One of my earliest childhood memories is one of viewing the world upside-down.  While some may see that as odd, it is truly the fundamental core of my personality.  As a toddler in my parent’s arms, I would, without warning, arch my spine and fling myself backwards.  I know now this was my first attempt to see the world differently.  A few years later, you might catch me with my head hanging over the side of my bed or couch, gazing at the ceiling.  What if the ceiling became the floor and vice-versa?  I could imagine a whole new room, or world, this way! 

        Eventually my imaginary world became right side up and tangible.  I was now a little girl creating spaces everywhere- behind furniture, on staircases, in closets, even a shelf in my mother’s restaurant.  Any small, barren space would do.  I would arrange my dollhouse furniture interspersed with random objects, envisioning great scenes in my mind.  When the space was complete did I move Barbie and Ken in?  Perhaps for a minute or so.  It was very obvious that playing in the space didn’t hold my attention the way that creating the space did.  My mind and imagination were already searching for the next corner or cupboard to design a new environment within.

       Recognizing my passion of designing spaces led me to the College for Creative Studies.  The school has become invaluable in teaching me how to turn my imagination into reality.  The skills I have learned have taken the upside down mind of a child and molded that mind into a person with a passion for creating interiors.  The school has taught me to persevere and problem solve.  I am grateful that I have the maturity and wisdom to recognize the gifts I have been given and even more thankful that I was taught to be appreciative of those talents.

       Although my dollhouse has been packed away for years now, I think often of my playtimes and where they led me.  Jonathon Swift wrote, “Vision is the art of seeing things invisible”.  The field of Interior Design has given me an outlet to make my imaginary world visible.  It is my dream to continue that vision with pride and integrity.