My Past, My Present and My Future

          The name is Ana; my close friends refer to me as "Chati" (Nickname given to me at birth by my beloved aunt). I recently turned twenty-two years of age as of couple days ago (January 9th was my birthday). My family consists of my two parents, an older brother, and my aunt. I was born in Ventura, California but raised in the sometimes-boring city of Oxnard. Our neighborhood is quite crowded and the police department addresses domestic disturbances regularly.

            I had a relatively “normal” (The word normal has different meaning depending on who you ask) childhood. I attended Kamala Elementary where things got a tiny bit complicated. I noticed there was an evident difference between my fellow classmates and myself. I was taller and chunkier than everyone in class. As time passed I became a little shy and awkward. I was always craving to "fit in" with the rest of my classmates when all I could do is stand out. Bullying became a part of my daily life, causing me to be self-conscience about my looks. It was not until the culmination of my high school career that I come to my own and develop a rather healthier self-perception of myself.                                                                                                                                         

             After seven long years working in a small library in Port Hueneme, I decided to move on to become a full-time college student. This is after reconsidering my priorities to place a higher level of dedication to my education. I recently became interested in the field of Art Therapy. I've always had an infatuation for anything that relates to the arts (as a kid I owned buckets full of crayons and markers). I believe this career would definitely fit my personality and my interests. It combines my caring nature and desire to be of help to others and of course art!

           As for my future, I would like to complete my studies.  I want to help those who are hurting through Art Therapy. I hope to one day meet the man of my dreams and fall in love and married. I envision myself owning my home and hosting dinner parties for my friends. I anticipate having a rather financially stable household and safe and warm environment for my future children. I'll pray to God and will do my best to fulfill my dreams and goals. In the end of my days I’ll hope to have the satisfaction to say that I gave it my all.