eastern University was more concerned with students coming to campus for their money than their enjoyment and safety. Students understand that there is no “right” way to handle these circumstances in a pandemic, but they do know that Eastern University needs to be doing better.

Sources: The Chronicles of Higher Education

Planning looks different for everyone. It can be in the form of a planner, to do list, or Google Calendar. No matter how one organizes their day to day lives, planning is an essential aspect to succeeding in college.

One of the first things we are told as freshman is to get a planner. Teachers, orientation leaders, and upperclassmen all stress the importance of planning our days weeks and months. We don’t really understand why until the first day of classes, when we look at the pages and pages of syllabi. A full list of upcoming assignments of due dates can be overwhelming, but this is where planning comes in.

Planners allow students to plan their days, weeks, and months. Day to day planning can be helpful to remember daily assignments, appointments, and meetings. These are small things that students may tend to forget, therefore, it is helpful to have a day to day to do list.

Google Calendars help students to know their exact schedules on a day to day basis as well. This is especially helpful for students with extremely busy or changing schedules. You can see your entire day or week in the Google Calendar app and send yourself reminders for upcoming classes, appointments, and practices.

While some students are tortured by planning and organizing their lives, others can’t get enough. Bullet
journaling has grown in popularity in the past year thanks to Instagram and TikTok. Bullet journaling
helps students to organize their schedules and to do lists, but it gives students the freedom to draw their own calendars, headings, and pictures. This method is a fun way to stay organized while also pleasing that creative aesthetic.

Finding the right planning technique for you takes time and effort. It’s all about what you prefer and what’s the easiest to remember the craziness of a college schedule. For some, planning will never stop
being painful. For others, planning becomes a cathartic ritual. No matter what, students start to understand the importance of planning the further along they get in college.

Planning is a technique that you will carry with you far beyond school. As we get older, life gets crazier. You will be thankful you started planning when your assignments and completion dates turn into bills and due dates.

Dance is known for its connection between dancers, moving together as one; however, in this pandemic, performers are without an essential element to the art: touch. As the virus continues to spread, artists are
attempting to resume their practices while keeping the integrity of their art. Masks and social distancing
make performing difficult, but not impossible. When Eastern University’s Dance Department
announced the continuation of in-person classes and the winter concert, many students wondered how it would be done.

Every December, Eastern’s Dance Department performs a two-day concert featuring student-choregraphed pieces. The concert will be moved to Nov. 14 due to the layout of this fall semester. The
details on the performance are yet to be determined; however, if the concert is held in-person, the Dance Department plans to follow all safety precautions for COVID-19.

Tyler Spencer, a first-year student, shares his views on the concert in the midst of the pandemic. “I believe that as long as everyone’s safe, we should be able to put on the concert as expected,” Spencer
says.

The concert will feature work from Marcus Tucker, the well-known hip hop dancer and choreographer. Tucker started choreographing a piece for students last spring to be performed at the 2020 spring concert, however, life was interrupted by the world-wide pandemic. Tucker has returned this semester to continue his inspiring work with Eastern students. The piece will incorporate different styles of hip hop ranging from locking to tutting.

The November concert will feature student-choreographed pieces as normal, however, choreographers will have to work hard to create a visual connection between their dancers while maintaining social distancing regulations. Touch is an important aspect to dance as it builds connections between dancers and conveys the meanings of the movement or dance as a whole. Choreographers will face challenges to create meaningful art with the limitations that the virus has placed on us all.

In classes, dancers are spread six feet apart and must keep their masks on at all times. “It’s a little intimidating coming into the department,” Spencer says. “Masks make it a little warmer, but I prefer it
this way because at least we are safe.” Despite the limits to connect through movement, most dancers
are just excited to be back in class and on stage. Laura Schoenhals, a junior dance major, explains
her excitement to be back in the studio. “It’s just good to see everyone again,” Schoenhals says.

The Dance Department, like the other art departments on campus, are working hard to keep their dancers safe while continuing their work. These times are difficult, but the department is hoping to shine some light into the dark by having dancers connect with one another through movement, even without touch.

First times are uncomfortable because they are new and uncertain, but what would happen if people started to normalize these feelings? Brené Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston, studies vulnerability, shame, and empathy. In her new podcast, “Unlocking Us,” Brown explores her studies and their application in everyday life. The episode “Brené on FFTs,” discusses FFTs and the three
steps to deal with them.

Brown describes an FFT as a new experience; they are uncomfortable, but necessary to continue growth. Everyone experiences FFTs whether it’s living in a pandemic, going to college, or starting a job. Brown illustrates three steps to take when in any type of FFT.

The first step is to normalize the FFT. Brown explains that in order to normalize a first-time experience, we need to tell ourselves “this is exactly how new is supposed to feel” and “this is uncomfortable because brave is uncomfortable.” Instead of sitting in the discomfort of a new experience, society must learn that the negative feelings surrounding the experience should be viewed positively.

The next step Brown discusses is to put the FFT into perspective. This means that it’s important to understand that the feeling of being in a first-time experience is not permanent, even if it is uncomfortable or scary. The first time a person tries a new hobby or activity, they won’t always be successful. Brown illustrates the idea that if a person fails at an FFT, they need to remind themselves that it “does not mean I suck at everything.” The idea of failure pushes people away from new experiences, but this is how one experiences all that the world has to offer.

The final step in being in a new experience is to reality check expectations. Brown offers the ideas that “this is going to suck for a while” and “I’m not going to crush this right away.” As a society, expectations are often set to unrealistic levels. A first-time experience is meant to be challenging and difficult. First times come with mistakes and failure, it is with time that people can learn from these and grow. By reality checking expectations, Brown believes that people give themselves more opportunity to be vulnerable to FFTs.

This podcast broadcasted on March 20, right around the time that everything we knew was changing due to Coronavirus. Schools and universities sent their students home, nonessential workplaces were shut down, people all over the country were losing their jobs, and all we could do was sit at home and watch it happen. It was scary. It was uncomfortable. It was an FFT. Brown released this podcast during everyone’s first worldwide pandemic.

Some people tried to stay productive by taking up new hobbies or projects, but the truth is, it was a hard time for everyone. Brown stresses the point that this was, and still is, okay. Brown normalizes the feeling of being uncomfortable and unproductive in the pandemic. She then put the pandemic into perspective.

Brown puts the feelings of stress, anger, and anxiety into perspective. She illustrates that these feelings will not last forever, but it is okay to have these feelings at the start of such a new experience. Brown then reality checks our expectations for the pandemic. Brown explains that we do not have to be as productive or as optimistic as we want to be. At the start of COVID-19, there were so many uncertainties,
and there still are. Brown demonstrates that we cannot have high expectations for ourselves during these times when knowledge and answers are rapidly changing. Despite the newness of the pandemic even still, Brown challenges us to live in this moment of the COVID FFT.

In her podcast, Brown discusses the importance for people to put themselves in first-time experiences
to grow and learn as individuals. Brown ventures into the ideas of vulnerability, shame, and empathy in her other podcast episodes as well as her books “The Gifts of Imperfection,” “Daring Greatly,” “Rising Strong,” “Braving the Wilderness,” and “Dare to Lead.”

Sources: Unlocking Us, “Brené on FFTs”

Art cannot be defined or restricted to a singular process. Every artist has their own process, inspiration and definition of what art means to them. My art helps me to express whatever words can’t. My art may not be the most creative or beautiful, but it is mine.

As a dancer, performer and writer, I do not always have the time or inspiration to draw. I sketch whenever my other art outlets can’t express what I’m trying to say. Drawing is never consistent for me; I don’t practice on a regular basis. However, once I get the knack to start drawing, it’s weeks before I can put down my pencil.

When I first have the urge to draw, it’s because I have some feeling that I need to let go of. When I feel like this, I go to my good friend Pinterest to find some inspiration. I like to use another artist’s work to inspire my own. I will find one poem, painting or picture that captures every emotion I wish to express on paper.

Most of my sketches focus on one aspect of the human body in combination with some element of nature. This includes hands, eyes, lips and hearts with flowers, water or vines. Each combination represents some sort of emotion whether it be sad, angry, happy or pain. I like to mix human anatomy with nature because I think this represents what it means to be human. We sometimes believe that we are bigger than everything else on Earth and whatever we are going through is so much more than us. However, I like to be reminded of the connection between people and Earth. Drawing the human body with nature reminds me that whatever emotion I’m feeling is natural. I think that we sometimes get so caught up in our emotions that we feel guilty for feeling them. I believe that my art serves as a reminder that we are only human. While flowers and vines need water to grow, humans need their feelings.

I like to use as little equipment as possible when I draw; I believe that the only tools I need are a pencil and my finger. While this may make the process a little more difficult to perfect, I like the idea of creating something out of nothing. Throughout the drawing process, I find myself needing to take a step back from my work. I will obsess over one small detail and become frustrated when I can’t get it right. However, when I step away for a moment, I can usually see my work from a completely different angle. That one small moment of space helps me to distance myself from the sketch, gaining an outsider’s prospective. When I come back to my drawing, I somehow find a way to get the shading just right or to make the proportions to scale. I sometimes forget that my art isn’t meant to be perfect or realistic; it’s only meant for me.

This process is different for every artist. Art has a different meaning to every poet, dancer, singer, musician or painter. Art is whatever we want it to be and that’s why I think it is so beautiful. While other people may appreciate my art, I only draw for myself. For me, it’s not about the final product; it’s about the journey that takes me there. Every moment sketching and shading gives me a moment to breathe and let it all out. In a world full of chaos, we all need to find that one thing that makes everything go still, even if it’s just for a moment.