School is stressful. Not only are kids challenged academically each day, they are expected to excel in very social atmospheres. For some, this creates no problem at all. Many children flourish on their own, with only a few bumps in the road. For me, my journey to the person I am today wasn't so easy. After finding shelter for years in my tight knit family, I found myself overwhelmed by the expectations of people in a brand new elementary school. I was an anxious kid, very smart, but lacking the ability to really express myself to the other students and teachers around me.

Art class was my safe place. Over time, the things I couldn't express through words began translating effortlessly onto paper. It was so easy. The colors and designs I created told their own story. My anxiety melted away. Gradually, I became more confident in my abilities as an artist and as a student. In many ways, I wouldn't have been as successful in my other classes if it wasn't for the 50 minutes each day that I could mindlessly paint and sketch my thoughts with the freedom to be myself.

Some of the fundamental lessons I learned from taking art have shaped me into the person I am today. What other classes don't teach, art teaches by itself. Students are encouraged to embrace the imperfections in each piece they create, because those imperfections are what make each piece unique in it's own way. Art forces students to trust the process and practice patience. These lessons translate to every day life. Instead of being discouraged by obstacles I faced growing up, I learned to appreciate each setback as a chance to work harder and try again. Without experiencing obstacles in my art, I wouldn't have learned this lesson for myself.

Art is not perfect the same way human beings are not perfect. We mess up, we fall down sometimes, but in the end we are still worthy enough to be valued and seen.

My personal experiences and seeing the experiences of others through art, are evident that art education matters. Funding for art classes and music classes are an investment that help children gain the skills to become empowered leaders and positive influences in their schools and in their communities. When we encourage creative expression, we encourage children to love themselves and others for exactly who they are.